To be invited to the Sacred Craft shape-off this was quite the honor.. Early-on I knew we were going to be there because of the AB3 event in Oceanside in March. The judges seemed to like the balsa-redwood fish quad which we presented. Lynne and Cowboy Dan pushed me into the contest once Ed Lewis told us about AB3. We finished the hot-coats the night before and got up at O-Dark thirty to go play in Oceanside. So many cool boards and contemporaries. Bill Stewart surprised me . He's now a good friend and ally in the cause of hand shaped boards. The long and short of the trip was first place in Best-of-Show category. Now the long wait 'till October.
Scott Bass couldn't say until two weeks before the show who were my competition. I was blown away to find out that Ricky Carrol was coming back for repeat engagement. As it turns out, Ricky is indeed all that I'd heard about. If you look at some of The Kids pictures of me in the gallery, you'll agree that I was definitely nervous simply watching him at work. He could have easily won. Reno and I have worked together before at Waterlines a few years back. I knew of him as a GREAT surfer, but he really surprised me in his knowledge of Brewer's work. Ultimately, Reno pulled off a second place. Kudos! Gary Linden and I go back to Seebold's glass-shop in the barrio of downtown San Diego ca. 1978. He introduced me to epoxy and EPS foam back then. What a craftsman! He's been doing balsa forever. And talk about a charger in the big stuff. I guess that I just never wanted it that bad. Great work Gary! [Brewer stays with Gary and they work together when Dick's here in CA.] Pat Rawson has been on my radar forever it seems. While at PSG in Miramar with Harlan Patterson, I laminated a few boards for Rusty. When Pat came to town, he would work at Rusty's shop across the street. While covered in resin and glass about 1986, I looked up to see none other than Mr. Rawson walking right at me. I thought- Murphy, Don't screw-up! He' a very prolific designer and shapes for the best because he' so good. Ultimately he took top honors at our little match. To be included with such greats was such an honor, but to honor The Man himself--Dick Brewer was a gas! In the 70's we all wanted to be Brewer or Diff. Now I can say that I knew them both. Thanks gentlemen for all you have done for so many knowing that your achievements will last forever in the history books.
It would be rude of me to finish without acknowledging Scott Bass' efforts in presenting the best forum to date to enlighten our surfers about their sport. Kim and Jeff @ US Blanks donated all the foam and the technology to keep us alive once again. Now, THANK YOU to all of our customers and friends that traveled many miles to watch a bunch of overgrown kids do what some call work. It truly is what we all love and respect as the Sacred Craft. Murphy out. Aloha---
