Mark Richards Aipa Sting "Flames" top view

Newcastle surfer Mark Richards developed a reputation in Hawaii by winning some high profile contests at a relatively young age. He also developed a relationship with many of Hawaii's leading surfboard shapers. Ben Aipa developed high performance surfboard design inspired by racing hydroplane boats, he adapted the cutaway outline to surfboards and delivered surfboards with a split personality. Up front was the volume and curves of a small wave board at the back was the reduced area and hard rails of a big wave gun. Mark Richards and a team of hot young Hawaiian surfers broke new ground on these boards and adapted new moves inspired by skateboarding. This surfboard features artwork by Hawaiian shaper/artist Al Dove. In 1976 Mark rode this board to success at the world's richest contest, the Coca Cola Surfabout in Sydney.

top view