A Story About A Transitional Era Ernie Tanaka
A Story About A Transitional Era Ernie Tanaka
About a year ago a fellow named Fred contacted us with an inquiry about a Tanaka he had and whether legendary shaper Ernie Tanaka shaped it. The board was originally purchased by Fred’s cousin Ken in New Jersey in 1971 and has been kept safe in the rafters of Fred’s garage all these years.
We really had little to go on besides a few specifics like the date it was purchased, logo, W.A.V.E set fin etc.. Clearly the board was transitional era and either late 60′s or early 70′s. We had a hunch it was shaped by Ernie, so we told him to contact Tommy Tanaka (Ernie’s sons and amazing shaper himself). Tommy got back to Fred right away letting him know it was indeed shaped by his dad Ernie at their California store and that he has one just like it hanging up at home.
These are the kind of stories we get psyched on here at The Surfboard Project and love to share. A big thanks to Fred and his cousin for sharing this board with us. Fred and his family make amazing hot sauce,so next time your in Bensalem, PA look up Wizmerski Pepper Company.
Got any old boards you want to share? Send them in with their story and we will be sure to share it.
