Smorgasboarder Nov 2012 Free Surfing magazine

Because surf is free...

DOWN TOEARTH MIKE SWAINE PULLS A DIFFERENT KIND OF AERIAL - P60

50 PAGES OF SURFBOARDS

HOT RODS AND CRAZY BOARDS... P120 | FOR THE LOVE OF WOOD... P74

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A QUALITY SPRINGSUIT FOR $199?

LOOKS LIKE HELL JUST FROZE OVER THE HOTTEST WETSUIT YOU’LL EVER WEAR (without breaking the bank)

1300 483 634 WWW.TRIPLE-X.COM.AU 10 Piper Drive, Ballina NSW 2478 | +61 2 66190469 | Skype: triple-x-wetsuits 2

nov/dec 2012

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Surfer: Marcus Aboody

Australia’s #1 titanium-lined wetsuit. Keeping wind out and warmth in.

Titanium vests from $75.

SOLD ONLINE! FREE DELIVERY

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Photo courtesy of Dick Hoole

The Christmas tree is at Goodtime Come and see Gail and the Goodtime team at the Gabba SURFBOARDS SKATEBOARDS

Custom handshaped surfboards shaped at Goodtime since 1971.

Madrid completes normally $219

$589

now $119

For an extra $50 our Hot Dog bonus pack includes leggie, wax, cover and tail pad

Paris skate trucks were $90.00 per set now

$50 PER SET Not for sale individually

Mini-mal

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Bam Bam

Hot Dog

7/11/12 2:50 PM

1

Since 197

“is what surfing is all about” www.goodtime.com.au

WETSUITS

West springsuit chest zip youth

We know wetsuits because we surf

FUN TIMES El Nino Grommie board

$59

FROM $69

44 INCH $59

Rip Curl Kids wettie

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West short sleeve lotus lite steamer

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FROM $29

SHOES

VANS, DCS and DEKLINE... NIKE is coming!

Don’t waste your time online, you’ll get it cheaper at Goodtime.

Rip Curl Youth wettie

$59

Goodtime Surf & Sail 29 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane

07 3391 8588 FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

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TAK E A V TH E SH OP IRT UAL TOU R OF W IT V IDEO W H OU R ON LIN E W W W.G ALK-TH ROU G H O OD T IM E .C OM .AU

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DETAILS & STUFF

WHERE TO PICK SMORGASBOARDER UP Grab it FREE at quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafes on the coast of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

CAN’T GET THERE? SUBSCRIBE If you can’t get to a store, have smorgasboarder delivered to your door. Sign up at www.smorgasboarder.com.au. It’ll arrive every two months. Back issues are available for $5.

THE COVER SHOT

$21 IN AUSTRALIA OR NZ GETS YOU SIX EDITIONS.

Mike Swaine is an aerial photographer. What his profession affords him is a daily view of our coastline that few others might be lucky enough to glimpse once or twice in their life.

Fortunately, Mike’s photos help tell the story for those who don’t get to buzz around in the sky in a Cessna. Read more about his life and work on Page 60.

BOYS & GIRLS OF SMORGASBOARDER LOTS OF STUFF & ADVERTISING Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au 0401 345 201 NEW ZEALAND STUFF ‘Jiff’ Morris jeff@smorgasboarder.co.nz +64 (0)220 943 913 LOTS OF STUFF & DESIGN Mark Chapman mark@smorgasboarder.com.au 0400 875 884 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUFF James Ellis james@smorgasboarder.com.au 0410 175 552 STUFF, ACCOUNTS & EVERYTHING ELSE Louise Gough louise@smorgasboarder.com.au GEAR TESTS, MUSIC REVIEWS & OTHER STUFF Angus Brown gus@smorgasboarder.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS 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.

Ideas & submissions: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au.

There’s only a few of us, so if you don’t hear back right away, we’re not ignoring you, we’re just running madly or “testing equipment.” Don’t be so sensitive. Sheesh.

Yes, we do pay for some content, but just like us, you’ll hardly retire off it. That said, we’re always keen to meet nice new people to share the journey with, so drop us a line.

WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU 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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sep/oct 2012

We print with Pep Central and Craft Inprint Group, an environmentally aware and committed printer whose business is founded upon the principles of minimising waste and maximising recycling. Nice work.

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Somewhere in South Australia.

Photo: James Ellis

TAKING STOCK, TAKING PRIDE I tend to wear a particular brand of shoes. When it comes to clothing, I’m no fashion guru and despite how open-minded I like to think I am, I admit I have a soft spot for certain styles. Inevitably, I find myself gravitating towards this particular brand of shoes every time.

For years now, I’ve always been really happy with them.

Strong, stylish (my- stylish anyway) and not stupidly expensive - the perfect mix.

Then it started happening.

Two pairs ago, the soles just seemed to wear down real quickly. “Maybe I’m laying into the burgers too much”, I thought… My brand new pair, within the space of three wears, has now had stitching come loose, a lace eyelet pop out and I’m not too sure about the rubber on these soles either… Basically, they’re already falling apart and I’m not happy.

Hell, my dad still has bits and pieces from when he was 20, because those were the days before ‘product redundancy’.

I’d be hard pressed to say the same of a lot of what I own.

But wait. The shining light at the end of the collapsed mining tunnel is that - thank the good lord above - not everything out there is massproduced crap, and there are still businesses and people that take ultimate pride in what they do, and those products they put out there in the marketplace.

So, why am I whinging about shoes? Because it begs the question: What happened to quality of finish? Why do some products seem to be getting worse and worse? What happened to product pride?

When it comes to surfboards, we are so happy to have so many of exactly those craftsmen and ethical manufacturers as part of our smorgasboarder family: proud surfboard manufacturers that truly care about how well that board they made for you works and will go to the ends of the earth to make sure you’re a happy surfer. And if something goes wrong with what you shelled out for? Hell, you can speak to the actual guy that made the board - where does that happen in any other industry?

Now I’m not that naive not to realise that it’s all about profit margins and shareholders and making more and more money to keep members of the board fat and happy… But seriously, where does it end?

Are we doomed to drown in a churning sea of cheap junk?

A bright example of someone who not only creates boards of the highest quality with genuine thought and years of experience infused into them, and is just as happy to put a new shine on the old with his restorations is Mark Rabbidge. Read about his

creations on page 120. And if you haven’t had your fill yet, there are more exciting board designs than you can poke a block of wax at in our surfboards section this edition. Real quality boards by real people… It’s up to you, dear informed reader, to support these guys before all we’re left with is shoes that fall apart.

Power Base Fins & Boxes - Completely Integrated

Remember, a vote with your wallet is a powerful one.

It’s up to us decide who we support, who gets our hard-earned dollars, our hard-fought dollars. If your Christmas shopping list includes surfing gear - and it should, of course - make sure to have a critical think about which store you’re supporting, what wetsuit you’re wearing, what board you’re riding and if it’s doing the right thing by our local surfing family.

Finally, on the note of our surfing family, thank you for another great year of your support for smorgasboarder.

All of you - readers and businesses involved with us - make it all worthwhile and keep us happily hard at work, trying our best to produce a better mag for you every edition.

Keep reading! We wish you and your family a fantastic festive season!

Cheers!

s

the Sm

arder orgasbo

MORE POWER MORE CONTROL

OWEN WRIGHT

Chooses DXL CERAMIC C4 with Power Base Boxes

www.powerbasefins.com.au 02 4323 4818

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AY TORQU G

N OPENI N SOO

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

163

GOING SOFT Some serious test pilots give the top softboards on the market a go

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FESTIVAL FUN

42

ACCESSORIES

52

INDEPENDENCE DAY

60

AERIAL VIEWS

88

PINCH OF SALT

96

KAIKOURA

What went down at the 2012 Byron Bay Surf Festival

All the coolest surf support gear, just in time for Christmas

Jessie Lee Hinson shares his missions and unique life lived

Bill Tolhurst

Surfing from above.

Enjoy Mike Swaine’s view on the world Surfing chefs Matt Upson and Dean Pitt talk food and surfing.

Angie Koops takes us home to the pristine South Island of NZ

SURF 108 SriBUDDHA Lanka’s amazing

waves, as enjoyed by Cameron Fergus

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WAVES OF WOOD

Three timber fanatics share their passion

120

HOTRODS, EXTREME BOARDS The work and play of Mark Rabbidge

KNIGHTS 117 SHINING Meet a tight-knit

family of Gold Coast board builders

OF BOARDS 132 TONS Pages of the greatest shapers and latest surfboard designs

YOUR SHAPER 140 SKYPE Dean Geraghty talks

us through his unique board ordering process

THE USUAL BITS THE LATEST

12 Reader Photos 22 Letters 32 News and community

GEAR 117 132 163 174

Shapers Board profiles Softboard tests Skate: Plastic fantastic

CLOSEOUT 176 180 188 194

Fitness Columns Relax Aloha Barry

CTX Quad - 5’10, 6’0, 6’2, 6’6 & 6’10

SURFTECH AUSTRALIA

www.surftechaustralia.com.au 02 4226 1322

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READERS’ PICS 12

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Smooth gliding Photo: Caitlin Miers Congrats Caitlin, a brand new Hurricane deck grip is yours!

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Victorian power, somewhere near Kilcunda.

Photo: Jeff Tull Congrats Jeff, there’s a Hurricane deck grip coming your way.

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READERS’ PICS nov/dec 2012

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READERS’ PICS A summer family beach with a horseshoe reef for whoever’s game.

Yorke Peninsula, SA. Photo by James Ellis

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SICK OF DIRTY WAX? It doesn;t have to be this way...

!

X O B X WA ENTER THE

ONLY 1. IT’S STORAGE $9.95!

Moulded grip

Polymer casing

Clean wax inside!

2. IT’S A SCRAPER

Shovel-nosed blade for super scooping

Flexible sealing lid

3. IT’S A COMB!

GREAT WAX ON, GREAT WAX OFF

NEXT EDITION: To be in the running for floating sunnies from Barz Optics, send your pics to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au See Page 171 for the Barz Optics sunnies test run.

FREE COMB

tm y Waxhead ...with ever e only! tim d ite im Waxbox. L

WWW.WAXHEAD.NET Trade enquiries welcome! Call 0418 468 194

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READERS’ PAIN

“It only hurts when you laugh” Palm beach wipeout Stephen Pinnington

“This might sting a little.” Enjoying a boat trip and a Mentawais reef rash.

Chris Lovell

DAMAGE

Have you officially joined the club yet? It takes stitches. Here’s some brave shots of surf suffering sent in over the past while. Ouch.

“I thought I should send you a pic taken after getting 11 stitches from a fin injury whilst surfing at Maroochydore one Friday morning.”

Kerry Irvine

“I coppped this around Christmas day at Nationals, Noosa. It was big, and too big for me probably, but I had a ball and ignored this until I had to walk all the way back to the car park from Noosa Main Beach where I finished up.”

David Hockings Read about David’s new book on page 182

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“My beloved log smacked me like a king hit by Mike Tyson.

2-3ft high tide beach break peelers running all the way to the shore. Hang 5 rail grab barrel, dove off through the wall of the closeout wave to receive a sand exfoliating rumbling. While still under the water I copped a leggy spring-loaded 20-30kg old log to the face.

Finally, got to my wobbly legs, fuzzy vision and claret belting out, then up to emergency to be stitched up by six of the best.

As soon as they’re out I’m back on the log.

Leitchy

nov/dec 2012

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READERS’ PICS So much great stuff has backed up on our system, we had to just get a few out there! Some free stuff on the way to you gents!

Somewhere on the Sunny Coast.

Photo by Paul McLennan

Cape Woolamai Photo by Kyle Ross

Merewether barrel Photo by Abe Hanson

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Photo by Mark Pridmore

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Thomas Stubbs Photo by Luke McCracken

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letters@smorgasboarder.com.au

LETTERS THE TWIST IN THE TAIL In case you didn’t get enough of Neal Cameron in our last edition...

“Here are a few pics of a board Neal Cameron shaped me.

“The board is an asymmetrical, chine rail, double rocker, carbon fibre flextail!

“It came about after we consumed many a Coopers Red. Hence the red pinlines.

“Neal named it Twisted Logic because it’s twisted in design, but logical in that the board is asymmetrical and that all boards should be designed different to go left or right!”

Sean Walsh, Pacific Palms NSW

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LATEST: LETTERS MP R.I.P. In the early 70’s Michael Peterson was the man, the fastest man in the barrels of the Gold Coast. I lived in the Old Burleigh picture theatre and was also beginning to dabble in some amateur photography with an old Minolta SLR camera.

I knew Michael back then. He would drop around from time to time, and we were in awe of both the man and his surfing.

In the Stubbies final of 1977, it was the Mark Richards and MP showdown, and to the Burleigh boys, there would only be one winner - it was never in doubt.

MR was the polished professional, but MP had the mongrel, and Burleigh and Kirra he owned in those days.

On that day, I had my camera along for the ride, and had a front-row seat when the finalists and a cast

A MOMENT IN TIME of thousands lined up on the point to hear Lord “Tally ho” Blears announce the winner.

MR looked nervous. MP, with his trademark Ray-Ban Aviators, looked about as cool as anyone could.

I snapped a shot of them awaiting the call from Tally-ho, and just as the winner was announced, another shot showing MP’s mum Joan giving him the biggest hug, while his little sister Dot looked on and the onlookers went wild.

It was truly a great event with two worthy finalists and a great winner.

I meant to get copies of those shots to Mick and Joan for a long time for 30 years, in fact.

In 2007 it was announced that the Stubbies ‘77 reunion would be held at Burleigh Heads. I knew I had to be there to catch up with old friends and foes, and to see Mick and Joan

again. This was when I remembered the photos.

The reunion was fantastic, the best of which was to see Mick give a speech to those assembled. You could have heard a pin drop. It’s not every day MP speaks to a crowd. I sat up the front with Peter Drouyn and Marty Tullemans. You could feel the goodwill towards Mick, I’ll never forget being there as long as I live.

I caught up with Joan and Mick afterwards and told them about the shots I have. Later in the week I sent copies, hoping they would bring back some good memories for them both.

A week later, to my surprise, I received a package in the mail.

I opened it to find copies of the photos, signed by Mick.

These signed photos are priceless to me. And now with the passing of Mick, I treasure them even more.

It’s strange how images taken half a lifetime ago can again mean so much to those who took them, and to those who receive them.

Hang onto those images from your life. They document some extraordinary times and people, and form treasured memories and possessions in your life. I will be forever stoked to have known Mick, and to have been a part of those heady days on the Gold Coast, especially Burleigh Heads. They will never be replaced.

Joan, I hope you are doing okay. You are as much a legend as your son. I wish you well.

And Mick, rest in peace, old son.

I can just see you threading some nice barrels wherever you are, in the way only you could... Magically.

Shane Palethorpe

nov/dec 2012

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LATEST: LETTERS

BELOW: Angus shows off his shaped board #1 and LEFT: gives it a workout

SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME 14-year-old Angus is from Nelson Bay, NSW. He surfs almost every day depending on the swell. His dad pushed him on his first wave at age 4 and since then, he’s been hooked.

He sent us in a great letter to publicly thank some patient people.

“I was keen to learn how to shape my own board. I rang around to see if someone could help me out.

“The replies were ‘Sorry, No.” or ‘We are too busy,” which I can understand - who wants a kid, especially a teenager, asking dumb questions?

“Well, I would like to send out a big thanks to Paul Chamberlain and Tom from Channel Island Surfboards for taking time to help me out in shaping my first board .

I communicated with them through email and visited the shaping bay where I

OLD SCHOOL TRACTION watched them shape, and they helped me fine-tune my board. They put me in touch with Gary and Rosco at the Glass House who showed me how to glass and sand my first board.

“I have since shaped my second board out of an old board that I found in the clean-up, with the knowledge I gained from these shaping and glassing pros. Once again, I would like to thank all the people that helped me out, and a special thanks to my dad that drove me around and helped me with every step.”

“Hi Smorgasboarder, thought you might be interested in this photo of me and one of my old hollow ply boards.

“In the early days before wax, they put canvas on the deck and held it down with wooden beading and when the canvas rotted from the salt water they just unscrewed the beading and replaced the canvas.”

Beachcomber Mick, Anna Bay Well there you go surf hipsters... The next retro revival could just be a bit of rotting canvas on your deck!

Well done Angus! Keep those boards coming and stay stoked.

Board #2 under construction

FROM COLD TO GOLD “Just picked up your mag the other week from a local surfboard shop and it’s awesome.

I moved to the Gold Coast from cold Sweden six months ago and got really hooked on surfing, I finally got my first surfboard one month ago and I have been out surfing every day. My daughter got one for Christmas present and she is out almost every day as well.”

Mattias Ljung and Alexandra Robinson. Gold Coast Good move Mattias! Keep up the surfing...

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“I have this many fins on my board...”

SMORGASBOARDER IN TRAINING “Hey there Smorgasboarder!

“Just a couple of photos I had on the iPhone of my mad 7-year-old grommet, Luke!”

Scott Nicholson, Wurtulla Ring us when you need a board-testing job Luke. You surf better than us already.

THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’...

“Dear Smorgasboarder, “I regularly read your mag from cover to cover and love it. Have been surfing from mid-forties and now have taken to skateboarding. It could be being born 13/12/34 - not many toys during WWII...

I’m now having a second childhood.

I have borrowed my grandson’s old skateboard (sort of long-term).”

Bryan Hooker, Yamba In the words of Ali G... R-E-S-T-E-C-P!

letters@smorgasboarder.com.au

LETTERS nov/dec 2012

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LATEST: LETTERS

The one thing that is always guaranteed to get us excited is seeing new ideas in surfboard designs. Brian Adams an English gentleman from WA - who just so happens to have his name in the British Surfing Hall of Fame - sent in this cracker of his not-very-mini Mini Simmons.

PERFECT FOR SUMMER... OF ‘69.

“Here are some photos of my new board I’ve just finished.

“Mini Simmons” (Wide & thick) like the owner Board dimensions: Length - 6 foot Width - 23 inches Thickness - 3¼ Concave channel - 2 foot, 6 inches (with carbon fibre glass on tail) Fin setup - 2 back fins (mini Simmons) and small Gullwing (Kneeboard) or Finless. 3-fin setup is a “reverse thruster” and rides okay.

The board can be ridden as a normal surfboard, a kneeboard or finless.

I did everything on this board - shaping, glassing, sanding, gloss coats, wet & dry, polishing, sweeping up, and making the cups of tea in my 9x5 workshop.”

Brian Adams, Malaga WA 28

nov/dec 2012

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MOULDED EVA SIDE WALLS

nov/dec 2012

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LATEST: LETTERS

Mick Lawson, pre-event

Here we go...

So what happens when one of the smorgasboarder staff have a little misadventure? We send ourselves a letter, that’s what! Share your stories on letters@smorgasboarder.com.au

In the wilderness

A LITTLE MARLEY CAN LEAD TO A LOT OF TROUBLE The ballad of Gilligan’s Fredericks’ Island Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, A tale of a fateful trip That started from this southern port Aboard this tiny ship.

I was offered the chance to surf a special spot, Little Marley was the lure.

Four passengers set sail that day For a three hour tour, a three hour tour.

After a few good waves the weather got rough, The tiny ship was tossed, Our gear got washed overboard along with Mickie’s wife, Not the way to treat the boss, not the way to treat the boss.

The boat almost sank, Mickie hit a shark, we even damaged the boards With Freddooo Swandoggy too, Mickie Five Fins and his wife, The Rabbidge Finger board The Riley and McCoy Nuggeeet, Trouble at Little Marleeeyy.

Send us thoughts, rants and stories.

We’ll find free stuff to send back. letters@smorgasboarder.com.au

LETTERS 30

Well, what a tale. I had just attended the first ever Wanda Fish Fry at Cronulla with a few good friends.

They suggested we take off for the arvo and try our hand at surfing a special spot they had discovered on a boat outing one day.

The break called ‘Little Marley’ had been frequented on many occasions since its initial discovery but each time it had not been breaking. Given the right conditions however, they believed it could. They dared to dream.

Little Marley is a small cove situated within the Royal National Park that lies between Cronulla and Wollongong. The break (although that was yet to be confirmed by our touring party) can only be accessed by boat or foot - around a 45-minute hike to the nearest road. Basically, stuff up here and you are in a spot of bother.

Anyhow, we set sail, or should I say ‘sped off’ from Bundeena Bay on our way to our ‘happy place’ with the Skipper, Will ‘Sharkbait’ Fredericks, good mate Mickie ‘Five Fins’ Lawson, and his lovely wife Kim. The little 25ft Sea Ray scooted around to Little Marley in what seemed like about three quarters of an hour. When we arrived she looked inviting and certainly surfable. Mick and I jumped overboard and paddled into the swell. Shark Bait and Kim stayed behind to mind the boat and make sure it was safely anchored around a km offshore.

We got a few good waves and I was stoked to finally try out Mark Rabbidge’s Finger board. Mick mentioned he was going to head back to the boat to relieve Sharkbait and give him a turn to taste a Little Marley magic.

Meanwhile I got a nice ride into the shore. When I grabbed my board and turned around I saw Mick almost at the boat and a large rogue wave building behind it.

Out of deep water and out of nowhere it hit the boat, tossing it right onto its side and consequently catapulting Kim off the back. Thankfully the anchor stopped the boat

from flipping fully and pulled the nose back down just in time for a second rogue wave to fill the boat with water and wash all our gear overboard.

Kim was in a bit of bad way after clipping the sunshade in mid air with her leg during her double pike, triple McTwist dismount. Luckily, Mick was on hand to get her onto his surfboard while Sharkbait quickly got the bilges working to empty the boat. While all this was going on, I paddled back to the boat - thankfully not visited by the shark that said g’day to Mick on his way back.

We managed to recover all our gear-now-flotsam, including Kim’s handbag that had within it several sets of car keys, wallets and mobile phones - these only really work as paperweights now - and got the hell out of there. We were bloody lucky the boat didn’t completely flip or even sink otherwise we would have faced a very long and sorry walk home. It goes to show how unpredictable the ocean can be.

It was an afternoon full of adventure for sure and whilst we got a few cracking waves, it hit home that sampling a bit of Marley can at times be hazardous to your health.

Dave Swan

Shaken up but smiling

nov/dec 2012

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NEWS THIS IS THE

f , sur hion ries s a f f ! t sur accesso longong d l lates The ware an from Wo s hard inute 10 m y l n O

1F5F G% oPro

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while stocskts la

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE LOCAL SURFING COMMUNITY editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au

facebook.com/smorgasboarder

LITTLE STOMPER

Hero2

100 Railway St, Corrimal NSW 2518

(02) 4283 7196

twitter.com/smorgasboarder

www.surfpit.com.au

Soon to be Stomp-ing about, Baby Charlie

NEW LOCATION FOR SNOW & SURF TRAVEL CO. The new digs are right next door to the Middleton Bakery, you can now grab a pie for lunch on your way to booking your next snow or surf adventure.

44 Victor Harbour/Goolwa Rd, Middleton SA 5213.

Ph: 08 8223 5512 www.snowsurftravel.com.au

ZAK-LY WHAT TORQUAY NEEDS Zak Surfboards are opening a new store in Torquay this December.

The man we consider to have one of the best surf shops in the country will spice things up on the Surf Coast, continuing to support local shapers through both his Melbourne and new Torquay store.

Zak’s is also now offering the finest boards and hardware direct from California and Hawaii - Pyzel, Eric Arakawa Designs, Brewer, Bushman, Surf More XM, Hess, Sharpeye, Larry Mabile, Campbell Brothers...

In the near future Zak’s will even be able to offer custom boards direct from the US and Hawaii. www.zaksurfboards.com

Congratulations to Jamie of Burleigh Wax Company and his wife Danielle on the birth of their ‘very noisy newborn’. Charlie Knox Rowe was born on 15th September, at 8 pounds exactly and measuring 57cm long.

