I've said it before, nostalgia is a helluva drug. And, for me, that roughly 1987 to 1991 era of surfing just holds a special place in my heart. The clothing, the gear, the magazines...so when I can find issues at a decent price, I'll pick a couple up.
I've shared previously the story of wanting to find the September 1988 issue of Surfing magazine and how, at the time, there was one copy on eBay for $30 (and, folks, it's not a $30 issue).
Just after our Spring Break trip, I figured I'd drop the picture of my dad into the Vintage Surfboard Collectors group on Facebook and at least ask if anyone had a copy they'd be willing to sell for a reasonable price.
Imagine my surprise when, not even an hour after posting the request, Peter Townend chimes in saying he's sure he has a spare copy in his archive and I'm welcome to it!
Let me say that again...
Peter
Freakin
Townend!
Yeah, the 1976 world surfing champ. The first world surfing champ, it should be noted! An amazing Aussie surfer, longtime commentator, and apparently all-around cool dude who now lives in Huntington Beach. Yeah, he just said that I could totally have his extra copy of this issue for nothing. Free! Gratis!
What the fuck? I am, by relative comparison, a complete kook. A nobody! And here's this legend just being a nice guy.
The fact that I've written this much about it belies the fact that I still feel pretty speechless over the whole thing.
A few days later, he shared this photo to the thread.
By golly, it's real! He definitely has it. So I tell him that I'm going to message him my address so he has it. And time passes, a week or so. No reply. So I'm just trusting in the process. I can't imagine he'd just not send it, but I also know that Facebook Messenger is real wonky if you're not friends with someone.
Anyway, yesterday, April 29th, I receive a package from one Peter Townend of Huntington Beach, CA. It's the issue. And my stoke is unmatched. His generosity is humbling. And the hunt may be over, but the thrill has never been greater.
Thanks, PT. You're an absolute legend!