The Reef Board Build-Off showcased and auctioned off an impressive array of one-of-a-kind surfboards at the ASR tradeshow this past weekend. The event raised over $20,000 with proceeds going to each shapers charity of choice. Rich Pavel came out on top after receiving the top bid of $3,700 for his stunning 80 Balsa wood board.
San Diego shaper Rich Pavel was then deemed the winner of the Reef Board Build-Off and was presented with a $2,000 check from Reef at the end of the event. Pavel received the highest bid because of his 21st century interpretation of a circa 1950 Bob Simmons dual finned hydrodynamic plaining hull surfboard.
The live auction on Saturday heated up as the bidding wars intensified for Pavels Balsa wood board, but no one could out bid Paul Naude, President of Billabong. Naude commented, “I had already decided when I saw this board that I was not leaving the tradeshow without it for 3 reasons. First, I am a huge fan of Bob Simmons and I collect Simmons inspired boards. Second, I love John Cherrys wood work. And third, I have an absolute passion for wooden surfboards.”
Bob Simmons inspired surfboards became collectors items after he died in a surfing accident in 1954. Simmons was soon deemed the Father of the Modern Surfboard for his forward thinking dual finned theories.
The proceeds from Pavels board will go to his charity of choice, the Groundswell Society, which is dedicated to sharing the stoke of surfing by building character in the surfing community.
When asked about his participation in the Reef Board Build-Off a humbled Pavel stated, “My pathway right now is in surfing and my contribution is to give back through surfing and that is exactly where I want to be right now. The Reef Board Build-Off did not only raise the bar for shapers, but it raised their spirits.”
The Reef Board Build-Off raised a combined total of $30,000 between various charities and the Board Retailers Association during both tradeshows, ASR and Surf Expo.