TORQUAY NIGHTLIFE The Nightjar Night Markets are on again every Thursday from 4-10pm this January. Once again expect great stalls by local artists, designers and craftspeople along with superb local food, wine and beer. Same place as last year, by the ocean, along Spring Creek. www.nightjarmarket.com.au

WOODN’T YOU LOVE IT! Share your love for all things wood. Surfrider Foundation is hosting a surf event at Coolum Beach, as part of the Golden Days Surfrider Eco Challenge on Sunday November 18, from 8am-5.30pm.

It’s a chance for all to indulge in a bit of show and tell.

Pre-entries for all surf and skate events and overall festival information can be found at www. surfriderecochallenge.com, or call 0405 567 930 for more info.

DREAMING OF FIJI? Any surfer worth their salt dreams of surfing Tavarua, so get your arse into gear and enter the Island Tribe sunscreen Love Summer competition. All you have to do is buy some Island Tribe, the best sunscreen around, and upload your favourite photo of summer to enter. Ends 28 Feb 2013. www.islandtribe.com.au

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nov/dec 2012

9/11/12 2:50 PM

YOU DON’T GET A TURNOUT LIKE THIS TO ANY OLD PROTEST.

This is a special place and a serious issue.

Photos from the Sunday, November 4 protest rally on the Gold Coast, from www.facebook.com/ SaveOurSpit

Air New

SPIT IT OUT

We’d a hosties Zealand enterta take off

www.y

GOLD COASTERS SHOW SOLIDARITY FOR SAVING THE SPIT

www.y

Save our spit. To those unfamiliar with the plight of Gold Coasters trying to save one of the last undeveloped pockets of land from developers proposing to turn the Gold Coast Spit into a cruise ship terminal, we believe it’s best summed up by an ABC Coast FM Talkback caller, “I think with the amount of people that use The Spit in its natural state shows enough support that the majority of people would prefer it to be left in its natural state.”

www.y

Job creation and a growing economy are important in today’s tough economic climate but its equally important to remember we all work to put food on the table and to simply enjoy our lives. What if we have nothing left to enjoy because we’ve turned everything into buildings and big boat car parks? As the age old native American Indian Cree proverb goes: “Only when the last tree has died, and the last river been poisoned, and the last fish been caught, will man realise he cannot eat money.”

To find out more about the cause to save our spit, go to www.saveourspit.com or join up on: www.facebook.com/SaveOurSpit

GOT NEWS?

Send it in. Upcoming events, charity happenings, interesting stories, email to: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au nov/dec 2012

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9/11/12 9:57 AM

Not just any old board, This Marlin is doubly cool and specially made for our subscription giveaway!

YOU KNOW YOU RILEY WANT IT If you haven’t yet subscribed to get smorgasboarder home delivered it is not too late to go in the draw to win this fine Riley Marlin... PLUS a longboard from Paul Carson of The Factory Surfboards, a Mt Woodgee Bullet, a FiiK Big Daddy Electric skateboard and a Smoothstar skatey.

A chance to win close to $5000 worth of boards and you are guaranteed six editions of your favourite mag for just $21 (Aust & NZ).

Call 0439 842 924 or visit www.smorgasboarder.com.au to subscribe. Details and full terms and conditions online.

Check out Page 160 to read all about Mark Riley’s limited edition boards made with balsa from a tree brought down by Cyclone Yasi.

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR LOUDMOUTH IS The Loud Life boys, Gus and Jamie, have been working as hard on their clothing range as they have on their giving. Aside from support for Destiny Rescue, they also recently raised money for the Breast Cancer Foundation and got behind the Paddle for Poverty in Moffat Beach. Inspirational stuff.

Keep up the great work boys. www.loudlifeindustries.com 34

Nov2012_Smorgas_News.indd 34

Handing it over - good job.

nov/dec 2012

9/11/12 9:58 AM

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

HIT THE ALPINE BEACH

For someone looking to get into the surf industry, there are four very unique businesses for sale in four very unique locations Aumoana in Sumner on the South Island of NZ; Island Surf Shack at Cowes on Phillip Island, Victoria; The Plank Shop at Yamba on the NSW Far North Coast and The Factory Surfboards at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

Alpine Beach on the Central Coast of New South Wales have just launched a new online retail site complete with product info and store updates.

Shop online and view the latest hardware, accessories and fashion in surf, skate and snow.

STOKE I.Q. UNLIMITED

all It’s about

www.alpinebeach.com.au

the

stoke

LIFE’S A BLEACH

Loon Lake

www.boardingessentials.com

CATCH THE WAVE BLEACH* FESTIVAL 2013 Unleashing an artistic tidal wave to engulf the Gold Coast, Bleach* Festival 2013 is on from 22 Feb - 3 March 2013, celebrating coastal culture with a series of indoor and outdoor pop up music and arts installations.

“Bleach* is a dream come true There’s lots still tightly under for me because it encompasses wraps, but the concept is that two of my greatest loves - music the festival will flow down the and surfing. Bleach* is such coastline like a wave, washing a unique platform in that it’s through Currumbin, Tugun, provided us with the opportunity Kirra and Coolangatta, while to put together one of the most the central Bleach* hub will be Esplanade, Port Noarlunga interesting lineups of AustralianSouth, Coolangatta’s beachfront159 Queen music on the festival calendar.”

Elizabeth Park. Pre-Bleach* Ph. 8386 0404 - Open 7 Days. weekend festivities are scheduled “It’s such a diverse thing. We’ve got for 16-17 Feb in Burleigh Heads a cruisy folk explosion at Burleigh and Palm Beach as well.Be From our friend onoutdoor Facebook. and other free concerts, outdoor film nights to music then three separate ticketed concerts on the beach, there’ll be festival nights in the Coolangatta something for all surf rats.

Hotel: an indie night, hip hop and rock night. So, it doesn’t matter Local surfer and Bleach* music what your influences are, the programmer Graham ‘Asho’ Aston opportunity’s there to fall in love is excited! with the festival.”

, PS, BODYBOARDS OTHING. SURFBOARDS, SU CL D AN S IE OR SS CE SKATEBOARDS, AC

S.A.

SO UT H AU ST RA LI A BE OUR FRIEND ON FACEBOOK

NOARLUNGA SOUTH, SA 159 ESPLANADE, PORT 7 DAYS PH: 8386 0404 - OPEN

Like most of the artists, photographers and film makers involved in the festival, many of the bands also draw their influences from beach lifestyle.

“Bands like Loon Lake, Violent Soho and The Medics have members that are very passionate surfers too,” says Asho. “So Bleach* provides a platform to combine their obsessions.”

2012 Bleach* art exhibition space

Tickets for the three festival nights at the Coolangatta Hotel are from $25 + booking fee. For more information on Bleach* visit www.bleachfestival.com.au nov/dec 2012

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Finless Freestyle&Stoke surfers. Photo: Myriam Frank

LATEST: COMMUNITY

A SURF CELEBRATION ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL AT THE BYRON BAY SURF FESTIVAL 2012 WORDS: TOMMY LEITCH

The 2012 Byron Bay Surf Festival wrapped up this year’s festivities with celebrations, stoke and a wealth of the Aloha spirit.

With an increase in attendees, this year saw many people coming to Byron Bay from across the country and around the world, specifically for the festival. Regional, national and international artists, including Ozzie Wright, Michelle Lockwood, Kym Nagler, Karlee Mackie, Iki Yasuo (Japan), Justin Crawford, Kuni Takanami (Japan), John Witzig, Hilton Dawe and Hawaii’s Heather Brown, adorned the walls of the Byron Bay Brewery with a diverse range of work, while Phil Jarratt hosted Bob McTavish and Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew in regaling the 700-strong crowd 36

at the Byron Bay Brewery with discussion and reminiscence of surfing’s evolution. The Band Of Frequencies electrified the audience well into the night with their own very distinctive surf-folk-funk-soul blend of highly entertaining, exceedingly popular sounds.

Despite a less-than-favourable forecast, the weekend was given a reprieve from the solid soaking, with barely a drop falling on Byron Bay. Saturday was a whirlwind of entertainment, information, creativity and interest, with the Surf Festival artisan market taking place in the centrally located Railway Park featuring cruisy sounds of nine talented local musicians, while just across the road, a gamut of fascinating talks and workshops

filled the Byron Community Centre, including such topics as Surf Yoga and fitness, literature, travel, writing, history and board-making.

A beautiful installation with a serious message featured at the market’s centre, created by local artist, Narani Henson. The piece, made from a horde of flotsam found on local beaches, addressed the issue of ocean waste, each hanging element featuring a message on the atrocities of pollution, plastics and their detrimental effects on ocean wildlife.

This message was reinforced by the festival’s charity raffle, which raised in excess of $1,500 for two charities: Positive Change for Marine Life and The Uncle Project.

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8/11/12 2:15 PM

Paddle out for Donald Takayama.

Photo: Myriam Frank Grant Newby talks timber Photo: Phillip Johnson

Diverse’s Dave Verrall Mermaid Allcraft in Freestyle&Stoke

On the other side of town, the Youth Activity Centre was abuzz with young artists. Local design collective, Real Design Studio and artist James McMillan, hosted ‘stART Me Up’, a kids’ art fiesta and youth mentorship program, with skateboarding demonstrations, a slip and slide, t-shirt spray-painting, live music and an art competition. The exhibition of contest entries from Byron to the Tweed and Gold Coast was exceptional, with portraits of George Greenough and Michael Peterson, sculptures, mixed media and paintings of exceptional quality.

Camille Wiseman with her work ‘Bubbles’ was the lucky winner, chosen from an outstanding

contingent of upcoming artists. She will receive a Santa’s sack of prizes, including a six-month mentorship from the wonderful girls at Real Design Studio and local artist James McMillan.

Local musician, M. Jack Bee welcomed a staggering audience for the sellout screening of the Surf Shorts short film contest and Taylor Steele’s latest masterpiece, This Time Tomorrow.

Short films from as far afield as Spain and England made the final five, representing comedic, historical, documentary and artistic genres, each one worthy of the first place.

But it was the hilarious The Shaper by England’s Rich Pearn - a tale of a Cornish nov/dec 2012

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LATEST: COMMUNITY

Tandem display Photo: Myriam Frank

“THE 2012 BYRON BAY SURF FESTIVAL WRAPPED UP THIS YEAR’S FESTIVITIES WITH CELEBRATIONS, STOKE AND A WEALTH OF THE ALOHA SPIRIT. shaper guided by Mother Nature - that was awarded gold place and a mentorship from Taylor Steele.

Taylor was on hand to answer questions on his filmodyssey, This Time Tomorrow, in which he, Dave Rastovich and Craig Anderson journey thousands of kilometres over eight days, pursuing the same, single, massive swell from Tahiti to Alaska.

Toru and handplanes Tom Wegener, Ryan Lovelace

Taylor Steele

The Sunday morning honoured the sad loss of Californian master-shaper, Donald Takayama, with Watego’s Beach the venue of a paddleout in memory of a great man. Tom Wegener, Rusty Miller and many more shared memories of Takayama’s life as almost forty surfers joined hands in the lineup.

With a multi-national crowd, from Spain, Italy, Brazil, America, Japan, New Zealand and all over Australia filling the beach at Watego’s the final day was all about boards of every size and description. From hand planes and timber belly boards to traditional-style longboards, fishes, eggs and modern shortboards, a huge display of craft graced the shoreline, including Tom Wegener, Classic Malibu and Mitch Surman from the Sunshine Coast, regional labels, Rhythmsticks, Morning Of The Earth and Dead Kooks and Californian shaper, Ryan Lovelace.

There was also a hand-plane workshop from Japan’s Toru Ogawa in collaboration with Patagonia Australia and Tom Wegener.

A sausage sizzle fuelled surfers and crowds all day long, with fun, clean waves blessing the festiva and providing a fantastic playing field for tandem surfers, locals, board-testers and the selected few of the day’s Freestyle&Stoke expression session.

A closing ceremony, humble and relaxed, was held at the Pass Café and with the weekend’s festivities drawing to a close, there was no doubt that the 2012 Byron Bay Surf Festival had proved a resounding success, far exceeding the already excellent response of last year’s inaugural event.

Tandem workshop Photo: Myriam Frank

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This weekend could not have been possible without the kind support of a host of sponsors.

For more information, photos, videos and to subscribe to the newsletter, visit the website www.byronbaysurffestival.com.

nov/dec 2012

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8/11/12 2:16 PM

James Sinclair has a ® wet willie Slide into your wetsuit ® faster with a wet willie .

Stuff your hands and feet into it (not at the same time).

Be first into the surf.

Visit wetwillie.com.au for your nearest stockist.

®

illie w t we

LEADING SURF AND STREET WEAR, SURFBOARDS, WETSUITS AND ACCESSORIES... WE ONLY SELL THE GEAR THAT WE USE IN THE WATER OURSELVES!

SURFWARE AUSTRALIA 20%

W LL NE OFF AARDS UNTIL O SURFBHRISTMAS C

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SUNSHINE COAST SUPERSTORE 2 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551 Telephone (07) 5491 3620 Open Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm and Sun 9am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day

SURFWAREAUSTRALIA.COM nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Byron Bay.indd 39

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8/11/12 2:16 PM

Floating Sunglasses

DISABLED SURFERS EVENTS The DSAA provides a way for people who wouldn’t otherwise experience surfing to enjoy the thrill of riding a wave. To get involved, volunteer or to attend an event, please contact your local branch via disabledsurfers.org.

QUEENSLAND GOLD COAST

• Polarised • Polarised Bi Focal • Polarised Photochromic • Polarised PC (Melanin infused) • RX Prescription

San n Jua

21 October 18 November 9 December 17 February Flat Rock Beach, Currumbin SUNSHINE COAST 1 December Maroochydore Beach 2 March Noosa Main Beach

NEW SOUTH WALES FAR NORTH COAST 17 November Turners Beach, Yamba 1 December 24 March Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay 20 January Kingscliff (Cocky Classic) 16-17 February Minnie Waters

HASTINGS REGION 8 December 2 February Bonny Hills HUNTER REGION 17 November 19 January 16 March Blacksmiths Beach CENTRAL COAST 1 December Terrrigal Beach 10 February Toowoon Bay SYDNEY 23 February Collaroy 17 March Palm Beach ‘Invitation Only Event’ SOUTH COAST 10 November Mollymook 1 December Thirroul 23 March Gerroa

MID NORTH COAST

www.barzoptics.com Showroom - Unit 11 / 4 Leda Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Ph 07 5576 4365

24 November Main Beach, Woolgoolga 5 January Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour 9 February Scotts Head

MORNINGTON PENINSULA 9 February 2 March Pt Leo, Mornington Peninsula

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 3 February 24 March Moana Beach

WESTERN AUSTRALIA PERTH 1 December 19 January 16 February 23 March Leighton Beach, Fremantle SOUTH WEST 8 December 12 January 9 February 9 March Bunker Bay, Dunsborough

VICTORIA

NEW ZEALAND

OCEAN GROVE

1 December Piha or Orewa

3 February 3 March Ocean Grove Beach

16 February Papamoa

For the most current information and details of events, and more on the work of the DSAA, visit the website on disabledsurfers.org 40

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Nov2012_Smorgas_News-Disabled.indd 40

8/11/12 3:23 PM

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GREAT GIFTS

LATEST: ACCESSORIES

US label Iron Fist is ‘made with love for a heartless world’. With its roots firmly planted in skateboarding, surfing, art, music and street culture, their latest range has just hit our shores.

Sink Me bikini $60 ironfistclothing.com.au

Beautiful handcrafted skirts from Zand. All unique featuring varied fabrics, sequins, lace and trimmings in different lengths.

From $65. www.zand.com.au

Paulownia hand planes of all descriptions.

Fun for those flatter days. $89, or ask about a kit to make your own. www.surfinggreen.com.au 42

Wetsuits are better fitting than ever, but always hard to get into. Wet Willie helps you slip in and out with ease.

RRP $14.95 www.wetwillie.com.au

nov/dec 2012

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The latest Hive Swimwear “Surf� collection is stunning and is designed to meet the needs of female surfers and board sport enthusiasts. Tops $47.50 and bottoms $47.50 www.hiveswimwear.com

A perfect gift, plain and simple. Handcrafted miniature surfboards. Rare timbers, limited edition, all class. www.tubed.com.au or contact Paul 0409 787 231 OCEAN & EARTH Change mat, with drawstring to enclose and transport your wet gear, complete with carry handles. RRP $29.95 www.oceanearth.com.au

SIN eyewear - Dominate Colour raven/grey lens RRP: $ 39.99 $49.99 polarised www.sineyewear.com.au

OAM Lowers Mission Backpack Available in: ECO (pictured), Black, Grey with wet & dry compartment (holds 2 wetties), wax ready tarp lined side pocket, felt lined iPod pocket, laptop stash.

RRP: $129.95 www.onamission.com.au nov/dec 2012

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LEGROPES

LATEST: ACCESSORIES

OAM 6’0” Regular Leash Length: 6ft Thickness: 7mm Wave Size: 4-6 ft Colour: Pink Giraffe (pictured) with over 20 variations to choose from.

RRP: $39.95

OCEAN&EARTH Regular Comp Leash Length: 6ft Thickness: 6mm Wave size: 4ft Colours: Black, Blue, Lime RRP $34.95

HURRICANE Deluxe Padded Length: 7ft Thickness: 7mm Wave Size: 8ft Colour: Black, Translucent Blue, Red, Pink, Clear RRP: $35

OCEAN&EARTH All Round / Comp ONE Piece Length: 6ft Thickness: 6mm Wave size: 5ft Colours: Black, Blue, Lime, Red RRP $44.95

BALIN SUP Performance Coil Cord Length: 3.1m Thickness: 8mm Wave Size: 8ft Colour: Light Blue, Blue, Black, Yellow, Clear, Pinstriped.

RRP: $59.95

BALIN Super Series Leash Length: 6’0” Thickness: 7mm Wave Size: 6ft Colour: Light Blue, Blue, Black, Yellow, Clear, Pinstriped.

RRP: $39.95

OAM range also includes Super Comp, Comp, Single Swivel, Regular/Calf and Big Wave. OCEAN&EARTH range also includes Pro Comp, Fish, Premium, Ultimate, Sunset and Longboard Ankle/ Knee. BALIN range also includes Cyclone, Ultra Lite Comp, Bull Double, Kirra, Hyper Comp, Longboard Ankle/ Knee/ Knee Double, SUP Downwinder/ Waverider. HURRICANE range also includes 5mm comp and 5mm/ 6mm deluxe padded.

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RRP $49.95 BALIN Collide Colour: Blue, Navy, Light Grey & Charcoal (pictured) Light Grey, Grey, Charcoal & Black Spec: 3 piece, 10mm arch, 32mm tail kick

RRP $49.95 BALIN - FRESH Fresh Colour: Orange, Black & Blue Spec: 5 piece, 10mm arch, 32mm tail kick

RRP $54.95 OAM Jordy Smith Signature Traction Colours: Zulu Seafoam (pictured), Zulu Red, Zulu Blue, Black ECO Spec: 3 piece, 8mm arch, 28mm tail kick

GRIP HURRICANE Beyrick de Vries

RRP: $38.00

Colour: Green & Black (pictured), Red & Black, Blue & Black and Black. Spec: 2 piece, wide raised arch, 25mm tail kick

A modern performance surfboard is not complete without some form of traction under foot. Today’s deck grips have a range of subtly contoured treads, arch bars and kickers in varied forms and thickness of rubber. Here’s some of the latest, from the best out there.

RRP: $49.95

RRP: $38.00 HURRICANE Brandon Jackson Colour: Red, Yellow, Green & Black (pictured);Blue, Black & Grey; Red, Black & Grey and Black & Grey.

Spec: 3 piece, raised arch, 20mm tail kick.

($16.65 per

piece) OCEAN&EARTH Owen Wright Customix Pro Colours: (left) White, Red, Lime, Black, Geo Black, Geo Blue, Geo Lime, Geo White, (centre) Black, (right) Red, Grey, Lime, Black, Geo Lime, Geo Black, Geo Blue, Geo Red. Spec: 3 piece, 7mm arch, 30mm tail kick

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LATEST: ACCESSORIES BALIN UTE

BALIN TOUR

RRP: $69.95 - $99.95

RRP: $109.95$159.95

Sizes: 5’10” - 9’6”, as a single, double (only 2kgs), mini-mal and longboard Available colours: Silver tarpee both sides Features: 5mm padded cover, removable strap, super light weight

Sizes: 5’8” shortboard through to 12’ SUP Available colours: Single in black & silver, minimal in black & grey and longboard in black & blue Features: 5mm padded cover, pop-up fin boot in minimal and longboard models

BALIN SLIMLINE DOUBLE RRP: $199.95 SLIMLINE TRIPLE RRP: $249.95 - $289.95 Sizes: 6’0” (Double only), 6’6”, 7’0”, 7’6” The Slimline & Tour models are plush-lined and feature:

Gear pocket

ON A MISSION ECO DAY MISSION COVER

ON A MISSION DUAL MISSION TRAVEL COVER

Size and RRP:

RRP: $139.95 to $159.95

RRP: $199.95 to $219.95

Sizes: 6’0”, 6’3”, 6’6” (pictured) and 7’0”

Sizes and colours: 6’6”Blue Artsy (pictured), 6’0” Block Grey Teal, 6’3” Block Lime Blue, 7’0” Blue Herringbone and 7’6” Grey Stripe

6’0’’ 6’4’’ 6’8’’ 7’2’’

$199.95 $199.95 $219.95 $219.95

Fabric: Nylon Dobby + Silver Reflective Honeycomb Nylon Features: Fits 1-2 Fish style boards, 5mm waterproof with 10mm protective foam gusset, U shape zipper with non corrosive zip, sewn in tongue divider, internal mesh pockets, detachable shoulder strap with pocket, external tightening straps, removable storage hook.

Available Colours: ECO Grey/ Black Features: World’s first recycled boardbag - 55% recycled polyester. Holds 1-2 boards

Features: Holds 2 - 3 boards, non corrosive coil zipper, board stash divider & external synch straps, waterproof polyester,

NOTE: Both the OAM ECO DAY MISSION and DUAL MISSION TRAVEL have UV heat resistant tarpaulin lining, 10mm protective padding, heavy duty “S” zip, removable & adjustable padded shoulder strap, multi pocket and an organiser for wax, wetsuit and keys. It has a custom air vent, opens flat to double as a change mat, internal storage hook and heavy duty carry handle.

IN THE

10mm padded cover

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Double air vents

OCEAN&EARTH DOUBLE WIDE COFFIN COVER

nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_board covers.indd 46

BAG 10/11/12 12:27 AM

NEW WAX NEW GLOW IN THE DARK WAX STICK IT SURF WAX

Once charged under a bright light.

This “All Water” formula glows for 60 hours on one charge. And don’t worry, it is made from non toxic glow powder. So now you can charge waves at night and all your mates can see you from the beach… you looney!!

90g RRP $5.00 www.stickitgroup.com

NEW OLD CLASSIC ON A MISSION STRETCH MISSION COVER RRP: $54.95 to $74.95 Sizes: 6’0”, 6’3”, 6’6”, 7’0”, 7’6”, 8’6” and 9’0” Available colours: Rasta (pictured $209.95), Blue Herringbone, Black Leopard Features: nylon rip stop fin protector, polyester nose, wax pocket and comes with reusable mesh bag

BUBBLE GUM SURF WAX

The legendary wax from California developed in the summer of ’84 will will be available through O&E in Australia from 1 December. Expect three types of Bubble Gum: Regular (original), Gu Top Coat (35g) and Rob Machado Organik.

85g RRP $3.95 www.oceanearth.com.au

NEW VALUE PACK

SIQ COMBO SOLUTION

This price covers one 100g block of SIQ Premium Surf Wax for long lasting all-round sticky beads along with one Combo Toolbox, which is a multi-purpose wax container with a dual-purpose wax comb. Buy online for free delivery.

RRP $13.95 www.boardingessentials.com

Buy as combo or separately

Nov2012_Smorgas_board covers.indd 47

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LATEST: ACCESSORIES

The other side of the box has the comb that cuts into the wax like butter and makes a good pattern as opposed to ripping at the wax.

