North Devon boards

A couple of nice boards here from the North Devon surfing hotspot of Braunton / Croyde. Tiki was one of the first major makers to set up in the area (in the late 60s) and this board is a Tiki 'Nomad' from the early 70s. The board uses the new slimmer fin made by Bilbo in 1972/3 so that helps with dating it. I've seen a handful of these Nomads and they're all quite a simple shape like this, mainly with pintails. Like the purple full deck tint, quite unusual colour. The logo uses a bird - which must be one of the most popular graphics on a surfboard in the 70s - must have been something to do with the freedom of flight along a wave ..
A good original board from Paul's collection, complete with vicious looking leash.

This Palmer singlefin made in Croyde has been sent in by Alex. Bruce was an Aussie who came over in the mid 70s , at which time he became English champion (how did this happen if he was Australian ?) and produced boards alongside his friend Kevin Cross who made Creamed Honeys. Both of these labels made fast slim shapes with very good build quality and finish , and are sought after now. The shapes are obviously very Australian inspired, and usually had laminated ply fins.

 1978

1976