Story: Lifesaving and surfing
New Zealand surfing changed radically when two young Americans, Bing Copeland (left) and Rick Stoner brought their American-made Malibu boards to New Zealand in 1958–59. These light, manoeuvrable boards were made of a shaped balsa core covered with a fibreglass mat. They were a vast improvement on the old-style solid or hollow wooden boards. Riders could surf across the face of a wave instead of simply following the breaker to the beach in a straight line. Soon Malibu boards were being manufactured locally, and many more people took up surfing.
About this item
Private collection, Bing Copeland
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.