INSIDE: GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SURF SNAPPING BROTHERS | BUILDING A WOODEN BOARD | VISIT PNG | SURFBOARDS
№ 29
-WINTER-
2015
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Brad Bessant snaps John John Florence Photo: Craig Bessant
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ALSO AVAILABLE
CLASSIC Limited Edition Solid Classic mal Duke Kahanamoku came from Hawaii to visit Australia in 1914. He came with no surfboards, he made one himself with his own hands and surfed it. Mark Riley took one of his own fishes which weighs only 3kgs and compared it to the Dukes 35kg. Mark said “Dukes board was fantastic to touch, and to feel a piece of history carved out of a few pieces of Oregon was great.” Duke said “I always preferred those surfboards made of wood” (like Mark).
• Wood coloured fin boxes • Clear board grip tape - Let the beauty of the balsa show through with clear Versagrip Traction Tape. Environmentally friendly and suits all size boards. • Timber fins
Mark still builds his solid balsa boards in the very same method as the Duke did. He has built five boards the same way, but in the style of the ‘50s and ‘60s (so they can be ridden).
• Surfboards
These solid boards are 9’7” x 22 ½”x 2 ¾” and weigh 12kg.
• Aussie-made leashes
SURFBOARDS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH!
• Instructional DVDs
• Blanks • Cork tail pads & SUP deck grip
• Raw balsa/ cedar DIY board kits
• Board racks • Tide clocks • LICK liquid surf wax. Wholesale enquires welcome
w SHIPPING ANYWHERE, INCLUDING NZ 6
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HANDCRAFTED IN AUSTRALIA Riley Balsawood Surfboards are made using renewable resource balsa and recycled polystyrene for performance, durability, beauty and lower environmental impact
Call 0412 376 464 or Email mark@riley.com.au
www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au Australian Environmentally-friendly handcrafted surfboards for the individual in all of us, with a guarantee. Enjoy Responsibly WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photographer Brad Bessant caught in action as he snaps visiting pro surfer John John Florence during the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast. Photo: Craig Bessant
T H E T I E S T H AT B I N D U S It’s strange how surfers are often referred to as a family when one considers that the act of surfing is essentially a solo pursuit. It’s not too often you see a ‘party wave’ at most surf spots, it is? Could you imagine ten people in a row, heading straight to the beach like a vintage surfing poster at any popular surf break today? It’s not highly likely... Even though you may be surrounded by your best mates, when the waves come, it’s often every man (or woman) for themselves. In polite circles of course, when ettiquette is followed, wave hunting is usually tempered with common sense, friendly sharing and a good few smiles. So, perhaps it’s the connection out of the water that’s more important? Shared
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memories and understanding of what it means to paddle, pop up and hopefully get a few turns in before the wave closes out? It doesn’t seem to matter what you ride or how you ride it - as long as you’ve experienced a saltwater slap in your face and the thrill of dropping down a clean face, the connection is there. What that connection is exactly is hard to say, but it seems that surfers can travel pretty much anywhere in the world and share a bond of sorts with other surfers... And that’s a fine thing, we reckon. When it comes to bonds, the one between brothers is about as strong as it gets, and this is the focus of our cover story. The Bessant brothers - Craig and Brad - are a
great example of how surfing (and in their case, surf photography) can be that one bit of extra glue to make bonds even stronger. See page 36 for their story. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together! Next time you’re out in the water, take a minute to remember that we’re all part of something bigger here, and there’s a whole lot of brothers and sisters out there that you just haven’t met yet. Who knows, maybe party waves will even make a comeback...
Cheers!
rders
sboa the Smorga
THE BEST CURE FOR THAT BITE IN THE AIR... Great coffee, roasted daily. Volcom Lane, Raglan NZ WWW.RAGLANROAST.CO.NZ
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WHAT'S
INSIDE... TIM-BERRRR
DETAILS, CREDITS & STUFF Grab SMORGASBOARDER FREE at quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafés on the coast of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and New Zealand... Be nice and buy something while you’re there. Or read it online.
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY
60 Making it!
If you can’t get to a store or other venue to pick the mag up in person, you can also choose to have SMORGASBOARDER delivered to your door. See www.smorgasboarder.com.au. A few back issues are also available for $5 a piece, plus t-shirts & more!
$25 AUS & NZ - 1 YEAR - SIX EDITIONS.
THE COVER SHOT 36 The Bessant Boys 50 Travel: PNG
THE USUAL LATEST
12 Reader Photos 18 News & Community 20 Random Road Tales
GEAR 72 84
Surfboards Ding Repairs
86 87 98
Music Surfer’s Directories Aloha Barry
Craig and Brad Bessant are brothers that live surf photography. In what couldn’t be a more perfect shot to capture the brother’s shared passion, our cover features Craig photographing Brad photographing visiting pro John John Florence during the Quikkie Pro on the Gold Coast. For more, see the story on page 36
CLOSEOUT
t So many grea ! ns surfboard desig Page 72
FRESH FACES... Allow us to introduce you to some new people bringing their flair to the pages of Smorgasboarder!
DYLAN REID Manly local, graphic designer and sometimes board tester. Check out Dylan’s design skills on our feature tale, starting page 36 behance.net/ DylanReid
COL MMcELWAINE Brisbane designer, illustrator and surf lover. See his handiwork on our PNG tale, starting page 50 colmcelwaine.com 10
SMORGASBOARDERS
CONTRIBUTING...
ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL: Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au 0401 345 201
This is YOUR mag. It’s here for you to tell your stories, show your pictures and share your thoughts - and score some free stuff on the way too, to boot.
NEW ZEALAND: ‘Jiff’ Morris jeff@smorgasboarder.co.nz 0220 943 913 DESIGN/EDITORIAL: Mark Chapman mark@smorgasboarder.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA: James Ellis james@smorgasboarder.com.au 0410 175 552
E: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au P: PO Box 501, Moffat Beach QLD 4551
There’s only a few of us here, so please be patient when you get in touch - we’ll try our best to get back to you as soon as humanly possible. Get in touch to discuss any ideas you’d like to be considered for a future edition or online.
ACCOUNTS: Louise Gough louise@smorgasboarder.com.au GEAR TESTS & REVIEWS: Gus Brown gus@smorgasboarder.com.au
BEST NON-DAILY PUBLICATION
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Smorgasboarder is published by Huge C Media Pty Ltd ABN 30944673055. All information is correct at time of going to press. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors in articles or advertisements, or unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. The opinions and words of the authors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited without prior permission.
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READER PHOTOS
Glen ‘Pugs’ Hardwick sent in this great selection of snaps from his home on the Gold Coast. Can’t fault those warm Queensland waves...
This issue’s reader photos score a copy of Seasick Steve’s “Sonic Soul Surfer”. Enjoy! To be in line to score a copy of the new Shed Nine DVD “Smash n Grab”, send in your pics to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
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DKOKO
Sexy Surf Bikini Bottom $34 Pavones Crissed Crossed Surf Bikini Top $34
“IT’S ALL ABOUT WATER DISPLACEMENT.”
WINTER 2015 SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Hire the latest range of b oard designs f rom top shapers. Take it for a test run... Hire before you buy. Travelling to Noosa? No need to lug your log through the airport.
Harry Mark is a 16 year old photographer from Noosa. Harry snapped this shot of surfer Connor Lyons getting up close and personal with the wave face somewhere near the Goldie... You know where. Now who’s that Connor happens to be dropping in on below?
Surfboards by Tolhurst, Laguna Bay, Goddard, G&S, Surfline and Wilde. Beside Cafe Le Monde, Hastings St, Noosa
0424 985 687
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READER PHOTOS WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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“Kirra pumping” Photo: Nathan White @nwhitephotograghy.
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Incorporating 28 years of experience creating bespoke furniture with a passion for surfing and hollow wooden surfboards.
Hollow Wooden Surfboards Surfboard Building Courses Paulownia Timber & Supplies
Ten-year-old Seth Anderson getting a couple of nice rides at Peron Dunes east coast Tasmania! Photo: Scott Anderson. Enjoy your copy of Seasick Steve’s “Sonic Soul Surfer,” Scott! To score a copy of the Smash n Grab DVD, send in your pics to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
182 Crockford St Northgate Qld 4013 CALL 07 3256 9000 enquiries@bywaterdesign.com.au
WINTER 2015 | BYWATERDESIGN.COM.AU SMORGASBOARDER
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AKA: THE NEWS... COMMUNITY WHAT’S HAPPENINGS & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
smorgasboarder
CAPTURING NZ IN A SHOT With this stunning photo (above) of surfer Tim Clemence at Maungamanu on NZ’s South Island, Sumner local David Tyson scored himself a $1k of motorhome hire thanks to the nice folks at Mighty (THL) in our recent NZ photography competition. See the photo in its full glory in the last edition, in print or at www.smorgasboarder.com.au. For more on Mighty’s cool campervans, see www.mightycampers.co.nz
loving surf, art, life, beer
surfing tribe
join the tribe: surfing-tribe.com
OUT OF ASHES... When Peter and Janet White’s Classic Malibu factory so tragically burnt down earlier this year, an immediate helping was extended by Al Hing at Beach Beat. Al offered Whitey a bay at their Maroochydore factory and this board is the first thing he came up with - the ‘PHOENIX RISING’ Model. Simply stunning. “It’s the Australian way, isn’t it?” said Al. “When someone is down on their luck, you lend them a helping hand.” It feels truly good to see local businesses helping each other out when it really counts. And of course, it’s great to see Peter continuing to produce such amazing surfcraft as well.
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And how cool are those Hanalei fins in there?!!
INTO HIGH GEAR The solid new removable fin system, GEARBOX 2, has hit shaping bays around the world and is getting rave reviews all round - and not just from those who work with foam, as you can see form the timber board above, made by Justin Tilly of Eke Ngaru Surfboards up in Northland, NZ. “Being a maker of mainly timber boards the customizable load beam cover is a real bonus,” says Justin. “Now for a first time, I’m able to make a timber cover that blends with the board, making the fin box system as unobtrusive as possible.” The cool cover for the GEARBOX 2’s load beam collar isn’t the only thing getting people excited. Drew Baggett of Inspired Surfboards in Florida, USA had this to say: “What is sick about GEARBOX is that the fiberglass is bonding to the high density foam insert rather than plastic. “I thought it was cool that the resin pushed all through the box and oozed between the insert and the lip, I knew they were anchored perfectly.”
ABOVE: Inspired quad. BOTTOM: A cool example of an install by Robin Mair (the man behind GEARBOX).
“I think its the best box out right now for two-tab fins.” Find out more about the GEARBOX system online at www.gearbox.surf and talk to your shaper about giving it a go in your next board.
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O EON-N NE TUITO ION
Board builder, Rick Nutall
D.I.Y.
RANDOM TALES FROM THE ROAD WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
LEARN TO CRAFT YOUR OWN
SURFBOARD “I’m stoked with the board, it surfs as good as it looks and I have a greater appreciation of what goes into board design. “Having that one-on-one with Al really worked well with me because my ideas didn’t all come at once and it was terrific to tap into all the knowledge Al has acquired over the years. “Would recommend this course to anyone interested in creating something with your own hands. Buy local.” Rick Nutall
Take away a board you have made start to finish from mowing foam to resin finishing. Get schooled in all aspects of surfboard building: • Shaping • Glassing • Sanding • Finishing • Artwork All with guidance from shaper Al Colk’s five decades of firsthand foam and fibreglass experience. An intensive, all-inclusive 3 day course. Shortboard $1,200 Longboard $1,500
So as per usual and just like clockwork, as soon as I set off on my full-on, three-week distribution/ editorial/ advertising run down the Australian East Coast the swell on the Sunny Coast magically changes from dead flat to solid fun waves. If you ever want to know when the swell will be on, generally head to the spot I just visited. It will be dead flat when I am there but pumping a few days later. And if you’re a little nervous about our toothy friends, maybe give it another day or so as well. On this trip just like the last, but even more so, there was either a pretty significant sighting or encounter with a large shark at every single beach I passed along the way. Basically sharks will go wherever I am and the swell will soon follow. I have unfortunately come to realise I am the bad luck charm of surfing...
