Brett - Client Surfboard Story
I purchased my McGrigor Surfboard at an Adelaide Surf shop called Top of Taps on the Tapleys Hill Road in 1975 – 2nd hand. Saved up my money working in a petrol station 3 days a week after school. In those days people had driveway service for fuel, tyre, water etc.
My McGrigor board has been with me ever since 1975. It cost me $105.00. The board was originally made in Manly at the McGrigor factory and made its way to South Australia when I purchased it. As a 30th wedding anniversary gift I had it restored and a mural sprayed by Martin Worthington. My youngest daughter has already taken dibs on it so I know it will remain in the family for many years to come.
I surfed mainly on the south coast of South Australia, spending hours in the water, the usual $2.00 hot chips for lunch and back out again. I surfed an entire winter in just board shorts as I had no money to buy a wetsuit at that time. I would come out of the water with my feet white and no feeling in my toes for about an hour. Managed to save for a wetsuit and purchased a Rip Curl long john, thought all my Christmas's had come at once.
I’m not able to ride this now as I’m more onto a long board as the middle age spread takes over. The restoration has come up a real treat and being displayed in Ghost Racks gives my Mcgregor the honest appraisal it deserves in my home.