Hey all,
My mate has recently picked up an old Bombora Proto Wave Board.
With the excellent help of sick_em_rex he has given me some history on the old board and a few recommendations to get it going again.
What I am after is some more info on Mark Paul the designer and Alf Jefferies the Shaper of the board.
I would really love to get in touch with Mark some how. Below is some pics of the board. I would love to get this old board going as I love to see vintage things running and not gathering dust.
Please dont go saying to throw it in the bin as that is not going to happen anytime soon.
Thanks all (ps. sorry about the size of the pictures)
Definitely never throw that out !
That one looks to be a pretty early one. The paint jobs got a lot wilder later on.
When I was in my teens, all I ever wanted was a Bombora proto board. At one point I had a Bombora Tri-Fin, and then upgraded to the Bombora 'New-Toy', which I thought was way better than the Windrush "Storm 8"'s that my mates had.
You'll need to find rope type uni-joint and a big plastic "Kanga Dick" fin to keep all authentic. A dacron Bombora sail to go with it would make it all complete.
Hi we actually have all the gear to get it going but the sail that came with it is too loose for the boom, (BIG green sail with a nice Cobra on it) I dont think it was the original sail, we have 2 fins for it an original boomarang and another unknown fin.
Would love to find a good rig for it.
It took awhile to figure out how to get the mast foot to grip in lol
I had a Bombora prototype too. It wasn't painted so was plain yellow. Single fin with a stepped tail. It was fairly short and wide for the time so was more like a modern design besides where the position of the mast track.
It was an excellent board, easy to gybe. Unfortunately I sold it for a couple of hundred dollars.
Yeah don't chuck it, it's a classic! But what do you want to sail it for!?
I never had a Bombora wave board, but had an Exit, back in the day. Fast, but didn't like to turn!
Hi dj,
I have a mint unused bombora wavesail from back in the day if you would like it!! Its just sitting in my shed in the original bag.
send me a email if you want to come have a look!
Cheers!
Yes i like beer!!
Don't forget, outhaul before downhaul!!! 
Would love to grab an old Tri-fin again.
dee jay,
Mark Paul moved into 'wall' plants a few years back. I think there was even a profile in one of the Sydney Morning Herald mags. I'm not sure if he lives on the northern beaches (Sydney) anymore, I never see him windsurfing around Long Reef or Collaroy these days.
The planting is literally a whole wall of plants that they put in upmarket hotels or resturants or anyone who can afford it. Quite expensive. A google search should be easy enough.
I sailed with Mark at many State and National competitons years ago. Just don't let the guy "borrow" your rental car, especially in Tassie or let him have a go of your slingshot.
I still have a New Toy under the house in fairly good condition. About 10 years ago I used it at the Merimbula " Mambo" competition with rope uni, pink wishbone and EMU fin. Arr those were the days.
last I heard Mark was up FNQ way doing his thing. He hasnt lived at Collaroy for quite awhile.
Im pretty sure that board was in the old Sailboards Australia factory/showroom down the road at Dee Why. Maybe Rexy can remember it??
Bombora Protos were the ducks guts back in the day at Longy, the guy was a thinker for sure!!!
Good to keep some of the old boards and take them out for a strap! I would love to have a sail of a proto like that. I still have my new toy from the eighties. Kept it as it isnt really worth anything. It may not turn and perform like modern stuff but in its day we didnt know any different. My brother and I went from windsurfer one designs to a TC Spacer to Tyronsea Stingers to new toys over two summers and loved it. My boys are similar age now and want to learn. Guess what, it will be on the old stuff initially and if they stick with it then new gear will come.