Contact Al Colk directly: Burleigh Heads, Queensland
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M: 0408 425 368 E: AL.TUBETIME@GMAIL.COM
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Mooloolaba, two days after I left. Photo: Mark Chapman
Al Colk
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PHOTOS, TOP FROM TOP LEFT: Stuart Bywater, Bywater Design; Mark Rabbidge’s Dodge; Precious cargo MIDDLE: The Twelve Apostles LEFT: Olivia Phillipson, Surf 1770 test board; Mitchell Rae, Limited Edition Zen Blade with gold foil THIS: Ned Kelly, Glenrowan
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JUNE
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FREE SAME DAY RETURN ON DEMO BOARDS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE. Currumbin showroom only. Come in to demo our most popular models!
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1730 Gold Coast Highway, BURLEIGH HEADS 2 Stuart Road, CURRUMBIN (Factory Showroom)
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Brett Munro
Heading in to Brisbane I met for the first time the incredibly personable Stuart Bywater and his lovely wife Daniele. They run a number of wooden surfboard workshops throughout the year at their furniture and restoration workshop on Brisbane’s northside, Bywater Design. Looking through the boards Stuart has crafted for himself, he is clearly immensely talented on the tools - worth noting if you live in or around Brisbane and are keen on building a wooden surfboard of your own. From there it is on to Goodtime for a chat with Gail and down to the Gold Coast and Byron - several days of solid work without a chance to scratch myself but merely glimpse at the ever-increasing swell thanks to Cyclone Marcia. Thankfully there
was still time for a bit of friendly banter with passionate Kiwi Brett Munro (Munro Surfboards) in Byron. Once again he grabbed the opportunity to bag the Wallabies and fair enough. Thank goodness we won the cricket. Further down the track I met up with the now nomadic Phillipson family in Crescent Head. You may recall them featured back in our 2014 Christmas edition with a couple of Glen Cat Collins creations. Rob, Nic, Olivia and Mia are now on the road trip of a lifetime following the swell along the Australian East Coast. Rob and Nic just so happen to run Surfeit Oz Camper Vans, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about camper vans and what surfers are after.
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RANDOM ROAD TALES PHOTOS, FROM TOP LEFT: The Pass; Olivia Phillipson, Crescent Head MIDDLE: Crescent Head rock walk; Glen Cat creation Olivia was riding LEFT: Daz at Revival Yamba; Rob Phillipson with his Glencat mal; Mike, Sandy Feet, Port Macquarie THIS: Nambucca Heads
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Further south and there was absolutely no temptation to surf Newcastle this time around. Call me a chicken but I am kind of fond of my legs. With large shark sightings several times a day for weeks on end including competitors called out of the water on every day of the Surfest at Merewether Beach, I was not keen. And just as I reconsidered my cowardice and told myself to grow a pair, off went the siren again. Bugger that, I was off like a bucket of prawns in the sun. A little ways down the track and it was time for a couple of coldies with good mate Mark Riley and the hospitality of the good folk behind Surf Retrospect who were celebrating 100 years of surfing in Cronulla at the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club. You can kinda guess I am easily tempted to attend any functions of this kind.
ABOVE: Mark Riley with an 11kg, 11ft racing Sup, and the Talented Mr Riley at work ABOVE, RIGHT: Mark O’Sullivan, Shellharbour Surf & Skate THIS IMAGE: The Farm RIGHT: Chris Kelly, Finbox; and DP Surfboards’ new Thirroul store BELOW: Nigel Del from the 'Naki back home in the 'Nulla; Dave Porter’s (Treehouse Handshapes) sweet ride; and The crew at Skipp Surfboards
Next stop was Thirroul and my, there is quite a bit happening in this neck of the woods. Chris Kelly of Finbox fame has expanded his premises to incorporate an espresso bar/ café of sorts. Dylan Perese of DP Surfboards has opened a new store in the old Anita’s Theatre and Byrne Surfboards have opened a new store, complete with shaping bay and a café along with a fully fledged factory out the back right near the train station. Further down the road is Dave Porter’s Treehouse Landscapes and Handshapes at Bulli. His setup in an old timber mill is a ripper, as are his boards and definately worth a visit if you are in town. For old-school feel and appeal though you can’t go past the legendary Skipp Surfboards in Flinders Street, Wollongong – Skipp, his son Josh and all the crew are such a great bunch of down-to-earth guys (as well as the lovely Bettina). On from the Gong and there is Shellharbour and Mark O’Sullivan’s surf shop on the main drag... Surprise, surprise, he’s another good bloke (hey, we just don't deal with knobs). A little way on there is THE FARM! A cracker!
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RANDOM ROAD TALES
ABOVE: Mark Rabbidge, the Dodge and a couple of freshly shaped shooters Mick Gorman, Inner Feeling
Jade Robinson, DSN
Rabbidge asymmetrical
The Entity Surfboards boys
From Shellharbour there’s the beautiful coastal towns of Kiama, Gerringong, and Gerroa along with landmark surf shops such as Natural Necessity. On through the Shoalhaven, the road starts to open up and you start to relax a little more. I particularly love driving this stretch of coastline right the way down to the Victorian border. Bit disappointed that I didn’t grab a shot of Brian Cregan and the crew from Ocean & Earth. He’s a truly great bloke and so easy to talk to. O&E’s headquarters in Sussex Inlet include a massive warehouse clearance store. I can never help but be tempted to pick something at the store every single bloody time. Any surfers journeying down this way most definitely need to check it out. On the shaper side of things this stretch of coast is also home to some real characters and top talent. There’s all-round top bloke and the much loved Gerringong local Jade Robinson from DSN, Daren from Entity Surfboards in Culburra Beach and Mick Gorman of Inner Feeling in Huskisson (you want to see a real old school shaping bay? It doesn’t get any more original and grassroots than Mick’s) and the legendary Mark Rabbidge at Bendalong. So many different boards and shapes to drool over! 26
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Photo: Mick Curley 28
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Heading further South the coastline becomes even more stunning, the water a lot colder and the fish a lot bigger. Just south of Batemans Bay lies the little township of Tomakin, home to one of the coolest little eateries going around, The Rivermouth General Store – awesome food and coffee. It is here I catch up with the lovely Katrina McDonald and local shaper Robbie Marshall of Soul Arch Surfboards. Robbie's steadily making a name for himself shaping a range of shortboards, guns and retro-inspired craft. My top-notch day ends in Tathra, with some fresh oysters and a couple of coldies at the Tathra Hotel – a great pub. The next morning requires an early start as I push on for Phillip Island stopping in at magical Mallacoota mid morning. I would have to say the Amaroo Caravan Park at Cowes on Phllip Island is one of my favourite places to stay - and why not when on site is Youki’s Licensed Japanese Restaurant. I figure after driving over 3,000km down there I deserve some mighty fine sushi and a couple of Asahis. Interestingly, Shin, the supremely talented Japanese chef, also happened to be a pretty handy baseball player in his day and is a black belt in Karate so for goodness sake never complain about the service, not that you would ever need to. Indeed Phillip Island is home to so many talented people including the likes of San Remo shaper Scott Peberdy of Outereef, as well as arguably the most professionally run outfit in the country, Island Surfboards, who also are incidentally, Australia’s largest surf school.
TOP LEFT: Robbie Marshall and Katrina Macdonald MIDDLE: Robbie’s hand foiled timber fins; The old Tathra Wharf; Shin of Youki’s fame
Photo: Mick Curley
BOTTOM Richard, Matt and Simon of Island Surfboards; the boys at the Tathra Hotel; Shin’s sushi; Fresh Tathra oysters; and Scott Peberdy, Outereef
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TOP LEFT: Eddie Wearne, Shed Nine, Rye; Eddie and the best surf mag in the world (maybe?) LEFT: Me and the Flathead; Bean from Balin Surfboards BOTTOM LEFT: Zaks, best surf shop
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie… Captain Frothalot himself of Shed Nine, Rye. What a cracker and what a cracker of a shop. As the picture shows, this place is jam packed full of every imaginable bit of skate and surf gear. Equally as much of a character is Bean of Balin Surfboards at Tootgarook (try saying that after a few beers without getting slapped in the face). Whilst on the Mornington Peninsula I stopped by Mt Eliza for a few days to knock out one of the most incredibly shaped hollow wooden surfboards you have ever seen with the boys at Tree to Sea, as you do. My talent knows no bounds. In between shaping days there was just enough time for a quick little slider at a local break on my new found love – a little
“I COULD POSSIBLY BE THE WORLD'S BEST SHAPER, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION..."
softboard (yes, that’s right a softboard) by Liquid Shredder called the Ghost. Mini Simmons inspired, I absolutely love this little beast of a board. On from the Mornington Peninsula I headed for Melbourne, unfortunately at a time way too late to call in and see the boys from Oke Surfboards. A beer and a chat with Choc, Dan and Rory is almost a ritual on these runs and sacrilegiously I had missed them. I prayed this would not be a bad omen, causing my beer to be served warm for the rest of the trip. Worst still, I missed Zak as well... Such are the hazards when you are working some 16 hours a day. Someone bring out the violin.
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RANDOM ROAD TALES
PHOTOS FROM TOP LEFT: Craig Baird, Surf World Torquay; River Tea House, Lorne; Surf - there is a bit about in these parts MIDDLE: Corey Graham; Keith Curtain of ASB magazine and Sam Sproal of Stoke Certified; London Bridge, now known as London Arch BOTTOM: "Dicko" Dickson; Bruce Little, Anglesea Surf Centre
“TALKING TO A SHAPER, ONE-ON-ONE, IS HOW YOU GET TO DISCOVER THAT MAGIC SURFBOARD." At this stage of the run I've usually clocked up over 4,000kms, been going for a little over two weeks and stringing a meaningful sentence together becomes a bit of a challenge. Thank goodness there’s not too much talking to do when I pay Craig Baird a visit at Surf World Torquay. I am too busy laughing. He’s one funny man with many an interesting tale to tell and his knowledge of all things surf is nothing short of incredible 32
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o b a C
Photochromic bi-focal lenses
•
Polarised • Polarised Bi Focal • Polarised Photochromic • Polarised PC (Melanin infused) • RX Prescription
and best of all, I always get a brief tour of the latest exhibit. Ohh the perks of the job. One person I had not met before and whose boards absolutely blew me away this trip was Corey Graham. The range of boards he shapes and the quality had me majorly tempted to purchase a new stick. Darren “Dicko” Dickson is another local shaper who is a master of his craft. Dicko is also teaching a few other aspiring shapers and home board builders the craft of late holding regular private lessons in his shaping bay. Just a little further south of Torquay is without doubt the most incredible range of second hand boards in Australia and New Zealand. Bruce Little’s Anglesea Surf Centre is an icon. Another favourite stopping-off point along
the Great Ocean Road is the River Tea House in Lorne. A must.
a c i s r o
C
Floating Sunglasses
Aside from that the only things to see on the drive are the Twelve Apostles, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge, Port Campbell, Port Fairy...you know, nothing much, just some of the most aweinspiring coastal scenery and beautiful seaside towns in the whole country. Until next time... Follow the road trip and adventures live on the Smorgasboarder Facebook page.
www.barzoptics.com Showroom - Unit 11 / 4 Leda Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Ph 07 5576 4365 WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photos: North Coast Holiday Parks, Tom Woods
HUNGRY HEAD
GREAT FAMILY SURF ES
CAPES
G E T TO T H E B U S H WHERE IS IT? Hungry Head is a part of the beautiful coastal town of Urunga, just a little further south from the township itself. It’s a little Garden of Eden by the beach.
THE SURF The reef off Hungry Head can deliver some quality lefts and rights, as can a number of beachies along this stretch of coastline. There always seems to be waves on offer. Just be mindful there is often quite a bit of water moving around too. Plenty of rips and sweeps in the area.