One side of the box has the wax removal blade and the unit provides good leverage to get rid of the sticky stuff.

WAXHEAD Is basically a nifty little wax storage unit, comb, wax removal blade and wax knives all in one.

The box is large enough for any block of wax and with its rubber seal keeps out unwanted sand and crap. If the wax melts, the internal rib system allows the wax to easily be removed.

Available in a range of colours. RRP $9.95, plus postage: waxhead.net

WAX 90g RRP $4.00 85g RRP $3.95$4.50 STICK IT! Lasts and lasts. Apply it once, surf every day and possibly remember to put some more on a few weeks down the track. Sniff test: Bubblegum

80g RRP $4.99 BANANA WAX From Brazil. Spreading like wildfire with aloyal following amongst aerial specialists. Super tacky.Sniff test: Banana bubblegum

75g RRP $3.95 OCEAN&EARTH New Formula. Extra tacky. Special softboard wax also available.

Sniff test: Vanilla milk bottle lollies

48

110g RRP $3.50

STICKY BUMPS From CAL-I-FOR-NIAAA. And Alana Blanchard is a team rider! Been around forever and very popular. Sniff test: Grape bubblegum

110g RRP $4.95 SHNAP Like a Toblerone chocolate only tacky.

Sharper edge means it’s easy to apply.

Smaller tighter bumps. Sniff test: Mango

75g RRP $4.00 TREEHUGGER Made with natural, biodegradable and sustainable ingredients. Super sticky like honey. Sniff test: Like a bee hive

HURRICANE A lot of wax for little cost. Recycled packaging. Sniff test: Hint of coconut

80g RRP $3.90$4.90

STOMP Burleigh based, widely known. Now also available in Holiday Hard and Black Label.

Sniff test: Snakes Alive lollies

75g RRP $3.50 BARKING WAX Classic style surf wax from a lovely lady in malibu heaven, Crescent Head.

Sniff test: Frangapani

nov/dec 2012

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10/11/12 12:44 AM

RACK IT UP RRP from $39.95 Made of glass filled nylon.

Universal sleeve screws to the wall, bracket slides in and arms attach. Supports up to 18kg.

Specific SUP, skate, snowboard and kite racks also available. www.balin.com.au

NICE RACK RRP: Single $44.95 Triple: $119.95 Quad: $154.95 Expandable rack system.

Modular design makes adding racks a snap. Made from 100% recycled plastic. Maximum weight per rack 11kg. www.platform26.com.au or call Dean 0403 166 086

STACK RAX RRP $149.95 Stores up to 4 surfboards horizontally or up to 8 vertically.

Heavy Duty Metal Frame.

Textured moulded EVA padded cover. EVA padded base mat also available.

New surfboard and Sup ceiling rax now available. www.oceanearth.com

SURF N RAK Made from high-grade, rustproofed steel finished in a charcoal hammertone coat.

Huge range. Display racks - wall mounted or free standing .

Storage racks - wall (horizontal or vertical), ceiling and angled.

Wax racks, soft racks, bike racks and customs. www.surfnrak.com.au

BYRON BOARD RACKS Handcrafted free-standing recycled timber racks, custom built to suit surfboards, snowboards, skateboards, guitars... www.byronbayboardracks.com

SOLID RACKS Super strong, absolute quality made, amazing display and storage solutions. Too many to mention. Check out their website to see what we mean. www.solidracks.com

ELOFANT BOARD STRAPS RRP from $30 Tough, affordable, storage and display racks made from high quality webbing made locally on the Sunshine Coast. Made specific for surfboards, mals, SUPs... in fact any kind of boards.

Wall, ceiling and even custom straps for vans (pictured) and new personal SUP carry straps. www.elofant.com

BOARD RACKS

STORE YOUR BOARDS: ANYONE WHO’S SURF-MAD WANTS TO DISPLAY THEIR BABIES. SURFBOARDS ARE LIVING WORKS OF ART. WE LOOKED AT A RANGE OF RACKS THAT DISPLAY AND STORE YOUR BOARDS IN DIFFERENT WAYS USING A VARIETY OF MATERIALS.

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LATEST: LOCAL

INDEPENDENCE DAY ONE MAN’S JOURNEY OF TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES. The word ‘dedication’ tends be thrown around quite liberally. It’s easy to use and justify in the context of trying that little bit harder than everyone else. Your mates are lazy? You get off the couch to go for a surf? By default, you’re the dedicated one. Hell, I consider any surfer south of Sydney dedicated because they have to put on a wetsuit more often than I do.

However, one day, if you’re lucky enough, you might meet someone that absolutely and completely re-categorises the word, and places dedication in a context beyond any you may have understood before. Jesse Lee Hinson is such a person. He has spent the last three decades laughing in the face of a potentially crushing injury, achieving more, and doing more than most of us could ever hope to.

I was very fortunate to spend some time chatting to Jesse - a local voice and ambassador for the Hawaiian independent surfers organization, AccesSurf.

WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN

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“I was riding a motorbike. I was coming up on a red light and was slowing down to stop. The light changed and I didn’t need to come to complete stop, so I started to go through. Someone coming from the other side had decided to try and beat the red arrow, made a turn and cleaned me up. That was in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I was in the Navy at the time and I was stationed there, on a submarine. The accident broke my back, so I was medically retired from the military.”

This is the event that 35 years ago, changed the course of Jesse’s life for good. Not resigning himself to disability, he instead turned his hand to sport, and worked his way up to the World’s top ten as a professional tennis player – the career that would eventually lead him to surfing.

“I was on the USA Tennis team for several years.

The USA wouldn’t pay my way to tournaments from Australia, but would from an American port. The closest one happened to be Honolulu for me, so I thought ‘Well, damn the bad luck…’” (Laughs).

Jesse - who now lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife Sarah and boys Finn and Asher - started spending a lot of time in Hawaii with his good friend Richard Julian. Richard, who lives in the Kalama Valley, also happens to be the founder of AccesSurf - an Hawaiian organisation supporting all forms of disabled surfing.

“Richard was a 14 year old kid set to be the next big thing out of Hawaii, but was then hit by a drunk driver and was paralysed,” Jesse says.

Photo: Richard Julian

While Richard thought surfing was finished for him, through tennis, athletics and other disabled sports he made the contacts and gained the confidence to not only get his surfing back, but to find a way to help others do the same.

“Richard and I would play a lot of tennis together. He said: ‘Hey man, if you’re passing through Hawaii, why don’t you come early and let’s surf!’ It was a brilliant idea, so I’d always go a couple of weeks early, surf, play some tennis and then go off to the mainland.

“My schedule was about 26 weeks of travelling a year. When you’re playing tennis and travelling from Australia, it’s a long way to everywhere, so you make the travel worth your while.

“But, when my kids were born, being away six weeks at a time wasn’t real great. In 2008 when I made the Paralympics, I missed five of my son’s first eight months, so when Beijing was finished I thought: ‘You know what? Tennis needs to go on the backburner.

Surfing is something that I can do at home, and it’s something I can share with my kids early on. I can get up at five, be home for breakfast with the family, and still feel like I’ve done my bit for myself. So, I gradually became less of a tennis player and more of a surfer.

“There’s eight or ten guys that surf at a high level, so we’re organising competitions as an excuse to get together. The two weeks leading up to the competitions - free-surfing with mates - that’s what I live for. It’s good to be involved in something I believe in.”

So what kind of equipment does this entail? Jesse’s choice boards are custom made by Steve Boehne of Infinity Surfboards in Dana Point, California.

“Steve and his wife Barrie, were many-times tandem surfing champions early on. Steve did his Achilles tendon, but he didn’t want to give up surfing, so he started working waveskis. Then a friend of his ended up in a car accident and injured his back and still wanted to keep surfing, so Steve modified a waveski for him. Each board is a custom board.

“I CAN GET UP AT FIVE AND BE HOME FOR BREAKFAST WITH THE FAMILY, AND STILL FEEL LIKE I’VE DONE MY BIT FOR MYSELF.” “There’s a guy named Anthony Bonaccurso in Melbourne who’s surfing an Australian board. It’s kinda different – the Australian board has a hump on the back, a very short tail with a hump for floatation, whereas the American board is more flat like a surfboard, but then longer in the back.

“Steve makes two different models, a Mosquito and a Stinger – I have two of the stingers. It’s a single fin, but the rails are concave, so the rails act like fins on the outside. It’s 9ft long - a fair bit of nosekick in it, but I can still pearl it. If you go too steep down the face, you’re over. Anyway, that’s the main modification for the disabled aspect of what we do – the extra nosekick. Steve has a formula for figuring out your leg length and where the bottom goes, but they’re all customs for the individual, because we’re all different. nov/dec 2012

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nov/dec 2012

7/11/12 4:12 PM

I have a little D-ring with a velcro strap that holds my hips into the board – some people just have the straps that lay over, which is meant to come undone if you fall. I like to stay with the board, then when the wave lets me go, I can just unstrap and pop up.”

DIFFERENT STROKES: Anthony and Jesse - note the different tail shapes

Jesse explains why he favours the D-ring: “I was surfing at Coolum on about a 10ft day, on a board that only had the velcro straps. I got smashed, and the board broke away. I was hanging onto my paddle, but then the leash that connects the paddle to the board broke. The board was on its way to the beach and I was trying to fight 10-footers. I ended up chasing the board in, bodysurfing a bit...That was kind of an adventure.”

“Everywhere I go, whether it’s a lifeguard or just someone else out for a surf, people will say ‘Hey dude, can I give you a hand?’ I’ve had people come up, and without even asking, grab my board and go wash it. That’s just the surfing community.

“WHAT I HOPE FOR, IS TO GIVE AS MANY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO START SURFING INDEPENDENTLY THE ABILITY TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.”

“About two years ago four of us went out at Chun’s Reef in Hawaii. The North Shore is softer sand than I’ve seen anywhere, and it’s deep. I have a wheelchair that’s specially adapted to go

through sand, but the sand there was so deep and soft that I was having a tough time. It was going to take about 40 minutes to cross about 350m of sand to get to the water.

Fortunately, with a bit of help from the lifeguards in collecting his board, the day ended happily.

Over the years though, Jesse’s found that people are only too willing to help - like the lifeguards at Noosa who happily get him and his board onto a quad bike, drop him where he needs to go and get him back to his car after a session.

“This dude saw us struggling a bit to get across and he came up to us and said ‘Dude, I’ll piggyback you across there. Just climb on’. I’m thinking I weigh more than him – I’m about 75kg and he looks about 60kg. He says ‘I don’t care, I’ll carry all four of you down there.’ He piggybacked us down, came back and got all of our boards and we went out and surfed for about two hours. He WAITED on the beach! He recruited some other guys and they carried our boards and piggybacked us back over the sand. I was thinking: ‘This is as good as it gets.’ They didn’t know us, they just thought: ‘You know what, these guys are surfers and they need a hand. Let’s get them out there.’”

That sort of helping hand is exactly what Jesse’s keen to extend over here too.

“What I hope for, is to give as many people who want to start surfing independently the ability to make that happen. There’s a core group of five of us working on it, with the two in Australia being myself, and Anthony down in Melbourne.”

So how does AccesSurf relate to the work by the Disabled Surfing Association?

Gary Blaschke of the DSA is a great guy, and what he does is a great thing. DSA is about the most disabled, the least fortunate folks getting a chance to go out there... People who couldn’t go surfing otherwise - they take them, and give them a day at the beach. Absolutely brilliant. I love what they do. They’re all surfers, giving back and that’s really what it’s all about.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Anthony Bono Bonaccurso, John Davis, Freddy Carrillo, Jesse Lee Hinson and Richard Julian. Photo: Gus nov/dec 2012

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AccesSurf runs that same program in Hawaii. They do it for the locals, they do it for tourists. If you’re disabled and you want to go surfing, they’ll make sure that it happens. What’s different is that they don’t just cover the people who wouldn’t go otherwise.

“There’s deaf surfing, amputee surfing, there’s people who lay down to surf, there’s people who do what we do – they call it buttboarding... Any surf vehicle you want to ride is good with them, any level of disability you have is good with them. If you need them to come out with you every time you go surfing, they have a pool of volunteers who are available to do that. If you want to learn and then be an independent surfer, they can also support you in that.”

“I’M HOOK, LINE AND SINKER. I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND EVERY DAY THE FIRST THING I DO IS CHECK THE SURF.” What Jesse is truly passionate about is getting people who have suffered some sort of traumatic injury back out there, surfing independently again. He wants to make sure that people with a disability are aware they are entitled to, and able to, live a full and active life.

“I had a 23-year tennis career. Now that I’m at the end of that career, any disabled kid that I see, I go up to them and actively ask: “Hey dude, Are you interested in playing tennis? I‘ve got rackets and balls and I can cater to any level you want to hit.

Let’s go out and hit some tennis balls and get you active.” It’s all about getting that disabled crew a lifestyle, getting them out there.

“I’m lucky enough that through tennis I was introduced to surfing, so I’m happy to share that with anyone who wants to come out as well. I have spare boards, so if you want to lay-down surf, if you want to buttboard, it’s all good.

“There’s a local group of guys I can ring up and say ‘Hey, I’ve got a 13-year-old kid that’s never surfed before – let’s take him out and get him surfing.’ Again, it’ll be any level. I don’t care if it’s the one time in your life that you surf, or if you get the bug like I did... I’m hook, line and sinker. I wake up in the morning and every day the first thing I do is check the surf.

I live in a great community where everyone is willing to give a little of themselves to give back, and that’s what I’m all about right now. I want to take the kid that’s a T12 paraplegic and say: “Hey, there’s a way you can do this. There’s a way to get out there in the surf. You don’t have to sit on the beach and watch your 15-year-old brother go out there and shred. You can go out there and shred with him, and I’ll show you how to do it.”

If you know of someone with a disability who would be interested in getting back in the water, please get in touch with Jesse. He’s happy to help with everything from advice to equipment and support.

Drop him a line on: 0417 035 480 For more information on AccesSurf and their activities, see www.accessurf.org.

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www.facebook.com/surfingpapuanewguinea 16/11/11 3:42 PM 7/11/12 10:41 PM

LATEST: COMMUNITY

GIVING

ns

It’s easy to take having a surfboard for granted. Most of us couldn’t even begin to imagine not having instant access to one. My favourite’s in for a ding repair? That’s okay, I’ll use the other one instead... In PNG it’s not quite the same thing. Many locals use broken bits of old surfboards left by tourists while some even make do with planks of wood due to lack of money.

“I travelled to PNG for the amazing surf without the masses of tourists and it was cool to meet the locals who share my love of surfing,” Marty said. “But it was confronting to see them surfing on splinters, which are makeshift boards made of leftover wood from dugout canoes, when I knew I had six or seven old surfboards sitting at home in the garage.

Vicco surfer Marty Brown discovered a passion for PNG when he took his first surf trip there some seven years ago. But along with the incredible uncrowded waves and pristine beaches, he also saw the lack of money and resources in the local surfing villages first-hand.

“I came away and started thinking about how much they could make use of my old gear and I knew I had mates who would gladly give their old boards to the Papua New Guineans - If there were a way to get them there. So, I decided to do something about it.”

Marty made contact with the president of the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea Inc, Andy Abel, and shared his idea to get Aussie surfers to donate their old boards and equipment including leg ropes, rashies, fins and wax. The SAPNG offered to ship the equipment, carry out ding repairs and fairly distribute the donations.

“Surfing is still a relatively new sport in PNG and the passion is growing amongst the local villages, but there are no surf shops or money to provide the proper equipment so Marty’s initiative will be really welcomed,” Andy said.

Making sure the girls don’t miss out, the SAPNG will be painting the tips of half the boards pink.

“Including the girls in the donations is an important step to creating gender equality in PNG’s surfing world, which until now has been completely male dominated.”

So, dear reader… The time has come for you to part with some gear too! Get involved, do a good deed and kick that Christmas spirit into gear.

Be generous, be creative and make some surfers somewhere else in the world smile. And if you need any extra convincing, Marty suggests you check out the movie Splinters.

“It’s on iTunes for about $10, best $10 I’ve ever spent,” Marty explains.

“This really puts the reason for the donation project into perspective.”

So now that you’ve got your gear packed and ready to give, contact Marty on pngsurfdonation@ hotmail.com or give him a ring on 0418 388 415 to find out where to make your donation, or even to become a collection point yourself.

Victoria: Island surfboards, Anglesea Surf Centre, Trigger Brothers Surfboards, Mordy Surf and Speaky’s Surf ‘n’ Skate in Geelong.

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PHOTO: Swilly, Supplied courtesy of Marty Brown

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KEEPING HEAD ABOVE WATER A VIEW FROM ABOVE. WORDS: DAVE SWAN

In life, we often crave a different perspective. Sitting out back amongst the breakers, I’ve often dreamt about what it would be like to get a bird’s eye view of my home break. Thanks to Mike Swaine from Above Photography, that dream became a reality, as I experienced the way Mike sees the world for a few hours.

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Lets set the scene... Mark - my smorgasboarder partner in crime - tells me about an interview he has lined up with aerial photographer Mike Swaine. He informs me that he unfortunately can’t make the meeting with Mike, and offers up a lame excuse as to why.

He tells me he doesn’t want to miss such an opportunity and that I should chat with Mike.

I agree. He then informs me Mike has suggested the best place to catch him is up in the air. I have no suspicion yet as to Mark’s stitch up.

“Gee, you can tell she’s just underGone a major overhaul... hope she flies alriGht” I make my way down to Caloundra airport - a small, suburban airport servicing light aircraft and helicopter flights.

I walk onto the tarmac and am greeted by Arthur Jackson, a former RAF (British Royal Air Force) fighter pilot who is used to flying Tornadoes at 200ft and around 600 miles per hour.

Arthur tells me he has retired on the Sunshine Coast and is now Mike’s co-pilot.

Now, I have been in various types of light aircraft many times before, and have even skydived from 14,000 ft but this plane was small... I mean really small. Think of a Holden Barina with wings - albeit a very beautiful old Barina.

Notice how I also referred to it as ‘old’. This tiny Cessna, or Dorothy as she is known, was built in 1955. Yep, it ‘s not only a flying sardine can, but an old one at that. Thanks Mark.

Just then Mike arrives and cheerfully greets me. He immediately comments to Arthur, ‘Gee, you can tell she’s just undergone a major overhaul - you can still smell the oil.

Hope she flies alright.’ Great.

Thanks again, Mark.

I squeeze into the cockpit in my seat behind Arthur and Mike 62

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and pretty soon we’re up and away.

Dorothy is flying okay, and this helps to instill some confidence that I‘ll get the chance to surf again. We’re on our way to our first job, and at this point in our flight, Mike fills me in on his background in the aerial photography game, and his love of surfing.

“I grew up at a place called Cattai in the north-western outskirts of Sydney on the Hawkesbury River. My dad, grandfather and uncle all flew light aircraft. Our school was near the Richmond Air Force base, and from when I was a little kid, all I wanted to do was fly. Other kids had car magazines, I had Airplane magazine, all 220 editions.

“When I left home I moved to Maroubra and worked as a lifeguard.

It was here that I really developed a love for surfing. It’s an awesome place to surf, but you have to be very respectful of the locals.

“I always had a love for photography though. After my stint at Maroubra I tried my hand as a landscape photographer. Like most photographers starting out, I was living below the poverty line. I was shooting landscape scenes and living out of my car.”

Mike recalls his turning point: After living on bananas and the occasional loaf of bread for an extended period, he found some small change in his car when rummaging around between the seats. He decided he would treat himself to some snags.

“I was cooking them up on a bbq in this park... Some bloody seagulls came along and pinched them. You can imagine how furious I was when I chased after them. I couldn’t believe it.

I‘ve hated those birds ever since - rats of the sky. I knew from that time on, things had to change. I had to get a job that would eventually pay me.”

Mike searched the Yellow Pages for photography and was determined to land himself a job with a studio or something of the sort, when he saw just above the listing for ‘photography’ was another: ‘aerial photography’.

“MY DAD, GRANDFATHER AND UNCLE ALL FLEW LIGHT AIRCRAFT.” nov/dec 2012

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“I offered my services for free to gain some experience and ended up working for a firm called Airview. Six months later the owner, Stephen Brookes, agreed to start paying me and within about a year, I ended up becoming his main photographer.”

Mike was determined to eventually go out on his own, but out of respect for his boss, who had also become a good friend, he knew he couldn’t stay in Sydney and compete. He decided to make the move north to the Sunshine Coast and has never looked back. Mike’s business, Above Photography, has been going eight years now and work is constant and growing.

“The first two years were just a matter of paying the bills and surviving and we grew from there. Our clients consist of mining companies, developers, government work, emergency operations – we worked the Brisbane floods, Cyclone Yasi, Christchurch and were then asked to cover Japan. After three major catastrophes and then being asked to head off to Japan, it felt a bit like Armageddon and I was a bit burnt out.”

So shooting amazing surf shots and marine life became Mike’s way of filling in time between jobs.

“Through my work I have managed to see some amazing coastline. I have pretty much covered the entire Australian coastline, bar the west coast of Tasmania.

The south coast of Western Australia in particular is a standout. The water clarity and endless lines of swell are amazing.

You think people are fighting over waves, yet in some parts of Australia there are just miles and miles and miles of coastline ,with perfect barrels endlessly peeling away. You won’t see anyone for 100km.

“Flying over a place like Shipsterns in Tasmania was also a buzz, although the surf wasn’t really working. That cliffs from overhead are just ominous, surf or no surf. The guys who surf that place are crazy. Closer to home there are some unbelievable surf spots around Wooli (just north of Coffs Harbour).”

The advantage of seeing the coastline from Mike’s perspective is that he truly discovers some ‘secret’ surf spots, gets a good idea of how the waves break, and in what conditions they work best.

“You definitely get a real understanding of how the wave forms, where it forms, the direction of the sand bars and what conditions are optimum. You start to really think about the science behind how waves break. ” Aside from the waves Mike also witnesses an abundance of marine life on a daily basis.

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“You definitelY get a real understanding of how the wave forms...�

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“WHEN YOU DUCK DIVE AND PUSH THROUGH A WAVE...

I LOVE THAT SENSATION.” “It is something special. We see so many whales, dugongs, dolphins and sharks.”

I sense Mike is attuned to my obsession with men in grey suits.

I ask him if there is anywhere in particular he’s seen sharks that have deterred him from surfing the area.

“I do a lot of spearfishing, so you become accustomed to seeing sharks on a regular basis, but I must admit: Cape Moreton at the northern tip of Moreton Island (between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts) is something else. The 68

number of sharks that congregate there is unbelievable.

I don’t understand it. And they’re not small, and are not out the back.

They’re in the first line of breakers, just near the shore, heaps and heaps of them. I have a grainy shot of this day where there were masses of sharks and this gigantic one that must have been six metres cruising between them all.”

Our conversation turns back to happier thoughts of surfing and Mike’s love of kiteboarding. Aside from Cape Moreton, Mike enjoys

surfing the many bays around Coolum and lists Stumers Creek and Pitta Street south of Peregian as favoured spots. Most afternoons work and weather permitting – he’ll then be out kiteboarding with mates.

“I love kiteboarding. I kiteboard most days, but with surfing there’s so much more to it than just riding the wave. It’s so peaceful. No matter what kind of day you’ve had, it just washes all your cares away. When you duck dive and push through a wave... I love that sensation. It’s so quiet being out there in the water.”

Aside from the waves, I ask Mike what it’s like living in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.

“As soon as you cross the Maroochy River, all of a sudden the houses are further apart. We have an almost village-like lifestyle.

Coolum is like a modern hippie community. Everyone is in touch with the world and being true to themselves and the earth. It’s small enough that the grocer will know your name, but big enough to avoid the ‘small town’ syndrome where you live in each other’s pockets.

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8/11/12 12:21 AM

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With my job, I had a choice to go anywhere in Australia outside of Sydney and chose here.

There’s no ‘dog eat dog’ mentality of big towns.

