This was an email from Darryl in West Oz… who amazingly has a Vit Sea twinny over there. Phil says this could possibly be one of the ones Tad took over when he went on a sales trip – if it has an abundance of labels on it then it probably is. Most were shaped by CJ but i do remember Tad doing one or two that summer, and if it has his signature on it then that must be the case.
From: darryl
Sent: 28 November 2009 09:19
To: tim@timstaffordsurfboards.com
Subject: Tad Castiula Bronzed Aussie Twin Fin
Gday Tim,
I'm doing up a Tad Castiula Bronzed Aussie Twinny that I've had for a while.
Your blog was the only thing I could find with any sort of reference to Tad, and I was wondering if you knew where I could track down any history with regards to that board.
Sick blog mate, I've got a mate over here in Western Australia doing some similar stuff.
Anyway, any info you have would be great.
Cheers
Darryl, Albany WA
My reply…
Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 10:19 PM
Subject: RE: Tad Castiula Bronzed Aussie Twin Fin
Well - I was at Vit Sea when those boards were being made. Most were shaped by Chris Jones (CJ - still making boards in Newquay and ex European champion) but you may have one of the few ones Tad did, glassed by Phil Clifford (works at Ocean Magic now and makes Rockit boards) and sanded by Kiwi Keith (no idea what happened to him).
I probably made the tea for Tad that day, swept the floor for Chris, taped the rails and filtered the resin for Phil, and told Keith to make his own f***in tea!
So chances are it was made in 1980-81 in the Crantock Street factory, Newquay.
Anymore specific info then send me a pic and I'll see what Phil knows…
Cheers
Tim
PS Glad you liked the blog
