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Skegs and Blocks
Distinguishing characteristics and refinements became the craftsman’s signature on the old classic, masterpiece surfboards. Front and back bumper guards, known as nose blocks and tail blocks, were made of harder woods to protect the softer balsa from damage. Though utilitarian in design, they became artful accoutrements to the front and back fenders of the more expensive showboat surfboards.
I don’t know why we let them change the name from “skeg” to fin. At the risk of getting me started on this subject, I also don’t know why we allowed the name “surfboard” to be changed to “longboard”. There has always been the surfboard and in geologic terms, it was only a few minutes ago that the “shortboard” come along. In my mind there is the surfboard and there is the “shortboard”. Anyway, the skeg was also a body part on the surfboard where the creative surfboard crafter could be expressive. The skegs would often be made of multi–laminations of different woods, some of which might be random in design or even sport a rising sun configuration of glued together light and dark colored woods.
Just as it was true in Hawaii hundreds of years ago with the royalty, it remains true today that a person’s surfboard is often a reflection of that individual’s admiration and love for the sport. The surfboard is often an expression of self – a reflection of pride. So, an artful touch here and there in the form of a classy skeg or a nice laminated tail block just adds a little something special – a little more grand and royal perhaps. Besides, we have to remember that we’re talking tradition. It’s that connection to the early days of ceremonious surfboard craftsmanship.
Ok, if we’re really honest here we’ll admit there might also be a little ego and competitive spirit in there somewhere. As we slide that brand new beautiful nine-six Cruiser out of the bag in full view of lots of folks standing around on the beach just waiting to be dazzled, we know full well that a grand looking board just makes you proud. Doesn’t it? It’s all part of the beautiful ride!
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