Surf Legend Herbie Fletcher’s Wrecktangles Recycle Broken Surfboards Into New Sculptures

The surfers who ride the waves at the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banzai_Pipeline" target="_blank">Pipeline</a> in Oaha have some major cojones, but sometimes their boards don't make it out. The force of the waves can crack a board in two, leaving the rider with little more than a souvenir of their survival. Surfing legend <a href="http://www.herbiefletcher.com" target="_blank">Herbie Fletcher</a> decided to do something with the carnage from Pipeline, and he just launched a new installation at <a href="http://theholenyc.com/" target="_blank">the Hole NYC</a>. <a href="http://www.herbiefletcher.com/herbie-fletcher-blog-the-hole-nyc-presents-herbie-fletcher-wrecktangles-1568" target="_blank">Wrecktangles</a> is a series of sculptures that turn broken and recycled surfboards into a complex tangle of logos, fiberglass and personal expression.

Wrecktangles by Herbie Fletcher at the Hole NYC.

<a href="http://www.surfingwalkoffame.com/local_hero/Fletcher.html" target="_blank">Herbie Fletcher</a> began surfing when he was just 10 in Huntington Beach, but later moved to Hawaii and became a professional surfer, shaper and owner of several surf and snowboard lines.

Also an artist, Fletcher shapes and paints boards and he creates fine art. His latest project is <a href="http://theholenyc.com/2013/02/02/herbie-fletcher-wrecktangles/" target="_blank">Wrecktangles</a>, an installation at <a href="http://theholenyc.com/2013/02/02/herbie-fletcher-wrecktangles/">the Hole NYC</a> made up of broken and recycled surfboards.

Fletcher sourced ravaged boards from surfers on Oahu and shipped them to NYC.

The boards were irreparable and the jagged scars show the full force of the ocean.

Fletcher pieced together the boards into tangled wall sculptures that are a juxtaposition of sponsor logos, traction pads, find, custom made shapes and the personal expressions of each surfer.

The large scale works were on display in the main gallery at 312 Bowery during the month of February.

The installation of the upcycled boards was complimented by a <a href="http://www.rvca.com/c/news/herbie-fletcher-x-rvca-x-hole-nyc" target="_blank">RVCA pop-up shop</a> that sold limited edition t-shirts and accessories from Herbie Fletcher and other surfers and artists.

Fletcher created 6 sculptures from broken boards.

One of six sculptures created from Pipeline carnage.

Logos stand in stark contrast to personalized boards with hand drawings.

Boards are very personal to surfers and breaking them is both a disappointment and a badge of honor.

Most boards are white, but some like to decorate their boards more.