FISHING Fishing off the rocks at Hungry Head and along the beach is popular for tailor, whiting, mulloway and bream. If you are prepared to explore a little there is also the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers further north. A fishing paradise.
NORTH COAST HOLIDAY PARKS HUNGRY HEAD CABINS Secluded is the best way to describe them. Nestled amidst a rare littoral rainforest with kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras and currawongs, the cabins are a quiet, peaceful nature escape by the beach. Each of the 10 fully equipped cabins sleep up to 6 people. www.northcoastholidayparks.com.au
WHAT ELSE? The historic Ocean View Hotel in Urunga itself is a cracker, a great place for a beer at the end of the day and a reasonably priced feed. Nearby Bellinger Valley has also become acclaimed as an arts and crafts hotspot.
“...A LITTLE GARDEN OF EDEN BY THE BEACH.” WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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INTERVIEW: MARK CHAPMAN, PHOTOS: CRAIG & BRAD
Brothers… To find some wisdom on this special relationship, I visited the oracle of Google to find a few questionable quotes that may or may not be strictly accurate. However, truth and origins aside, this line attributed to French dramatist Jean Baptiste Legouve seems to say a lot in a few words: “A brother is a friend given by nature.” In the case of the Bessant boys - Craig and Brad - it’s not only nature that brought them together, but nature that’s created common ground between the two since childhood - playing in the ocean started young for these boys and saltwater is still pumping through their veins today. You’ll have seen their photos in the mag - and on the cover - so we were only too chuffed to chat to the boys about their lives and their shared passion for inspiring surf photography. SURFER MAX KEARNEY. PHOTO BY: CRAIG BESSANT WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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ABOVE PHOTO BY: BRAD BESSANT WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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MEET BRAD & CRAIG... BROTHERS IN LIFE & SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
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Who’s the big brother?
Brad: Oldest, Me. Biggest? That’s debatable… I’ve influenced Craig to do some training so he could end up the biggest, but I’m not gonna let that happen. Craig: Actually, the big brother is Mitchell – there’s three of us Bessant boys, all keen surfers. There’s Mitch, Brad and then myself being the youngest - and obviously the better looking - of the three. So who’d win in an armwrestle? Brad: Me. I love fitness training. If he wants to prove me wrong, the challenge is out there Craigy boy. Craig: As younger fellas we were more inclined to punch one another out than waste time arm wresting…
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Brad and Craig grew up around the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, first surfing Bondi on Coolites and KFC foamies, getting gut-rash, sucking it up and soldiering on. Craig: Our family home was situated in Clovelly, dead centre of the well-known beaches of Bondi and Maroubra. As young fellas we surfed Maroubra quite a lot. Brad: We were all pretty happy growing up on the beaches – surfing, playing footy, Christmas hols spent at either Bondi or Bronte getting fried by the sun, going back to school and seeing who could peel the biggest layer of skin off their back - skin cancer candidates for sure. Craig: As we grew up, we splintered into different groups, but even though we had different locals, we all new the same people,
and all surfed the different breaks. The eastern suburbs had some staunch locals - I’m sure you know the reputation of the Bra Boys and the Bondi Boys… All the beaches in-between were just as staunch, maybe just a little less conspicuous. There was many a punch up over the years, but as time passed, the Eastern Suburbs became one big family. Everybody was still loyal to their roots, but we knew each other and we all generally got along.
paid for a surf trip to Bali for him when a mate’s family were going over. He still recalls the long walling waves he went over the falls on (laughs). Ya reckon we weren’t spewing?
Brad was the maddest one of us, not afraid of the big surf, always up to mischief of some sorts, and generally a fit bloke. He was a great brother and it has taken many years for me to realise how alike we really are. Brad: Craig was four years my junior. He was running around with our cuz, mostly surfing Bronte, Bondi and running amok, causing havoc all over Coogee. The folks
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LEFT: BRAD, RIGHT: CRAIG
“Brad was the maddest one of us, always up to mischief of some sorts” Brad began to extend his love of surfing to surf photography when at 13, dad Reg Bessant bought him a Minolta 110 camera. When there was some serious interest he even built Brad a darkroom to process black and white film, with a sign on the door: “Close the door or all the dark will leak out”. Amazingly, the darkroom is still there today, with all the gear, ready for use.
I was hooked. I think I still have those shots somewhere.
Craig: I never really got the photographic bug back then. It was just Brad, and he slowly dragged my old man into the world of photography. They both loved it.
Craig: I can remember Brad was an avid camera man - he had cameras and flashes coming out his ears, him and his mate Sean Davey - now a world-renowned surf photographer in Hawaii - used to spend every chance they had taking shots of everything and anything. To my memory they were the only surf photographers in the Eastern Suburbs and surrounding are. They had lenses longer than your arm, macros, flashes, bits and pieces… Their bag of tricks was big and heavy. This was in the days of film, when photography was an art.
Brad: I used to bodysurf the Coogee shore-dump and photograph the barrels, A 6ft Coogee shorey would put Waimea Bay to shame. I just loved the pounding in the barrel and then to photograph what I was seeing was just out of this world.
Brad: I got right into it as I worked in a photo lab at the time, but it was such a long process from shooting to print it was hard for me to stay excited with the process - I would rather be out in the line up getting smashed. Gee, I wonder
what it would have been like to have digital back then? Kids, you don’t know how lucky you are. Craig: You really had to know what you were doing - 30 shots, send it off to the lab, and a few days later hope you nailed your settings and composed a good shot. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, them days. It was wind-shoot-wind-shoot. Today you just hold your finger on a button. In my opinion the digital age has taken the skill and knowledge out of photography. Many may disagree, but I would like to see some of today’s photogs nail the shot with an old wind-and-shoot film camera. So, I must admit I will always be in my brother’s photographic shadow - a place I’m happy to sit, as I have a pool of knowledge to draw from. There are not too many people I know that I can bounce ideas off that have come from the era before digital.
PHOTO BY: BRAD BESSANT WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEARED t
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So, what’s the dream gear then, boys? Craig: My set up for water is still the Canon D600 - great little camera. Cheap to replace if I drown it, and it will happen - drowning your gear is only a wave away. I have upgraded to a Canon 7D for my land shots, and slowly but surely I’m building my lens quiver. As a photog you can never have enough lenses, but you can only acquire what your budget allows. A good photographer can take a great shot with any camera. Brad: The Canon 7D Mark II would/ will be a nice addition. I’d really like to get a medium format in a housing for some real quality shots… A Pentax 647 medium format is a small dream I have.
“you can never have enough lenses”
Is your thinking about surf shots any different today than it was back when you started? Has the idea of the perfect shot changed at all?
1. 2. 3. 4.
Brad: No, not really. The perfect shot for me is the one that makes you want to grab your board and go surfing. Whether it’s a 2ft longboarding wave or a 8ft pitching reef break - if it makes you froth and wanna drop everything to surf, well that’s perfect. And that’s just the action stuff… There’s always a moody beach scene that’ll blow me away too.
3.
2.
Craig: My preferences have slightly changed over the years. I used to like the bottom turn shot, but nowadays I’m chasing the deep, clean barrel shot, the air shots, and the behind-the-wave shot. I find myself hunting them down. I’ve scored a lot over the years, but I’m still chasing ‘the one.’ I know it’s out there… Will it be you?
Photo of Rob Hurst (left top of enlarger) Midnight Oil Drummer taken at a gig in Bondi. 100 Drummers gathered for a beat session. B&W Photo at base is lead singer for Spy Vs Spy. Sean Davey and I both loved this band and loved photographing them at Selinas Coogee Bay Hotel. Craig pulling into a barrel. Jason Buttonshaw holding a MT Woodgee surfboard
4.
ABOVE PHOTO: DARK ROOM WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Craig: My family realise I need salt water in my life. They never complain when I disappear for hours on end - at least they know where I am. I’ve come to the fork in the path of life. I realised it’s not about money, it’s all about lifestyle, so I gave up the 9-5 as a plumber and took up night work so I could spend the days doing what I love. I know this is not for everyone, but it works for me and my family. Happy wife, happy husband, happy surfer, happy family… This is what I live by nowadays.
CRAIG AND HIS G&S
“IF ONLY I HAD OF KEPT THAT BOARD!”
PHOTO BY: BRAD BESSANT
Despite having such similar passions and pastimes, the brothers have been separated by geography for years now, with Brad having stayed around Sydney while Craig made a move to the Gold Coast.
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DOING OUR THING FOR MOVEMBER: BRAD
DAD HOLDING CRAIG AS BRAD LOOKS ON
CRAIG SURFING BRONTE: PHOTO BY BRAD
GROWING UP
Brad: I guess Sydney has always been home, so it’s an evil necessity. When I’m broke, it’s an easy place to find work, so it draws me back… Yeah, there’s a reef break right smack bang at my back door that has a few local crew that I’m glad to be part of. It’s getting busier but you can still score it to yourself at 4-5ft, and that in Sydney is unbelievable. And it’s a great place to shoot.
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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BESSANT BROTHERS: Q&A
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SURF PHOTOGRAPHY HAS DEFINITELY CHANGED
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The brothers are both keen on getting up close to the action and are obviously pretty water-fit, and not scared of being worked over by a nasty wave or a fin or two.
be unpredictable and that’s when things get a little dangerous.
Brad: I guess it’s the mongrel within that draws us both closer to the action...
Brad: Swimming around D-bah with Craig with the local crew popping airs over our heads, the sun shining, crystal clear water and not a care in the world. I drowned a Nikonos as well as a Nikon though, so that was pretty disappointing.
Craig: To date I haven’t had an injury. Many a close call, but no blood yet. I’m sure if I keep photographing Snapper, that day will draw closer, but I do feel rather safe in the water. Most local surfers know my head and are able to navigate over and around me with no real problems. It’s the less experienced surfers, maybe out in surf they shouldn’t be, are the worry - they can sometimes 46
What’s been the most memorable photography session?
Craig: I think my most memorable session was one solid day last year - it was a barrel-fest and I was lucky enough to score the cover shot for your mag (Smorgasboarder 25, Spring 2014). That barrel shot is one of my four favourites since I picked up a camera.
PHOTO BY: CRAIG BESSANT
Brad: Snapper at the Quickie Pro was awesome, swimming around with ya bro and the pros going off around ya.
How do you boys feel the internet and more affordable, high-quality gear has changed surf photography?
Craig: It was a free surf session. We had Kelly, John John, Carissa Moore, Sally Fitzgibonns, Parko, Mick Fanning, Leonardo Flavioro too many to name – all just doing surfing acrobatics around our heads. It’s a day I’ll never forget. You know, as surf photogs, we do get spoilt by having the likes of Mick, Parko and Steph around all the time, but nothing can erase the feeling of having every known pro surfer in the water at once - it was a day to cherish.
Craig: The internet has made surf photography more accessible for the public, which is a good thing, but I feel it has made it harder for a surf photographer - or any photographer to etch out a living, as the internet is awash with images.
Brad: Sumatra earlier last year was a highlight too… I got the bigger set.
Brad: It’s changed it absolutely. Imagine buying the equivalent rolls of film to shoot 500-1,000 shots in one session. You’d be broke by lunchtime. The groms getting into surf photography with the digital age will really push the boundaries. Being able to see a shot moments after swimming in will allow them to assess their settings and adjust
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PHOTO BY: BRAD BESSANT
accordingly, for that perfect shot. Facebook gets your shots out there for all to see but it’s only flooding the market with images – scrollscroll-double-tap-scroll. Stop and really look at the images folks! Photogs bust their arse financially and physically for these shots. Craig: As the gear gets cheaper, there seems to be more and more photogs in the water, compounding the problem of too many images, but this is the era we live in. It’s a digital world now and you’re able to take pictures with almost every device that comes out.
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Brad: I don’t want to see the end of the printed magazine though - the smell of the paper, the touching, turning of the page, sticking a poster to the smoko shed or a grom’s bedroom wall.
PHOTO BY: CRAIG BESSANT WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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SMORGASBOARDER | WINTER 2015
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ft.
