Here's a well preserved single fin from one of Britain's best known early board makers, Bilbo of Newquay. This board was found at a car boot sale and is in great condition with a vibrant orange tint and red and black pinlines. Its an unusual transitional shape with down rails and a rounded tail ,made during a time when board designs varied widely and were quite experimental. The dimensions are 6'10 x 19 1/4 x 2 1/2 and there's no shapers name. The B logo was inspired by the 60s cult fashion brand Biba.
Bilbo started in 1965, the name was a mix of the founders names ,Newquay lifeguard Bill Bailey and visiting Australian lifeguard Bob Head. Bilbo quickly became perhaps the finest surfboard maker in Europe ,supplying to Wales, Ireland and France. Bilbo had produced 12,000 boards by 1970 , employing 40 people and making 70 boards a week in the high season ! Talented shapers like Chris Jones , Alan MacBride and Peter McAllum ( ocean magic ) honed their skills at Bilbo.
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