“Geographically, it’s a perfect location. You are far enough north that it’s warm all year, but you still have waves. We love it here. As for the business, I have pretty much combined the two worst industries. They say there is no money in photography or the aviation industry, and I’ve somehow managed to combine the two - but we’re making it work.”

Back to my struggles throughout this conversation with Mike: As we arrive at the site of each photographic job I come to realise he doesn’t shoot photos from a prone camera

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fixed to the aircraft. The majority are taken on his handheld digital camera.

What the process entails is endless circling of with the plane on full tilt - think of aerobatic trick flying: Circle, wing up, wing down, tail right, tail left, right turn, left turn, jinking, swooping and endless 360s to get the right camera angle, with Mike snapping away from his seat with the camera perched partially outside the window. Yes - the window is open and we’re on an angle acute enough that I hold onto my phone to stop it from flying out the window. By the time we reached the third job, I was also in fear of other things flying out the window, and that contained carrots. nov/dec 2012

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We ended up visiting some eight sites in the space of three hours between the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba. It took all of my will power not to toss my cookies whilst conducting the interview. Did I remember to say thanks, Mark?

Nausea aside, what an unbelievable and incredible experience, and what a way to make a living. So, most importantly, thanks Mike and Arthur for letting me into their world for a day and giving me a chance to get a glimpse their bird’s eye view of some of my favourite surf spots.

For plenty more of Mike’s work, and too see the country from a different angle, see the website: www.abovephotography.com.au nov/dec 2012

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Landlocked means nothing to this Toowoomba teacher and board building enthusiast. Despite being hours from the nearest break, he not only makes time to surf whenever possible, but builds boards to boot.

Forget what you think you know about timber and what you can and can’t use in surfboard building. This Sunshine Coast enthusiast shows beauty and purpose hides in the most unlikely of places.

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LATEST: PROJECTS “THE SOUL OF THE TREE IS CAPTURED IN THE BOARD...”

Nobby Ohkawa’s 9’8” Woodslider

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NOBBY OHKAWA: T H E

S P I R I T

O F

S I M P L I C I T Y

What happens when Japanese philosophy meets handcrafted timber surfboards? Nobbywood. Brisbane architect and timber board builder Greg Wheeldon gives us an insightful look into the board building ideology of one Mr Nobuhito Ohkawa - Nobby to his friends. WORDS: GREG WHEELDON I originally met Nobby at an Alley Fish Fry, at Currumbin. He’s from Japan - the Chiba Prefecture to be exact, which lies on the outskirts of Tokyo, and is not far from Kujyukuri Beach about 50 kilometres as the crow flies, or about one hour’s drive east of the city. Amazingly, you can escape to the surf this close to Tokyo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Nobby’s interest in surfing started at 20 years old, and has not diminished since. By age 26 he was teaching surfing at Kujyukuri Beach for Infinity Surboards, Chiba, and was employed over a period of 4 years as a surf guide for Japanese surfing holidays to California and southern Mexico. Bitten by the surfing bug, and craving the surfer 76

lifestyle, he made trips to Infinity Surfboards in California between 2003 and 2005. He studied shaping at Infinity, and lived with the local shapers, sharing their knowledge, local breaks, and surfer lifestyle.

Returning to Japan, he opened his own little surf shop in Chiba to bring the Californian surfing lifestyle to Japan. However, surfing in Japan is far from a foreign concept. “It is not widely known,” Nobby explains, “but Japan does have a surfing history.”

Along the eastern coastline, the Japanese have always lived off the sea, and had an affinity with the sea. The original surfers were the children of local fisherman, who used their father’s seat boards from the fishing dinghies as body surfing

planks. The seats were loosely fitted, so that if the boat capsized the seats would float and fisherman could rescue themselves by paddling ashore on the seats. The equivalent of the Hawaiian “paipo”, the planks are locally known as the “itako”. This children’s surfing play was called “hako”. The Oiso Municipal Museum, Kanuagawa Prefecture, has the earliest recorded Japanese surfing photos and stories in the 1800’s.

The oldest written document is a diary of one haiku poet who lived in Sakata. He visited Yunohama beach, North-Eastern Japan in 1821 and saw children riding on the waves with these Itako. But it was not as popular as in Hawaii where kings enjoyed surfing. That’s

because the sea was the place fisherman worked and was not considered a place for amusement.

In the 1880s, bathing beaches were opened for medicinal purposes.

However, this changed as public beaches soon came to be used for pleasure. Then, common people came to beaches for leisure. From this period, the ‘Itako’ wave riding tool began to be widely used.

Nobby’s little surf shop was hit by the collapse of Clarke Foam in 2005, when he was no longer able to get foam blanks imported from the USA. So, he turned his love of timber and surfing to making timber surfboards. Although largely self-taught in carpentry and timber board making, he was able to

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LATEST: PROJECTS

LEFT: A beautiful Nobby single fin gets back to its roots.

BELOW: The concept of construction in the boards BOTTOM: Nobby in Caloundra on a recent visit to Australia

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turn his design side to another use. “I wanted to combine the purest Californian surfing philosophy, with the Japanese sensitivity of oneness and simplicity in design,” he says. From 2006 onwards he has produced his own, unique timber boards. Simple in decoration, with a white deck and hull, the boards are made from one single log of paulownia.

Although a native Chinese timber, paulownia is also widely used commercially in Japan for furniture, guitars and musical instruments.

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“I buy one log of paulownia, and have it sawn length-ways into thin planks, with instructions to the miller to keep all planks in the original order of the log,” Nobby explains. “The root end and tree canopy end are labelled.”

There’s method in the madness of this labelling: Outer layers are joined to make the hull sheet plank, the middle timbers are kept for the stringers and ribs and the other outer layers are joined for the deck sheet plank. Thus, all timber grain in the board is laid in the surfboard in the original orientation of the tree. The root end is at the tail of the board, and the canopy end is the nose of the board.

Boards are laid up on a rocker table, to form the square edged blank and final shaping creates the deck roll, hull concaves, and rail profiles.

Nobby’s philosophy is to preserve nature in the board.

“The soul of the tree is captured in the board if all timbers are laid in the same direction as in the tree.” Nobby says. “The strength and flex of the tree is preserved if the timbers are laid in the same direction.

“Good omens for the surfer are strengthened, if the artist or craftsman is careful and captures the spirit of the tree in the board.”

Nobby’s boards are traditional shapes drawn from the Malibu and single fin shapes. No fibreglass is used, and all boards are simply varnished to seal and preserve the timber. The boards are beautiful, strong and simply decorated.

A regular at the Currumbin Fish Fry, Nobby visits Australia for holidays, as the surfing culture here helps feed his own love of the surfing lifestyle. With his inspirational philosophy on life and making surfboards we hope to see more of his work for years to come.

For more, see www.nobbywoodsurfboards.com

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LATEST: PROJECTS RIGHT: Matt enjoys the fruit of his labour at Noosa.

BELOW: Timbered up and ready to tackle the headland at Moffat Beach.

MATT RUTHERFOORD: H O M E G R O W N

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T H E

G A R D E N

C I T Y

Toowoomba is not the first place that springs to mind when you conjure up images of surfboard builders working away in a shed. But being a fair few miles west has far from deterred Matt Rutherfoord from living the surfing life. Not only does he travel to the Coast at every given opportunity, he’s also taken the time away to build a beautiful timber board. Here, he shares the process with us.

“The board, as with most projects, simply began as a ‘one day’ kind of dream that might eventually come to fruition further down the track. It was always to be an exercise in seeing if my skills in woodwork were up to the challenge of creating a board from scratch without everything pre-cut in a kit form. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but I already knew I could construct models.

“The idea spent three years running around my head until I was happy that my methods of construction would be strong and light. I committed to buying two sheets of 4mm Hoop Pine veneer marine ply, a three metre log of balsa, some New Guinea Rosewood for the strip on the deck and sides of the fins and I made a start.

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“Relying on my previous woodworking knowledge, I took the basic templates from an old glass and foam board I’d snapped, and tweaked the measurements to be my own shape. The aim was for a 9’3, 22 ¾”, 2 ¾” noserider, so with some basic guide templates, I shaped each component from there.

“The board came together over a long period of 18 months, and I finished it off with a personal design of a flock of gulls taking flight. The naming of the ‘Lady J’ is honouring my wife for affording me time to be able to work on it, as we have hectic life with young boys.

“The main part of the process I was most happy with in terms of strength, was shaping the underside of the rails to run flush

with the ribs, and then joining the ply over it to maximise the contact of the glue. This is opposed to a simple butt joint on the top of the rails, which has less pressure on turns and therefore didn’t need the extra weight in material.

“As I knew I was a woodworker and no good with fibreglass I handed the board over to Paul Carson of The Factory Surfboards on the Sunshine Coast to glass, as I knew he had years of experience with glass on timber.

“I’ve had the board out on a range of swells and it will drive down the line to get out of barrels and hold my weight for ten biggies on the nose. I love it!

ACROSS: a glimpse into the long, but rewarding process of constructing the board.

1-3. Ribs and stringer - from flat to frame. 4. Tail profile.

5. Nose profile. 6. Deck - hoop pine veneer with rosewood strip. 7. Rough cut deck and fins. 8. Side bracing. 9. Wet balsa clamped around rails.

10. Glued and clamped rails.

11. Planing the top profile.

12. Planing balsa to profile.

13. Clamped base.

14. Rounded rails. 15. Decals ready to go. 16. The final board, ready to go!

“The challenge proved worthwhile and as with all shapers, I now want to continue to tweak and modify.”

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JASON OLIVER: RE-USE, RECYCLE & RIDE WORDS: DAVE SWAN Jason Oliver takes a different perspective to crafting surfboards.

Tired of the waste he witnesses on a regular basis in everyday society he focuses his efforts on repurposing scrap timber into beautiful hollow wooden surfboards.

“I just see so much stuff that gets thrown out and I look at it and think, ‘ I could use that. ‘ I have made a few boards that weren’t made out of recycled wood but I figured, ‘Well, hell, I could use any wood as long as it is not too heavy.’ It was then I started using wooden pallets. But I have used all kinds of wood from Paulownia, Red Cedar, White Cedar, Silver Quandong… anything that I can recycle that has the added benefit of being free. ” But surely such an approach to using recycled timbers presents its own set of challenges, such as dealing with the nails in pallets for instance. We asked Jason about the work involved in using such materials.

“With the pallets, I only have to pull them all apart, de-nail them, mill it up... From there I just go over the board once it’s constructed and fill up all the holes and cracks with a mix of resin and sawdust. The board is quite rough at that stage. Then I sand it and glass it.”

To that end I asked Jason about the method of construction he employs with his boards.

“A lot of people who build hollow wooden boards start with a frame and basically clad it. I actually start with the bottom of my board on a jig and then build up onto it.”

Jason’s jig, which he made up himself, has his rocker template built into it. The jig also assists with getting his lines right and 82

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TIMBER TRIM: Jason enjoying one of his boards on Stradbroke Island.

Photo: Perry Morgan

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LATEST: PROJECTS

More great Stradbroke Island waves.

Photo: Perry Morgan

in eliminating any twists in the board particularly when using recycled timbers.

“From there I build my stringer and rails.

The stringer I build from bits and pieces joined together. It makes no difference to the board I find. I use just bits of scrap.”

Joining a series of strips along the rails as opposed to a solid piece of timber keeps the weight of the board down. The strips are built up as a solid block to the required thickness than sanded down.

“You have to get the thickness of your rails right otherwise it’s a bit of a bugger if you sand-through. Holes in a hollow wooden board aren’t a good thing. You learn quick from past mistakes.”

And in the interest of ensuring his boards are completely watertight, Jason glasses both the inside and the outside of the board.

“You don’t want any leaks plus glassing inside the board with a 3 or 4 oz cloth also makes the board so much stronger.

It more than doubles the strength. If they are a big, fat, long bastard I may even use a 6oz.

“I glass my boards with epoxy resin. I find it is a whole lot stronger than polyester resin and bonds so much better with the wood. I have found when you glass a board in polyester you can just lift the glass and go rip.

“If it is a really open grain wood like Paulownia or balsa it is not so bad but with the woods I use like pallets and other denser woods, it doesn’t really soak in because they have quite a closed cell.

Epoxy is really a high-strength glue so it bonds to things better. It also goes off slower, so it has a bit more time to soak into the wood.“ When it comes to sanding, Jason interestingly likes to keep the surface of the board quite coarse to further assist bonding with the epoxy resin and cloth.

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A selection of Jason’s timber creations.

Photos: Stacey Atkins

I JUST SEE SO MUCH STUFF THAT GETS THROWN OUT AND I LOOK AT IT AND THINK, ‘ I COULD USE THAT.’

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Photo: Stacey Atkins

“I have found if you sand the board too finely there is not as much key for it to bond. I just use a normal disc sander with a hard pad and take to it with 80 grit. The hard pad gets the surface nice and even.

Following that I take a bloody big sanding block and hand sand it with the grain, again with 80 grit. Sometimes I will then take to it with 120 grit depending on the wood.”

Jason has got the construction of his boards down from start to finish including glassing, sanding and polishing to about thirty hours for a shortboard and around forty hours for a longboard. He can complete a shortboard in twenty hours if he really pushes it but understandably likes to take his time and enjoy the building process. To that end I asked Jason what initially motivated him to get into building hollow wooden boards.

“I had two older brothers and we grew up not far from the beach just inland between Broken Head and Lennox (on the Far NSW North Coast).

We were always surfing and making things whether it was surfboards or hand planes or go-karts. One of my brothers made a fair few foam boards and I used to experiment with boards as well, move the fins and just mess with them.

“I made my first wooden board when I was about fifteen, just kind of made it up as I went. It didn’t work very well. It was way too heavy. At that stage I wasn’t really thinking about making it light. I didn’t make another one for years after that. The next few I made were foam ones.

“But I got back into wood boards because I like them and enjoyed making them. I guess I set out initially to make a board out of wood that was as good or better than the same board made out of foam and hence I really focused on making performance boards. With that said, I make longboards, fishes, single fins, quads… pretty much everything.

“I just find wood boards perform as well, or better than fibreglass, and are stronger. With wood boards you also don’t have a lot of flex and it tends to be more responsive.

“I suppose the best way to find out is to ride one and see what you think. You speak to anyone who makes and or rides wooden boards and they all say the same thing, they like them.”

Photo: Stacey Atkins

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A PINCH OF SALT Good food, good beer and somewhere to surf.

Maybe throw in a bit of National Park to take the edge off the hustle and bustle, and quieten things down a touch... That sounds pretty much like heaven to us. And that exact little piece of heaven is exactly what Chef Matt Upson has created for himself in the picturesque little area of Kioloa, just 30km south of Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast.

We chat to Matt and fellow surfing chef, Dean Pitt.

WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN PHOTOS: STORK

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LATEST: LOCALE Being somewhat of a nomad, Matt Upson has lived in more places than most people get to visit in a lifetime. As a child, his parents did teaching and missionary work, so he found himself travelling young, even spending some of his early years in Western Samoa. Subsequently he’s ticked the “been there, done that” box in almost every state of Australia, including time on Lord Howe and Kangaroo Island. But at last, with their son Kodi on the way, Matt and his partner Simone finally had a reason to pull up stumps.

“Unreal. He’s a little legend,” says Matt with fatherly pride. “Crazy, running around... He’s into everything. He loves the water, so that’s even better. He’s definitely a live wire.”

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Not even two years old, Kodi’s already following in Dad’s surfing footsteps. “Yeah, he’s been on the front of a little mal, a little softie, so that’s good,” Matt laughs.

The move to the South Coast however, ended up putting more on Matt’s plate than just fatherhood.

Before he knew it, he was the local restaurateur.

“A friend of Simone’s family rang us and said there’s an empty restaurant. I didn’t know too much about Kioloa or Bawley Point, but we decided to go for a drive, and the restaurant looked pretty good. It was a no-brainer.

“I rang up one of my good mates from South Oz Clayton, who’s now my business partner - and said

A PI OF SA

“...WHEN I CAN GET IN THERE, EVEN A BAD WAVE’S A GOOD WAVE.” ‘Are you ready for a change?’ He was at Roxby Downs doing some carpentry work. He came up, and within three weeks we’d opened the doors.”

Merry Street, as the restaurant has been named, is a well-supported spot for the locals and visitors alike, as well as a perfect venue for community get-togethers. Just recently, local surf photographer Mark ‘Stork’ Thompson exhibited some of his amazing shots for in a fun night of surf photos, food and music.

“We love Stork’s work, and him as a person. He’s a really cool guy, so we’d like to support him and

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A PINCH OF SALT

MAIN: Sous Chef Dean Pitt takes a long lunch.

TOP RIGHT: The bustling centre that is Kioloa.

MIDDLE: Matt in the kitchen.

RIGHT: Merry men Matt and Dean spend some quality time with a few older ladies.

Photos: Stork

also, it’s a good excuse to get all the local surfers together. We had a couple of young guys playing music in the restaurant. Stork also raised some money for Cancer research. It was a non-profit night and it was good fun to see people use the space and be creative.” (See page 189 for more)

As to the food, Matt incorporates his influences and experiencing from travelling into the menu, even hosting a themed ethnic food night every week.

“We try to concentrate on local produce. We chase ethically grown and produced food and try to support local producers wherever possible. We’re not about any hype. We’re just take pleasure out of people eating the food, enjoying the space and enjoying the service. People are always super-

stoked, so that’s something that everyone that works here is very proud of.”

And then there’s the surfing…

With the long hours in the restaurant, surfing really serves its purpose in giving Matt a well-deserved break from the kitchen and business.

“On Sunday Deano (Pitt) and I went out for a surf with a couple of local guys. He’s the biggest frother you’ll ever meet and all his mates are hardcore surfers, chasing the big waves. I’m a bit of a kook, but I still like to get out there and clear my head. I just love being in the water. There’s not much time these days, but when I can get in there, even a bad wave’s a good wave.”

Matt’s says his love of surfing started early and has been a positive constant for him throughout his whole life.

“Apparently I was a water-baby. My parents weren’t surfers, but we used to go down to the beach a lot. My sister got a big mal for $50 in Tassie when we were living there. I guess I started surfing on that big old thing and enjoyed it.

“Living in Byron and Noosa, I guess, is where I tried to get a bit better (laughs). Byron, Broken Head, Lennox Head and those places are probably my favourite choices…

“At one place, I worked with Steven Snow (chef of Fins restaurant and Channel 7 TV presenter) and nov/dec 2012

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the crew always got together before work and all headed out for a surf.

We planned ahead to do it. You get to clear your head out in the water and then get back to work. It’s something that keeps you going.

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“It’s a happy way to start your day, a happy way to end it. There’s nothing better, really. I’m no ripper, but I still get total enjoyment out of it.”

When it comes to boards, Matt’s as open minded about the craft he rides as he is with his cooking. He’s happy to ride whatever works on the day, from shortboards to longboards and everything in-between.

“I like riding my little twin fin, I’ve got a couple of single fins and a couple of thrusters as well. It doesn’t really bother me. My little G&S 5’10” fish is probably my favourite.”

And finally… For those who’ve wondered about what happens when chefs go home... Does Matt do the cooking?

“Yeah, I’ve got no choice (laughs). No, actually I still enjoy it when I get home. My partner will do a few dinners to give me a break every now and again but she’s got a busy life as well, and I enjoy cooking, so I do it.”

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MORE MERRY MEN Name: Dean Pitt What do you currently do at Merry Street Restaurant?

Well, not much if you asked Matt, but I’m the sous chef, so I guess you would call that second chef.

So, what inspired you to work with food?

I’d have to say my mum. She was a good cook growing up and always had food for us after a surf. We never had shop-bought food or takeaway food - always home-grown, home-cooked stuff. Epic.

How do you organise your work week to fit in your surfing?

Internet forecasting. (laughs) I look at the seven-day graph and then organise rosters to fit in the best days, with all day offshores (laughs). But I start at 12 most days, so I get an early in if there’s waves. With work being four minutes away from home, its hard to be late.

Favourite boards?

Well at the moment my bat tail quad G&S 6’2” is my take-everywhere board, but seeing as dad has a quiver for all occasions, I’m always up there knocking off his boards. At the moment his 8’7” Donald Takyama is epic. It goes so well when you get up on the nose... Just keeps truckin’...

What’s it like working with Matt?

If you asked me on a Sunday, I’d have to write an essay...

“I LOOK AT THE SEVEN-DAY GRAPH AND THEN ORGANISE ROSTERS TO FIT IN THE BEST DAYS, WITH ALL-DAY OFFSHORES” Dean Pitt. Photo: Stork

Things get pretty loose on Sundays after a full week and then a triple shift locked in those small four walls we work in... But Matt’s a legend.

He’s always up for me to take days off when the surf’s on (laughs). He’s definitely one of the best chefs I’ve worked under thus far. I’ve learnt a whole lot off his style of cooking, and he always brings me a beer at the end of service. Top bloke.

Well, you know where to drop in for a bite in Kioloa now! Have a chat to Matt and Dean when you’re there, and hey, you might even get him out for a surf...

For more on the restaurant, see the website: www.merrystreet.com.au A special note of thanks to Darryl Pitt and Stork for their help on this story.

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LATEST: LOCAL

“WE SURF WITH SEALS ALL THE TIME. THEY’RE SO PLAYFUL IN THE WATER.”

A WARM AFTERNOON: Dru Adler, keeping well out of the water. Photo: Angie Koops 96

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

KAIKOURA is possibly one the most scenic surf breaks in the world. Massive, majestic snow-capped mountains meet a turquoise sea absolutely teeming with marine life. The geography and colours of the land, sea and sky can best be described as ‘dramatic’. This idyllic little coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand three hours drive north of Christchurch is simply stunning.

Such is the proximity between Kaikoura’s aquatic wonderland and Mount Lyford, you can go from surfing chilly green barrels to snowboarding uncrowded white powder slopes in under an hour. We talk to the gorgeous ANGIE KOOPS, who hails from these parts, about one of our favourite spots on the planet.

WORDS: DAVE SWAN

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“I USED TO JUMP IN THE BUS, MUM WOULD PACK A LUNCH, AND I WOULD GO SKIING ALL DAY.”

Kaikoura is a smorgasboarder’s paradise. There are not too many places in the world where you could test every bit of equipment we feature in an edition in just one day if you had the energy from surfboards to SUPs, skateboards and snowboards. Angie sums up growing up here.

“Kaikoura is a place where if you are not into adventure sports you would get bored pretty quickly but if you are into snorkeling, diving, fishing, skiing, snowboarding and surfing, it is one massive funpark basically. You can even go tubing down the Clarence River.”

This spectacular (we must have used enough adjectives by now to have made the point) village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to whales, fur seals, dolphins, numerous species of sea birds and just under 4,000 humans.

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“It’s cool because everybody knows you and the town is like a large family.”

Jokes aside, the town basically is Angie’s family. She moved here from Clyde - a small town of 1,000 people around nine hours drive south of Kaikoura - with her mum, dad and brother when she was five years old.

Her mum was keen to be closer to her siblings (all nine of them) each of whom had at least four or more kids of their own.

“We’re really family orientated and that’s why we moved there. As a kid I grew up playing in the waves. I lived only one house back from the beach.

We used to bodyboard and skimboard a lot. It was my brother Kelvin that introduced me to it, along with my

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LATEST: LOCAL COLD SNAP: Angie makes the most out of Mt Lyeford. Photo: Kelvin Koops

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cousins Jonni and Carlin Chambers, and Sean MacEwan, who were all surfing before me. They were all into skiing, snowboarding and surfing and I used to try and tag along with them all. Tagging along with all the boys probably helped me with my surfing and snowboarding. You know, trying to keep up with them all.”

Often kids are oblivious to the cold, but the grommets of the South Island of New Zealand take things to a whole new level. Water temps in summer only get as high as 16

degrees. In winter they plummet to around 9 degrees thanks to the run off from the snow-capped mountains.

“It didn’t really faze us, because we didn’t know any different. We wore wetsuits, but I never wore boots or a hood. I hated them. I found them annoying because they didn’t ever fit properly. Now that I’ve softened up I love them. I went back recently and had all the gear on. The technology in cold-water surfing gear today is just awesome.”