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Craig and his Grandson, Leo…
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“This little fella loves my housing. Every time I bring it home after a shoot he wants to blow the water out of it and do the maintenance. Teach ‘em to be confident in the water and the sky’s the limit potential future photog or big wave rider “
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And speaking of groms, are there any other Bessant photographers we should know about coming up the ranks? Craig: Yes, there’s a grandson. I’m slowly teaching him about the camera. He loves the housing already, so maybe in a few years we’ll have an apprentice. Brad: I’ve handed down a few old cameras to my daughters but they haven’t shown much interest as yet, although they are interested in ‘selfies’. Any advice for newbies keen to give surf snapping a go? Craig: Remember to do it for the love of it, ‘cause it’s hard to make a living out of it. And remember, a good photographer can get the best out of any camera – it’s not all about having the best. Make the best out of the gear you got. Brad: Get anything that records an image and snap away. Keep in mind, you may not get rich in the process, but you sure will see some of nature’s amazingly awesome sh*t! Available in Australia from
MUCH MORE TO SEE... Make sure you get online to see more of Craig and Brad’s photography on their respective Facebook pages. Craig publishes shots on his Foam Balls page - www.facebook.com/FOAMBALLS - and Brad’s shots are up under Brad Bessant Photography. The boys are also up for doing shoots, so drop them a line if you need some great water shots taken! Layout/Design of this story by Dylan Reid. Behance.net/DylandReid
info@surfinggreen.com.au 0412 042 811
surfinggreen.com.au WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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WORDS: STEVE KICK PHOTOS COURTESY OF WORLD SURFARIS
There’s a place not far north of here where surfers get to feel like explorers of old, enjoying rugged untouched country and scoring amazing waves in locations that make you feel like you’re the first one there. Yes, we seem to have a serious soft spot for PNG and all it has to offer, and we love hearing about other’s experiences there too. Smorgasboarder reader Steve Kick tells us all about his recent trip to Tupira Surf Club.
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LATEST: TRAVEL I’d never been to PNG before. Indeed, I’d never been out of Australia before, so, I was ready for an adventure. With waves… And mates… PNG did not disappoint! There was the mild anxiety when our connecting flight from Pt Moresby to Madang was cancelled an hour before we were due to board, but then grateful acceptance as I entered an air-conditioned room in the lovely hotel kind hosts Air Nuigini provided for the night – not to mention the excellent, all-you-could-eat dinner… The night was followed by some early morning tension, getting 12 of us to a 5am flight, and a bumnumbing drama of two hours on country PNG roads (once we left the city roads of Madang, the spaces
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between the lumps of bitumen seemed to increase the further we went). But when we finally arrived at our destination, all of that was immediately washed away by the sheer delight of excellent PNG waves and the genuine hospitality of the locals - and in reality, the cancelled and re-scheduled flight had cost us maybe three hours of surf time, tops. There were twelve of us on this trip. The common thread was that most of us either had lived in, or still did live in, or were mates with someone who lived in Warana, that great little Sunshine Coast beach-side suburb that is so nicely tucked away from mainstream tourist action. You know how surf trips evolve…
We were quite a diverse group including a father/son combination (in a great twist, Dad rode a shortboard and his son rode a longboard - very stylishly too). Between us, I think we brought almost the full array of current surfcraft with maybe the exception of a SUP. We had ultrashort quads, standard thrusters, fat-bats, longboards, mini mals, alaias, a surf-ski and even swim fins and a handboard. A couple of keen fishermen also bought fishing gear, but with the waves on offer, there was little time for them to fully explore all the fishing possibilities. Having said that, the boys did catch a Spanish mackerel that was big enough to feed the twelve of us twice!
We were based at Tupira Surf Club - an eco-friendly series of buildings, set right on one of the main beaches at Ulingan Bay. The peeling righthander can be viewed from the balconies of the bedrooms, the bar, the recreational area, the kitchen and the dining room table, as well as from several long bench seats set right along the rock retaining wall on the foreshore. It’s up close and personal at all times, as we were about to discover… We were met there by the resident surf guide, Nicki Wynichuck - an absolute fountain of knowledge about many things PNG, especially the waves in the area. Nicki was born in Canada (with Latvian grandparentage), grew up in New
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CLOCKWISE: Steve at dinner, ..and in the water; Kids on the beach; Tupira Surf Club; The Boyz.
Zealand and has spent the last four seasons as the surf guide at Tupira. He balances his time as a surf guide with his gig as an artist specialising in sculpture. Nicki has exhibited his artwork widely in Europe. But what really helps over here is Nicki's understanding of how things operate (or not, as the case may be) in PNG. His knowledge is extensive. He’s enjoyed hands-on involvement in many of the major Surfing Association of PNG (SAPNG)
initiatives in the area – everything from installing water tanks to building to distributing surfboards to the locals. As such, due to the time he has spent in the region, Nicki has a deep understanding of the local culture, politics and relationships, so we couldn't have asked for a better surf guide.
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The founders of Tupira, Justice Nicholas Kirrowom and Andy Abel (SAPNG President), have been active and instrumental in a number of major initiatives to benefit local communities. Indeed, SAPNG has been the driving force in implementing sustainable surf tourism in PNG, levying fees on surfers enjoying the PNG waves and ensuring that the funds they collect get to the villagers. More importantly, they ensure that the villagers know that those funds come from the surfers who visit. In establishing the various surf clubs that have come into existence in PNG over the last few years (Tupira included), SAPNG has been rolling out a surf management plan that involves extensive consultation with the traditional custodians.
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LATEST: TRAVEL The upshot of all this is that everywhere you go to surf, you receive a very warm welcome. Kids will gather on the beach and wait patiently until you come in to present you with a mango. And they love the spectacle.
They also teach the locals to surf, with a special emphasis on involving women (for more on SAPNG and Andy Abel’s work, see “Operation Drop-In” in Smorgasboarder #27).
At one place we surfed, most of the village had gathered on the point of the exceptionally long left-hander that was doing its thing. You may be surprised to hear that the break is called “The Long Left”. The local youngsters were carving up the break on their hand carved pieces of banana palm. Curved pieces less than half a metre long were used as handboards (no flippers) to bodysurf the break. Pieces nearing a metre in length were
actually used as surfboards – no fins, no rails, no worries. The balance of some of the kids was just amazing. But when one of us entered the water with the wave-ski, the spectacle reached new heights. When the ski caught a wave and ripped the thing to pieces (the rider is an ex-World Champ, after all), the crowd erupted in laughter and loud applause - white teeth stained with betel nut juice grinning excitedly under big brown eyes. Yup, PNG was good. Like nothing I’d ever experienced or expected. And yup, I’d go back. Tomorrow, if I could.
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To book your own PNG surf adventure, get in touch with the friendly folks at World Surfaris – well-travelled experts in surf trips and surf adventure holidays to some of the most beautiful, remote and best surf breaks in the world. See the website: www.worldsurfaris.com Layout/Design of this story by Col McElwaine. colmcelwaine.com
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all hands on deck! As clichéd as it sounds, building a hollow wooden surfboard with Tree to Sea was much more than a mere board-building workshop, it was an experience to be forever etched in the memory bank... WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN Having built a couple of surfboards before, a mini-Simmons style foamie and wooden alaia, quite possibly two of the best surfcraft the world has ever seen, I knew what to expect. I was also confident the skills bestowed upon me by the Shaping Gods would also come to the fore. What I wasn’t prepared for was what it would be like to share this experience with others. Jokes aside, it was something else. Now if I am completely honest with myself, I am about as handy on the tools as a violinist at a death metal concert. I was always keen on building a hollow wooden surfboard but having read in the past they take upwards of 50-60+ hours to build, I came to the conclusion they were unfortunately beyond my level of un-coordination. I was reassured however by Rob from Tree to Sea that they have taught people of all ages and skill levels how to build their environmentally friendly hollow wooden surfboards.
“We enjoy teaching people how to make their own surfboards. We're just as proud to see the end result as the students themselves" ROB, Tree to sea LEFT: Luke, Rob, Jess, Gary and Phil get stuck into it WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Troy West
Rob Boagey
Phil Gardner
"I'm a primary school phys ed teacher. I first heard of a build-your-own wooden surfboard course quite a few years ago and it has always been on the 'One Day Someday' list. Seeing the ads for Tree to Sea in Smorgasboarder prompted me to (strongly) hint to my wife that I'd love to do the course. Fortunately she took the hint and booked me in as a birthday present last year."
"I’m a Remuneration Analyst for a consulting engineering firm. With regards to the Tree To Sea workshop, it was given to me as a gift, as I had been bugging the wife for a new board for a while. As it combines two interests of mine - wood and surfing, she thought it would be ideal for me!"
"I work at Grays Online as an OH&S Advisor. "My girlfriend actually booked the course for my birthday. I didn’t actually know about it until a few weeks beforehand. I had always told her that I wanted to make my own board someday, and that I would love to have an old school longboard although I have never surfed one."
Jess Panettieri "I’m a year 12 VCE student at Greensborough College. While studying Visual Communication this year, it is a requirement that I must complete a folio on a project I am undertaking. I have always been a very creative minded person and having a passion for surfing, I thought what could be better than to combine the two?! "Having found Tree to Sea online, I was amazed to see the workshop’s use of Paulownia timber to build their boards. From then on I knew it was something I wanted to incorporate into my design."
Sean Cooney
"I have a small Architectural practice in Fitzroy North, WHACC Architecture. "I made note of an article for the Tree to Sea workshop when thumbing through a magazine. Muffled grumbling through toast and coffee was skillfully picked up on my partner Anita's radar as a gift idea. My immediate family all chipped-in for a gift voucher for my birthday. Brings tears to your eyes to realise they actually might care... Frankly it’s hard to think of a more thoughtful gift. "The attraction of the workshop was the holistic nature of the process and product. A three-day workshop sounded like fun, and that it guaranteed the completion of a rideable board, made by my own hand appealed as a great ‘life’ project."
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Luke's dog umiko, which means 'child of the sea'
FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE...
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this course was the way it brought people from quite diverse backgrounds together in pursuit of their love for surfing.
MIKE Kennett
"I'm a construction manager for a volume builder in Melbourne. Being a surfer for the past 30 years, and loving shaping boards and woodwork, my wife surprised me with the course for my 40th birthday.”
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THE TREE TO SEA TEAM... DAVE SWAN
"I am one of the publishers of this brilliant surf mag called Smorgasboarder, hopefully you have heard of it, you are reading my story. I was always keen to undertake a course with the boys from Tree to Sea it was just a matter of finding the time. I am glad I did. It was an incredibly rewarding 3 days."
In all sincerity, these guys are the main reason the wooden surfboard workshop was so enjoyable. By their own admission I am sure they won’t claim to be legendary surfboard shapers. Rob, Gary and Darren are simply passionate surfers who are good with their hands and have made many wooden surfboards – counting surfboards they have built for themselves and those they have assisted with through their workshops, the number would be well in excess of 400. As a result they have perfected a construction method that is easy to follow and allows a lot of fun to be had along the way. Best of all, participants end up with an incredibly eco-friendly awesome wooden surfboard they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
Rob IVERS
Rob’s a firey who has worked for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria for 22 years and is now a Station Officer. As a result, he knows how to take charge and provide clear, concise direction to ensure everyone is progressing along with their project on time.
Luke Wuiske
"My professional title is Penguin Trainer. As you probably know, penguins are emotional little creatures and don't always thrive due to a lack of confidence. This is where I come in to play and build their confidence via the teachings of a number of core foundation beliefs. (In truth I am actually a subcontractor for Regency in Pambula Beach.)" "It was an advert a few years ago in Smorgasboarder that first sparked my interest in shaping a wooden surfboard. The whole concept of a hollow ribbed all-timber board is fantastic, minimal environmental impact, and the feel that you get when working with only non-powered hand tools is amazing and cannot be felt shaping foam."
