I am a local Cardiff Surfer and the shockwaves slammed our local surf community when the shutdown of Clark Foam became apparent. Could it be the threat of possible lawsuits regarding malignant mesothelioma?

Here is an excerpt from his letter regarding the closure
What follows below is the fax/letter sent to dozens of surfboard manufacturers from Gordan 'Grubby' Clark, patriarch of the surfboard industry, explaining his decision to call it quits.-- Editor Scott Bass

For owning and operating Clark Foam I may be looking at very large fines, civil lawsuits, and even time in prison. I will not be saying more than is in this letter so I hope you read it carefully. I do not want to be answering questions about my decisions for the next few years.

Effective immediately Clark Foam is ceasing production and sales of surfboard blanks.

I would like to give a lot more details but keep in mind that I may have both fines and criminal charges pending at this time or in the future. Therefore I have been advised by my attorney to say as little as possible. I do not want this document to be used as an admission of wrongdoing nor am i going to help the government prosecute me. I do, however, feel I owe everyone some sort of explanation- even if it is incomplete and not a full disclosure of my problems.