Bellyboard from 1952, some "Jams" from the mid-sixties

This balsa bellyboard was made by G.L. "Buck" Bradford in 1952 for his wife, Grace. Acquired by Gwen Waters after Buck and Grace divorced, Gwen surfed it at San Onofre and Doheny for many years. The Bradfords and Waters were residents of Orange, CA, and charter members of the Sano Surfing Club. These "Jams" or baggies (made by another company, Bombora. The original Jams was a trademarked brand under the Surf Line Hawaii, created by Dave Rochlen and his wife, Keanuenue in 1964, with help from our founder Dick Metz). This pair belonged to Gwen and John Waters' son, Tom, from when he was 7 or 8 years old. Both of these items were recently donated to SHF by Gwen. 

The photo used on our homepage as a link for this is of John Waters, and was taken from the San Onofre Surfing Club's 50th Anniversary book. It's a wonderful overview on the colorful history of San Onofre and all the families, surfers, events, etc., that have taken place there since the club's inception. You can purchase your own copy by CLICKING HERE and downloading the MERCHANDISE order form in the right hand column.