“With some people having no experience with tools or construction, the outcome of joy they get is amazing"
Darren Minchin
Darren is a chippie by trade with close to 30 years on the tools. He got started making wooden boards four years ago with his son for a school project and has been hooked ever since. I'm sure he is TV personality Scotty Cam’s long lost brother - he had me rolling with laughter throughout the course. I am quite confident he was equally blown away by my natural carpentry skills, even if I occasionally held tools the wrong way around.
GARY MILLER
Gary’s runs his own graphic design business. He adds a calming influence and helps put you at ease when you think you have just accidentally lopped off an important part of your board. Incredibly personable he gently steers you in the right direction. Each bloke brought an interesting dynamic to the workshops ensuring attendees were engaged, educated and thoroughly entertained along the way. No doubt my words convey how much fun we had.
Daz, Tree to sea WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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1. 3.
4.
2.
STEP BY STEP BUILDING A wooden board is a long, but ultimately rewarding process... not something you would - or would want to knock over in a day!
DAY 1... 64
1. LETS GO
3. RIBS & SpARS
After an initial meet and greet with my fellow workshop attendees it was time to get down to building a wooden surfboard. Day 1 kicked off with Rob giving us a rundown on the tools and an insight into what was possible.
Next was assembling and gluing our pre-cut ribs and spars to form the spine of our desired surfboard planshape.
2. THE BLANK
There are fifteen different surfboards you can choose to build, from a 5’11” fish through to a SUP. We grabbed our respective templates for the surfboard models we had chosen.
First step was to glue-up our Paulownia sheet that would form the bottom of our board. Paulownia strips were glued along the edges and clamped together to ensure a watertight seal.
4. TEMPLATE
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GEAR: BUILDING 6.
7.
5.
8. 5. oUTLINE
6. LIGHT SAND
8. THE RAILS
It was now time to trace our planshape using the templates onto our blank and cut it out. This unfortunately required the use of a jigsaw. Power tools and me don’t have a happy history. My crooked line an inch outside of my planshape was thankfully okay. Fortunately, this was the only time I would use a power tool for the remainder of the course.
We get rid of any residue glue that had seeped between the Paulownia strips so that the ribs and spars spine could be glued plum to the bottom of the board.
Strip by strip you build up your rails, depending on the thickness of your chosen shape.
7. THE GUTS
Before we leave, we glue together our Paulownia blank for the deck of our board, all ready for anther big day tomorrow.
You set your rocker table of sorts, lay the shaped blank on it before gluing the spine to what is effectively the bottom of your board. Your rocker is now set.
Day’s End
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GEAR: BUILDING
12.
10.
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11.
10. Nose & Tail Blocks
11. Fin Block
Trickier than it sounds, there was a bit of work involved in getting your two nose and two tail pieces to align perfectly with your rail line and form a watertight seal at the apex. It was during this process I hatched the plan to flatten my nose so that my board could be used as a battering ram of sorts to tackle breaks like Snapper on the Gold Coast. My dreamy vision was a big solid Drop-in Destroyer.
After building up the area where the fin block would be inserted it was over to Rob to cut the hole for it. Hey, I wasn’t going to bugger my board by cutting a big bloody hole straight through it now!
12. Prepare Deck A quick clean up and sand of any excess glue on the inside of the board before she was lathered in glue, ready for the deck to go on.
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13.
13. Deck On All hands on deck as it is literally positioned and then glued and clamped onto the rest of your board.
14. Vent & Leash Plug Drill a hole for your vent and another for your leash plug. Use some epoxy resin to insert your leash plug. (The vent goes in later).
14.
DAY 2 “Well bugger me, it looks as if I might be able to build a hollow wooden surfboard after all.� WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BUILDING
15.
16.
“Day 3 begins with a surform and sanding, followed by more sanding and then some sanding.” 68
15. Rails The day starts with cleaning up your outline with a surform. You could think of it as a cheesegrater for surfboards.
16. Sanding, shaping, fine-tuning From here on it is a matter of working your way through the various sandpaper grits to shape your rails, bottom and deck. You are now “shaping” your surfboard. Being a soft wood, Paulownia is easy to work with but there’s still a fair bit of elbow grease required.
Understandably there is a lot of work that goes into “building” a hollow wooden surfboard. The construction is only a part of it though. All your hard work can be undone if you don’t pay careful attention to this crucial “shaping” stage. Thankfully Gary, Darren and Rob were keeping a watchful eye on everyone, which was good even if Darren was heard to say on occasion, “Dave, what are you doing?” He just didn’t have the same appreciation for the art of sandpaper scratches that I do.
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Get back to the roots... with paulownia
Native Hawaiian surfer with alaia board, circa 1911
Our buoyant, lightweight timber floats all around the world. • Tom Wegener preferred alaia blanks • Alaia & Kite Boards • Long Boards • Hollow Boards • Chambered Boards
SURFBOARD SUPPLIES
Buy the Best Paulownia Timber Australia has to offer. Contact David Evans P: 03 9588 2533 E: info.sales@paulowniasurfboardsupplies.com W: www.paulowniasurfboardsupplies.com
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Dave's Flathead artwork
Luke's single fin: a 6'9" Driftwood with flyers.
Wellah! That was it. The course was over. What an experience made all the better by the fact we each had new surfboards at the end of it... That each of us had shaped entirely by hand ourselves. It didn’t matter that mine was the best. All the other guys and Jess had a decent crack at it. In all seriousness though, aside from my board being so much spectacularly better than anyone else’s and quite revolutionary in its design, everyone had a ball and part of the fun was the friendly rivalry and banter going on throughout the workshop. My personal favourites were, “Oh Luke, what happened?” knowing full well he was progressing along with his build without a hitch or snapping of a piece of wood behind Phil as he carefully clamped down his deck. As the third day came to a close we discussed the final step in completing our surfboard - the artwork and varnish finish coat. Yes you heard right. These boards are watertight and don’t need to be glassed. This aspect of the project however was to be completed in our own time at home. We then selected our fin, grabbed an awesome Tree to Sea free t-shirt each, and went our separate ways forevermore, “bonded through the brotherhood of sawdust,” as Sean so eloquently put it. 70
Here’s what my newfound friends thought about the course and their new pride and joy. "The whole experience for me was brilliant. Working hard through the days to complete each stage with expert advice and instruction from Rob, Gary and Darren, whose enthusiasm and passion for their work really shone through, was unreal. We had such a great crew of people from all walks of life sharing a joke and talking surf stories as we helped each other out with our boards. "I'm loving the big classic retro having surfed it a few times at Ocean Grove. It's a bit tough paddling the big thing through the whitewash but once out the back it picks up waves so easily. "
Troy West "The course itself was quality not only expert tuition by three top blokes but the guidance and step-by-step assistance was invaluable. The other shapers were all fantastic people with non-stop smiles and laughs. I think when you have a boiling pot of like-minded people coming together to create something similar only fun times are to be had."
"I found the Tree to Sea workshop such a unique and great experience. Not only was building my surfboard an amazing experience within itself but having the opportunity to meet such wonderful people was incredible too. The teamwork between everyone and the helpfulness was great especially since I haven’t had much experience with woodwork. It was sad to leave after the 3 days but the feeling of coming home with a completed handmade surfboard was an extremely rewarding experience."
Jess Panettieri "The experience was great. I'm pretty useless at woodworking (well, anything hands on really) so it was good to get step-by-step guidance on how to build a board from scratch. The guys were super helpful as well, given I had been majorly sleep deprived courtesy of a 3-month old infant who didn't want to sleep the night before each day of the workshop!"
Rob Boagey
Luke Wuiske
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Phil's, near finished.
A final word from Rob of Tree to Sea... "We're not dollar driven. It's not about making money. All our decisions are made for the benefit of the end result - a great, fully functional surfboard made by the average guy or girl in the street, and built from a renewable source. Troy's Classic Retro
"I found the course and experience absolutely amazing. The fact we got to make our own board was great, especially out of wood, particularly since I was after an old school style longboard. The people I met on the coarse were fantastic. It was just great hanging out with fellow surfers for a few days building boards and talking about what we loved "surfing".
"I attempted the Tree to Sea 6’9” Driftwood model. To which I re-shaped the tail into a pintail with flyers. I reshaped the nose to a pointed ‘beak’ but this was probably more remedial than deliberate. Both modifications were made to give a 70’s ‘feel’ to the styling of the board and the sealer coats will attempt more of the same (when/if completed). The board is yet to leave the kitchen.
"Gary, Rob and Darren were so relaxed and very helpful. They made sure everyone had fun and most importantly went home with a great board. I would seriously recommend this to anyone whether you love surfing or just like working with wood and could probably find myself doing it again sometime.
"I thought the workshop was well run and well considered. By deliberately limiting the board choices and expediting aspects of the work they are ensuring a good product. There would be those who would see this as a negative/limiting aspect of the workshop but I think Tree to Sea have honed a suitably balanced niche. I imagine that 2nd timers (which I believe they get a few of) might explore more diverse options given their experience level.
Phil Gardner "Loved it. It was great to get away from the hectic day to day and share a love of mine with like minded people, great fun, great people and I loved the experience."
"Everyone involved was upbeat, helpful and genuinely interested in sending you out with a good product under your arm. The result being a fun 3 days spent with like-minded people making something (a surfboard from timber) that you never thought you would or, possibly, could."
Michael Kennett
Sean Cooney
"Probably the most rewarding venture is still to come. We're about to embark on a project with a local secondary school and the Men's and Women's Shed Organisations. We'll be building wooden Paipos, with the older folk passing on their skills, knowledge and experience to the kids and us, I hope. The idea is to bring together intergenerational groups to share knowledge and prevent depression within both groups." And that definitely sounds like a worthy project to us!
Go build one yourself! For more information and to book yourself on a Tree to Sea course to build your own fantastic timber creation, see the website:
treetosea.com.au WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR
Jake McIntosh smashing a Yorke Peninsula beachie on a Clark ‘Throwdown Skimdustries’ skimboard. Photo by Robin Green
S U R F B O A R DS
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NEW 5/8” THICKNESS
THROWDOWN by Robin Green
Pictured is the new 0 small template in 3 /8” thickness. All Throwdown Skimdustries boards are custom made using a high density corecell foam core and multiple layers of varying weight e-glass - more exotic fabrics if desired. The rocker is standard, which is best for Australian skimboarding conditions. Glassed using coloured pigments and high quality resins.
The Ding King is a collaborative of South Australian surfboard shapers, glassers, artists and sanders. As well as pumping out ding repairs, we also produce brand new surfcraft and run shaping workshops.
7’2”
THE GUN by Leighton Clark
6 x 4 x 6oz glass. 5 Don’t worry about the dims just throw yourself over the ledge!! Future 5 fin set up.
Units 7 & 8, 9 Chapman Road, Hackham SA 5163
E: leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au
M: 0422 443 789
facebook.com/thedingkingAUS WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
CUSTOM FOR YOU
TWIN FIN 7’6” x 21” x 2 /8” 5
7’7” x 19” x 2 /8” 5
CUSTOM
THE GUN
“This one’s a full custom 5 shape for someone who was after a board smaller and more user-friendly than their 8’6, without losing paddle power or glide. Can be ridden as a quad, single fin or 2-plus-1 for a variety of different sensations. A very versatile board, with handfoiled fins to suit.”
