Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

In the mid 1990's Obree had no sponsorship of any kind, despite being the Scottish record holder. He set his sights on the World hour record (the most prestigious in the sport) and, being completely skint, went about making is own ultra lightweight, uniquely shaped bike out of, BMX and old washing machine parts!
ΜύΜύΜύ
In 1994 Obree broke the world record and won the world pursuit title on his machine.
Cycling's bigwigs hated the fact that a Scottish nobody was humiliating the professional sponsored riders and bike manufacturers.

But guess what, it was later decided his new position was also illegal and once again he was stripped of his world records and soon slipped into depression and retirement.
What a legend!

Is there any surfer that can match Obree's innovation and independent triumph?

It just so happens that in the same year that Obree was first making a name for himself, a similar thing was happening at world surfing HQ, Hayle.

A man that used to be known as Low Dog was lamenting the the fact that surfboard technology hadn't really advanced in three decades and took it upon himself to spearhead the next progression. Step aside fibreglass, make way for...aluminium!

The blank was carefully shaped to Low Dog's usual specification (a big fat log) and he started welding the thin metallic sheets around it. Now, the thing about welding is that it requires a lot of heat. Enough heat, that is, to melt and shrink the foam blank underneath. The finished article was akin to a large metal biscuit tin with a solitary custard cream rattling around inside.

Unfazed by such trivial issues, the Dog took his new craft for its maiden, and as far as I know only voyage.

I felt humbled and privileged to watch from the cliff as the great man stroked out into 4ft winter closeouts. Even over the roar of the swell, I could hear the board kinking and warping under him.Μύ I couldn't decide if it sounded more like a tin drum at Notting Hill Carnival or Rolf Harris's wobble board.

The Dog turned, and stroked majestically into a corker and rode elegantly for 3 seconds until the lip came down heavily, creasing the deck.Μύ It was by far the greatest ride I've ever seen on a metal board.

Against all the odds, and with no corporate backing, the eccentric innovator had triumphed. Minutes later I banned him from coming to my house ever again.

Thruster