The Temple of Surf – The Podcast | Simon Tucker: Preserving Surf History, One Board at a Time

Welcome to a new episode of The Temple of Surf – The Podcast, where we celebrate the stories and individuals who shape global surf culture. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of surfboard collecting with Simon Tucker, one of the UK’s most passionate and knowledgeable surf historians and collectors.

Simon Tucker has spent decades building one of the most impressive private collections of vintage surfboards in Europe. His dedication to preserving surf heritage is not just about the boards themselves—it's about the stories, the shapers, the surfers, and the eras they represent. From rare Lightning Bolt single fins and classic Bilbo boards to early European shapes and Australian icons, Simon’s collection is a time capsule of surf history and craftsmanship.

In this episode, Simon takes us behind the scenes of his journey as a collector: how it all started, the thrill of finding a rare board, and the deep emotional connection that comes with every piece. We explore what makes a surfboard collectible, the role of provenance, and how surfboards have become both cultural artifacts and artistic expressions.

Simon also shares his thoughts on the evolution of surfboard design—from the heavy logs of the 1960s to the experimental shapes of the 1980s—and how each board tells a unique story about the surfers and the times they lived in. We also touch on the growing interest in surf nostalgia, vintage board restoration, and the crossover between surf culture and design.

Based in the UK, Simon provides a unique perspective on European surf history, highlighting the early days of British surfing, the influence of Australian and American trends, and how cold-water surfers carved out their own space in a sport often associated with tropical beaches.

This episode is a must-listen for surfboard collectors, vintage surf lovers, or anyone interested in the roots of surf culture. Simon’s passion is contagious, and his respect for the craft and the culture is evident in every board he shares.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Temple of Surf – The Podcast for weekly conversations with surfers, collectors, shapers, photographers, and cultural icons who have left their mark on the surfing world.

📸 Follow Simon Tucker’s surfboard collecting journey and discover rare boards on Instagram @simon_tucker_surfboards

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite streaming platforms.

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