“We worked closely with 5 the rider to determine outline, foil, rail shape, rocker and fin placement to ensure it’s the perfect gun for the waves it’s intended for. Full custom. With boards for waves of consequence it’s essential that close surfer/ shaper discussion takes place to ensure we craft the perfect board for the wave of your life, something I’m more than willing to take the time to discuss with you.
by Robbie Marshall
by Robbie Marshall
SOUL ARCH SURFBOARDS Ph: 0404 348 131 E: dobba_21@hotmail.com Soularch Surfboards robbie_marshall21
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CUSTOM FROM 7’- 8’5”
by the Knight Family
MID LENGTH SINGLE 8’2”
2 “Designed from a twin fin Jack made in the very late ‘70s, this board features a balanced and uncomplicated plan shape, with a flat to vee bottom and a flute/step in the tail to take out thickness to create a livelier feel. Fast and Fun.”
by the Knight Family
1 “This shape is our longer styled single fin (side fins optional) these range in length from anywhere in the 7 foot range to about 8’5”. The board features a nice, balanced planshape with the wide-point in the centre of the board. Bottom shape runs from flat in the front down to a slight rolled vee in the back. The rail is uprailed at 70/30 in the nose to 50/50 through the middle section and out to a downrail in the tail.” HARVEST SURFBOARDS Christine Avenue, Miami, QLD P: 07 5576 5914 E: aaron@harvestsurfboards.com www.harvestsurfboards.com
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SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS 6’7” x 19 ½” x 2 5/8”
5’10” x 21” x 2 5/8”
SMARTBOARD V2FLEX Custom handshape by Mitchell Rae
3 or 4
“Custom handshaped to suit needs, body weight and fitness. Glass, light and strong. “Forward control point with very fine tail rails to suit the girls lighter on the back foot. “A sweet, ultra fast all rounder, smooth as silk. Feel sensitive handling, tight arcs and the acceleration of the V2 Flex.
RIFLE FISH by Jason Oliver
“For those bigger 3 days... Single to double concave vee out the tail. Fast and dependable with plenty of drive. A little extra width up front for easy paddling and surfing. “Hollow construction, made from recycled pallets and some paulownia for the rails. This one has crushed purple mussel shell stripes on the deck, glassed in 3oz cloth in epoxy.”
“Designed as a quad, can be ridden as a thruster.”
OUTER ISLAND SURFBOARDS 7 Bayldon Drive, Raleigh, NSW Ph: 02 6655 7007 info@outerislandsurfboards.com outerislandsurfboards.com outerisland.blogspot.com
JASON OLIVER HOLLOW WOODEN SURFBOARDS Ph: 0416 475 362 Email: jasoliver@live.com
jasonoliverwoodensurfboards.com.au Boards available at: UNDERGROUND SURF, Noosa Heads
6’2” x 20” x 2 5/8”
5’10” x 18 ¾” x 2 3/8”
THE SLIPPER
TUG DELUXE
“Referencing past 1 experiences and using what I’ve learnt along the way, the Slipper will open your heart and put a smile on your dial.
“A high performance board 3 for day to day surfing. Ideally suited to better quality waves, but quite capable of holding its own in the junk as well. It’s the perfect option for those high-speed critical manoeuvres, with a bit of forgiveness built in to get you through when you’re not on your game.
by Chris Garrett
by Chris Garrett
“Forward foils and spiral rails, combined with a rolled to vee slight double concave bottom, gives you the freedom you’re looking for in a classic styled board with a modern tweak. “Plenty of volume that glides easily onto a wave and gives you all the speed, trim and hold to push you down the line, or style in the pocket.”
“Lower rocker in the nose and a bit of kick in the tail keeps the triple concave to a vee alive and responsive. “....Strap it on and hang on.”
PHANTOM SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0424 450 690 E: phantomsurfboards@gmail.com www.chrisgarrettshapes.com.au Boards available at: SUNHOUSE, Coolangatta, THE BOARDROOM, Miami, BRUNSWICK SURF, Brunswick Heads WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo by Grace Gaylard Surfer Harley Tribe gives Oke surfboards a workout along the West Coast of Victoria. Photo by Montfort
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SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS 6’2” x 21 ¼” x 2 5/8”
6’6” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾”
6’11” x 21 ¾” x 2 ¾”
5’9” x 19 ¼” x 2 3/8”
MURAL SINGLE
THE ELLIPSE
FUNBOARD
A pulled in nose 3 and tail with the increased tail lift makes this model ultra responsive but still a wave magnet with the forward outline.
Easy to use for 3 beginners. Still great fun in small stuff for better surfers.
ELEVATOR SWALLOW
by Rory Oke
A curvy, wider 1 single fin that is user friendly in a variety of conditions. CONSTRUCTION
Handshaped Ocean Foam PU blank, 6oz cloth polished finish, and a glassed-on 8” single fin. SHAPER’S COMMENT
Murals are available on all our custom orders.
by Rory Oke
CONSTRUCTION
Handshaped Ocean Foam PU blank, 6 oz cloth polished finish with a 3 x Speeedfins Fibreglass s120 setup. SHAPER’S COMMENT
Still by far the most popular of our midlength models. Available up to 8’0”.
by Rory Oke
CONSTRUCTION
by Rory Oke
Performance shortboard for small to medium waves.
Handshaped Ocean Foam PU blank, 6 oz cloth, polished finish. 3 x Speeedfins Fibreglass s120 setup.
CONSTRUCTION
SHAPER’S COMMENT
SHAPER’S COMMENT
This one was custom made with a ½” chunky cedar stringer.
3
Ocean Foam PU blank, 4oz cloth, wetrub finish and 3 x Futures fin setup. Slightly wider tail area than the standard Elevator.
OKE SURFBOARDS 1/1-7 Canterbury Rd, Braeside, VIC, 3195 Ph: 03 9587 3553 www.okesurfboards.com WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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6’0” X 20” X 2 ¾”
6’0” x 20” x 2 ¾”
5’7” x 18.88” x 2.32” = 25.9L
4’11” x 20” x 2.44” = 30L
GO LEFT
THE MICRO
DMS VALIUM
3 I shaped this for Pam (Pam Burridge, Mark’s wife). She’s a goofy hence the, “Go Left.” It delivers maximum drive down the line and the shortest arc back. It’s two different boards in one. One side is a Gun, the other side is modelled off my Bean Cutdown. Rails are different, fins are different and the bottom profile spirals and twists. It is rolled on the Bean side transitioning to a vee and spirals across to the Gun side into a concave. Crazy sh*t complete with tattoos. I love asymmetricals so talk to me if you have an open mind.
The micro has evolved 3 from the popularity of many hybrid or funboards. As and alternative to a fish the Micro has greater sensitivity in the pocket. While your general fish will surf a tad like a coffee table in the steepest section (but do killer figure 8 cutties all day) the Micro can give you the added paddleabilty of a bigger board. The flatter rocker aids wave catching and all around speed but will adjust a tighter arc in the pocket. Tri fin, four fin or single fin centre and small side fins.
DMS CARNY CARBON WRAP
by Mark Rabbidge
by Mark Rabbidge
RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN Bendalong, NSW Ph: 02 4456 4038 M: 0427 767 176 www.markrabbidge.com 78
by Daniel MacDonald
5 “Utilizing the pulled in tail and concave of our Actor model and combining the mid to low rocker of our Crumpet, the outline allows the board to flow through flat sections without compensating any drive. The hidden distribution of foam under the chest is counteracted by the use of low diamond shaped rails, suitable for high performance on rail surfing.”
by Daniel MacDonald
2 “Designed off the ‘70s mini-simmons for fun surfing, with planing speed for smaller conditions. This board has great drive and is ideal for peeling point breaks. “The Valium will give you new reasons to go surfing and offers all round fun in a range of conditions.”
DAN MACDONALD SHAPES www.dmshapes.com www.facebook.com/dms.surf Shop: 3/56 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin, QLD 4223
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SOFTBOARD TESTS 2015
Yes, you can get barrelled on a softie...
5’11” x 14 ¾” x 19 ¾” x 13 ½” x 2 ½”
5’7” x 15 ¾” x 20” x 15 ½” x 2 ½”
HOLY GRAIL
FREE GLIDE
“If you could only 5 have a one board quiver, or just searching for the perfect all round board, the DJB Holy Grail is for you.
“New in 2015 the 5 Free Glide is a 5 fin set up. The same outline as the Pocket Rocket but narrowed an inch all round to make it more performance based, this board is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers to catch plenty of waves.
by Daniel Bekis
“Wide through the chest makes it paddle well and the rounded pin tail allows drive and speed through turns. Can be shaped with a squash tail which will allows the board to be surfed in smaller conditions. “It’s a 5-fin set up, to be ridden as a quad or thruster with option for a fin box for a single fin.
The BIGGEST softboard test in our history! Out in our Spring edition, late September 2015
by Daniel Bekis
“The Free Glide is an easy paddler and it has a flat rocker to maintain all over speed. It’s a great top-to-bottom board with single to double concave to give lift and release. Great in 1-4 foot waves.”
“Best surfed in waves shoulder height to overhead and ideal as a step up board for waves over head height. The Holy Grail is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.”
Advertising Opportunities close June 30 Family-friendly coverage of the best softboards for Summer
Ridden and reviewed by all ages - from adults to the youngest of groms
For more information, contact Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au | 0401 345 201
DJB SURFBOARDS 1/1 Mitchell Rd Brookvale NSW Ph: 0417 674 257 www.djbsurfboards.com.au WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
Cra ig
Craig’s giant board
What the fin?
9’ to 9’6”x 23”
LARGE” X BIG” X CHUNKY”
OVERSIZED
PIECE OF SH*T by Glenn ‘Cat’ Collins
Shaped for Craig ? Baird, curator of Surf World Museum Torquay.
LOGGER
9’2”- 9’6” x 23 x 2 7/8”
A1 PERFORMER
Shaped by Al Colk
Shaped by Al Colk
“Finely tuned with 1 beautiful bottom contour great classic turning, trimming and nose riding.”
“Concave to bevel 1 contour bottom. Flat tail with chine rail combo or single double concave with hard 1/3 edged rail to rounded square or round pin tail.”
www.surf1770noosa.com E: surf1770@bigpond.com
TUBE TIME SURFBOARDS Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
P: 0408 425 368 www.tubetime.com.au Available from Australian Waterman, Burleigh Heads 80
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FROM
LONGBOARDS... SHAYNE BAXTER
ng Amazi rk! artwo
...TO
SHORTBOARDS
LYNDON HUTTON
AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN
HAND SHAPED
‘6’’ x 21 ¾’’ x 17’’ x 16’’ x 2 ¾’
QUAD FIN FISH
AND RIDDEN BY GRAHAM CARSE, SINCE 1989
by Jordie Brown
4
This is an extremely versatile design. It goes amazing in under shoulderhigh waves and surprisingly when it gets a bit bigger! It can be customised to suit most surfers. 1’’ Paulownia stringer, light 6oz/4oz trimmed lap glass-job, custom art by Jordie Brown and an FCS quad fin setup. This stick is the most surfed board in my quiver!
9’4 x 22 ¼’’ x 17’’ x 16’’ x 3’’
RESTORED RON
DEE FIN by Jordie Brown
1
Ideal for logging waves or just hanging on the wall, this board suits lovers of old surf craft and art. Restored old mal with full pigment coat with custom art by Tiphaine Fluerette Brown and a timber dee fin
HIGH TIDE SURFBOARDS Skenes Creek, VIC 3233 Ph: 0401 437 392 E: hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com www.hightidesurfboards.com
GRAHAM CARSE
Short flat and fast!
This was a great way to recycle an old surfboard that would of properly ended up in the tip.
QUARRY
BEACH SURFBOARDS DUNEDIN, NZ
75 David Street, Caversham, Dunedin PH: +64 3 455 7414 quarrybeachsurfboards@hotmail.com
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
5’11” x 18 ½” x 2 ¼”
7’10” x 22” x 3”
HP SHORTBOARD
‘70s SINGLE FIN
Shaped by Bean
by Peter Sheely
“Everyone should have one in their quiver.
A high-performance shortboard for those that rip...
1
“6 or 4oz glass, tints, sprays and a set on fin or fin box. “Good all round board.”
10’ x 23 ½” x 3 ¼”
A SHEELY CLASSIC LONGBOARD by Peter Sheely
“Features of the ‘60s 1 with roll bottom and 50/50 rails, hippy tail and excellent nose riding qualities.
SHEELY SURFBOARDS
Ph: 02 4957 3161 M: 0417 264 739 E: peter@sheelysurfboards.com www.sheelysurfboards.com @sheelysurfboards 82
“Choose 1, 2 or 3 stringers, foam inserts, colours, tints, pigments or sprays. Volane 8 or 10oz, or 6oz normal glass, 10 ½” to 12” single set on fin or fin box.
