MATSURFERS.COM NEWS - JANUARY 2020
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Well, as we enter a new decade and the world gets more wierder we just keep on riding mats.
This month we have a lovely little video tribute to Greenough, an intreguing question from a reader and a very weird video. As well as our usual video/photo of the month.
GREENOUGH VIDEO
We love this little video from Gota D’Agua Surf Camp in Portugal. They’ve done a fine job of taking existing footage and putting it in to a very succint little overview of Uncle George.
Gret job!
Gota D’Agua looks a nice option if you are in to the surf package trip so have a look at their site here:
https://gotadaguasurf.com/
A QUESTION FOR OUR READERS
We’ve had an email from Howard Lynk asking about a mystery mat rider. Take a look at the to-and-fro below and if anyone knows please do leave a comment.
“ I just posted this to Facebook group Legendary Surfers, but then found your website. Maybe you will know who this was? Suggestions so far have been Warren Harlow or Al Santos. Here’s the post...
Howard Lynk
My first post... I’ve been lurking and reading posts here for a while... and bringing back many, many wonderful memories. I lived and surfed the North and West shores of Oahu for 3 years 1967 to 1969 before moving to Molokai in early ‘70, and living there until ‘81. This group may be my best chance to solve a 50 year old mystery for me. During the Winter of ‘68, I was doing a lot of dawn patrols on the North shore, often parking in the wee hours at Ehukai beach park and then hitting Pipeline, Pupakea, and the other breaks out in front. Many epic days paddling out into empty waves in the early dawn light. On more than a few days though, when Pipeline was large and clean, there was somebody already out! An older gray haired guy (I was 18) on a blue and yellow surf mat and green Churchills, taking off on the peak in huge Pipe barrels, and riding further back than I had ever seen or thought possible. One incredible move was a stall back and float down the foam ball, then hooking back up with incredible acceleration off the bottom. This in double overhead classic Pipe. By the time the sun was well up, and the lineup beginning to populate, he had gone in. He obviously lived in one of the houses nearby, and I’ve always wondered who this was. Anyone here know?”
“Howard that is a great question and we don’t know. Al Santos makes sense but who knows.
If you’re OK with it we’d like to publish your email in the January Newsletter to ask the mat community.
Happy New Year!”
“t’s fine if you want to put it in... I have always wondered who it might be. I’ve occasionally shared the story over the years, as the riding and positioning was so radical for that era. Obvious deep knowledge of Pipeline. I wondered if maybe George Greenough, but I do remember this fellow as being older. someone also suggested Fred Van Dyke. It would be great if somebody knows!
Thanks,
Howard”
“Let’s see what comes back. 😎”
So over to you guys. Does ANYONE know? We’ve messaged Kai Santos (Al’s son) but not heard back so please help. And if you don’t know about Al Santos, have a wee look HERE.
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UPDATE - 22 jAN:
We have had a reply from Kris Robinson over on the North Shore via Facebook Messenger:
“Jerry Vasconcellos wrote me back this. So we potentially have the answer. My memory is similar now. It would be satisfying to be able to get the name.”
JV replied:
“Hey Kris. I know who he is but the name isn’t coming too me. It’s a mental problem that has hit me several years back. Memory problems. But let me think about it and it should come. I’ll let you know as soon as I recall. JV”
Intriguing! Stay tuned!
KEEPING KIDS SAFE
So what’s all this about then? Seems like Mr Cant needs to stop being so safety conscious.
“I ain’t sticking handles on my surf float you hat modelling Cant!”
In seriousness though, a fun look back at a time when mats were common, sunscreen was laughed at and real men wore funny hats.
Enjoy!"
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
You’ve gotta love a speed blur. Shaun Manners flying…
So that’s it for Jan. Once again, Happy New Year matters!
As always, we welcome your feedback and contributions.
Thanks
MatSurfers.com