It’s not just a Hull thing.
Ok so we love and cherish our Cornish links, but hey surfing in England started in Bridlington just up the road from our East Yorkshire workshop.
To celebrate our own local heritage we are making a limited number very special “Dead Bod” Boards.
So, what is the “Dead Bod“ all about and why is it significant for us?
Back in the 60’s when our Steam Press was invented and Fishing was the mainstay of the Humber Ports, Kingston upon Hull vied with Great Grimsby, most fish landings in the UK came into the Humber via the Distant water deep sea Trawling fleet.
These hardy souls and the heroes of my youth, spent 3 weeks at sea in the far northern Latitudes returning home for a “Three Day millionaires’ lifestyle and then back to sea before they knew it.
So, to maximise their shore leave, the crews would always want to arrive at the quay looking pin sharp, once in the calmer waters of the Humber estuary and the ship ready to discharge they would be scrubbing themselves up,therefore their progress to the fish quay was closely monitored.
As they sailed up river and passed the Alexandra Dock there was a large warehouse with its corrugated doors adorned with a massive stylised dead bird, on its back, legs pointing skywards complete with the legend “Dead Bod” written underneath.
It became so much more than a reference point, it became in fact a visual touchstone for the crews returning from the dangers and hardships of their work.
Well OK we don’t all face the hardships of the deep sea to earn a living, but once I see that rascally image coming out of my board bag I know its Beach time again and cannot help but grin.
- Although It is a visual representation of a very real Maritime event as witnessed by its creator Len “Pongo” Rood, its conception is believed to be largely due to the combination of three random elements,
- Lens Saturday at work Boredom
- The availability of an open tin of paint.
- the inspirational memory of a truly hilarious moment at sea.
- A fourth element of inspiration came from the Strickland Arms Public House we are told but cannot confirm.
What Len could not have foreseen back in 1960 was that 61 years later his Artwork would in turn become a truly authentic part of the City of Kingston upon Hulls cultural heritage.
The original corrugated Iron door artwork and full story are now forming part of the amazing Hull Bankside experience. www.humberstreetgallery.co.uk
So our white Bod prototype pictured above, is a professional specification 9mm Okoume 7ply board carrying a hand painted plain white Hi Build Logo has been used hard for 3 seasons.
The Lime green and white board built to exactly the same specification is for sale on the shop page.
Given the time and effort to produce these super strong super slippery boards numbers are always going to be limited.
By Designing and producing a few high quality body boards using our 60’s original electro-steam press allows us the privilege of giving a “Nod” to surfing’s early roots in the UK and a definite “wink” to the culture of my home Port of Kingston upon Hull and and hope you are delighted with the results.
Each comes with its own bespoke build sheet which not only functions to validate the boards identity, but is most importantly a memory aid for myself for building and posting out.
Specification: –
Timber 9mm x 7ply Okoume marine grade sustainably sourced plywood from Fyne boat kits, Lloyds registered quality and sustainable supply chain www.fyneboatkits.co.uk
Preparation and final professional surface finishes -P101Clear and Green from Teal and Mackrill www.teamac.co.uk
Professional build guidance Dave Butler professional Boat Builder www.butlerboats.biz
