Board above is a late 80's Al Merrick shaped by Al himself. A very full outline for the time and a complete magic board. I decided to hang on to it and put it away for another day. I recently gave it a ugly paint splash make over since it was yellow and old looking. While I was painting the board I had "A simple thought". What will board design evolve to? Is the tri-fin going to stay the design of choice. Or are we going to see designs like the 5 fin become more mainstream ?Just check out Mick Fannings current quiver which includes a 5 fin bonzer. Maybe we are to narrow minded to think that the fin setup is the only difference maker. When in reality the outlines, rockers, flex, and and bottom contours are as important as the fin set-up. Where am I heading with this ? Alot has been made of whats called the retro movement. When in fact its not retro it evolution. Sure it may be older designs. but shaped with modern knowledge and materials, and surfed by contempory surfers. The Hull design is a perfect example. The design has been there for years, but because the current trend is to seek out the new from the past, surfers are enjoying the benifits. Thats evolution not retro. With all this said I came to the conclusion that this paint splash board shown above is not current or is it retro, Its just a damm good board to have fun on.Surf On Jdub
