I started surfing on the east coast in New England in 1965, by the end of that summer, I had caught and rode my first waves.
After realizing the waves weren't all that great and the water was really really cold, I moved to California in 1972.
Settling in Huntington Beach. The real and original "Surf City".

This shot was lost for decades and originally came from a slide. Given to me by the photographer in 1974 or 1975. Mike Moir was a professional surf photog in the So. Cal surfing arena back in those days. The original slide is long gone. On a recent trip back east to visit my sister, she pulled out some old photo albums and when I saw this one I nearly flipped because I hadn't laid eyes on it for at least 25 years. Taken in Huntington Beach on the North side of the Pier.
I had only lived in CA for a couple of years and my folks back east had never seen me surf.
So I had several prints made and sent them to family members. This print was from my sisters photo album a veritable time capsule.

My very own copy from 1976

And on Page 77.....Summer '76 Surfer Magazine, L to R: David Nuuhiva, Eric Penny, Joe Abramo

Later in that same issue, Unidentified surfer on recycled equipment.
That same Hansen is pictured below with its owner.

Self Portrait Long Hair, circa 1974, a 7'0 RA rounded pin.
and in the back my 1967 9'8" Hansen Powerflex.
The same board in the double page unidentified picture just above.

If you surf a popular spot often enough, like HB Pier, someones bound to get a picture of you.
They said my style was like Shaun Thomson's. Aww Psshaw.

Shot from HB Pier North Side circa '75
 

The Old HB Surf Theatre - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Original Jack's Surf Shop in HB

Surfboard Ad from the 70's: The HB-RA Team, on the far left: Joe Abramo, and 3rd from the right side: Keith Lauderdale. The rest are unknown.

In 1977, I moved to Santa Barbara, based at UCSB and surfing the surrounding area.
 
Campus Point Jan. 17, 1978

 
Note the same stance and positioning in a rare water shot at Cojo Pt. and 25 years later at Kalihiwai

 
Sunset at Sands Beach, Isla Vista, CA Sep. 1979, 7'2" Rounded Pintail Single Fin                 ***    Ranch Boating at Cojo Point 1979   ***

Back in the 70's and early 80's, I still rode a long board every now and then. The Con Ugly. A Full WetSuit is required in SB waters during winter months

Tribute to R. Griffin.
Return to Modern Era of "See Surfdog Surf"
Version 4/14/08