Preliminary identification

Vintage Local Motion Surfboard Shaped by Pat Rawson

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a classic 1980s high-performance thruster surfboard from the legendary Hawaiian brand Local Motion, hand-signed by master shaper Pat Rawson. Featuring the iconic 1980s Local Motion logo and a beautifully aged polyurethane foam core, this board represents the golden era of North Shore power surfing.

Story

Born in the powerhouse surf culture of Oahu's North Shore, this board carries the DNA of 1980s professional surfing. Hand-shaped by the legendary Pat Rawson, it was built to tame the world's most challenging waves. It stands as a physical relic of the decade that redefined aerial and power surfing forever.

Maker / Origin

Pat Rawson is widely considered one of the most influential surfboard shapers in history, particularly famous for his custom guns and high-performance designs used by world champions on Oahu's North Shore. Founded in 1977 by Rob Burns, Local Motion grew from a small Honolulu shop into a global powerhouse brand synonymous with Hawaiian surf culture.

Condition & Value

The board shows significant cosmetic wear consistent with age and use, including overall ambering/yellowing of the foam from UV exposure, minor delamination spots, and typical pressure dings on the deck.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.