Maurice Cole: The Evolution of a Surfboard Design Icon
Maurice Cole, a name synonymous with innovation in surfboard design, is currently revisiting both his past work and his own personal history. His journey, marked by decades of success and hardship, is one of constant motion and reinvention. Cole’s life is described as an “epic” spanning continents, filled with both triumph and despair.
From Pentridge to Hossegor: A Life in Motion
Cole’s path hasn’t been linear. From a childhood marked by adoption and a rebellious streak – including a stint in Pentridge Prison in 1976 – to a decade spent shaping boards in France, his life has been defined by movement. He’s continually sought a place to settle, trying Byron Bay and Sydney, but consistently finds himself drawn back to his Victorian roots. This sense of displacement appears to have fueled his relentless drive for progression in his work.
The Reverse Vee and the Pursuit of the ‘Next’ Board
Cole describes his approach to shaping as always looking forward, often discarding current projects in pursuit of the next idea. This philosophy served him well in France, where he became a highly sought-after shaper. His breakthrough came with the Reverse Vee design, developed after a shipment of pre-shape blanks were damaged. This design powered Tom Curren to his third World Title and fundamentally changed how shapers viewed the underside of a surfboard.
“That was the making of me as a shaper,” Cole stated, adding that it “fucking blew everyone out.” The Reverse Vee established him at the vanguard of surfboard design, shifting the focus from a single plane bottom contour to constituent parts with differing rail and stringer lines.
Revisiting the Past: Flyers and Forgotten Concepts
Interestingly, Cole is now revisiting design elements from the past. A recent observation of his boards revealed the inclusion of fluted flyers – a feature popular in the 1970s – integrated into modern designs. These flyers aren’t merely aesthetic; they create an exaggerated rocker near the board’s pivot point, enhancing turning performance.
Cole’s approach is about understanding the original intent of these features and applying them with a modern understanding of hydrodynamics. He’s taking what was once understood in one dimension and adding another, creating a new dynamic.
Confronting a Legacy: Intensity and Reflection
Cole acknowledges a history of intensity and, at times, aggression. He admits to “terrifying a lot of people” and recognizes that this behavior stemmed from insecurity. He’s now focused on cutting others more slack, though he reserves a critical eye for certain groups, notably Christian nationalists.
This shift towards reflection extends to his personal life. After decades of battling depression, PTSD, and untreated psychotic episodes, Cole has returned to his faith, finding solace and a sense of purpose.
The Australian Paradox: Success Abroad, Challenges at Home
Despite his global success, Cole’s strongest market isn’t Australia, specifically his home of Torquay. This is likely due to his polarizing personality and past conflicts. But, he continues to shape boards globally, undertaking regular tours to the US, Europe, and Japan.
The Uncompromising Shaper
Cole remains uncompromising in his dedication to quality. “I don’t care what people get from me, if it’s not the best board of your life, it’s a failure,” he insists. This black-and-white approach underscores his commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Reverse Vee design?
A: A surfboard bottom contour created by Maurice Cole that features a vee only under the front foot, transitioning to a flat bottom under the back foot.
Q: Where did Maurice Cole spend a significant part of his shaping career?
A: France, where he shaped boards for Tom Curren and became a highly sought-after shaper.
Q: What is Cole’s current approach to surfboard design?
A: A blend of revisiting past concepts and applying them with a modern understanding of hydrodynamics.
Q: Has Maurice Cole faced personal challenges?
A: Yes, he has battled depression, PTSD, and psychotic episodes, and spent time in Pentridge Prison.
Did you grasp? Maurice Cole once used one of his own surfboards as a makeshift picnic table at a BBQ, demonstrating his pragmatic and unconventional approach to life.
Explore more about surfboard design and the history of surfing here.
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