You will notice some changes this month. Because it’s my column and I can do what I want, I’m dropping some of the usual big $$ boards because I’m sick of looking at them. No skull and snake McGills for example, no Jason Jessees (except for a reissue), no Roskopps (except for a reissue). If I get bored writing about tem every month, I’m sure that you get tired of seeing them. I might bring them back next month, but probably not. I’m going to try to feature some graphics you don’t see as much by some lesser-known skaters. Or team boards. They don’t sell for as much, but it makes life more interesting damnit. Check out April’s eBay Watch.

The Ray Underhill benefit auction we mentioned earlier is about to start. The list of items is impressive. Visit the official Ray Underhill site to get the background story and more information, or make a flat out donation. On May 13th (tomorrow) you can start bidding. Grab those hammers – it’s time to break those piggy banks! What may be the largest auction for collectable skateboard items is upon us. Pros and industry notables from the past and present have donated a grip of one-of-a-kind gear to help raise money for Ray Underhill and his battle against a chordoma brain tumor. This auction offers one absolute guarantee that no other auction can offer: zero buyer’s remorse! This sounds cliché, but it’s true–Ray Underhill is one of the nicest guys in skateboarding, and his friends have come out en force to help him and his family in this difficult time. He may be the only pro skater who ever substituted “fudge” for the other naughty word that starts with F. Ray was always willing to step up and help others, and this auction is our opportunity to do the same for him.

Sean Mortimer wrote in to remind us about Ray Underhill’s situation. He was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in 2006. He’s had about half of it removed and is undergoing radiation therapy. Removing the tumor caused damage to his vocal cords and throat, leaving him unable to talk, spit or swallow. He’s in the midst of physical therapy to recover those abilities. Because the tumor is a rare one, he’s had to seek treatment and lodging in California while his family lives on the opposite coast. Needless to say, the whole affair has been quite expensive, and the insurance companies are behaving like they usually do. His friends are organizing a massive eBay auction benefit. The gear offered up runs the gamut from free shoes for a year to artwork to signed boards, re-issues, new, and historical alike. Seriously, the list is getting large. One of the more unique items is an afternoon of photography lessons with J Grant Brittain as teacher and Tony Hawk as subject. And the icing on the cake? The package includes getting one of your pictures published in The Skateboard Mag. Very nice. It’s one thing for someone to pick something out of their…

Yup, we’ve reached a milestone here at eBay Watch! This is #50. Pretty incredible really. I started doing them because I was collecting and was interested in the (relatively) new eBay phenomenon. I did the first one in September 2001. Back then there was still a number of online stores offering vintage decks for sale at pretty normal prices. Oldschoolskates.com used to have Jessee Sungods, Ben Schroeder Big Ben models, McGill skull and snakes, and Cab dragon and bats, all for around $75. Skatepool used to have a Salba witchdoctor and plenty of Salba tigers for under $100. Kilwag guest writes the Weird Stuff category this month. Check it out.

No, actually. The reason I asked all you guys to become contributors is so I wouldn’t have to make lame posts like this just to keep the site fresh. What, are you all actually skating today instead of sitting in front of a computer? As seen on eBay.

So we’ve go an eBay vibe running. Here’s an old auction I sent to Neil but he didn’t cover it because it was he forgot, or I never sent it to him in the first place. I can’t remember a thing about this other than I think it was from the U.K.. Quite an awesome starter package though. I’m a hair’s breadth away from having some Captain Radical stickers made for Skate and Annoy. I remember a lengthy discussion about this sticker, but when and where? Slightly larger pics and an additional shot after the jump.

2007 continues red hot in February. Some really big numbers this month on some really surprising items. One I think has to be a mistake by the buyer, but more of that later. The first thing I want to say this month is I’m not a free advice column. I must get three emails a month from people looking for advice on how to sell their shit on eBay for maximum profit. Why should I help? Give me an incentive and I might, but for right now, the free advice column is CLOSED. The worst thing is, they never even say “I really like your column” or anything like that. It’s always right to business: “I’ve got a 1987 Jeff Grosso in great condition. How much can I get for it, maximum?” Fuck off.

2007 got off with a bang. Now that tax refunds are starting to come in, purse strings are getting as loose as Paris Hilton’s knickers. This month I’m starting a reissue section. Why? Because I can. Seriously though, I’m putting it in because some of the reissues are starting to get up there in price. Ridiculous? Maybe, but that’s the reality, and I cover what’s hot. Also new to this month’s report is the ability to click on the thumbnails to see an enlarged version. Check it out

I want to start off this December Baywatch by thanking a faithful reader who goes by the excellent handle “she was killed by space junk”. Thanks for the stickers, much appreciated. You rule. Now back to business. December was another down month, with some great bargains to be had. I know. I got one. But more of that later. December also saw the sell off of a bunch of 60s decks, and what appears to be some of Mike McGill’s personal collection. Of course, that’s just conjecture on my part, but what isn’t? Check it out.