McTavish

Stowaway life 2

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:26:00 GMT

Here's another classic Barry Kelly photo snapped on the P&O Orsova, 1963.

On the left are the three Maroubra gremlins, Bobcat, Natch, and Ugh. I haven't seen Natch or Bobcat since the sixties, but would really dig it if they got in touch. But Ugh, alias Barry Andreas, has been a mate and local Byron Builder since the early seventies. We even hung out at Noosa in the sixties. He just loves his golf, at the club about two hundred metres from my house.

That's Stowaway Bob in the middle (with some nice board bumps on my knees), next is Pikey, then the man himself, Barry Kelly.

Barry met the girl to become his wife and mother of his boys on that trip. The guy on the camera was most likely Dave Chidgey, fellow stowaway. Groovy!

Bob

Mini-macs

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:58:00 GMT

These miniature McTavish Surfboards were sent over to us this week all the way from Japan. They're hand-made by Hatsushi Yamanaka, who has made over 500 mini surfboards since he started the hobby in 1996. The detail is amazing and all of the materials used are the same as what we use on real boards, right down to the timber stringers, foam blanks and PU resin. Check out more of his work here.

The Bluebird is just 230mm long, and the longboard is 255mm

NEO with Valori Wells print deck patch

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:40:00 GMT

This week we had this special board come into stock - its a 10'1" NEO and features a printed fabric deck patch designed by Valori Wells from Sisters, Oregon in the US of A. The print is pretty striking and looks great against the red pigment bottom and rails, and the volan deck. Its all set off with a brown pinline.

Stowaway Life - 1963

Mon, 14 May 2012 05:19:00 GMT

Hanging down the stern of the Orsova (right by the pool!) are the two stowaways. That's Dave Chidgey in the cool 1963 shades. Me relaxing in my Platt boardies contemplating how to score food.

The third guy is washboard bellied Bob Pike, pioneer big wave surfer and fireman, who is now sadly missed by all who knew him. Bob charged massive Outside Pipeline the year before, and I had the privilege of seeing him get tubed at the Queenscliff Bommie earlier in '63. Amazing guy.

November 1963, headed for surf mecca, Hawaii.

Bob

Photo courtesy of Barry Kelly

Carbon and veneer G2

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:36:00 GMT

This beauty is a full carbon fibre G2 with a timber veneer insert for the logo - a work of art and credit to the skills of the factory team.

Fatty ready to ride

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:37:00 GMT

Now ready to slide - this Fat bugger. Should be interesting.

2012 Burleigh Longboard club ANZAC Dawn Surface

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:35:00 GMT

This is late news but the McTavish team put in some great results at this years ANZAC Dawn Surface, hosted by Burleigh Longboard Club. McTavish retail guru Dave English posted a win in the over 40's, and Greg Tilley also upheld the honour with a 5th in the over 60's. Roisin Carolan also placed 3rd in the ladies AND had a great result in the Byron Malibu Classic the week after.

Hollywood Dave English, on his way to a win in the over 40's

GT - hitting the lip in the over 60's

Bob McTavish Hand-shapes on offer

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:31:00 GMT

Surfing World called him 'one of the most influential and important surfers and shapers in history' and today Bob McTavish marks a half century of shaping with a special offer that allows surfers to have Bob shape their board with him. For $400 on top of the cost of the board Bob will work with you at the McTavish Factory at Byron Bay to design and hand shape your board. If the surf is right, Bob will surf with you to get a take on your style. Bob will fully hand-shape the board, start to finish, with your input and personally sign it.

Customers will be able to choose a classic from any past era, or a current hot design to lift their surfing to a new level. Each board will soon become a collectable.

"In 50 years I've shaped a lot of boards but to make an individual surfer's dream board come to life is a special thrill'

Bob McTavish

Chono makes Deus Temple blog

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:08:00 GMT

Check it

Bobs own Tracker

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:41:00 GMT

This one just came out of the polishing room on Friday - Bobs own Tracker - full hand-shape 7'9" x 21 1/4" x 3". Volan lamination by Bill and printed screen art by local Byron Bay artist Geoff Murray. Looks amazing in the flesh.

Matt Chojnacki Bali blog

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:59:00 GMT

Check out Matts Waxhead Diary blog today for some new pics from his trip to Bali last week. He scored some great waves on his Tracker and Bluebird - check it out here.

Ash Grunwald video now live

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:10:00 GMT

Check it out, look out for Bob around 3:05!

Magic Quiver

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:23:00 GMT

McTavish faithful and all-round good-guy Marty Coleman sent through this quiver pic this morning - a nice line up. Marty is enjoying a Redline, a UFO and the 'Lime Splice' Fireball Squaretail, while his son is riding the 9'1" red/black/white combo UFO. Thanks for the pic Marty.

Bye bye APS3000

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:18:00 GMT

After 6 years of faithful service the old girl is gone..... our half-breed AKU/APS3000 has helped mill thousands of boards for happy surfers, but its time to move onward and upward so shes been sold off. The machine is off to NZ bru to continue its good service for Mark and Paul from Eyeshapes. All the best boys and big thanks to Mike Rickard from AKU and Benny McTavish for a stellar effort today moving the big beasty.

Mark from Eyeshapes - stoked to be taking possession of his new machine

out she comes

and in she goes

Bonza Baby

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:07:00 GMT

For Dave English - channel bottom bonza - going to be super fun. Fins by the Wiz