Gordie "Banjo" Model

Gordie Duane, shaping a board, April 26, 1963. Photo: LeRoy Grannis

Surfing magazine published a “shapers tree” that documented our surfboard industry’s shapers up to that point in time. There were countless unknown Hawaiian shapers in the early history of our sport.  But not much is known about surfboard craftsmen until after 1900, when surfing was popularized in Waikiki by the sport’s official ambassador, Duke Kahanamoku. Amongst Duke’s peers, there was a great waterman and surfboard shaper named Able Gomes who taught Gordie how to shape his first board. Gordon Duane was very proud that his name appeared in the shapers tree in the third tier right below Duke Kahanamoku.

Surfing Heritage's Founder, Dick Metz, picked up this unique Gordie at our recent auction. Here's what the auction catalogue had to say about the board: There are plenty of ‘unique’ surfboards on the auction block and this Gordie ‘Banjo’ model definitely falls into that category. First designed by the ever- flamboyant Dale Velzy the ‘banjo’ was basically an exaggerated pig shape, with the wide point moved way back of center. Essentially a gimmick, with not enough made to qualify as an actual model, this Gordie is one of the only examples of the design from a major label. That being said it’s an absolutely beautiful example, with some fine pigment work and pin-lining applied to what today has to be considered one of the most interesting boards on the collectable market.

Early Gordie ad in Surfer Magazine.