One could assume local surfers become accustomed to the cold because the surf here is so consistent. Ange let me in on how big it can get.

“Some of the breaks can’t handle it too big, but I remember a storm once where these huge waves, easily 10ft, were breaking off the peninsula where the seal colony is. We were watching from on top and these waves were coming through and washing the seals all over the car park. They were getting hammered. I felt so sorry

for them. I always remember these huge south swells that would come up from the Antarctic.”

I asked Ange what some of her favourite spots were in the area.

“I love Mangamaunu just because it is such a long wave. The Meatworks though is probably the most consistent around Kaikoura. It’s where we surf most of the time.”

As for encounters with any ‘other’ Kaikoura locals, Angie filled me in on what to do when meeting and greeting the wildlife.

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“We surf with seals all the time.

They are so playful in the water, but you do need to be aware they’re wild creatures. They can become quite aggressive if they feel threatened.

“If they’re up on the rocks and you walk between them and the ocean they can feel trapped and will have a go at you.

“In the water, when they sit up and pop their head out, don’t do the same - it’s actually perceived as a threat. In nature that’s what

seals do, they sit right up, have a good look at each other and start to growl. If you are surfing, you have to make sure you lie flat on your board and keep your head down.

That way you’re not considered as being aggressive towards them and they‘ll cruise around you.”

I asked Ange if she had ever tussled with a seal.

“Not in Kaikoura but in Dunedin in a surfing competition. They later found out the seal was quite sick, which explains its aggression. The

girl I was competing against started screaming my name to help her. So I paddled over and saw what was happening and went towards the seal. It stuck to me like glue after that, circling me.

“When I caught a wave and fell off, I jumped back on my board and it stuck it’s head up right beside me and started growling. It was later chasing people up the beach and actually bit a bodyboarder on the ankle. That was the only time.”

And other things that like seals?

“I haven’t had any encounters thank goodness. I have seen them here (where she lives now, the Gold Coast) more often. I’ve never seen any sharks in Kaikoura. I think with the ones in Kaikoura... If you see them, you are probably gone.

They’re so well fed though, you’re pretty safe. They have all those seals to play with.”

What about Orcas, who are also known to frequent this area?

“Only when we’ve been out in a boat, but never in the wave zone.

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KAIKOURA SURF SLEEPY: Hanging at the seal colony.

Photo: Kelvin Koops

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The water is always pretty dark and cloudy so you don’t know (she says laughing). It’s the way I like it. I can’t see anything underneath me. There is so much movement in the ocean and the glacier runoff makes it cloudy.”

Our conversation turns to happier thoughts and snowboarding the slopes of nearby Mt Lyeford.

“I started pretty young. My uncle Graham Chambers was a bit of an entrepreneur. He was the first seal-swimming guide in New Zealand. He used to run the seal swims in summer and in winter he’d drive a bus up to the ski fields. He also had a ski hire business up there.

“From a really young age, around eight or nine, I used to jump in the bus, Mum would pack a lunch, and I would go skiing all day. I learnt to ski and snowboard there.”

Kaikoura is not just famous for the many outdoor activities you can undertake there, the region’s food and wine is also something else.

“When Dru (Adler - Angie’s fiancé) and I come back for our wedding on December 15, we are going to have so many crayfish, pauas (local delicacy similar to abalone) and cuttlefish. I miss all that good stuff. The fresh seafood back home is awesome.”

Which leads me to why on earth Ange ever left this heavenly place.

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“I left when I was 21. I had blown my knee out snowboarding after completing an instructor’s course. I had to have a major knee operation. With that kind of thing the cold gets to it. I had a couple of trips to Australia representing New Zealand in junior surfing and

I had a taste of Aussie and how good it was. I mean the water is like a bath on the Gold Coast.

“My knee injury prompted the move. I only planned to come over for a year, but I met Dru when I was out surfing one day and ended up staying for some seven years now.

“Dru’s a Gold Coast boy. I’ve gone back home at least once or twice a year though and even went back for five months to complete a personal training course. I still spend a fair bit of time there.

“After that, I undertook some further studies. Because my dad’s Australian, originally from WA, I got to study over here. I went to Southern Cross University and completed a sports management course. The next year I got into remedial sports massage.”

Through this time Angie has continued to compete at the occasional surf event if it’s close to home.

“I got third in the Queensland series this year and I won it the year before. I would love to do the WQS but you have to fly around the world to compete and unless you have got quite a fair bit of cash behind you it is quite tricky.

“I do as many comps as I can around here, and regularly go surfing with Dru, and get photos to return the support my sponsors have shown me. He still competes in a couple of events, but we’re both what I guess you would describe as ‘free surfers’ now.”

As for any future plans to move back home, Angie says that’ll have to wait for the time being.

She’s undertaking a new pursuit.

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ABOVE: Now that’s a takeaway: crayfish drivethrough. “Would you like Paua with that?”

RIGHT: Despite NZ’s obvious lures, something seems to keeps pulling Ange back over here. Oh hang on... It’s a rope.

“I WAS THE SURFING STUNT DOUBLE FOR THE MAIN ACTRESS. I LOVED IT.” “I do love Kaikoura and we may eventually move back, but at the moment I’m training to be officially graded as a stuntwoman. What got me involved was a friend who landed me a job as a stunt surfer on a TV show currently being screened on Channel Ten called Lightning Point. I was the surfing stunt double for the main actress. I loved it. I met quite a few coordinators and actors and one of the managers asked whether I would like them to be my agent.

“I then worked on Steven Spielberg’s TV show Terra Nova. I got all dressed up as a jungle warrior. It was so much fun. That’s where I met the stunt co-ordinator and he asked whether I had ever considered becoming a stuntwoman. It all fell into place from there. I train with a group out at Ashmore. I have since landed another stunt gig in an upcoming TV show.

“To be graded as a stuntwoman you have to tick several boxes. You have to do fire, heights, body control... I did a lot of gymnastics growing up so that helped and I have the surfing, snowboarding and skiing disciplines covered.

I’m doing fight training with weapons at the moment, which is a lot of fun!”

As with everything Angie does, it all sounds like ‘a lot of fun’. One thing’s for certain; she’s still going after life with just as much zest as she always did growing up in Kaikoura.

Check out the video of Angie most recent trip back to NZ with Dru. One sweet clip, bro. http://youtu.be/hTSV_DT37ik

ipsum dolor sit ng elit.

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TRAVEL: SNOW TRIP BUSINESS PROMOTION

Ian Talbot’s previous life was publisher of Powderhound Magazine, so he knows his snow. With the Japanese snow season about to get into full swing, we thought we’d ask Ian to give us his take on Niseko – Japan’s premiere snow destination.

WORDS: IAN TALBOT PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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PHOTOS: Deep, dry powder, a family-friendly environment and convenient accommodation makes Niseko an easy choice.

A keen surfer from the northern beaches of Sydney headed off to Niseko in search of its renowned, bone-dry, deep powder in Hokkaido more than 16 years ago.

Peter Murphy who had heard of the phenomenal snow conditions from fellow surfers and snowboarders began an annual pilgrimage to Niseko and eventually converted his passion - finding untracked snow just about every dayinto his daily bread.

After years chasing waves since he was a grommet, he was keen to switch hemispheres and put his energy into convincing like-minded Australians they should also experience floating in Niseko’s deep powder. His business, SkiJapan.com, does exactly that.

The adrenalin rush is one of the main reasons snow enthusiasts go back again and again. And Niseko is one of the prime places to experience that rush.

The quality of Niseko’s snow is a freak of nature due to the physical location of the four interconnected resorts.

Bitterly cold, dry air crosses the Sea of Japan from Siberia resulting in some of the lightest, driest powder snow on the planet and Mt Yotei blocks the snow-bearing clouds, meaning it all stays where it should.

Last winter, with about 21 metres of snow, I got lucky. I rode endless amount of fresh snow on a pair of fat skis in the wake of another former Northern Beaches surfer Rod White, who now regards Niseko as his home. Rod works as a snow guide, to find untracked powder both within the resort boundary and outside the ‘gates’.

My time following Rod at Niseko last winter is still etched in my psyche, and has to rate as the two most memorable times I’ve ever spent at a northern hemisphere ski resort.

The other, often overlooked, aspect of Niseko is the range of accommodation from backpacker-style to five star that’s very close to the ski lifts. English is spoken at most coffee shops, bars and restaurants but the most desirable element of a holiday (apart from meeting the locals) in Niseko is the ambience of Hirafu Village.

Walk the snow-covered streets of the Lower Village and you’ll discover numerous rustic Japanese-style restaurants that offer inexpensive wine and dine menus.

Contrary to what I’d heard before I visited Niseko it wasn’t overrun by rowdy Australians. In fact there appeared to be quite an interesting mix of Asian and English-speaking skiers and boarders.

It is a family-friendly resort with ski schools and most ski hire outlets owned and operated by Australians who are well known and well respected in our alpine resorts.

Peter Murphy was at the forefront of the foreign interest in Hokkaido and he’s still providing a decent influence on local economy. Investment in Niseko is still carried out by Australian developers, but it is obvious the Asian countries have taken a liking to Niseko and they will build new apartments that suit a growing demand for luxurious accommodation from countries such as Singapore.

They may not be as attractive as the original Japanesestyle ski lodges tucked in amongst the more recent developments in the Lower and Upper Hirafu Village, but they will satisfy a new influx of snow riders who can afford the tariffs that go with brand new apartments a short walk from the ski lifts, with all the amenties a visitor would expect on a snow holiday.

GETTING THERE: Via Tokyo, Hong Kong or Seoul with Japan Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Korean Airlines.

SkiJapan.com provides a door to door transfer service from Chitose Airport to Niseko.

Stopovers are available in Hong Kong at no additional cost and in Tokyo for a small surcharge. Accommodation in Hong Kong starts from $79 per person and in Tokyo from $110 per person twin share.

For more info see SkiJapan.com or call 1300 137 411

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Surf coach Jack Phillips shows off some fresh moves.

Photo: Ale Mu単oz

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TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP

BLESSED BY

THE

BUDDHA Looking for a coach who could take his surfing to a new level, Cameron Fergus spends a week at Talalla Surf Camp and finds that there’s good karma in the southern Sri Lankan swell.

WORDS: CAMERON FERGUS

Jack once taught a Buddhist monk to surf. With his long orange robes stripped to the waist the monk waded out into the warm tropical water, a borrowed longboard tethered to his left ankle, stopping where the green waves become white. Laying full length on the plank and taking his first tentative strokes he’d paddled the board only a short distance when a broken wave reached his bare feet, lifting then pushing him forward.

Raising his head, the monk then slowly rose to his feet and rode the wave all the way to the sand.

While the monk’s successful initiation to surfing was no doubt in part due to the sense of balance inherent in a Buddhist lifestyle, it was more likely the simple and measured instructions of surf coach Jack Phillips that got him his first ride. Originally from Newquay in the UK, Jack coached all over the world before coming here to the far southern tip of Sri Lanka in 2010 to establish the Talalla Surf Camp. With a patient approach and a great ability to engage the individual, Jack’s coaching skills were perhaps never more evident as the monk leapt off his board onto the beach with soaked robes and beaming smile.

Like the Buddhist brother before me I love to get out there and feel the waves beneath my feet. But my progress had stalled, so I too needed to find someone who could help me get better, get confident, and get more rides. I also needed to spend more time in the water to work the glitches out of my technique, something that wasn’t going to happen by surfing once or twice per month. I wanted to find someone who could coax the best out of surfers of any level and could break down the mechanics of surfing to show me what I was doing right and wrong. And if this person just happened to be a good bloke located in an exotic land that I’d never visited before then all the better. After a few days of Google-research, some emails back and forth to scope out the land and the location, I’d found my man. nov/dec 2012

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TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP Empty waves await the surfers of Talalla.

Photo: André Weßling

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Beach training.

Photo: Ale Muñoz

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Paddling out for a perfect morning session at Matara Beach. Photo: Ale Muñoz

“DESPITE OUR DIVERSE GEOGRAPHY WE’RE ALL AFTER THE SAME THINGS...”

Talalla Surf Camp is situated just out of the small village of Gandara, 70 kilometres south east of Sri Lanka’s better known surfing hotspot at Hikkaduwa. A week’s worth of surfing, coaching, analysis, and chilling by the pool was on offer and held plenty of promise.

Arriving at Talalla Retreat – the base for the camp - in the 4am darkness, my first experience of Sri Lankan waves is hearing them crash against the headlands as I drift into a nap in my poolside villa amongst the palm trees. After a relaxed morning and a look around, I meet Jack and four fellow surf campers. We load up in the truck for the drive through town to the waves.

Gathered from across the globe, the surf group for the week is André, Ben, Welly and Jude, all professionals in their chosen fields, relishing the escape from the nine to five and the opportunity to experience some Lanka-style surf. André from Germany shows great form on a borrowed ten foot yellow McTavish, his own board stashed away in far off Portugal, a separation of man and craft that most surfers

would find intolerable. Ben from France via Dubai is the sole flag bearer for short boarders in our group and shows some fresh moves throughout the week, leaving his mark in a bunch of clean faces. Jude and Welly from the UK – the latter on a board adorned with her own artwork, a cool self-portrait in full paddle mode - are likely the keenest surfers of us all and give no quarter when out the back mixing it with the boys. Leaving me as the sole representative of the southern seas. After the completion of the usual introductions and interrogations it’s clear that despite our diverse geography we’re all after the same things: some expert coaching, the chance to chase some great green walls, and a relaxed setting where stories can be exchanged over a large Lion Beer at the end of the day.

Twice daily we load the truck and navigate the steep, cracked concrete path up to the highway at Gandara, which is small-town Sri Lanka at its bustling best. Meeting the constantly chaotic traffic we fall into line behind heavily laden trucks, motorbikes, nov/dec 2012

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TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP

A classic south coast Sri Lankan scene.

Palm trees, empty waves, and a never-ending view out across the Indian Ocean.

Photo: Cameron Fergus

A Buddhist monk enjoys the cool morning air at Talalla Beach.

Photo: Cameron Fergus

Jude drops in to a sweet left-hander.

Photo: Ale Muñoz

and vividly coloured tuk-tuks going about their business in this eternally busy country. On both sides of the road a stream of pedestrians heads off to work, home, and school, the students in immaculate white uniforms, entertained as we pass by in our distinctive truck with boards strapped on top and surfers smiling and waving in the back.

Our commute to the waves is lined with pastel coloured buildings at road’s edge, with high concrete walls advertising an array of events, goods, and services in English and beautifully indecipherable swirls of Sinhalese and Tamil script. Just out of Gandara, palm plantations and paddy fields abound while roadside fruit sellers sit beside great piles of pineapples, bananas, coconuts and more just off the tarmac.

Outside of town a fish market displaying the day’s catch is held in the shadow of broken buildings - the ghosts of darker days past and a vivid reminder of the chequered history that this place has with a sea whose might 112

Photo: Cameron Fergus

and fury was felt all too recently. As the road finally emerges alongside the bay, we’re blasted by the salty air and afforded a glimpse of what the swell might be doing further along the coast. Entering Matara, we’re once again amidst the traffic and busyness of town, all of which seems to fall away at the sight of a grand old elephant working, resting and showering in the grounds of the Buddhist and Tamil temple. Then we turn off the road, down a laneway between homes and guesthouses, to silence. We park where the road meets the sand and unload at a vacant beach. Only moments ago it was honking horns, people and noise - now it’s empty waves to the horizon.

Paddling out into the first session, I’m all over the place. I’m excited about finally being here but not confident about paddling into sets that are larger and more powerful than I’m used to. My eagerness to get into it leads to poor decisions, missed chances and big poundings. Messy with strong onshore winds, the waves are difficult to read, the rides are short, and the paddling out is exhausting. While this is typical of the afternoon conditions

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The writer - Cam - putting his fresh coaching to use, enjoying the warm water, glassy faces at Matara Beach.

Photo: Ale Muñoz

“A LINE FORMS OUTSIDE THE BAY AND I MARK IT AS ONE TO WATCH.“ throughout the week, the mornings are what a surfer dreams of: no wind, warm water and big, glassy faces with no-one out but us. If ever there’s a setting to work on your surfing, the morning session at this empty, secluded beach break is it.

Out of the water, Jack also re-educates us on the basics such as paddle efficiency, Eskimo rolls, and etiquette in the line up, with Jack sharing his somewhat karmic approach to handling localism and those keen on snaking your waves. Although none of us are beginners, the tips are a good chance to highlight any bad habits. He’s a coach in the true sense: communicative and encouraging, and best of all out there with the group calling out rights and

lefts for each of us. Catching plenty of his own waves throughout the sessions Jack makes the art of surfing look simple, paddling and getting waves that we chase unsuccessfully time and again. This is a guy who can really rip it up out there, talents that he neither flaunts nor hides away, his actions giving credence to his words, showing that the man can also walk the walk.

And this is how all days pass over the course of the week. But while my surf mates all seem pleased with their progress and the waves they’ve caught, it’s getting late in the camp and I’m still missing too many chances at good rides. I’ve paddled at – and missed – so many in the past days and don’t feel convinced of my progress. Too timid early on, I’ve slotted into the groove a bit by mid week, but still await that wave that fills me up and stokes my confidence.

Then on the second last morning it happens. A line forms outside the bay and I mark it as one to watch. As it starts to build, the line up all hit their boards and get some momentum happening, ready for whatever is to come. nov/dec 2012

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Gathering steam the wave rises as it reaches the shallower water, lifts André - who sits by preference further out - up and over, and bears down on the remaining group. Taking a spell after another long paddle the girls sit this one out and Ben is busy slicing up an earlier wave closer to shore. After positioning in the slot I turn and look over my shoulder – first left, then right – at the growing mass of water behind, before putting my head down to focus on my stroke. Gathering speed I feel the suck of the wave and it’s on me, not a double-overhead barrel or anything for the highlights reel, but bigger and more powerful than I ride at home.

With a few more strokes I’m committed, I’m up, and racing down the slope, then its bottom turn back up into the glass, working the wave in a way that I simply hadn’t been capable or confident doing before I got here. As the wave starts to fade, I race up from the bottom and launch off the lip, swallowing a great wash of saltwater as my laughter meets the sea. It’s proof of progress, the result of a week of twice-a-day in the waves and the guidance of a great coach. I climb onto my board, paddle back out, and exchange smiles with my new mates. I’m fully in the moment and the moment is grand.

Twenty-seven degrees in the water, six in the line-up, and the whole stretch of palm tree-lined coast to ourselves. No one is concerned about being the big fish, recognising that surfing – like a martial art or yoga – is about working on a self-mastery of movement and action, toward perfecting one’s own practice. Sitting out there under the hot tropical sun, laughing at each other’s wipeouts, calling out each other’s waves, stoked for each great ride while watching passing turtles break the surface is a blissful way to pass the day.

There’s good karma in this almost empty bay, as if this coming together of people, place and time has been blessed by the Buddha himself.

Perhaps the holy one was looking after us this week, granting us the perfect setting to indulge in some great rides, as a thank you to Jack for the monk’s surf lesson.

Sound enlightening? Find out more at www.tallalasurfcamp.com

nov/dec 2012

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BOARDS • SKATE • TESTS • REVIEWS • FASHION

KNIGHTS IN SHAPER’S DUST WORDS: DAVE SWAN

Families who work together at times struggle to separate business from home life. But what happens when your business is your life?

Sometimes, everything you love doing, also happens to be done with those you love. While the Knights are all blokey blokes, this tight-knit family - dad Jack with sons Sean, Mitch and Aaron - is a shining example of how a family should work together.

Jack Knight grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. He first became intrigued with shaping surfboards after watching the likes of Neil Purchase, Peter Cornish, Keith Paul, Bob McTavish and Glen Ritchie ply their trade. It was Neal Purchase who later got Jack his first job at Keyo Surfboards in 1968, and who became a major influence in his development as a surfboard master craftsman. Jack went on to shape for the likes of famous Northern Beaches surfboard brands including Shane, Bennett and Peter Ryan Surfboards,

all the while developing his own surfboard designs.

In 1981 he made the big step and went out on his own under the name Seaflight Surfboards.

In the early 80s he moved to the Central Coast and struck up a friendship with professional surfer Glen Winton (Mr X) who would go on to surf Jack’s boards for the next ten years on the pro circuit. Like Neal, Glen also had an influence on Jack’s evolution as a shaper and in particular, his development of quad fin boards.

Enter the 90s and Jack was on the Gold Coast shaping customs along with boards for Hermosa surfboard label Spyder Surfboards. Orders for his personally shaped Spyders came thick and fast, but after seven years he felt his own name had disappeared somewhat ,and it was time to live or die by his own sword. He re-launched Jack Knight Surfboards and nowadays, with the help of his sons, also has a budding new retro label called Harvest.

I spoke with Jack about his journey, and with his three sons about being in the family business. nov/dec 2012

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THE BOYS, L-R: Mitch. Aaron, Sean and Jack

Ye ole photo of Sir Jack of the planer.

Jack: Neal Purchase Sr is my best mates and got me into the industry.

It was ‘68 or thereabouts. They say, “If you can remember the sixties you didn’t have a good time. I wasn’t like that, but still had fun. I started when I was fifteen and I’m 60 next February, so I have been at it for nearly 45 years. I was fortunate to have worked with some of the best in the industry.

Mitch: I’ve done a fair few repairs and made some fins through the years. I’ve also been pretty full on into my music.

Dave: And now you are fortunate to be working with your sons?

Mitch recently finished a course on sprays (spraypainting) and is getting right into that. Aaron started working here a couple of years back. I was trying to get him into it but he was never really interested. I began teaching him to glass and he loves it so much he’s been full on since.

Sean (32, Jack’s eldest son): We do have our disagreements from time to time but that’s natural. It’s a different way to run a business, I suppose, but it works for us.

Mitch: There’s no time for bullshit.

Aaron: Yeah, we are pretty straight up with one another.

Jack: That’s what we are all about, particularly in this industry, ‘cutting all the bullshit.’ There’s a lot of bullshit and propaganda in the industry, and I don’t want to know about it and neither do the boys. I’ve drilled it into them. Be honest and don’t bullshit people.

Dave: Right, got it. No bullshit.

Love it. So how did each of you get started in the business with your dad?

Jack: Sean started first doing all the repairs and Mitch later joined him.

Sean: I started in about 2001, and Mitch has been off and on for six years.

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Sean: Yeah, he goes straight to the top after we had been doing repairs for years (laughing).

Jack: He’s starting to get into all the tints and being really creative.

I grew up making everything look nice, you know: neat, well-finished, clean pin lines. But he tells me, ‘Everyone likes the messy stuff’.

I’m getting too old. I’m just letting Aaron run with it. Because they’re different to what we normally do, we’re calling them ‘Harvest’ giving them a dated name.

BOTTOM: Mitch adds the art-to-stick touch.

LEFT: Ready for the Harvest. A 6’5” custom single fin, complete with channels, tint and fabric inlay.

Jack: It’s good to work with the kids. We’re not going to end up millionaires, but that’s not our motivation. We’re all getting fed and we enjoy it. More than a few times they’ve thought I am an idiot though. (laughs) You know how it goes.

Jack: Mitch was writing his own lyrics when he was about 14 or 15.

He has a jam room up above (the shaping bay) and Aaron also plays.

They are getting quite serious with it all now.

Aaron (24, Jack’s youngest son): Dad wasn’t really into the fabrics and all the messy resin stuff. I had to bend his arm and snuck through the fabric inlays. He wouldn’t have a bar of it, but he ended up liking it.

Sean: It’s a collaborative effort.

Dad works on the shapes and Aaron comes up with all these different ideas on how the boards should look. You have this cross-generation input, and it works.

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8/11/12 9:54 AM

Dave: Any advantages of the quads over thrusters in your opinion?

Jack: When you have a thruster you are driving off your back fin and your front fins are pulling you up the face. You have to pump and turn, pump and turn to accelerate.

