The evolution of surfboards from long boards to short boards got its start, for the most part, in 1967.  All during 1968 boards were going shorter and shorter. Through out the year of 1969 it wasn't uncommon to see boards in the low 6 foot range.

Through out the seventies surfboards continued going through design changes. When the tri fin design surfaced and with it the board design that seemed to fit with the tri fin surfboard design began to slow and refine around the tri fin board design.

But, through the seventies there were board designs being made and ridden then passed over for something else.  There are a couple old board designs from the evolution days that have come back. They fit into the alt board category but are really from the early days. Back in the day there was a lot of experimentation and short design trends that would get started and not last.

You may see some of the old board designs and think they are cool... and they are but the ones that really worked well have made a come back. The two? the fish and the hull.

The hull has had a following from day one really but that following was pretty limited to a hand full of guys in Southern California. The only other board design I can think of that started in the early '70s and has continued to this day is the Bonzer.

As far as long boards.. the boards designs of 1966 and '67 and there contemporary reissues have come back as the long board of choice for many.

Good design stands the test of time.

D.R.

My son Robin and his Fish