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Foam core board made by Gordon Woods
Foam core board made by Gordon Woods

Foam core board made by Gordon Woods

Datec 1963
Object number00004603
NameSurfboard
MediumFibreglass, foam
DimensionsOverall: 228 x 2900 x 530 mm
Display Dimensions: 2870 x 540 x 70 mm
ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Gordon Woods
DescriptionThis green board with red fins was designed and made by Gordon Woods around 1963. The foam core board is made of stabilised foam and fibreglass, and bears a Gordon Woods label and a surf craft permit issued by Warringah Council for 1963 and 1964.HistoryLocated on Harboard Rd, Brookvale during the 1960s and 1970s, Gordon Woods' custom surfboards maintained a high standard and a quality stable of shapers from 1954 to 1974. Starting out by working on hollow boards for surf clubs in the Eastern suburbs, the company produced a large range of designs using a variety of construction techniques.SignificanceThe board represents one of the earliest designs of stabilised foam boards, which was the result of considerable experimentation in manufacturing foam blanks. Many early attempts to mix the chemicals needed to manufacture foam failed, resulting in unstable foam which caused boards to buckle after around 12 months.