Some guys will say they don’t get drive off four fins. You think you are getting drive from a thruster because you are pumping it to move it but with the quads you already have that natural run because you have taken the anchor out of the back of the board. You can get onto your rail and start driving off your fins.

Your sweet spot is also a lot bigger on a quad as opposed to a thruster. Your foot doesn’t have to be directly above the fin. There’s also a bit more freedom with them, I believe. The average surfer should be on quads.

Dave: Has anyone tried their hand at shaping and upstaging the old man?

Sean: I can go and do about twelve repairs or shape a board. When its not going to be as good as someone who has been shaping for forty odd years, I sort of think I might as well get that guy to do it (pointing at Jack with a laugh). He is one of the best shapers around.

Jack: Aaron has tried his hand at shaping but really has been too busy on the glassing side of things. Most of the boards he shapes I just come along at the end and clean them up a bit. The hardest thing about shaping is that last 20%. That’s where the hands and eyes come in. They’re two of the best tools a shaper has. Aaron’s learning but he’s still fairly slow.

Aaron: I like it slow. I have fun doing it. It’s just the same as glassing. I like to take my time. Plus nothing I do is the same on these boards, from resin tints to fabric inlays.

Sean: We don’t do the stock standard board.

We prefer all the different stuff.

Jack: W just love doing it. That’s why we’re still here. The good thing is, if I ever stop, they’re getting good enough to take it over.

Dave: Jack, in terms of your boards, you’ve always been quite a fan of quads?

Jack: I shaped Glen Winton’s boards for 10 years while he was on the tour. I moved up to the Central Coast in 1980 and I saw this guy who was about seventeen at the time and one day he just rocked into my shaping bay and asked if I would shape a few boards

Sean: They are an easy board to ride I reckon. With a thruster I find I have to work it to get it to where I want it to go, whereas a quad gets me to where I want to be, without even thinking about it.

Dave: I notice a few single fins and channel bottoms as well?

Jack: I actually started with Jimmy Pollard who created channels. These channels started twelve inches from the nose and followed the plan shape through to the tail.

Al Byrne started his concept of six straight channels after Jim. Dave: The channels you feature on the Harvest boards are really different.

Jack: There is a fair bit of curve in them.

When you are riding single fins they are the closet thing to thrusters cause you get all the grab off the rail with your flutes. We do them with twins and quads as well.

The idea of the channels being curved is so whenever you do anything it follows you whereas with a straight channel you have to run the water out through the tail. You have to drive it down the line and so it surfs long.

You have to be really on top of them to surf them whereas with these they are all soft and mellow and loose and to me it feels like a hydrofoil effect. You sit on top of the water more like what a concave does.

Dave: Why was there this move away from these types of channels then?

Jack: Everyone had these channels and then they went to straight channels but they were bitches to sand and everyone consequently

hated them. Sometimes things change in the industry because they are just too hard to make, no other reason. To make it simple they went to concaves. Concaves gave you lift and at the same time took away the tracking of the straight channels. So everyone rides concaves now and hardly anyone rides channels or vees. I still have vee in my boards because I feel I can get rail to rail better than with just a standard concave.

You have to handshape these channels though. No computer is going to tackle that.

Channels died out because they are hard work. It’s our point of difference: a focus on quality where we are trying to appeal to a more discerning market rather than compete with the cheap import crap or churn-out machine shapes.

Sean: Everything with dad is 100% handshaped. He’s a dying breed. And a bloody perfectionist. It drives us all insane at times.

When he comes past when you’re working, you’re just thinking, ‘Go away, go away.’

Aaron: And if he sees a bump or something.

Jack: If I see a bump in a board I have to work on it straight away or I can’t sleep at night. I will then spend another couple of hours fine tuning it. I’m the world’s slowest shaper. No matter how hard I try to speed things up, I can’t help myself.

Sean: We just like making good boards. That takes time.

Jack: We mainly focus on performance shortboards, but are getting into a few midlengths and cruisers with the Harvest side of things, all with a performance aspect to them though.

Aaron: We want the boards to look cool but we still want them to perform.

Sean: We won’t get rich from it but it has never been a plan. We just want to make a living and enjoy what we do.

Jack: It is about developing a loyal following and serving the needs of those surfers. We don’t have to be in every shop. We don’t crave mass distribution.

And that is just a small part of the tale of the Knights of the shaper’s table. Fighting the good fight, fairly and with integrity. Pursuing the age-old art of individually handcrafted boards with soul.

More on Jack Knight Surfboards and Harvest: www.jackknightsurfboards.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Jack-Knight-Surfboards-HarvestSurfboards/105421012841989

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GEAR: SHAPERS

for him. The quads started there and I never got off them. The original four fins had no base in them, a big top with a hook and foiled in reverse, so that the flex started from the bottom. The actual fin didn’t flex. The problem was they broke all the time. Even though they went insane. I ended stiffening up the fins and because I did that, I moved them further up the board.

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y d d a D g Bi * Wild Rides of All Kinds * The thrill of the ride, it’s what excites him, what drives him and what inspires him. Mark Rabbidge is constantly seeking his next fix.

His world of waves and wheels has proven addictive.

We recently had the pleasure of talking with Mark at his family home in Bendalong on the NSW South Coast about his two greatest loves outside of his wife and family, hot rods and surfboards.

WORDS: DAVE SWAN ILLUSTRATION: MARK CHAPMAN

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GEAR: SHAPER nov/dec 2012

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y d d a iB g D ds * n K i l l A f o e s d i R d * Wil

SO MANY IDEAS: There’s more experimentation and inspiration at the Rabbidge workshop than you can drive a stick-shift at.

Photo: Dave Swan

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You may have seen him grace the pages of smorgasboarder on several occasions talking about surfboard design, or know of him from his competitive surfing days when he was one of the only guys to beat Nat Young when Nat was virtually unstoppable. You may know him as the shaper behind some of the best surfers on the planet - including his wife and world surfing champion Pam Burridge. But the more you find out, the more you realise you didn’t know... An in-depth interview with one of the world’s most free-thinking shapers was well overdue. Turns out, we end up chatting about hot rods...

to you about how they had one when they were younger and they just relive good old memories with you.

It makes you happy. It makes them happy. You gotta love it.

So how many cars do you have?

I can have anywhere from ten to twenty cars here at one time. At present I have fifteen.

I bought a ’43 International truck the other day. I will turn that into a hot rod next winter. I have done up quite a few cars for myself and I did up a ’73 Type 3 1600 Volkswagen station wagon for Pam (Mark’s wife) and I’m currently doing up a dinky little 1955 Morris Oxford for my daughter Isobel. She’s only fourteen, but it will be ready and waiting for her when she can drive it around. It’s a nothing car but it’s something different and fun.

You are known for your love of surfing so let’s start with something people may not know about you, your love of souped up cars. When did you first realise you were a rev-head?

Back in the day most surfers were hot rodders as well. All the guys I hung out with in Manly had a red hot car. I guess it had something to do with getting up the coast quicker (he laughs). It was a bit rebellious. No one had a standard car.

The whole Sandman thing in the 70s was bred out of surfing. Those things used to fly. We were doing the hot rod thing before GM (General Motors). They just got onto it and made them for us. There was also the Kombi thing. You either had a Kombi or a hot rod.

We used to try to break the record going up to Crescent Head in different vehicles; FB Holdens, Mini Cooper Ss, going like buggery.

Stereo blazing, racing down the road, it was a rush. We were after an adrenalin buzz in the water and an adrenalin buzz on the road. Fun. So looking around your place I guess you never grew up?

Very funny. I’m still addicted. I love driving them. They are just a feel good thing. You pull up in an old car and there are always people all over it. ‘Wow what a cool car.’ People talk

THE LINEUP: Some of Mark’s restoration handiwork

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GEAR: SHAPER PRIDE AND JOY: Mark Rabbidge’s rebuilt Dodge van.

I do all the external bodywork as well. With some of the vehicles I use fibreglass moulds and with others steel. It depends on the car and the availability of parts. I make some parts up with fibreglass such as the guards because you just can’t buy them. That’s common practice with the hot-rodders.

I even do the upholstery now.

I bought an industrial sewing machine and I’m playing around with that to. It’s not that hard, just time consuming.

Through the years I have probably bought and sold a thousand or so cars. There is not a lot of money in it, just a lot of fun doing it.

My life is surfing and surfboards.

The cars are another outlet for me.

Another interest and another circle of friends.

Where do you find the cars? Is there a style you look for?

I hunt around on eBay for them.

Generally I look for classics – old Fords, Dodges, VWs and then tart them up a bit but not too much.

I tend to stick to Ford engines

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because I have got lots of them and am familiar with them. I have half a dozen 5-litre V8s. I can get them running pretty quick and they’re a good conversion because they are a small V8 and they really go like hell.

I can do most of the mechanics myself nowadays because I have put so many of these engines into the cars I have done up. You know, you basically take it all out of one car and put it in the other car (laughing). I remember which bits I need to put in.

It’s my wintertime pursuit. That’s when the surf industry is pretty quiet. I collect parts in summer and do the cars in winter.

When it comes to the car collection, do you have a particular pride and joy?

The Dodge, because I’ve had it for five years. I built it from scratch and it suits my needs. It’s a station wagon, it has a V8 in it that I put in, it has plenty of power, it’s economical, automatic and is everything I need in a car... And its just funky. Most importantly, it’s a happy thing.

And the latest project?

A 1928 A-Model Ford. It’s at a point where I’m accumulating parts. I have most of what I need for now with a complete set of moulds.

It’s already been hot-rodded to a degree. It has a different diff and suspension and all that...

Parts are hard to get. I paid $500 just for the arse-end of it the other day. When it arrived, it just looked like a pile of rusty steel. That’s what parts are worth you know. They are not making them. You can’t buy them down at SuperCheap.

So if you see one in a paddock you

8/11/12 3:11 AM

“I don’t make fast boards. I make a surfboard that people can go fast on.”

I develop surfboards to suit different waves and different surfers and I’m not going to limit my design to conform to certain ways of thinking. I spent about two years riding surfboards and the rest of my life riding waves.

should knock on the farmer’s door and say, ‘Hey, that piece of rust over there. Are you interested in selling it?’

It’s just fun. It’s lifestyle. That is what living out here is. You don’t come down here to make money.

You live in a place like this to enjoy the lifestyle. You only have to make enough money to live. Pam works really hard with her surf school and I do my best with my boards and my cars and at the end of the year we make enough to pay the bills and survive.

The decal that graces all of Marks’s surfboards sums him up perfectly. But truth be told, I initially thought it was 126

some kind of alien, until he explained the design.

“It is how Nick Lester saw me. It ain’t normal. I ain’t normal. I’m a bit different to the rest.

Nick used to do cartoon caricatures of surfers for Tracks. I have known him for a very long time and he’s a really nice bloke. He rides my boards - a very intelligent man (laughing).

I asked Mark about not being ‘normal’, pushing the boundaries of surfboard design and his experimentation with all manner of surfboards through the years.

What are the boundaries? There are no boundaries to riding a wave. The only boundaries are in your mind.

I don’t make fast boards. I make a surfboard that people can go fast on. It’s a totally different approach to most. You adapt the board to the wave being ridden and the surfer who rides it.

in the air. Different styles require different surfboards.

A lot of people think for a board to go fast it must be dead flat, have hard edges and concaves. But this principle alone has a lot of hang-ups.

The boards often catch on a wave.

On the other hand, a board with soft edges is considered to be slow.

When I was competing you were lining up against not only great surfers but also great shapers – David Treloar, Nat Young, Midget Farrelly, Frank Latta, Col Smith, Terry Fitzgerald, Jack Knight. All the top surfers were surfboard shapers. They were all riding their own creations.

There was a lot of difference in surfing styles and the boards that enhanced those styles.

It is, however, a subtle blending of these two principles that enables a surfer to go to places on a wave where there’s a lot of energy, that in turn makes the board go fast.

It’s not as simple as making a fast board. It wouldn’t matter how many computers you had designing it. It’s a bloody hard thing to do.

The other challenge is you have surfers with different styles - some like to work the face like Parko (Joel Parkinson) and others who jump up

Growing up in the era you did, alongside so many great shapers, must have opened your mind to design?

Nowadays, without elite surfers shaping, you don’t really know where else we can go with design. You need that first-hand experience. It’s like me telling a woman what it is like to be pregnant. I have no idea. But if I you are a good surfer who can put a surfboard in a certain place, you can prove what can be achieved.

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8/11/12 3:12 AM

I laugh about the current crop of surfers revisiting 60s style surfing.

They aren’t progressing the style.

They are trying to recreate what they perceived to be 60s surfing. They think they are doing it, but they’re not, because they’ve been influenced by the last forty years of surfing.

I guess to truly revisit those days, they need to get a little barrel, fill it up with beads with a day in the month on it, and if you are lucky enough, we’ll send you to Afghanistan. Then you‘ll be well and truly back in the 60s.

With that mindset, you will surf differently. Surf like every day is your last, knowing you might be sent somewhere to get your arse shot off.

Adorning the ceiling and walls of Mark’s shaping shed are a variety of surfboards from the more ‘mainstream’ to the outlandish, showing his continual pursuit to advance surfboard design.

I had one of those ‘Duh’ moments where you go: “Duh, of course I’m not going to be able to turn it.” I ground the fins off, changed the fin set up and it went unreal.

GEAR: SHAPER

We also figured all this sh*t out on bigger boards and those bigger boards amplified what worked and what didn’t. With smaller boards the surfer can overcome the setbacks with their weight, but back then you couldn’t. You did not have the physical mass to overcome the problem. You had to get the boards right. A lot of really good design stuff came out of those days.

I employed rail stringers on my flextails because timber has a memory. It bends and then goes back to the same place, whereas fibreglass bends and comes back slow.

Layne Beachley won her first pro event on one of these. Pam won a few on it. Tom Carroll had one. Tony Ray loved them.

Asymmetrical for J-Bay

The boards performed well but were problematic. They kept breaking.

What came out of this board though was the kick tail deck. I always put a curve in the deck now. Progressive design. Learning and improving through development.

I started making my longboards again in ’82 and later the whole ‘retro board’ thing hit the scene, but I could see no point in just going back to where they were. I could see no need to go back to the hard-work longboards and hulls and so on.

I designed these boards for J-Bay. It is a special wave. You go right, plain and simple. If you go left, you have a problem. I made a board that goes exceptionally well and efficiently going right. You want the length on the drive side, but not on the cutback side because it slows you down. I made it shorter and smaller on the cutback side.

The fins are even offset. They are in different places because either side of the stringer is in fact a completely different board, length, different volume rails. It looks crazy but it surfs normal. One was made for Occy (Mark Occhilupo), the other for Taylor Knox.

I made a board that is like an 8-footer at the back to turn and a 10-footer up near the nose and I put mid fins on it. It noserides really well. It was the best noseriding board I ever had but that was all you could f#@king do on it.

I went back to where they were fun, the 8-footers, fishes, fatboys. One of the fortunate things about my age is that I have surfed through all the eras and seen all the conditions and what goes best in those conditions – what have been fun, what have been hard work and what have been ‘what were we thinking?’

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These ones fit in the wave really well and consequently they go really fast. With that extra speed and less drag without fins, the question is, “What can you do from there?” You can do more stuff.

I thought about the next challenge. I had fun revisiting longboards and various other boards from the past. To do that all again was great with modern equipment and design principles that made them go better. But then I thought, ‘What next?’

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power and go. I don’t want to put the power on and feel the thing slip. It will bite, turn off the bottom and then slide off the top.

Hell, even boards with fins slide off the top.

All of a sudden you have a board with no fins on it, claws out the back and you’re going faster than you would normally go and you have power off the bottom.

You are not at the mercy of the slipping and sliding. You can still pump it and go to new areas on the wave where fins would normally catch or gag. And you can release it off the lip by sliding and go faster and faster.

When I started making the finless boards I pursued three different concepts - the claws, a long parallel concave and venturi pockets that go through the board. All had elements that worked but the one with claws performed the best overall.

I wanted to make a finless for different conditions. Plus I can’t crouch down like you need to with most finless boards because my knees are gone. So I had to design my boards differently.

My finless boards are designed around standing up. I want more function.

That’s why I designed the claws. It is a feature that can be activated when you want it. Foot over it and you can power like you have fins. Pressure off and you have the slide.

You essentially have grip when you want it, at the bottom, not off the top. To be able to stamp my foot down,

Stick It wax was formulated to stick to your board better than any other wax on the global market.

You can also surf these boards how you want. I’m now 63. I’m an old man. I like to trim and highline. I have a lot of old-style surfing in me - that glide and the rush of going fast. Then I like to power and cut back, but I don’t like to lose too much speed.

Stick It doesn’ t get bare patc hes and will often last over 3 times longer than your aver age wax givin g you a longer more comfortable su rfing session time af ter time!

My son Mick, on the other hand, comes at it from a different angle.

He likes to go through the roof.

His take on it is to power off the bottom, and pop it off the top.

The only way to find out what is going to be fun to ride, is to ride it. With regards to any of my designs, I don’t have the view of telling everyone, ‘This is the latest and greatest and you have to ride it.’ I don’t care. I just want to experience it for myself, and if other people are after that feel and like it too, then that’s great.

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nov/dec 2012

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Jake Thompson

I didn’t want to make the alaias.

I saw guys at Crescent like the Joske’s who surfed them really well, but let’s face it, you can ride anything at Crescent and look good. The wave is that perfect. I remember when I was a kid living there, I accidentally knocked my fin out one day and kept surfing all day without one.

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Mark is particularly passionate about custom made surfboards - boards made for individuals. As an example, I asked him how a shaper like himself could help design the perfect board for me.

(This is a five minute excerpt from a half-hour conversation.)

Dave: “Okay, so let’s talk about me. I’m a pretty poor to average surfer. I don’t generate a great deal of speed on the wave. My backhand is ordinary but paddling is not a problem. I’m not big on manoeuvres and just enjoy getting out there and having fun. I find thrusters at times a little stiff and prefer the looseness of a twin fin or quad.”

Mark: “I‘ve noticed from some of the photos of you surfing, that you do very much surf off your front foot, and I’m guessing you don’t

put many indentations in the rear of your boards near the fins.

“Your preference for twin fins or quads stems from the fact you’re a front foot surfer and don’t really use your back foot to engage the fins to deliver drive and turning power. The twins and quads are easier to turn, and the fins are marginally further up the board closer towards your front foot.

“I would also suggest you enjoy riding round tail surfboards as opposed to squares and the reason for this is because round tails shorten your rail line and make turning the board easier. This kind of board feels looser to you. I bet you would also like a fuller nose because of your forward stance and the fact that whilst you’re fit, you’re getting on a bit.”

And there you have it, in the first five minutes he pretty much hit the nail on the head, as brutal as he was in his assessment, and described the various design elements that would complement my surfing style.

Dave: “However, how do you describe my love of mini Simmons style boards? You can’t get a tail more square than a Simmons, and, the fins are right at the back. (Yes, I still love these boards even though Wayne Lynch hung it on me in the last edition and told me he didn’t like them, to which Mark also added he didn’t rate them either).

Mark: “With these style boards being 5’6” and under, they are so short you can use your mass to overpower the board and turn it how you like, albeit in a big wide arc.”

Our conversation highlights the benefit of getting a board custom made by a reputable, knowledgable shaper. As long as you’re honest about your surfing abilities, they can tailor make a board to suit you by harnessing various design elements that will have you enjoying your time in the water a lot more.

“You can buy a surfboard off anyone, but if you get one off me, you get it for you. I don’t make surfboards for the retail racks, I make them for people and everyone is different. Ain’t that a good thing?”

For more on Mark’s work, see the website: www.markrabbidge.com

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nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Mark Rabbidge.indd 130

8/11/12 3:15 AM

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Nov2012_Smorgas_Mark Rabbidge.indd 131

8/11/12 3:16 AM

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS 6’5’’x 22’’x 2 5/8”

STINGER4

SEVENTEASE

By Goran Peko

By Greg Webb | SHAPING CO.

Retro lines with modern curves and edges. Custom orders welcomed, sprays and pigment artwork available.

X4

CONSTRUCTION

6’9” x 19 ¾” x 2 5/8”

South Coast Foam PU blanks and Shapers fins. Custom handshapes, built to last. Each board is made with one pair of hands - mine.

SHAPER COMMENT

My personal board, easy to paddle and duck dive, goes where you want. Fun from knee high to overhead sessions.

Single concave into a vee, to be ridden in all conditions especially bigger waves.

CONSTRUCTION

X1

All materials from Burford blanks. Glassing: 6 oz bottom, 6x4 oz deck with single fin and solid pigment insert. Finish coat and polish

SHAPER COMMENT

These are boards that spring to mind when I look back (around 1972) when shaping at Don Burford’s.

6’4” x 20 ½” x 2 5/8”

6’4” x 21” x 2 ¾”

SINGLE FIN

BEGINNER BOARD

Paul Carson | THE FACTORY

Double flyer, round pin, channel bottom

CONSTRUCTION

X1

Burford blank, resin tint top and bottom with a box single fin

SHAPER COMMENT

The basic design of this single fin is from what we were doing in the late 70s, and even early 80s, when we were crossing over to the thrusters.

These worked then and work just as well now.

by Peko | UNDERGROUND

Designed specifically for the beginner, with soft, forgiving rails and full volume for easy paddling and stability. Tri-fin setup with mild single to double concave bottom, round or swallow tail for ease of turns, and flatter rocker for smooth, steady speed.

CONSTRUCTION

X3

A-grade materials including PU blank and resin and FCS fins.

SHAPER COMMENT

Great first board for kids and adults alike or for the inconsistent surfer who just wants a heap of fun.

Overall a great family board.

SHAPING CO. KOMA SURFBOARDS 4/39 Bailey Crescent Southport QLD 4215 Ph: 0402 863 763 www.komasurf.com 132

1/29 Machinery Drive, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486

Ph: 07 5524 3404 M: 0433 149 961 E: Shapingco@hotmail.com www.shapingco.com

THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS 17 Allen Street Caloundra QLD 4551 Ph: 07 5492 5838 factorysurf@southernphone.com.au thefactorysurfboards.com.au

UNDERGROUND SURF 3/77 Noosa Dve, Noosa Heads Ph: 07 5455 4444 kirra@undergroundsurf.com.au undergroundsurf.com.au Like us on Facebook

nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Boards - SPREAD 1.indd 132

9/11/12 11:31 AM

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

HANDS ON PHILOSOPHY GÜNTHER ROHN’S MODERN CONTEXT OF HANDSHAPING When you have 40 years under your belt, and a list of surfers on your boards that read like a hall of fame plaque, you know you’ve been doing something right.

Günther Rohn makes progressive surfboards of the highest quality at his factory in Ballina, NSW. Günther moved to Australia in 1973 from Cape Town, South Africa to set about building a solid reputation as a maker of high-quality and consistent boards for professionals and recreational surfers alike. His keen eye for detail and commitment to constantly refining and improving his boards cemented him a career with continuity like few others could boast.

In 1986, when 16-year-old Nicky Wood became the youngest surfer to win the Rip Curl Bells Beach Easter Classic, he did so on a Günther Rohn, and this opened the floodgates for others to follow - including the majority of world champions to date. For Günther it was the opportunity to keep learning and progressing his shapes alongside some of the top performers in the game.

But while Gunther’s boards are perfectly at home under the feet of even the most modern, high-performance surfers, his hands-on approach to making boards and his skills with hand-shaping tools is what makes them so special. His kind of long-learned skills through countless hours of handshaping are more of a rarity every day.

Not one to fall into a trap of just sticking to what he knows, Gunther’s constant striving to better his boards is just one of these reasons his designs remain so current. When asked about his focus at the moment, “Wider, shorter, thicker,” says Gunther. “I’m concentrating on my concave combinations to best channel the water for drive and speed.”

“WIDER, SHORTER, THICKER...”

Always moving forward, Gunther’s hands-on approach ensures that every board gets four decades of experience worked into it.

