Karisma singlefin by Bob Groves

This rare Karisma singlefin was probably made by South coast legend Bob Groves, who started shaping in the early 60s, made Groves-Davies boards in the mid 60s and had a few of his own labels in the early 70s as well as blowing and suppling his own foam. The board is 7'3 ,made with Groves foam and has a similar label to Bob's Infinity label. The board was supplied to Calypso sports in Poole, a shop owned by Reg Prytherch, a BSA chairman in the late 60s who was a big comittee man and less of a surfer which alienated some surfers in the South West.
I asked Tony about Karisma -,  ''pretty sure you are right that it`s Bob Groves, but not in my time,
when we made Infinity boards in a Fareham night school after he split with Bill Davies & got expelled from the ` factory` ie, Bills dad`s garage.Bob moved to Bournemouth ( now lives nearby at Ringwood ) in 1970,& after a couple of unlucky career moves ( surf shop, canoe maker ) made
copies of various CAL boards under licence, & had a few logos of his own.Suspect Karisma is one of those.Bob was a school caretaker in Ringwood for a few years before retirement.

By the way - Calypso Sports was the Poole boat / marine sports shop owned by Reg Prytherch, former BSA chairman, who was a Bilbo agent mid-60`s. As Poole is part of Bournemouth, it makes the Groves connection even more likely.''

The board is a looker with  nice acid wash resin on both sides ; I was going to advertise this for sale on Gee's behalf but it sold very quick!

Infinity in the MOBS collection

Calypso sports business card, thanks to Tony.