1968 Rick Surfboards — Dru Harrison Improvisor Model

View the lot: 1968 Rick Surfboards Dru Harrison Improvisor Model

Starting Bid: $200 • Estimate: $2,500 – $3,500 • Size: 9′ • Category: 1960s, 60s ERA MODELS, NO RESERVE

Summary

This 1968 Rick Surfboards Dru Harrison Improvisor is a true transition-era relic — an intersection of 60s craftsmanship and the early experiments that drove surfboards toward lighter, more responsive designs. Notable for its rare green high-density foam tapering and a three-stringer arrangement framed with slim 1/8″ stringers, this board demonstrates an intentional attempt to redistribute weight away from the nose for quicker handling. Marked with the deck number “574” and a modest deck patch, the board shows small signs of age (a bottom stain) but remains remarkably intact for nearly six decades.

Collector Appeal & Features

For a collector, the Dru Harrison Improvisor is more than a pretty outline — it’s a documented experiment. The logo spelling variant (Improvisor vs Improviser) alone makes this lot a conversation starter in any collection. The triple-stringer build and green foam tapering are rare factory choices that demonstrate studio-level innovation. If you’re hunting for a vintage surfboard collectible that screams “transition era experimentation,” this is it. Provenance from Mike Purpus adds narrative weight: board histories told by fellow pros raise desirability and can push realized prices higher.

Condition & Provenance

Graded at 9/10, this board is largely original with minor age-related marks. The small bottom stain is noted but not structural, and original markings including the deck number remain visible — critical proof of authenticity for collectors. Provenance comes via Mike Purpus’ long-form recollection of Dru Harrison and the Southern California surf scene, which places the board in a pedigree that serious buyers respect.

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