GÜNTHER ROHN SURFBOARDS 3/10 Piper Drive, Ballina, NSW Ph: 02 6686 9879 M: 0414 230 453 E: info@guntherrohn.com www.guntherrohnsurfboards.com • www.grsurfboards.com

6’1” x 20” x 2 5/8”

5’10” x 18 5/8” x 2 5/16”

THE TURTLE

COMPRESSOR

Ordered smaller it makes for a small wave performance board.

Ordered longer, wider and thicker it’s perfect for an older surfer around 85kg, or somebody coming down from a mini mal.

The fuller nose area provides stability, and more planing area for flat sections, while the round tail adds performance in a wide range of conditions. Single to double concave with vee exit greatly assists in the rail to rail transition for the added width in the board. Very maneuverable.

This is your go-to shortboard.

1-2” shorter, ¼” to 3/8“ wider and 1/16“- 1/8“ thicker, the nose has been pulled out an extra ¼” in proportion to the wide point for extra planing area in flat sections. These dimensions suit an older surfer around 85kg.

Single concave to slight vee in tail.

by Günther Rohn

CONSTRUCTION

3 OR 5

No expense is spared in the construction. The boards are finished in semi-gloss, and the best quality fibreglass and resin is used. All boards are provided with fibreglass fins.

SHAPER’S COMMENT

A very versatile surfboard design for any surfer. A dynamic design suited to a wide range of surf

by Günther Rohn

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER’S COMMENT

This is the new shortboard to perform as well as your old favourite, and and even better.

With all the extra planing area added and with extra width, it will go a lot better in poor to average surf. These dimensions will suit about a 72kg surfer that two years ago would have ridden a 6’0” x 18 ¼” x 2 ¼”. nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Boards - SPREAD 1.indd 133

3 OR 5

No expense is spared in the construction. The boards are finished in semi-gloss, and the best quality fibreglass and resin is used. All boards are provided with fibreglass fins.

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9/11/12 11:32 AM

TOP: Team rider Kalani Ball. Photo: www.waxheads.net.au, courtesy of DP BELOW: Dylan outside the DP BOARDROOM in Thirroul, NSW

SOUTHSIDE MEET DP SURFBOARDS’ DYLAN PERESE

You have been shaping for some fifteen years, and worked with a couple of old sea dogs considered to be some of the best in the business. This must have helped your development?

Yeah mate it’s been a while now. If I recall correctly, I made my first custom boards for my cousin and his mates when I was 13 or 14 out of my parent’s garage in Scarborough (northern suburb of Wollongong).

Prior to that me and dad had stripped down some old boards and reshaped and glassed them and had done some ding repairs.

At 19 I went to work with the guru of the industry, Graham King, where I learnt everything from blowing blanks and glueing stringers, to handshaping over 1,000 boards under the DP and King labels. I was also the glasser, sander, painter and ding repair guy. It was awesome to learn all aspects of the trade, especially under the supervision of one the most meticulous craftsmen I know.

After seven years it was time for my own factory. I had roots on the South Coast so when I heard the infamous Mark Rabbidge’s factory in Ulladulla was empty, I jumped straight onto it. I have formed a good relationship with Mark over the last few years, glassing his boards and learning a lot about design from one of the industries best.

From what I have seen and heard, you have developed a real loyal following amongst the NSW South Coast crew in what is a relatively short time frame? How’s this come about?

The support and loyalty that I’ve had has been amazing and for that I am so thankful!! I guess by catering to the individual surfer’s needs you create more of a personal relationship, which I reckon people appreciate. They’re not just another number.

My dad’s family also has a rich surfing/fisherman/abalone diving background on the South Coast. It’s another ocean-based industry full of surfers, which means the Perese name is recognised in fishing towns down to the Victorian border.

We’ve always tried to do the right thing by the customer and provide a really good service from delivering boards up and down the coast to people’s doorsteps through to getting that last minute board done for next week’s Indo trip.

DP FACTORY 5/316 Aroo Road, Ulludulla NSW Ph: 02 4455 6282

DP BOARDROOM 368 Lawrence Hargrave Dve Thirroul NSW Ph: 02 4268 5387

www.dpsurfboards.com.au 134

DP-Profiles-2.indd 134

Does the consistent quality swell along this stretch of coast help with board design?

Definitely. Having good waves in your backyard is a massive help. The various types of reefs, beachies, points and bombies not only inspire but are perfect to test and trial new shapes and designs. The South Coast is renowned for its heavy reef breaks that have left plenty of broken noses and tails washed up on the shore. This puts the quality of materials and workmanship to the test.

Is there any particular aspects of design or construction you are focused on of late?

Generally coming into the summer months, having a fun, smallwave grovel board is a must. I’m currently working on 3 new models for exactly that!

The Pulse, which is a high performance, slightly shorter and wider short board with some quirky features. The B Side, which is super fast with a fuller outline and a zappy little number and then there’s the Blimp! It’s just how it sounds.... short, fat, stumpy and perfect for those days you would usually call unsurfable.

Along with that we have been experimenting with some different EPS, urethane and epoxy combos, some with stringers but mostly without, just trying to keep the weights down and the strengths up.

nov/dec 2012

9/11/12 9:44 AM

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS 6’2”x 18 5/8”x 2 5/16” 27.5L

5’10” x 19 ½” x 2 3/8” 28.5L

5’10” x 18 ½” x 2 3/16” 25L

6’0” x 19 1/8” x 2 5/16” 28L

PERFORMA

GOLDFISH

PULSE

SIBLING

Customised to suit your needs in all types of waves, the Performa has outlines and curves that we have been master-crafting for years.

Featuring a smooth, constant bottom curve and outline with a gentle single to double concave, the Performa is by far our most popular model.

The Goldfish features a full nose, round (or swallow) tail and a five plug setup for quad or thruster fin setup. It’s our performance version of the traditional fish and ridden 4 to 5 inches shorter than your Performa.

Functional yet quirky. Chimed deck rail and double concave deck for maximum volume and a low, sharp rail that cuts like a hot knife through butter! Double concave deck keeps front heel and toe as close as possible to the water line, improving control and response. Deep single concave bottom, slightly wider and straighter outline. Slight hip pulled into the tail of your choice.

The Sibling combines high performance with the characteristics of a shorter, wider plan shape.

Think of the Sibling as a step down from the Performa and a step up from the Stalker. To be ridden 2 to 3 inches shorter than your Performa.

CONSTRUCTION

X3

King foam, AKU-Shaper cut, Aeralite glass and FGI resin.

FCS, Future or glassed-on fins.

SHAPER’S COMMENT The Performa is the all round favourite among surfers as it can cover a wide range of surf conditions. If you could only have one board in your quiver, this is the one.

CONSTRUCTION

3 OR 5

King foam, AKU-Shaper cut, Aeralite glass and FGI resin.

FCS, Future or glassed-on fins.

SHAPER’S COMMENT The Goldfish is super fast, responsive and easy to throw around.

CONSTRUCTION

3 OR 5

King foam, AKU-Shaper cut, Aeralite glass and FGI resin.

FCS, Future or glassed-on fins.

SHAPER’S COMMENT Inspired by Kelly Slater, the King of Surfing, this high performance board is for those who want to push the limits of their surfing.

CONSTRUCTION

3 OR 5

King foam, AKU-Shaper cut, Aeralite glass and FGI resin.

FCS, Future or glassed-on fins.

SHAPER’S COMMENT Perfect for those who want a bit more grovel power but still want to push the board through those juicy sections.

“THE SOUTH COAST IS RENOWNED FOR ITS HEAVY REEF BREAKS THAT HAVE LEFT PLENTY OF BROKEN NOSES AND TAILS WASHED UP ON THE SHORE.” nov/dec 2012

DP-Profiles-2.indd 135

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9/11/12 9:48 AM

9’2” x 22 ½” x 2 5/8”

9’3” x 23” x 2 7/8”

9’4” x 22 ½ x 3”

9’1” x 22” x 2 5/8”

THE FIREFLY

NOSE RIDER LOG

THE INVINCIBLE

PERFORMANCE Soul Surf PINTAIL byDesigns

A real performer - a hybrid of shortboard back, longboard front. Back is quite deep single to double concave, rails are low and the boards thinned out for performance surfing.

A solid and strong traditionalstyle log - 18” at the nose, 16¼” at the tail.

The ultimate throwback to late 60s design, blended with modern nuances to create a board that slides and jives like no other. Its narrow nose, wide tail and glassed on 9 ¾“ fin holds steady in critically long sections, offering plenty of time up the tip.

Double concaves all the way up to the nose scoop.14”at tail, 17 ½” nose. All Australian-made.

by Jed Done | BUSHRAT

By Terry Snake Bishop

CONSTRUCTION

1+2

6oz bottom and 2 x 4oz dec keeps it light and dynamic.

10” box and bite fins, best with 8-9” cutaway.

SHAPER COMMENT

Easily the hottest board we’ve made so far. Hence the name Firefly. If you want a longboard that turns and races down the wave, this is it.

CARABINE SURF DESIGNS 36 Finders Street, Wollongong Ph: 02 4229 9462 carabinesurfboards.com.au 136

CONSTRUCTION

X1

12oz sandy pigment deck.

10oz bottom glass job. Triple Red cedar stringers. Single Box fin.

SHAPER COMMENT

Good nose concave and a rolled tail for a traditional ride. Stringer setup for nose flex and better nose rides!

BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS Merimbula NSW P: 0409 813 431 E: jed@bushrat.com www.bushrat.com

www.facebook.com/public/JedDone-Bushrat-Surfboards

Robert ‘Walshy’ Walsh

CONSTRUCTION

X1

Expert craftsmanship and finishing from the partnership of shaper Robert Walsh and glasser Nigel Dwyer in the longest standing board manufacturer in NZ.

DEL SURFBOARDS 454 Devon St East, Strandon, Taranaki NZ Ph: +64 6 758 1757 E: nigel@thc.co.nz www.delsurf.co.nz

CONSTRUCTION

X3

Farrelly blank with 6 x 6oz deck and 6oz bottom. 10” centre fin box with 6.75” cutaway Dion fin. FCS plugs fitted with Dion DLBL side bites. Matt or polish.

SHAPER COMMENT

Great all-rounder for all waves.

Easy cutbacks and re-entries.

Incredible on the nose. We’re constantly get feedback saying they can’t believe how well it paddles and how fast it goes!

SOUL SURF DESIGNS 10/90 Mona Vale Road Mona Vale NSW 2103 P: 02 9979 2226 www.soulsurf.com.au Join us on Facebook.

nov/dec 2012

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9/11/12 11:51 AM

FREE

T-SHIRT*

9’4” x 23 5/8” x 3 1/3”

THE PERFORMER DEWEY WEBER SURFBOARDS

Dewey’s wide template has been used to make an exact replica of the 1967 design.

Comes with a 10 inch Hatchet Fin and a Dewey Weber t-shirt

CONSTRUCTION

X1

8oz Volane glass top and bottom.

COMMENT - SHEA WEBER

Dewey designed this board to meet the needs of every surfer in all surf conditions. It’s easy to paddle and catch waves on and it turns on a dime. It’s the world’s best noserider and with the refined rail line and bottom rocker, it will enhance your riding experience.

9’4” x 23 5/8” x 3 1/3”

7’2” x 22” x 2 ¾” = 48.3l

9’6 x 23 x 3

THE STYLIST

GENERAL MANAGER

LOS GROWLER

The cousin of the Performer, this classic rounded pintail maintains the traditional Weber characteristics that make it highly maneuverable.

Comes with a 10 inch Dolphin Fin and a Dewey Weber t-shirt

A 2+1 board that paddles like a longboard, rides like a short board. Refined rails and pin tail for you to keep pushing harder through each turn.

Super-sick, über-cool, not that we’re into that sorta thing.

DEWEY WEBER SURFBOARDS

CONSTRUCTION

X1

8oz Volane glass top and bottom.

COMMENT - SHEA WEBER

A traditional ‘’double- ender’’of the 60s era, this design is perfect for lined up point surf, long carving bottom turns and blazing cutbacks are possible with stability and quickness.

Available at Wally’s Water Gallery, Marcoola, QLD Last Wave Originals Australia Ph: 0400 497 534 www.deweyweber.com.au

* Free Dewey Weber t-shirt with board purchase. T-shirts also available for individual sale.

Dave Verrall | DIVERSE

CONSTRUCTION

2+1

Built for Life. Burford’s PU glassed in old school Volane, Works as a single or a Tri.

by Jesse Watson

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

SHAPER COMMENT

This is as easy as I can make it for you to get those long noserides you want.

A super user-friendly board in that classic Californian template? Here it is. Hop to it.

DIVERSE SURFBOARDS 476 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun, QLD 4224 Ph: 07 5598 4848 dave@diversesurf.com.au www.diversesurf.com.au

BLACK APACHE SURFBOARDS Ph: 0410 419 791

Longboarders after a smaller board for bigger surf, or older surfers wanting a step up will have their surfing fire re-ignited with this thing!

blackapachesurfboards@live.com.au blackapachesurfboards.com.au nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Boards -SPREAD 2.indd 137

X1

6/4 oz top and bottom with carbon stripe 4oz knee patch and custom glass on rudder.

137

9/11/12 11:52 AM

GEAR: BOARDS

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

Alan Oke

THE BEST BL-OKES

IT’S A FAMILY THING AT OKE SURFBOARDS

Alan Oke Surfboards was started in 1968 in a small shop in Edithvale, Victoria by a young, enthusiastic surfer. Alan regularly surfed on Phillip Island and became a well-known identity in the local surf scene. At one time, he was president of the Phillip Island Boardriders Club. At the beginning of the business, board styles such as trackers and pocketrockets were popular and over the years, as the business evolved, there was great experimentation involving both style and design.

In 1974, his younger brother Neil, who had been working for some time at the George Rice factory, joined Alan in the business. Neil was an accomplished surfer who competed in Vic Junior championships and represented the state in 1973 at Western Australia.

LEFT: Rory, and RIGHT: Chok

5’9” x 20” x 2 3/8”

LA PEPITA

Rory Oke | OKE SURFBOARDS

With a wide, curvy outline, single to double concave, low rocker with a little tail kick, La Pepita suits performance smaller wave surfing.

For surfers who want an easy riding performance board (old guys) the Ellipse has an even wider, curvier outline, single concave to scooped vee, lower rocker with a slight nose kick.

X3

Ocean Foam blank, 4oz glass with tail patches, sanded finish and fitted with Speeedfins S108 ceramics .

SHAPER COMMENT

OKE SURFBOARDS 1/1-7 Canterbury Rd, Braeside, VIC, 3195 Ph: 03 9587 3553 www.okesurfboards.com 138

THE ELLIPSE

Rory Oke | OKE SURFBOARDS

CONSTRUCTION

Every one of Oke’s boards are still 100% hand made, start to finish, at their Braeside factory. Today Chok (Neil) and his sons, Dan and Rory, craft a range of designs from performance shortboards through to retro shapes and mals. They have a very loyal and parochial following and the reason is simple, they’re down-to-earth blokes making quality surfboards.

6’6” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾”

The endless curve - created by the extra cente width pulled into a narrower round tail makes for a board that can be surfed vertical in the pocket, and still generate plenty of speed through flat sections.

CONSTRUCTION

X3

Foam and fibreglass with Speeedfins S115 ceramics .

SHAPER COMMENT Similar concept to the Pepita, but a scaled up version with a few tweaks. A board that paddles like one much longer, but will still perform like one much shorter.

nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Boards -SPREAD 2.indd 138

9/11/12 11:52 AM

5’6”x 20 5/8” x 2 7/16”= 31.3l

6’1”x 22 1/8” x 3”= 46l

6’8” x 20 ¼” x 2 3/8”

6’7” x 19 ¾” x 2 5/8”

THE DUMPLING

E-CON DUMPLING

THE MONEY SHOT

ROUND PIN QUAD

by Mark pridMORE

Lots of volume for guys who wanna catch more waves and still ride a shortboard. This will put a smile on ya face even in small and junky conditions.

CONSTRUCTION

X4

This one’s PU foam and poly resin but available in EPS-epoxy and PU-epoxy. Shapers fins AP02’s or DVS semi-keel quad.

SHAPER COMMENT

This little slab’s been designed and tested by myself in typical small crappy conditions.The Dumpling is what I ride...Why would a shaper ride them if they didnt go well?

by Mark pridMORE

Light, strong, great floatation and responsive to ride.

CONSTRUCTION

X5

This is my E-CON which is EPS, Epoxy CONstruction. It also has Innegra for added strength. E-CONs have a 12 ounce deck panel so they are really resisitant to deck sink but with these materials , still considerably lighter than standard construction.

SHAPER COMMENT

The Dumpling in E-CON is a great choice for someone looking for extra floatation. Been doing quite a few for guys who dont want to ride a mal, want the floatation and stability, but still want to throw it around.

By Josh Dowling Shape

CONSTRUCTION

X4

Quad channel bottom. Timber/ divynicell/epoxy EPS sandwich composite.

SHAPER COMMENT

Customer satisfaction says it best: “The combination of channels and timber rail flex produces a diabolical amount of down the line speed, a pump or two is all you need and you can pretty much outrun anything. There is just unreal squirt off a fully loaded bottom turn, and it’s just great for high speed layback cutbacks as that’s the only way I can slow the bloody thing down.”

JOSH DOWLING SHAPE 430 Barwon Heads Rd Marshall, Vic 3216

M: 0413 211 020 Available at MOREsurfboards.com, DaBomb Surf Centre Maroochydore and Bargara Surf.

100% Australian

CUSTOM Composite Surfboards www.joshdowlingshape.com

Mitchell Rae | OUTER ISLAND

Fast and free all rounder...

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

Alive to ride with some of the highest quality design and construction on the planet.

OUTER ISLAND SURFBOARDS 7 Bayldon Drive, Raleigh, NSW Ph: 02 6655 7007 info@outerislandsurfboards.com outerislandsurfboards.com outerisland.blogspot.com nov/dec 2012

Nov2012_Smorgas_Boards -SPREAD 2.indd 139

X4

PU foam and polyester resin.

Light high-performance or strong travel lamination. set up as a quad FCS or Future compatible by order.

139

9/11/12 11:59 AM

NEW WAVE TECHNOLOGY WORDS: DAVE SWAN

What to do when your regular customers are almost 12,000 km away? This was the dilemma that faced South African-born shaper, Dean Geraghty, when he relocated to the Sunshine Coast with his family less than a year ago.

The solution he arrived at could be viewed as both a revolutionary way of strengthening the bond between surfer and shaper and a new way of ordering a custom surfboard.

Dean Geraghty grew up in Durban on South Africa’s East Coast. He was a self-described ‘rat of a grom, frothing to catch a wave every day.’ By the age of 16, he had tried his hand at shaping and came under the tutelage of renowned South African shaper Errol Hickman. By age 20, Dean he had graduated to the WQS (World Qualifying Series for the Pro Tour) prompting a move to Cape Town and going out on his own as a shaper.

“Errol taught me to shape. I rode his boards for two to three years, and by the time I got to twenty years of age he said to me, ‘You’re getting into your surfboards fully and I think you should go your own way. It will be the best for you. Develop your own style.’ So I did and started riding my own boards.

“The move to Cape Town helped me to refocus things and develop my own identity as a shaper, and my surfing blossomed as well. I won my first SA open title and two years later I won it again.”

Dean competed on his own boards for a number of years, however, by the time he reached the age of 25 - while his European leg of the WQS was impressive he came to the frank realisation that age had become a barrier to fulfilling his dream of becoming a top pro surfer. He threw all his energy into his other greatest love - surfboard design.

“It was about getting my priorities right. I had got married. My wife and I were keen to start a family. I loved shaping anyhow, so it was a logical decision.”

After so many years in the business, I asked Dean if he had changed any of the processes he undertakes when making a surfboard.

“I started out as a handshaper. At the peak, I was shaping five boards a day, seven days a week. Your body can only handle so much physical exertion though.

Pumping out that many boards by hand takes its toll, so I moved to computer shaping. Whilst many only see the negatives, I found myself with more time to think about design. Often I would be so busy trying to handshape a board that I spent all my energy trying to get everything symmetrical and flowing as opposed to just thinking about the design. I was also more of a ‘feel’ handshaper than a one who uses a lot of measurements. My competitive surfing assisted me to that end as well because if the board was working in a contest, I could relate that ‘feel’ to the board’s design. In that regard, the computer shaping helped with consistency.”

25 years and some 15,000 boards later, Dean’s again embracing technology to assist his surfboard design.

“This process was borne out of necessity when I left South Africa. I thought to myself, ‘How can I still keep contact with those clients who have been buying 600700 boards a year from me.’ So I developed a platform that enabled me to do that. I talk with my customers on Skype and design the board right in front of them.

My customers are now more involved in the design process than they ever were, and better still, they can do it from the comfort of their own home.”

Dean realised first hand the importance on maintaining that one-on-one interaction with surfers and in establishing a clear point of difference from cheap boards.

“THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A SHAPER IS THE ROLE OF INTERPRETING HOW YOUR CUSTOMER SURFS AND TRANSLATING THIS INTO A DESIGN THAT WORKS. ” 140

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GEAR: SHAPER nov/dec 2012

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GEAR: SHAPER “For me it was all about, ‘How can I convey a sense of value in the service that I provide?’

The only way I could do that was on a personal one-on-one consultancy basis whereby I am actually helping the surfer improve their surfing. I am designing a board with them. I am working with them to find out about how they surf, where their feet are positioned, their hands, where they are looking on the wave and then I am specifically custom designing a board to meet their requirements.

“The hardest thing about being a shaper is the role of interpreting how your customer surfs and translating this into a design that works.

That takes time and experience. This is how a knowledgeable, custom shaper can benefit your surfing and how the surfer in turn has less chance of buying a dud. That is why my greatest strength is dealing direct with the customer.

“This platform has allowed me to do address the value system that has been prostituted over the last decade. When you have guys paying $150 for a set of fins or a pair of baggies (boardshorts) and they quibble about a couple of hundred dollars a shaper makes on a surfboard, something has to change. I have 25 years experience in designing and shaping boards and that has to count for something. It would in any other profession or trade.”

What Dean was, and still is, endeavouring to do, is to get surfers to think more of a surfboard than what they see and touch with their hands. He wants surfers to once again rediscover the value of working with a shaper. To create an open line of communication where both the surfer and the shaper can learn from one another to improve the surfboard design and better their surfing.

“What is the point of trying to sell a surfboard for $450 bucks? Yes, if I was in my first year of selling surfboards. There is a space for someone like that, and there is space for cheap import boards, but

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“THEY ARE FULLY INVOLVED IN THE BOARD’S DESIGN.” after 25 years you can’t discount and you can’t compete with someone who is just starting out.

That is why I started the Who’s Your Shaper? campaign to try and get people to stop and say, ‘Hang on’ and ask the question.

“It is also why I have set about creating a structured approach to the way people look at boards and the price of them. In my pricing tiers I have a softboard as your entry level, a stock board sitting in the rack for no one specific next and then I have a semi-custom and a full custom.

“The difference between the semi-custom and the full custom amounts to the personal time I commit to the board design process. Some people want input but don’t want to pay for it. This process strikes a balance. The semi-custom entails the customer needs to make certain decisions about a board’s design by themselves. If you assign a premium on the service you provide, people start to respect the advice you are providing based on your years of knowledge. If customers want to save money then they have to make more choices on their own.”

As to whether this new online approach has appealed to his clients so far, it is undeniable it is perfect for those younger riders who do not yet possess a license or those customers who indeed live overseas.

“All my customers who have ordered boards through this process have been happy with it. In fact they have been blown away because they are seeing things now they would normally never ever see and they are fully involved in the board’s design.”

So, in the name of research we undertook the process to discuss two custom surfboards online...

nov/dec 2012

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HOW IT WORKS: THE STEPS We scheduled a meeting with Dean on Skype. It was basically an interview with each of us to discuss requirements and to glean personal information about our surfing, to assist in each board’s design: Your age? Your weight?

Your level of fitness? How long have you been surfing?

How regularly do you surf?

What types of boards do you presently have in your quiver?

