Design for life
When legendary longboard designer Bob McTavish came to Devon recently as part of TIKI's international shaper tour, Chris Preston couldn't resist the opportunity to quiz him about the technicalities of board design...
Photos: Jamie Bott
Bob McTavish is perhaps one of the most influential figures in the history of surfboard design, and one of the fathers of the shortboard revolution. But for much of the last 20 years, Bob has turned his attention back to longboards - McTavish Surfboards now being one of the most recognisable names for nine foot and over equipment, both in his native Australia and worldwide - and he's made numerous shaping innovations along the way.
Now in his sixties, Bob's still a genial ball of energy with a twinkle in his eye and a quick wit; a slightly mischievous grandfather, great company and with a huge store of entertaining stories.
