Prototype Keyo stubbie ‘The Virgin’ by Neal Purchase, private collection, photo Gary Crockett
According to Derek Hynd and Andrew Kidman*, ‘The Virgin’ shaped by Neal Purchase (senior) at Keyos in 1966 kicked the so-called shortboard revolution into gear, inspiring Bob McTavish, Ted Spencer, Kevin Platt and others to explore similar ideas on width, length, v-shaped bottoms, along with Greenough-styled raking fins, that altered surfing and surfers throughout 1967 and beyond. Thanks to David Bell for documentary research.
* Derek Hynd, Surfers in History: David Treloar Tracks December 1988 p29 and Andrew Kidman, The Legacy of the Virgin Surfing World June 2009 p62
Read more about ‘The Virgin’ at surfresearch
I recall well Neal at Nth Steyne trying out a board, one he shaped I believe and at least a foot shorter than the Virgin. I thought it all looked so clumsy compared with the graceful drop knee turns going left and big sweeping forehand cranks to the right (or the other if goofy) on longer boards…over 8’6″….then comfortably up to the nose if the wave allowed… Neal had to work hard on that board, almost jumping, punching it downwards to drop it down the wave….and that became the way it was for some years. I think Twizzle and Baddie got into them pretty quickly…Otten Platt and those great blokes from the 60’s also. Not sure Mick Dooley did though… Neal shaped my board at Denny’s about 1966 from memory.It was about 8’6 and great top shape. It worked so well in fast thin waves… I still have it, “never to part”. Neal was really keen on getting the short boards ‘right’, good stuff from such a reserved bloke. I think that’s when Denny gave him a run, shaping.
I thought “these short boards will never take off”…and paddling them….that took a lot of effort, they were almost vertical when you had to try to sit on them, it was like straddling a tree-trunk…and being shark bait!! As it turns out I was wrong. A new kind of athlete and artist emerged and magic things happened on and above the wave. I hope to see Neal soon and bring the ‘old’ board along. So many memories…Do get in touch Neal, I’m up your way I think,…love to have a yarn.
Jack Clancy
25 Jun 19 at 1:52 pm