I’ve always loved the concept behind the Duct Tape. Brainchild of Joel Tudor, the Duct Tape Invitational brings surfing back to its roots–drawing inspiration from the days of surf club contests, that were less about winning and prize money than surfing against your friends and having fun.
There are a handful of rules for the Duct Tape contests: boards have to be single fins, longer than 9’2″, and weigh more than 12 pounds. That, and no leashes. It’s all about the timeless aesthetic of classic longboarding.
This year, for Vans’ 50th Anniversary, the Duct Tape took place in Tofino, British Columbia. Alex Knost, Chad Marshall, Leila Hurst, Wade Goodall, and Tanner Gudauskas used this as an excuse to pack up a van and explore the Pacific Coast on their way to the contest, getting some waves and hitting some skateparks along the way.