3
Tested and refined in Australia’s Great Southern Ocean, surf it all over Planet Earth. 9’6” x 21½” x 3 1/8”
MID RANGE GUN Shaped by Bean
With winter coming 1 you may need one of these. Mid range gun for easy entry into serious waves, suits 10’-12’ +.
BALIN SURFBOARDS
1891 Point Nepean Road Tootgarook Vic 3941 PH: (03) 5985 5860 E: beansurf@bigpond.net.au www.balinsurfboards.com.au Balin-Surfboards
SMORGASBOARDER | WINTER 2015
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Q ueen sl a n d
NOOSA HEADS
Au s t r a l i a
There’s an art to it Almora: The place between the earth, the sea and the sky... A meeting of the highest quality surfboard design and manufacturing, with the highest levels of creativity and artwork, finished in painstaking detail.
The Sea of Joy. 8’6” Sea of Tranquility with Tropical Surf print
A high performance modern longboard with a double concave. Perfect for anyone from a beginner to an experienced longboarder. A shorter feeling, high performance longboard.
Studio Brisbane
Graham Borough: 0437 349 846 Sunshine Coast
John Tregear: 0408 118 069
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SURFBOARD
DINGS
BUSTED YOUR BOARD? GET IT FIXED HERE... BUDGEWOI
BUCKO’S torations SURFBOARD Repairs & Res REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS New Zealand Mon-Fri 10am - 5.30pm SOUTHPORT
RAGLAN, NZ
RAGLAN LONGBOARDS 7 days, 10am to 5pm except winter - catch us if you can +64 7 825 0544
KAIKOURA, NZ
SURGE SURFBOARDS Bust your board? Call us 24/7 027 428 7453
Queensland AGNES WATER/1770
REEF 2 BEACH Mon-Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm 07 4974 9072
PEREGIAN BEACH
PEREGIAN BEACH SURF SHOP
Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 4pm 07 5471 3489
KAWANA
NICHOLSON SURFBOARDS REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS
KOMA
Mon-Fri 9am -5pm, Sat 9am -12pm 0402 863 763
MIAMI
DINO’S DING REPAIRS Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 12pm 0409 727 735
THE DING SHOP Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm 0404 804 498
BURLEIGH HEADS
MT WOODGEE
1730 Gold Coast Highway (07) 5535 0288 Sun-Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat 8:30am - 5pm
CURRUMBIN
MT WOODGEE 2 Stewart Rd (07) 5598 2188 Sun-Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm
MAXIMUM SURFBOARDS 46 Currumbin Creek Rd Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 3pm Sun by appointment 0400 338 098
Mon - Fri 7-3pm, Sat 7-midday 0438 631 153 facebook.com/nicholsonsurf
New South Wales
MOFFAT BEACH
PLANK SHOP
THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm (07) 5492 5838
LABRADOR
GC SURFCRAFT REPAIRS Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm Weekends by Appointment 0401 016 088
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YAMBA 02 6645 8362
TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS
Weekends by appointment 0422 304 078
CRONULLA
RILEY BALSA SURFBOARDS
7 days, 9-5pm 03 5952 2578
South Australia MID COAST
THE DING KING Clark Surfboards Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm 0422 443 789
WOLLONGONG
LONSDALE
SKIPP SURFBOARDS
MID COAST SURF
Mon-Fri 9am - 5:30pm Thurs 9am - 7:30pm Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm 02 4228 8878
SHELLHARBOUR
BROWN DOGG
Call us for a quality repair 08 8384 5522
SOUTH COAST
MR DAMAGE SURFBOARDS Call Mark 0416 199 764 mark@mrdamagesurfboards. com.au
7 days a week - Just call 0416 455 985
JERVIS BAY
INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS Seven days, 9am - 5pm 02 4441 6756
Victoria BELLARINE PENINSULA
ROUSA SURFBOARDS Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, 0403 693 333
THORNBURY
ZAK SURFBOARDS Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm 03 9416 7384
TORQUAY
COFFS HARBOUR
Seven days, 9am - 5pm 03 5261 6077
NEWTON 4/6 Druitt Court Open most days, just call. 0402 864 062
ISLAND SURF SHOP, COWES
WOODEN BOARD REPAIRS Mon-Sat 9am-4pm 0412 376 464
Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 12pm 0432 330 826
SURF CRAFT REPAIRS JIM
PHILLIP ISLAND
STONKER
THE SURFERS SHED Seven days, 9am - 5pm 0437 246 848
DO YOU FIX BROKEN BOARDS?
Promote your surfboard repair business for $15 an edition. Call 0401 345 201
CLEAN UP YOUR SH*T Many surfers may not know that they have quite likely at some point or another surfed in water polluted with sewage... Recently I came across an article that I just had to read twice because I was so appalled. In California last year a surfer died after surfing his favourite break, and the news of this certainly didn’t seem to hit mainstream media like a shark attack would. Not wanting to be cynical here but could it be that his death was related to the unclean waters of California and the local government’s inability to keep sewage from the coastal waterways? In a nutshell, he surfed after a storm meaning sewage has entered the water at a more concentrated level which resulted in a staph infection that eventually killed him. Although death is extremely uncommon, infections and illness following a surf in polluted water is more common than you’d think. Investigating further I discovered there are recommendations in place that surfers do not enter the water for at least 3 days after heavy rainfall in a multitude of locations along the coast of Southern California, and that they stay at least 50 yards from any drain. If the urge to surf is too hard to resist, authorities recommend covering any open wounds and washing off in the shower immediately following your surf, ensuring hands are properly washed before consuming food or drink. Yuk. And as I dug into this issue further I read that the same policies apply for Sydney beaches following storms or heavy rainfall too. Beaches in New Zealand in populated areas suffer the same fate and some in remote areas are being polluted by effluent run off as well. And there is no simple solution either. The sewage needs to go somewhere and often the combination of the heavy rainfall and old sewer systems that can no longer cope with demand leads to water quality that is extremely poor. The fact that surfers are probably unaware of this issue unless they become unwell means that chances of exposure are reasonably high. There don’t seem to be any publicised campaigns urging people to stay out of the water after heavy rainfall – possibly because local governments don’t want to draw too much attention to the issue. Anyway, there you have it. Unless you’d like to be duckdiving through someone else’s waste following the next storm, my advice would be to resist the urge to surf for a few days, or travel to a less populated area to get your feet wet. Nicola O’Reilly is the better half of the nice folks from Surfing Green, a couple passionate about sustainable surfing products.
surfinggreen.com.au
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GEAR: ADVICE Where it should be in the water...
The bung screw holder Timber board by Jason Oliver ... jasonoliverwoodensurfboards.com.au. Note the care instructions, printed right on the board. Yes, I’m a dumbass.
ONE LITTLE SCREW
A TALE OF STUPIDITY & DESPERATION... WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
The Battered Mullet
As a HUGE fan of Jason Oliver’s recycled timber boards, I couldn’t have been more chuffed to find myself the proud owner of this beautiful fish, “The Battered Mullet”... What a brilliant birthday gift from my good mate, Dave! After admiring the amazing craftsmanship, the brilliant use of recycled pallet timber (the filled nail-holes are what always got me excited about Jason’s boards) and the hand-foiled fins, it didn’t take long to get it to the water. As light as a PU board, it floats beautifully, it paddles like a dream and goes like a rocket - well, as much as my dodgy skills will allow it to. When it comes to caring for a timber board, I know the theory. There’s a bung screw: You take it out when you’re not surfing so the changes in air-pressure inside the board don’t destroy it. When you go for a surf, you put the screw back in. However, when you’re running down to the beach with a head full of imagined barrels and coverphoto-worthy rooster tail sprays, little details like say, a bung screw, can slip your mind... And that it did.
Wave-wise, it was a fairly substantial day, so after a big paddle and more duck dives than I would have liked, I was out back. As I sat on my board to take a breather, I heard an odd, bubbling sound behind me. And I was sitting about chest-deep... I was on a sinking ship. The board was now a third or so full of water. As best I could, I was treading water and trying to hold it up to let it drain out - not the easiest thing. Fortunately, Jason’s detail in board building was a lifesaver: he fits a bung-screw holder onto the board. I managed to empty as much water as I could and got the screw in! While the board was still sloshing around inside and I was sitting pretty low in the water, I managed to belly-board it back in, where I emptied litre upon litre of saltwater onto the beach. Oh yes, there was some foul language and headshaking going on right then and there. Then the panic set in. Had I just destroyed my board?! I needed to dry out the inside quick, and the mighty Google gave me plenty of advice... No, of course I couldn’t call Jason - he’d want to beat me up, surely... I would.
So, first I tried “wicking” (inserting some cotton string to soak up the moisture inside and let it slowly drip out). This worked pretty well. Next, when the wicking seemed to have run its course, I used a funnel and a hairdryer to blow some air inside, and finally tried my own invention of a drinking straw, Blu Tack and a moisture soaker to hopefully draw out any leftovers. A few stressful weeks and blasts from the hairdryer later, I’m relieved and happy to report that I seemed to have got away with it... There was no warping, no damage and my Battered Mullet was good to go surfing again! Woohoo! Tears of joy, I tell you... Tears of joy. Learn vicariously from my tale of stupidity kiddies - if you have a board with a bung screw, don’t forget it - your heart might not make it! WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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ROADTRIP REVIEWS BY MARK CHAPMAN
MUSIC
OUR PICK OF THE BUNCH!
GUANTANAMO BAYWATCH
DARLING… IT’S TOO LATE CREATE/CONTROL | SMACK FACE MUSIC
Super sleazy surf rock from Portland, Oregon. This three-piece insert tongue firmly into cheek and have a whole lot of fun laying down some countrified surf stomp. Bring a sense of humour, party on! www.guantanamobaywatch.com
SLIGHTLY STOOPID
MEANWHILE…BACK AT THE LAB STOOPID MUSIC/SILVERBACK
THE WANDS THE DAWN
CREATE/CONTROL | SMACK FACE MUSIC
Butterflies, dolphins and swirly rainbows of sound… If you’re up for an ambient trip to the fuzzedout, church-organ psychedelic love and goodness of a ‘60s music festival, it doesn’t get any better right now than Danish duo, The Wands. We’re getting into so many great psych bands (See the Allah Lahs)... The whole sound is highly recommended as the perfect alternative for those of you not too partial to electronica looking for something to chill to. This is all as real, raw, and hand-made-musical as you can hope for. www.thewands.eu 86
Ever since Slightly Stoopid’s debut in 1996, these purveyors of fine Cali-reggae have just delivered so much classic, brilliant music it’s not funny… Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald were just high-school teenagers when they released their first album on Skunk (Brad Nowell of Sublime’s label), but almost 20 years later, they sound as fresh as ever. Thanks to Chris from Silverback, I was fortunate enough to be hooked up with a prerelease stream of the album, and it’s just kept on streaming… Happiness and joy. “Meanwhile… Back at the lab” is 100% classic Slightly Stoopid, packed chockers with hip-hop beats, reggae keys and horns, acoustic guitars and catchy-as vocal hooks, although this offering is probably more mellow than ever before. And I don’t mean mellow in any negative way at all. This is laid-back goodness at its best. “One Bright Day”, featuring the vocal talents of Angela Hunt, is a chilled, island-vibe ukulele-fest while “This Version” is a great example of pure late-night reggae. You’ve got cool harmonica sounds all over “Rolling Stone” and it all wraps up with a quiet
acoustic goodbye on the final track “What your friends say.” While the overall vibe of the new release is ridiculously laid back, the SoCal punk sweetness is still there, with one track in particular (featuring a choice song title I can’t mention here) tearing up the mellow with distorted guitars and furious drumming. Nice. “The Prophet” is a personal top pick. If you find yourself singing “Collie Man” randomly in the car, this one will become a new earworm in no time at all. And just when you think you’ve got over that one, “Come Around” gets stuck in its place, with a ton of deep, dubby goodness. So, it may be obvious that this is much loved already - not that these boys ever disappoint. If you’ve been a Slightly Stoopid fan in the past, giving “Meanwhile… Back at the Lab” a spin will make you as happy as finding a mint-condition vinyl copy of “40oz. to Freedom” at an Op Shop. Okay, maybe not quite that happy, but you get the idea. If you’ve never heard of ‘em, make sure you give this a listen if The Beautiful Girls floats your boat, or if you’re at all partial to a bit of reggae. All in all, if this album doesn’t make you chill out and love life, you probably need to go for a surf. www.slightlystoopid.com
SMORGASBOARDER | WINTER 2015
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ere Own this... Live h for sale on An ideal surf shop business . Enhance your the far South Coast of NSW dream... lifestyle, start living the
Call 0400 423 766 sales@bermaguisurfshop.com.au
Surfing novels
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ICE What happens when a child from another age is thrust into the 21st century?
