Rob Tibbles Photography

Tiki International last week hosted three genuine legends from the surf world as the International Shapers Tour 09 came to the North Devon. Board shaping godfathers Bob McTavish and Steve Walden were joined by WCT veteran Richie Lovett on the only UK stop of the European tour.

The guys arrived slightly jet lagged on Monday and headed straight to Tiki’s Caen St store to be greeted by fans and staff eager to grab a chat and discuss boards and setups.  Boards were signed, photos snapped and the banter started to flow as it did for the whole week. Tuesday and all of the UK’s surf press could be found in Woolacombe’s Bar Electric as interviews were given, pictures snapped  and beer guzzled.

“I love the beer you guys have over here” said Californian longboard innovator Steve Walden praising the quality of our local ale before launching into a history of longboards followed by a glimpse of the future with talk of a jet propelled board that aids your paddling (I’m sure it wasn’t the beer talking.)

Wednesday saw the tour head over to Putsborough for some head high clean high tide waves. Riding a selection of their own boards the guys proceeded to pick off the best of the waves. Laughing and hooting it was clear the guys had lost none of their stoke for surfing. Even in the water Bob McTavish continued his cheery surf ambassador role, chatting to local riders and even swapping his board with Juliet Marlow midsession. Richie Lovett spent his water time prowling the inside, showing the kind of class that kept him on the WCT for ten years.

Croyde village hall was the venue for the public Q&A session that rounded off the tour on Thursday. The trio were quizzed on everything from board shapes, favourite waves, heroes to fin set-ups. The question of worst surf experience elicited the unanimous answer of “Putsborough yesterday!” which was greeted with howls of laughter. The laughs continued as the audience enjoyed the tales of 3 real stars of the surf world. Local surfing barrister Tim Kevan from Braunton was the lucky winner of a signed surfboard in the raffle that raised £389.00 which is being donated the Marine Conservation Society.

Great teaser from Richard Gregory at Wavedreamer…watch out for his podcasts.

Good work to Tim Heyland and the boys at Tiki and Global Surf Industries for organising such a great event.