PETER “PT”
TOWNEND

DATE 1976
SHAPER PETER “PT” TOWNEND
HEIGHT 7’ 11.25”
WEIGHT 8 LBS

Peter Townend, born in Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia, was considered one of the best surfers in the world throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Townend had an extensive résumé apart from surfing, including movie stuntman, contest organizer, writer, publisher, marketer, and coach to future champions. Townend began surfing in 1967 and attended his first competition in 1969. By this time, he was already shaping boards as well as doing promotional work for Gordon & Smith Australia and working as a UPI journalist for the Sydney Daily Mirror. Townend was building a life in the surfing industry and simultaneously funding his travels via his various commercial pursuits. Townend was very competitive, as evidenced by his repeated contest performances at the Australian National Titles. He took 2nd in the Juniors division in 1971, then 2nd in the men’s division in 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1976. He later made history when, at 23 years old, he became the first IPS/ASP World Surfing Champion in 1976. Shortly afterwards Townend co-founded the Bronzed Aussies in an attempt to not only legitimize surfing, but also build a global franchise and attract well-funded sponsors to the sport. Townend spent much of 1977 riding waves as William Kat's stunt double in the filming of Big Wednesday. This board was both ridden and shaped by PT himself and features artwork by him.

This board is on loan from the collection of Peter Townend.
Portrait photo © Dan Merkel