Collector's Corner

Longtime surf industry stalwart, John Leinenger, donated this collection of memorabilia that he's collected over time. John currently manages the Becker Shop in Hermosa but has been involved with many South Bay Surf Shops over the years. Check out the headlining band for the "Thanksgiving Eve Dance and Stomp". Photo: Steve Wilkings

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we thought we'd break out an all-time classic image from the early 1970s, George Greenough's tube shot of Russell Hughes. This is considered to be the first photo of a surfer in the "Green Room" shot from inside the wave. This poster became one of Surfer Magazine's best sellers, and for those who remember, it brings back a flood of memories from the era before leashes and big money contests. You could get any color of wetsuit—as long as you wanted black, and Rainbow fins, Pendletons, cords, JC Penny pocket tees, Wallabees, purple Waxmate, and films like Five Summer Stories were tops! Celebrate the Green! (Andrew Crockett has made this poster available once again, and it's even signed by Mr. Greenough: http://switch-foot.com/view_item.php?item_id=134)

Richard "The Fox" Mobley, 1941-2012

Richard "The Fox" Mobley, 1941-2012

A couple images from the collection of Dick Mobley. Hermosa Beach crew, 1950s.

Hermosa Beach shack, 1950s.

Solid balsawood, with scarfed-on nose, two 1" balsa stringers, transitional era model

7' 8"; 22" wide; 3" thick; 15.5" nose; 13.5" tail; 16 lbs

Dick started shaping when he was 15 or 16. This was Dick's personal board, made in Hermosa and ridden by him until just recently a couple years ago. Mobley worked for Noll, Velzy, Jacobs, and Bing before branching out on his own. This board is solid balsa, with a scarfed-on nose, two 1" balsa stringers, and represents a transitional model made from wood in a period when foam was typically being used. 300 boards were done with this label at the most and this was the only one made from wood. Donated by Richard and Vicki Mobley in 2005. 

Early San Onofre

Here's a great shot of San Onofre that comes to us by way of John Warren. It was taken by John's mom in 1939. That's over 70 years ago!