Epoch Bits: Jeff Kendall, El Niño of '83, Mike McGill & More

“Epoch Bits” is Havoc TV’s bygone surf, skate, and music column. Every Wednesday, we dive deep into the depths of these radical subcultures that forged the way for those of us raised on a surf and/or skateboard.

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November 1989 - Santa Cruz releases new Jeff Kendall deck with classic snake graphic.

Santa Cruz released Jeff Kendall's classic snake graphic deck in November of 1989. The deck pictured a serpentine snake about to pounce on its rat prey. This deck has become really popular over the years and originals commonly go for over $600. Santa Cruz reissued the board in 2011.

 

Screen Shot 2015-11-24 at 1.59.33 PM November 1983 - El Niño in La Jolla.

This photo was taken by Brian Munoz in La Jolla of the massive swell that '83 El Niño brought to the San Diego shores.

 

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November 1983 - Mike McGill Powell Peralta Advertisement for the McGill deck.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWEAbjhR498

November 1957 - Greg Noll reopens Waimea Bay

Honolulu surfer Dickie Cross died at Waimea in 1943 paddling down the coast from Sunset during a fast-building swell.He got caught in set of waves and drowned. No one surfed the spot until Noll convinced his friend Mike Strange to paddle out with him at Waimea, on November 7th 1957, when the surf was about 15 foot. Another six surfers followed while Noll led the charge, and subsequently opened Waimea Bay - the break that would all but define big-wave riding for the next 35 years.

 

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November 1983 The Cramps - Smell of Female 

Smell of Female is the first live release by the American garage punk band The Cramps. The album was recorded live at The Peppermint Lounge in New York City on February 25, 1983 and issued on Big Beat Records in the UK, Enigma Records in the US and New Rose Records in France.

 

November 1983 - Thrasher Magazine advises indoor skateboarding during winter months.

Can't lose that skate edge just because it's cold or rainy outside. Take note from Don Fisher attempting an 8-foot pressure drop inside Fogtown skateshop.