RARE mid century hollow wood surfboard / skiff / paddleboard Tom Blake ?
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Tom Blake revolutionised surfing in 1929 when he created the first hollow surfboard
1930s
hollow timber
painted off white
no fin
8 foot 7 inches
Perfect for display, collectors, signage or menu boards
https://www.surfnation.com.au/blogs/news/surf-surfboard-history-1778-to-2018-an-indepth-time-machine#the-first-hollow-surfboard
So in 1926 an American surfer named Tom Blake (1902 - 1994) invented the very first, hollow surfboard.
New materials and techniques had risen, and marine plywood and waterproof glues were not more available, Tom Blake used his knowledge of construction and passion for the surf to build himself the very first hollow board, using a wooden framework covered with plywood and varnished to seal the wood.
Picture: Tom Blake on his first ever hollow board (1930's)
Besides being one of, if not the most influential figures in surfing history, Tom was an Author, Actor, Inventor and a national swimming champion.
The hollow surfboard soon became the go-to board of choice between 1926 to the late 1940's, they were lighter ( 20kg ), and much easier to transport. This, however, didn't fix the terrible design, and poor performance that the original boards still displayed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5mYr2K2JZo