February 07, 2014
The original big wave gun (seen to your right) was shaped by Bing Copeland at age 25 in 1961. He shaped it with the intent of riding it during huge swell conditions in Southern California. The noseblocks, tailblocks and stringers are all redwood and pine. The fin is a cut down version of Bing’s signature fin of the time. Unfortunately a swell big enough never arrived so it hung on a wall in Bing Surfboards Shop and later at George’s Surf Center in Huntington Beach. The funny thing is Bing never actually sold the board; it just disappeared and somehow ended up exchanging hands among classic surfboard collectors. In July of 2004 the board ended up being sold on eBay for $18,500. It’s good to see Bing Surfboards last 43 years and appreciate in value.
The Big Wave Gun replica was made at the request of Charles Barrieu. Bing Copeland came back into the shaping bay to put his hands on the foam blank. Matt Calvani finished the shape to make sure it was perfect and worked closely with Jim Philips to create the noseblocks, tailblocks and fin for the board. Matt Calvani oversaw the entire process to make sure the board was as close to the original as possible. The colors on this board are different but it looks amazing. It was quite the process to get this board completed and it’s a testament to the craftsmanship of Bing Copeland back in 1961. We are proud of this one and it shows that well crafted, quality surfboards are still being made today at the Bing factory. We know Charles will enjoy this for many years to come.
Bing Surfboards | Quality | Craftsmanship | Knowledge | Performance
March 15, 2023
An Interview with Christian Marcher of Progressive Surf Academy
You’d be hard pressed to find someone more stoked on surfing than our friend and local ripper Christian Marcher. Big boards, small boards, soft tops, surf mats, hand planes, you name it and this guy rides them all at a very elite level. The best part about Christian is that he is always the nicest guy in the water and he pushes the boundaries of what you think is possible on a surfboard every time he paddles out.
With over 30 years of surfing experience, Christian has built Progressive Surf Academy into one of the most well-respected surf schools anywhere on the West Coast. He and his team use a very unique approach that dives deep into ocean safety, technique, and ethics in the lineup that you don’t see anywhere else. Christian delivers a premium surf experience for all ages and has been a part of the Bing family for a few years, so we sat down to chat and learn a bit more about the man and his love for the ocean.
March 03, 2023
February 18, 2023
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BING SURFBOARDS
974 N COAST HIGHWAY 101
ENCINITAS, CA, 92024
760-944-6300
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