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Friday,
June 6, 2003
Vintage surf
gear’s up
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By Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.com
It's the "Antique Road Show" of surfdom.
Hawaii
entrepreneur, surfer and master shaper Randy Rarick has
organized next month's second annual Quiksilver Edition
Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction at the Blaisdell Center's
Pikake Room.
Like
last year's event, the auction will feature surf memorabilia,
Hawaiiana and surf collectibles including classic pieces
like vintage Waikiki redwood and hollow surfboards; a 1930s
bathing suit from the Moana Hotel; big wave "guns"
from the 1960s; early '70s shortboards, including personal
boards of Gerry Lopez, Barry Kanaiaupuni and Larry Bertlemann;
surf movie posters; decals; old photos; and Duke Kahanamoku
memorabilia.
The
first auction offered more than 200 auction pieces generating
sales of more than $220,000. The highest-ticket item was
a 1930s Pacific System Homes 11-foot redwood-balsa board
that sold for $18,200.
The
auction on July 19 will be held in conjunction with the
Hawaii All-Collectors Show 2003, benefiting the Hawaiian
Lifeguard Association "Junior Guard Program."
Unique
surf articles and surf-related Hawaiiana pieces have already
been gathered for the auction from Peru, Australia and the
mainland, but all pieces carry a Hawaii theme, Rarick said.
"Surf
memorabilia and Hawaiiana have become hot items for collectors
around the world," says Rarick. "The Hawaii theme
has become fashionable worldwide, and the collection of
Hawaiiana pieces of historical value is becoming serious
business."
According
to Rarick, surf auctions have become a gathering of the
tribe and a central place to exhibit the sport's cultural
artifacts. Allan Seymour continues to host Southern California's
most successful auctions. New auctions are planned for the
East Coast, and events in Australia are also well attended.
Rarick
believes that some of the best pieces are still hiding out
here in Hawaii.
"We're
hoping that word of this Vintage Surf Auction will encourage
the public in Hawaii to take a good look at old items they
may have around their homes or tucked away in a garage or
attic," he said. "We're looking to make this the
best auction ever by uncovering pieces that have never been
offered before."
Those
consigning pieces to the auction will receive 90 percent
of the money raised; the remaining 10 percent will be donated
to the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Previews
of pieces to be auctioned can be viewed at www.hawaiiansurfauction.com.
New pieces are added weekly.
Several
surfing legends will also attend, including big-wave legends
Fred Hemmings, Ricky Grigg and Greg Noll, along with world-class
board shapers Joe Quiqq, Dick Brewer and Ben Aipa.
Those
interested in adding an auction item should contact Rarick
at Hawaii Surf Promotions, 638-7266, or by e-mail at surfpro@hawaii.rr.com.
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