The Surfing Heritage and Cultural Centre in San Clemente, California will auction a astonishing line-up of rare surfboards today (May 11), with AR Gurrey's rare book The Surf Riders of Hawaii expected to draw legions of surfing fanatics.
The book is considered the first of its kind to showcase surfing and was made by hand by the author between 1911-1915 to sell in his shop.
"Initially made to sell in his local art shop in the still desolate Waikiki beach in the early 1900s, A.R. Gurrey Jr was one of the first photographers to capture the surfing phenomena, thereby opening the sport to world-wide attention.
"With only eight known books in existence, the one available at the live auction was the copy that was found by Gurrey's family in his personal belongings, and features images of some of the first modern surfers in Hawaii, including Duke Kahanamoku," the item description reads.
The auction will also offer a 1974 Winger Swallowtail surfboard shaped by Jeff Ho of the legendary Zephyr label, which was immortalised in the 2001 documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. Jeff Ho and his team were renowned for their surfing skills in Santa Monica, before popularising skateboarding with their unique surf-influenced style.
This auction demonstrates the diversity of the world of collectibles. For more unusual items, visit the unique collectibles section of our online store.
