Buttons and Owl: Two Hawaiian Counter Culture Icons

This board represents a timeless combination of two of the better-known figures in Hawaiian surf history: 70s pro surfer Buttons Kaluhiokalani, and legendary shaper Owl Chapman.

Found on Craigslist in San Diego, this board is a 7′ single fin shaped by Chapman (see his signature on the stringer in the 3rd picture) intended as a tribute to Buttons.

Buttons is one of the most iconic figures to come out of the North Shore of Oahu, which is saying something, considering the island’s place in surfing history. He has been immortalized in a number of pictures from the era, including many of Jeff Divine’s photos.

Photo by Jeff Divine

Owl Chapman still lives and shapes on the North Shore, and he continues to supply boards to some of the best surfers in the area. It was interesting to come across this one, which has Buttons’ distinct logo, and bears Chapman’s signature on the stringer. If I had to guess the board is probably a recent shape, judging from the condition as well as the FCS fin boxes for the side bites.

For $1200 it isn’t cheap, but it’s in immaculate condition, and has a ton of cool Hawaiian surf history involved. You can check it out here.

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