1985

In July, Huntington Beach's Op Pro sees a fierce rivalry mature between Occy and young Californian Tom Curren--and beneath the surface a quiet, respectful rivalry develops out of the famed Occy/Curren duels, one between their shapers Rusty and Al Merrick. That year Occy finally takes out Curren to capture his first Op Pro victory. The publicity helps Rusty's popularity soar and he decides to leave Canyon and start his own surfboard company. Old friend and Surfing Magazine advertising director Peter Townend helps Rusty develop his new logo. PT suggests simply "Rusty" and the R-dot is born.

PHOTO: Occy, redefining power surfing gouge by gouge. Surfing Magazine, July 1985.

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