Hot Buttered surfboard shaped by Terry Fitzgerald

Artist Martyn Worthington

Maker Terry Fitzgerald (Australian)

Date1973

Object number00001490

NameSurfboard

MediumFibreglass

DimensionsOverall: 102 x 2090 x 485 mm, 5.3 kg
Display Dimensions: 90 x 2100 mm

ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from R Archef

Collections

Staff favourites

Terms

DescriptionShaped by Terry Fitzgerald, with artwork by Martin Worthington, this Hot Buttered surfboard was made in 1973 using fiberglass and polyester resin. The board features a wing 'pin' tail and a single low aspect fin, with the shape typical of the 'spear' design that followed the era of short board popularity in the early 1970s.HistoryThe end of World War II opened up new possibilities in surfboard design. Many new materials had become available through advances in technology during the war. As a result, fiberglass coated Malibu’s were developed in the late 1950s. These allowed surfers a greater range of maneuvers than early wooden boards. The 1950s also saw experimentation in surfboard design, with additions such as a fin, aiding maneuverability and stability. The Malibu shape was introduced to Australia in 1956 when a group of Californian lifeguards brought with them new Malibu boards made by Joe Quigg and the Velzy-Jacobs duo. Australian began experimenting with balsa, foam and fiberglass designs, and eventually the Malibu went into mass-production. During the 1970s Hot Buttered was one of Australia's leading brands of surfboard, and is still highly regarded. The 'spear' design of this surfboard was an innovation of Terry Fitzgerald, Champion surfer and proprietor of Hot Buttered. Mark Worthington's sprays were recognised as some of the best in the world, and were also a significant selling point of Hot Buttered boards. Sprays were introduced around 1973, with wave scenes among the most popular. During the 1980s and 1990s it was rare to see a surfboard without a spray of some sort, as it made glassing boards much easier, and helped avoid pin lining.SignificanceTerry Fitzgerald's boards were highly sought after during the early to mid 1970s, with his 'spear' design earning him an international reputation.