A load of Tiki blanks and boards with a pickup in there somewhere, 1973.
Not the most glamourous part of the UK's surfing history but vital nevertheless. Most makers either imported foreign blanks or blew their own foam with varying degrees of success. Companies like Bilbo blew their own foam from the early days but also imported Walker blanks; Bickers did it all themselves. Tiki blew Castle foam in the 60s but used Bennet foam from Oz in the 70s, as did many UK makers. Clark foam was also popular from the late 60s and the quality was worth the import costs, and became a giant in the 80s and 90s.
Above Castle foam ad late 60s, top Groves foam 1970. Below Bilbo 1968.
A load of Tiki blanks and boards with a pickup in there somewhere, 1973.
Not the most glamourous part of the UK's surfing history but vital nevertheless. Most makers either imported foreign blanks or blew their own foam with varying degrees of success. Companies like Bilbo blew their own foam from the early days but also imported Walker blanks; Bickers did it all themselves. Tiki blew Castle foam in the 60s but used Bennet foam from Oz in the 70s, as did many UK makers. Clark foam was also popular from the late 60s and the quality was worth the import costs, and became a giant in the 80s and 90s.
Above Castle foam ad late 60s, top Groves foam 1970. Below Bilbo 1968.
