Paul Strauch Jr. Yellow Pintail Greg Noll Team Board
Shaper
Greg Noll
Shaper
George Downing
Date1963
ClassificationsSurfboards
Object numberS.148
DescriptionThis surfboard, shaped by George Downing in Hawaii, was crafted as a team board for Paul Strauch Jr. during a time when big-wave riding was still in its early stages. “As big-wave riding was still in its infancy, their day trips to Makaha and the North Shore were forays into uncharted territory. Downing not only rode monster surf, he became its consummate student, intent on understanding and refining tactics and equipment. His scientific design research helped him create one of the earliest quivers with subtle variations in length, rocker and volume. He also created the first system of changeable fins. In 1951, he constructed what is known as the first board for truly big surf, and it soon became the template for all serious surfers. He also studied the weather, the waves and the reefs that shaped them. All of Downing’s research and theories made him peerless in the water. Before him, survival was the only mission, but his speed-driven bottom turns and arcs at huge Makaha redefined what was possible.”
-from Surfline’s Surfing A-Z
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