E-Book $9.99
mikedavispointsurfer.com
The ONLY Travel Insurance that covers Surfboards IN the surf
If your board snaps you can claim it! Unlimited Medevac Flights - Unlimited Medical - Surfboards IN the surf The Best Travel Insurance for Surfers going Anywhere Worldwide
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VISIT NOOSA, STAY & SURF
2 PARK CRESCENT SUNSHINE BEACH QLD 4567 150 METRES TO SURF BEACH, SHOPS AND SURF CLUB CALL (07)5474 6200
WWW.PARKSHORES.COM.AU WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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T O P O F T H E H I L L Clarence St, Yamba (02) 6645 8362 W W W . T H E P L A N K S H O P. C O M . A U
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WATCH THE SUN RISE OVER COFFS HARBOUR • Spacious studio & 2-bed self-catering apartments • Private balconies • Spectacular views 30-36 Camperdown Street Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 (Walk to the Jetty Strip eateries) P: 1300 302 776 E: info@theobservatory.com.au
WWW.THEOBSERVATORY.COM.AU
OVER 400 PAGES ON HOW TO MAKE A SURFBOARD
IN-DEPTH WAVE DESCRIPTIONS
FOR EVERY MAJOR SURF BREAK IN AUSTRALIA
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SMORGASBOARDER | WINTER 2015
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CLOSEOUT: LIVE IT UP
WORK IS FOR MONEY...SURFING IS FOR LIFE. WORDS & PHOTOS: GREG MCCONNELL/RSF RETIRED SURFERS FRATERNITY was born a few years ago from the salty thoughts of a few mates who meet most mornings for a surf at our local beach.
Getting wet after time out of the water has to be one of the best feelings in the world. Doesn’t matter what you’re riding, just as long as you’re still out there. As surfers we love all things about surfing. Whether it’s getting that water time, trying out the new board, trying out your mate’s new board, telling a few tales from your early days or just sharing a wave or two with friends.
Nusa Lembongan
Wayne Lynch
From those beginnings RSF has continued to grow and spread around Australia and beyond to New Zealand , Hawaii and Mainland USA. There is even one member on Maple Lake in Minnesota.
RSF at Wategos
The late, great Barry “Magoo” McGuigan
Surfers all over the world are passionate about all things surfing and for many of us we appreciate our chosen sport more and more as we (dare I say it) age.
When and if you join RSF you receive a lifetime membership and you can create your own chapter that is your local or favourite beach. There are currently 62 chapters in Australia alone, many with multiple members. Members send in great surfing photos to the gallery and have some very interesting comments and stories on their profile page in the various chapters. Membership package includes our distinctive RSF cap or beanie, t-shirt, stubby holder, stickers and more. Check us out at www.retiredsurfersfraternity.com and find the membership package in the store page. While you’re at it have a look at our Friends with Benefits page. There are now sixteen businesses offering good discounts to RSF members. Many connections have been made through RSF and even some long lost mates have re-connected through our site or made some new ones. Some of our members have not retired from work or are just doing a few days still. These members have said that they just love the concept and want to plant the seed of retirement in their heads. Got to love that thinking ! No more work Keep Surfing!
=
Lots
more
waves. RSF: Waz at Boomerang WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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SKOO LIMERDINSG OUN P B U L T H A E S UP PADDLEBO MID NO RT H D TAN
Come try with us, you won’t regret it!
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(opposite the Hoey Moey) Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
SURFBOARDS & MUCH MORE
SCAN ME TO VISIT THE WEBSITE 3 Banksia Dve, Byron Bay T 02 6685 8778 E info@mcsurf.com.au
www.mcsurf.com.au It’s more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle FROM 5’6” TO 12’6”, SINGLE TO MULTI, SURF TO SUP
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WWW.PALMALLEYAUSTRALIA.COM
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CLOSEOUT: HAPPENINGS
Martin Parmenter
TIMBER AT THIRROUL
Col, Dave and Martin were amazed by how many local timber board builders jumped at the opportunity to show off their work and share ideas. Longboards, shortboards, alaia and fish were all on display. With the Thirroul Seaside Festival attracting thousands of visitors Col, Dave and Martin are looking forward to running the event again in 2016.
Peter Spencer Photography
Martin Parmenter
Peter Spencer Photography
Throughout the day there was a constant stream of people admiring the natural beauty of the timber and the craftsmanship on display. Almost everyone had a question and many ideas were shared on how to make the boards easier to build and even more attractive with the use of native and recycled timbers.
Martin Parmenter
The morning started at 6am with a steady stream of boards being set up in the Thirroul Surfclub function room. Despite the drizzling rain there was a real buzz in the air. It wasn’t just timber surfboards either. There were a few timber boats, kayaks and canoes on show as well. A surf photo competition, groms surf contest on the beach outside and surfing videos streaming on a giant screen in the room added to the overall atmosphere.
Peter Spencer Photography
A few guys from the South Coast of NSW recently got together to hold the inaugural Timber Surfboard Show and Share event as part of the Thirroul Seaside Festival. The event was seeded after Colin Ashford, Dave David and Martin Parmenter attended the 2014 Wooden Surfboard Day at Currumbin on the Gold Coast.
Colin Ashford
WORDS: COLIN ASHFORD PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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SUP & SURF TARANAKI • SUP LESSONS • SUP CRUISES • SURF SUP LESSONS EXPERIENCED ISA, NZSUP & SNZ INSTRUCTOR
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SMORGASBOARDER | WINTER 2015
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CLOSEOUT: HAPPENINGS
SWAP AND CHILL... The Rivermouth General Store in Tomakin, NSW recently held a great get-together day for the local surf community. With plenty of new and old surfboards, and all kinds of surf gear on display, there was plenty to look at, live music to enjoy it by, and great food and coffee from the cafe to keep the visitors fueled up. Here are some cracker shots from the day, thanks to Katrina McDonald. www.therivermouthstore.com.au
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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WELLINGTON’S SURF CENTRAL!
SURFBOARDS, WETSUITS & REPAIRS PLUS: Bodyboards, Surf Accessories, Dive Gear, SUPs, Skateboards, DVDs, Books & Magazines... IN STORE AND ONLINE! SNZ-APPROVED SURF SCHOOL & BOARD HIRE
www.realsurf.co.nz
Cnr Kingsford Smith St & Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, NZ
QUALITY SURFBOARDS LONG OR SHORT SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTALS WWW.RAGLANLONGBOARDS.CO.NZ
CUSTOM SHAPES & REPAIRS e surgesurfboards.com m 0274287453
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Photo: Bruce Thomas
The happy first place winners from all divisions.
BELOW: MC Teza McKenna, at event sponsors Observatory Apartments
Photo: Lauryn Nicholls
Photo: Bruce Thomas
Photo: Bruce Thomas www.facebook.com/brucethomasphotographer
GROMS HIT COFFS WORDS: LAURYN NICHOLLS, PHOTOS: SUPPLIED After the massive success of the 2014 Billabong Oz Grom Cup, the 2015 event was even bigger, running for 6 days during the NSW Easter school holidays, in some of the best conditions that the Coffs Harbour region had to offer.
ARTY TUBES
Over the first 2 days of competition we saw some incredible performances and it showed that the future of Australian surfing is in extremely bright hands with these grommets.
Surf photographer Wil Aguiar recently held an exhibition - Tubes: the possibility to meet the unknown - at the Sunshine Coast Gallery, displaying his ocean art and surf images from Indonesia, Brazil and Australia in all manner of creative ways.
Day one saw the younger divisions go to work in 2-3 ft super fun conditions and Central Coast powerhouse Nate Hopkins was the standout performer in the Under 12 Boys Division, and Zahli Kelly from Queensland locked in a perfect 10 point ride in her opening round of the U/14 Girls division.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED, WILL ART PHOTOGRAPHY
Wil lives on the Coast and has been offering guided visits and lectures about surf photography to the general public and students of the University of the Sunshine Coast. To find out more about Wil’s work, see: www.willartphotography.com
Huge, clean ground swell at Park Beach gave the U/18 Boys, U/16 Boys and U/18 Girls the opportunity to put on one of the finest displays in Junior surfing history on a classic North Coast beach break locking in over five perfect ten point rides by end of days competition.
Macy Callaghan, Avoca Beach, in the U/18 Girls put on a flawless display with a perfect heat score of 20.0. The boys divisions put on performance after performance with countless eight and nine point rides which made it very hard to highlight a standout as they all rose from boys to men in the solid surf. U/16 Boys surfer Noah Stocca from the Sunshine Coast, was awarded a perfect ten and given the opportunity to meet some friendly locals at the Dolphin Marine Magic with an Ultimate Dolphin Experience. The swell continued and the U/18 boys were paddling into towering 3.5m peaks (triple overhead). On Day 3, calmer conditions gave the organisers the chance to send out the younger groms for their heats and they had their time in the spotlight. Impressive performances in the U/8s by Will Martin (Coffs Harbour) made front page news locally. Waves were definitely smaller but rippable and fun for all. Organisers were stoked, and most families happily realised that Coffs Harbour is now there Easter school holiday destination. WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Closeout: Back(Yarders)
What better way to close off an edition than with some genuine inspiration?! If the big feature on wooden board building wasn’t enough for you, here are even more examples of inspired, everyday people trying their hand at creating their own surfcraft! Well done, gents!
Justin Strawbridge is the man rockin’ the awesome t-shirt alongside his homebuilt quiver and its two inheritants...
Made a board yourself? Working on a project? Drop us a line on: letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
“Left to right, it’s The Rudimentary Unicorn, Twain, Pachycephalaboardus, The Board Formerly Known as 'Kelly' and Ed Molt.” Photo: Carla Strawbridge
Justin also sent this photo of his good mate, T-man, riding his #1 first home built board “Tommy Tana” on a Mentawais trip. Photo: Roberto Menzanie. 96
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ADVANCED
WETSUIT TECHNOLOGY
EXTREME STRETCH NECK FOR COMFORT
BRAND NEW CHEST ZIP DESIGN
BETTER MEMORY
Below, Mark Todhunter has absolutely outdone himself in re-creating not only his old quiver by hand, but also re-creating the same photo... How good is that?
IMPROVED QUALITY
EXTREME STRETCH KEEPS SHAPE LONGER
WELDED AND TAPED SEAMS FOR BEST SEAL AND STRETCH
PHASE III STEAMER
AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM ZEE, OR FROM SELECT SURF STORES NOOSA FACTORY SHOWROOM 07 5474 1010 Unit 2, 15 Venture Drive, Noosaville, QLD
www.zeewetsuits.com OPEN HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9 - 5, Sat: 9 - 12
CUSTOM SERVICE AVAILABLE
WE REPAIR/ALTER ALL BRANDS OF WETSUITS.
WINTER 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CLOSEOUT: ALOHA BARRY 98
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And the moral is to be polite in the surf, kids (and those who refuse to grow up)... Play nice, have fun. Until next time!
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Explore Australia, find that perfect wave...
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surfeitozcampervans WINTER 2014 | SMORGASBOARDER
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WORLD SURFARIS ARE THE INDIAN & PACIFIC OCEAN 100
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