Remembering Mark Neville
Police have now confirmed that the body of a man found on Fistral Beach last week was indeed surfboard shaper Mark Neville.
Mark – who had been reported missing since February 7th – was a Newquay based shaper at the centre of the Seabase crew. Despite his critically acclaimed skills as a craftsman Mark avoided the spotlight, instead he let his work speak for itself.
His boards displayed the quality of a man who prided himself on his work. I met with him a few times, both for shoots and to see my own board being made. I was amazed at the skill he possessed in turning a lifeless chunk of foam into a beautiful, performance surfboard, entirely by eye and hand (with the odd template and ruler thrown in for good measure.)
Mark Neville at work
In my experience he was a quiet and humble man. At the time I was a University student focussing on shaping as a project. He happily accommodated me for an entire day, talking me through the whole process, allowing me to create the shots I needed, even letting me have a go at shaping myself. He was a genuine man with plenty of advice and stories to share. He was truly talented at what he did, and had contracts with brands such as Nineplus and Stewart during his career. It was clear that this talent was recognised within his peers.
Mark Neville at work
Surfing has lost a truly gifted man under tragic circumstances. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at Seabase.
My thoughts go out to his family, Regarded as one of the best shapers in the UK.
1Would also like to let the family know my thoughts are with them. I was very lucky to have ridden many of Mark’s boards over the years and am sad to have heard the news. CT
2Really sad to have heard about Marks tragic, early passing, he was a really nice bloke and I am glad to have met him and shared some time talking about surf and both our beliefs in religion, although we both had different views!! my heart goes out to all his family and friends. He was a great guy we will all miss him.
3Blackie