Most importantly, what style of board have you been riding recently? Where you are surfing? The types of waves?

Each question was covered in detail to gain a true understanding of how I surfed and what style of surfboards would best be suited to me.

It was here all the fun began, with my smart-arse socalled mate Mark chiming in whenever he could.

Dean: “How would you describe your surfing style?

Smooth and cruisey or more aggressive?”

Mark: “Think of a man in a conga line holding maracas (referring to my natural surfing stance).”

Is there a specific model that tickles your fancy and why?

WORKING THROUGH: After some in-depth grilling and information gathering, Dean creates the boards from the basic frame, to a full 3D spinaround of the final design, right through to discussing placement of artwork and decals.

Once a particular style of board was chosen and the reason behind that choice fully explored, work began on refining the design to specifically suit me.

What kind of tail do you favour and why?

And so the refinements and insults continued.

Dean: “How tall are you?”

Mark: “He’s 6’ and if it helps he has stumpy legs and long gorilla arms. Think of a stumpy gorilla playing the maracas on a surfboard.”

Dean: “What shoe size are you? This will also determine the width of your tail.

Dave: “Size 11...”

I couldn’t help but wonder in years to come, how many surfers may visit my file to understand how I became so bloody good....

Mark: “Big feet to match his big arse. Think of a hairless half-yeti, half-gorilla with a big arse and flat feet holding maracas.”

I guess at this stage you’re probably curious to hear how Mark went in the design process...

Dean: “How would you like it glassed? What are your criteria? Do you place more emphasis on performance or is it durability?”

Mark: “He tends to do more damage to himself than to the boards. He likes sticking boards into various parts of his head and body. Think of an accidentprone half-yeti/gorilla.”

And then a few more questions: Fin system? 4WFS fin system or generic FCS style.

Spray or no spray? Positioning of logos? Style of logo?

With the interview complete and my details recorded Dean designed my board online right in front of me and talked through the various design features and concepts tweaking them accordingly as we discussed each in detail.

He then walked me through the outline measurements, displayed the rocker profile, board thickness and rails before finally revealing a complete 3D image of my board in his ‘virtual’ shaping bay.

Once completed the file was archived under Dave Swan, with a unique reference number. I recall seeing something about ‘living legend/ hellman’ but don’t wish to make a big deal about it.

After entering his personal data and hearing how, in action, he resembles a surfing starfish, Dean arrived at the perfect vessel for my mate Mark - a motorised goat boat complete with inflatable life jacket, helmet and cheeseburger dispenser.

So, what was the process like?

Easy. Whilst completely foreign at first, it ended up being an incredibly enjoyable and relaxed process. Seeing your surfboard come to life before your very eyes in the comfort of your own home and then further refined was captivating to say the least.

All the information gathered has given Dean the information to go off and bring these boards to life. How will they turn out? We can’t wait to find out ourselves... See the next edition for more!

For more info, see the website www.geraghtyshapes.com.

You can also give Dean a call for a chat in person on 0422 442 044, email him on deang@geraghtyshapes.com or catch him on Skype under Dean Geraghty Shapes

Anyhow Dean informed me this would become a ‘living file’ that would start the basis of future boards made with him.

Dean: “We can revisit your design file to improve future boards we make for you by fine tuning certain design elements to your needs and progression as a surfer.”

nov/dec 2012

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

Great boards from a great spot...

6’0” x 21 ¼” x 2 5/8”

5’10” x 19 ½” x 2 5/8”

4’10” x 21 ½” x 3 3/8”

THE BONZER THREE POD OF PEAS Jesse Watson

THE SINGLE GYMMIE

4’10 PACEMAKER

The classic Bonzer style in a modern foil... So sexy.

A diamond-tail single-fin with double concave into a vee to increase speed, and relatively flat rocker to pick up waves easily.

For fat, facey waves or little zippers, this board suits the jaded shortboarder or amped longboarder - anyone who wants to draw some new lines, from intermediate to hero.

1+Bs

CONSTRUCTION

6/4 oz top and 6 oz bottom, in custom resin art with glass on sides and box center.

SHAPER COMMENT

Never ridden a Bonzer? Why not? You don’t know what you’re missing... This one’s not for sale. It’s mine. I’m keeping it! I may be persuaded to let you try it though.

BLACK APACHE SURFBOARDS Ph: 0410 419 791

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by Graham Carse

SURFER COMMENT

“This board goes mean. It’s fast, really fast, and so responsive.

Goes really well in hollow waves.

With all that foam in the nose, it paddles into waves really easily.”

Simon Dickie

SHAPER COMMENT

This gymmie was custom-shaped to fit feet of all shapes and sizes.

The single fin combines old-style surfing with a flair for blowing up when you’re feeling adventurous.

QUARRY BEACH SURFBOARDS

75 David St, Caversham, Dunedin NZ

Ph: +64 3 455 7414 M: +64 27 518 8678 www.qbsurfboards.com

by Mark Rabbidge

CONSTRUCTION

4 or 5

Made here in Ulladulla.

Don’t sell out our heritage.

Use your head - buy from an Aussie (us, or someone else will do) and keep your freedom of choice alive.

SHAPER COMMENT

Ride with 4 x flexy custom fins or 5 for extra options.

RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN Ph: 02 4456 4038 M: 0427 767 176 Bendalong, NSW markrabbidge.com Email: sales@markrabbidge.com

5’6” x 20 ½” x 2 3/8”

PIPSQUEAK

by Dave Porter | TREEHOUSE

With plenty of volume packed for the journey, Pipsqueak is the perfect side-kick for the summer road trip.

CONSTRUCTION

X5

Lightweight, stringerless EPS foam blank. Locally sourced Hoop Pine deck laminate.

Durable epoxy resin and ‘S’ glass. Ride as thruster or quad.

SHAPER COMMENT

Lively, loose and always down for adventure, Pipsqueak’ll keep you in the water until your arms feel like logs. So if you pass out round the campfire, don’t be suprised if you gain a mo or lose a brow. That’s just the kind of little mate he is.

TREEHOUSE HANDSHAPES Ph: 0415 925 739

E: dave@treehousehandshapes.com

treehousehandshapes.com

nov/dec 2012

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FREE SHIPPING!*

5’9” X 19 ¼” X 2 3/8”

THE TOOTH

THE RETRO

by Ian Byrne

A modern twist for a traditional design.

X5

Burford PU blank, 4 x 4oz deck and 4oz bottom. Carbon tail strips. FCS fins.

CONSTRUCTION

X5

Burford PU blank 4 x 4oz deck and 4oz bottom. FCS fins.

SHAPER COMMENT

SHAPER COMMENT

Ian Byrne’s version of a small-to-medium wave board, suited to high-performance surfing. It’s quick off the mark and great for launching airs.

The wide area at the front of the board makes rotations and landing airs a bit easier. A great addition to the quiver if you want to mix it up.

5’6” x 19 ¾” x 2 3/8”

Easy to paddle, incredibly fast, short length, enhanced outline curve and some cool tail variations and fin options.

Best for fun surfing in small or weak waves.

*FREE SHIPPING!

5’11” x 20” x 2 ½”

ZULU FISH

FATCOP

by Wayne McKewen

A fast and loose small wave board, perfect for summer.

CONSTRUCTION

5’10” x 21” x 2 ½”

by Ryan Wakefield

Bronte Bampton | LIQUID STIX

Swallow tail, deep single to double concaves with a medium rocker. Wider shaped nose provides extra volume making paddling a breeze.

New Twin Fish with option of small stabiliser, slight nose kick, single to light double and v through the tail. Tried and tested.

CONSTRUCTION

X5

Burford blanks. 4oz x 4oz deck, 4oz bottom. FCS or custom.

SHAPER COMMENT

CONSTRUCTION

The extra volume makes this board easy to paddle and catch waves, Heaps of fun in knee high to overhead waves.

Contact us for a custom surfboard from $475.

SHAPER COMMENT

RYD SURFBOARDS Find us on facebook:

LIQUID STIX SURFBOARDS Moana, South Australia Ph: 0407 606 685 E: liquidstix@bigpond.com www.liquidstix.com.au Available @ MCS & Preece’s

Good in all surf, 1-6ft, excellent for big, fat surf. Suits all, from novice to experienced.

Australia-wide on all Mt Woodgee stock boards up to 6’8! (Offer excludes Movement and reduced to clear surfboards)

Ph: 07 5535 0288 www.mtwoodgee.com.au Join us on Facebook Stores at Coolangatta, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads

www.facebook.com/pages/RydSurfboards/169636713120156

Ph: 0433 517 579 E: rydsurfboards@hotmail.com

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X2

Surf Blank foam - machine shaped, hand finished with polyester resin and Shapers STF-X fins.

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

Photo: Russell McCarthy

ACCOMPLISHED What can we say about Sadhana Surfboards that we haven’t said already? Jay Jackman’s boards look amazing, they ride amazing, they are possibly the best looking boards I have ever seen and my memories of riding his single fin, log, mini Simmons and fish will linger with me for eternity. I dream about them to such an extent that my wife thinks I love Jay’s boards more than her and the kids, because I talk about them so much. I even flick through the photos of our test session at Sumner and reminisce...

Seeing these latest creations, and viewing more of his boards online has not helped my problem one little bit. I think I need help.

Damn you Jay Jackman.

(Dave Swan) If you are looking to spice up your love life and need some inspiration check out Sadhana Surfboards at www.sadhanasurfboards.co.nz SADHANA SURFBOARDS 35 Tanner Street, Woolston Christchurch, New Zealand jay@sadhanasurfboards.co.nz E: jay@sadhanasurfboards.co.nz Ph: +64 (3) 389 5611 sadhanasurfboards.co.nz Connect on Facebook

9’6” x 23” x 3 ¼”

5’4” x 22” x 2 7/8”

CONNOISSEUR

STUMPY

by Jay Jackman

by Jay Jackman

Heavyweight, classic East Coast pig. 70/30 - 50/50 70/30 rails and super flat rocker for effortless trim, glide and momentum. The Connoisseurs’ choice.

Flat rockered, volume friendly, super fast twin-fin planing hull. For lovers of front foot drive and all things a bit fishy.

CONSTRUCTION

Handshaped (of course) foam.

6oz bottom, 6+6 oz deck. Hand foiled crescent keel fins. Tritone resin tint with full gloss resin and machine polish.

Glassed to last.

X1

Bennett, ½” cedar stringered blank. 6 + 6 + 4 oz deck, 6 + 4 oz bottom. Hand foiled 10” cleaver single skeg. Two-tone resin tint with full gloss resin and machine polish. Strong, durable, traditional.

SHAPER COMMENT

This tighter nosed log gets into hollower waves well, and likes a tight line. To be ridden as a longboard was intended to be.

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

Not just a go-to small wave board, the Stumpy surfs great on long open faces and shoulder high indo barrels alike.

nov/dec 2012

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THE ONE-STOP

CHRISTCHURCH’S EXITSURF HAS A HUGE RANGE OF BIG NAMES People often ask us what we are about, which is quite hard to answer in a paragraph or two, so in short “Exitsurf has everything you need to surf or stand up paddle” and by that we mean “EVERYTHING”.

Legropes, wax, tail pads, board bags, shortboards, longboards, stand up paddle boards, wetsuits, booties, gloves, hoods, boardshorts, t-shirts, tie-downs, softracks, repair kits, hats, caps, sunglasses, watches, rashvests, paddles, fins – the list goes on!

We pride ourselves in having the largest range of surfboards, stand up paddle boards, and accessories in New Zealand. While we have a large amount of product on our website we invite you to come down to our store at 1020 Ferry Rd, which stocks even more product than we have online. As keen surfers and stand up paddlers we realise the importance of getting you the correct product for your needs. Whether you are a complete beginner or think you could give Kelly Slater a run for his money we will have the right equipment for you.

6’0” x 21 ¼” x 2 5/8”

GIPOS

At Exitsurf, we have the best customer service in the industry. If you have any questions whatsoever please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can get you sorted out and on your way. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

6’2” x 19” x 2 ½ ”

GTR

Xanadu | Surftech

Rusty | Surftech

This board is a very sparky contemporary fish. The Gipos has a very wide outline but is still ultra responsive. It keeps its speed, floats well and will still let you bang off big turns.

Made with Ultraflx technology and features water-tight fused cell core.

The GTR is your all around board, great for everyday surf.

Deep single concave between the feet, running into a slight V out the corners. The tail is a little wider than average, with volume shifted back. Ride 1–3”shorter than your standard shortboard.

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

X5

Surftech Ultraflx – water tight fused cell core, high density foam parabolic rail with stringer and glassed in epoxy.

Fin System: FCS - 5 plug.

X3

Surftech Ultraflx – water tight fused cell core, high density foam parabolic rail with stringer and glassed in epoxy.

Fin System: FCS - 5 plug.

EXITSURF SURF SHOP 1020 Ferry Rd, Ferrymead, Christchurch, NZ PH: +64 3 3842-813 E: shop@exitsurf.com www.exitsurf.com

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BUSINESS PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS 5’11” x 18 ¾ ” x 2 5/16”

5’10” x 19” x 2 3/8”

6’3” x 20 ½ ” x 2 ½ ”

7’6” x 21 ½” x 2 7/8”

MONSTA

ELECTRO

FISH

EPOXY FUNBOARD

This is the all round short board built to cope with a large variety of conditions from clean and small to junky and solid. The entry is flatter than a normal pro model with a deep single concave running into a deep double concave through the fins.

The rails are fuller and the general outline is wider than previous short boards. We recommend that you ride this board 1- 2 inches shorter than normal.

Electro is one of those models built for smaller conditions however can be used in overhead waves any time.

If you are looking for a new all rounder that can cover most conditions, Electro is your best choice Ride this board 2”smaller than your performance board.

This Code surfboard is a great performance fish at an affordable price. The full nose and generous volume allow for a board that paddles well and catches waves easily.

Comes with a 5-fin box Futures setup, so the options are there for whatever the conditions may be.

The Torq funboard caters to all levels of surfers in virtually every condition. From waist high mush to overhead and hollow. The versatility of the Torq funboard makes it an excellent choice if you need one board to handle all the conditions where you live and travel.

by JS

CONSTRUCTION Polyester. Fin System: FCS

By JS

X3

CONSTRUCTION Polyester. Fin System: FCS

By Code

X3

CONSTRUCTION

By Torq

X5

Polyester Fin System: Future, five boxes

CONSTRUCTION

X3

Torq surfboards are built using the latest in EPS/Epoxy materials. Torq technology combines a lightweight EPS core with Biaxial fiberglass cloth, epoxy resin and a unique shield skin.

Fin system: Future.

A SELECTION OF BOARDS YOU WILL FIND AT EXITSURF THIS SUMMER. nov/dec 2012

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS Happy woodworkers after 3days of experiencing wooden board building

WELCOME TO WOODEN BOARD BUILDING Have you ever thought about making your very own environmently friendly and sustainable wooden surfboard, but didn’t think you had the skill or knowledge to achieve it?

ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS This type of workshop was pioneered by Rich Blundell of the Tree to Sea. His philosophy is simple: share the knowledge.

BOARD DESIGNS OPTIONS

Gift Vouchers available

the surfer - perfect for er ything! ev s ha o wh

Rich came to Australia in March 2011 and we ran the first At Tree to Sea Australia, we can workshop in Australia. Since SPECIFICATION SHEETS teach you all you need to know then we have developed the techniques further, and made to be able to make your own When building hollow wooden a few changes to Rich’s build wooden surfboards at home, surfboards, you need to work to method to keep the overall and as often as you like. a predetermined plan where only construction costs down and slight changes can be made. within the reach of more We have taught people from people. This means the boards all ages and all skill levels.

We have a list of board plans you will build do not need to be It doesn’t matter if you are a that have been designed by Rich fibreglassed when finished, as Blundell, and have added some skilled tradesman or someone traditionally most board do. This our own designs to the list that rarely handle toolsBuild of your own wooden surfboard in a three Dates forof2012: is a saving of about one third of (check website to increase the range of shapes for details) day workshop and take home your very any kind. You will not need the overall build cost. available, and to meet the own handmade hollow wooden surfboard.

September - SOLD OUT any wood working knowledge of our customers.

SOLD OUT methods, After a 3-day workshop you will October -requests to be able to make yourUsing very the latest construction December - AVAILABLE the boards don’t need to be fibreglassed have learned the skills required own fantastic hollow wooden These are all proven designs therefore reducingtothe overall cost of making build future boards at home Dates for 2013: surfboard. thatsoon! is why we use them. your board and the time to complete it.

To be released with minimal tools.

Wooden Surfboard Workshops

•

5’ 4” Minnow - Classic Little Fish

•

5’ 11” Vola - Flying Fish

•

6’ 4” Striper - Rocket Hybrid Fish

•

6’ Woodchip - Retro Egg

•

6’ 9” Samurai 69

•

8’ Mini Mal - Fun Board

•

9’ Wing - Performance Longboard

•

9’ 1” Retro Pig - Classic Old School Mal

Models come with a variety of fin options - singles, thrusters, quads and much more. Ask for more information or to discuss a fin setup that will work for you.

www.treetosea.com.au email: info@treetosea.com.au

or phone: Robert 0409 211 751 “I WALKED AWAY FROM YOUR WORKSHOP WITH AN Gary 0423 804 975 AWESOME LOOKING BOARD THAT I CAN’T WAIT TO Instructors of the Tree to Sea Australia workshops Surfboards are designed by Rich Blundell (USA) GET INTO THE WATER.” TIM MOSLEY

Workshops are held in Mt Eliza on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula

150

Robert 0409 211 751 Gary 0423 804 975 Instructors of the Tree to Sea Australia workshops

Workshops are held in Mt Eliza on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula AU STR ALI A

E:info@treetosea.com.au www.treetosea.com.au

nov/dec 2012

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6’0” x 19 ¼” x 2 3/8”

6’0” x 18 ¼” x 2 3/8”

THE WOMBAT

THE PHOENIX

Short, thick and wide summer board for all surfers of all levels of experience.

For anyone looking to push their surfing to the next level, the Phoenix is a ‘pro model’.

It has a medium nose entry for good paddle speed and an accelerated tail rocker with deep single double concaves.

by Lee Cheyne

CONSTRUCTION

by Lee Cheyne

YOU CHOOSE

Burford blank, Surf 9 glass and Silmar resin.

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

6’8” x 21” x 3”

CARBON

PUNKFISH (BIGbyGUY Daren VERSION) Glennan

by Daren Glennan

YOU CHOOSE

Burford ultra light blank, Silmar resin, Hexel S cloth.

Small wave summer board that will go okay in winter too.

5’11” x 18 ½” x 2 ¼”

SHAPER COMMENT Quality, custom made surfboards, factory direct, by tradesman with minimum of 18 years experience.

No ghost shapers, no dodgy materials, no cutting corners, no imports. Just quality value for money surfboards.

LEE CHEYNE SURFBOARDS Ph: 0403 655 316 E: orders@leecheynesurfboards.com www.leecheynesurfboards.com

My personal board – goes insane from 2-4ft.

CONSTRUCTION

X3

Stringerless fused VH EPS blank. 4oz E cloth with carbon @ 20mm bottom and 4 oz E cloth with carbon + 4oz Aerialite S cloth deck using Kinetix ultra white epoxy.

Futures fins boxes running Techflex WCTs.

This is the big guy’s version of our Punkfish model.

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

Who says big guys have to ride longboards in small waves?

SHAPER COMMENT

Super-light epoxy that surfs like a poly board.

ENTITY SURFBOARDS 1-2/2 Regmoore Close Culburra Beach NSW 2540 Ph: 0423 987 492 www.entitysurfboards.com.au nov/dec 2012

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X3

King polyurethane foam. 4 x 4+6 Aerialite. Poly hi lite resin and Powerbase fin system.

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GEAR: BOARDS

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

5’4” x 22”

4’11” x 23”x 2 ¾”

MINI SIM

“GREEN” MACHINE

Andrew Wells | GROWN SURFBOARDS

Mike Grobelny | SURFING GREEN

Hollow timber mini-Simmons, flat rocker, big single concave running out through a wide flat tail with twin keels positioned right back on the corners

Boat hull bottom through nose, with wings on each rail leading to a big single vee through tail.

At just 3.4kg, this baby is light.

CONSTRUCTION

Recycled EPS foam core with vacuum-bagged bamboo veneer bottom. 1.8mm ply deck.

Paulownia wrapped nose, rails and tail. 2 big ‘ol keel fins. Glassed with Entropy Super Sap bio resin.

1+2

Hollow timber with handfoiled timber keels.

SHAPER COMMENT

Fast and fun, plenty of float.

Perfect for small mushy days - better in bigger, cleaner waves. Handcrafted from recycled and plantation grown timber. Awesome one-of-a-kind airbrush art by Shane Martin available on all Grown boards.

CONSTRUCTION

6’8” x 29 ¾” x 29” x a bit (divided by sign) 7 = FA

A CUSTOM ASYMMETRICAL CREATION

Glenn ‘Cat’ Collins | SURF 1770

X2

SHAPER COMMENT

It’s so easy to build your own eco board! This board will float any one on anything. Get the materials from Surfing Green and walk on water

By Glen Cat for Brett White of Classic Malibu. Don’t let a set of numbers determine whether you can ride a particular surfboard.

GROWN SURFBOARDS Lennox Head P: 0407 889 049 sales@grownsurfboards.com.au grownsurfboards.com.au 152

SURFING GREEN Coolum Beach, QLD Mobile: 0412 042 811 surfinggreen.com.au

Surfboards and surfing props E: surf1770@bigpond.com www.surf1770noosa.com

nov/dec 2012

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8’ x 22” x 2 ½”

6’3” x 19 ¾” x 2 3/8”

MINI-MAL

RF’S QUAD FISH

This board has evolved from a 1986 shape which had is widest point rear of centre allowing the capacity to have good drive speed through turns yet considerable trim speed like a longboard.

An exceptional concept with the capacity to charge walls, yet allow a lot of control over extreme outcomes.

by Rick Ford

CONSTRUCTION

by Rick Ford

X3

Dion blanks, 6x4x4oz glass.

FCS or Futures. We love gloss coats for their strength

SHAPER COMMENT

It is very versatile in small to medium surf of varying conditions.

October 2012 - Surfing in SA Mid Coast, Port Norlunga South Photo: James Ellis

SUN SETS IN YOUR EYES

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

A really good board for opening up your surfing provided you are not back foot heavy. This board has an R&D background of over ten years.

GENESIS SURF CRAFT Available @ Mid Coast Surf 6-8/200 Dyson Road, Lonsdale SA Ph: +61 8 8384 5522 E: sales@midcoastsurf.com.au www.midcoastsurf.com.au nov/dec 2012

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X4

Dion blanks, 6x4x4oz glass.

FCS or Futures. We love gloss coats for their strength

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

SA SURFBOARD DESIGN AND BUILD WORKSHOPS LEIGHTON CLARK GIVES US THE RUNDOWN WORDS: JAMES ELLIS What got you going on providing these workshops for younger people?

Mick Higgings our glasser came up with the idea. We wanted to give school kids an insight into where their boards come from and how they are made. They get to design and make a board for themselves as part of their school grades. But its not just for kids, older surfers have expressed interest too.

5’10” x 19 ¼” x 2 ¼”

8” x 22” x 3”

THE 5169

EIGHT FOOTER

Leighton Clark | CLARK SURFBOARDS

Flatter entry rocker to ease into waves and generate early speed,fuller outline,nose and tail for forgiving performance with a hip at front fins to promote snap in the pocket. single to double concave.

3 or 5

CONSTRUCTION

PU blank 4 x 4 x 4oz glass with kick patches.

SHAPER COMMENT

A great board for those fun days on the mid. Will still go well in anything with a bit of fullness on the face, and should be ridden 2 - 3” shorter the your performance board. Available in any size to suit rider.

Leighton Clark | CLARK SURFBOARDS

This board can surf and suits all family members...

The student is hands-on with all areas of the board building process from design through to shaping, artwork, glassing, fins, sanding and finishing. The school assesses their assignment and their grade goes towards their end of year results...and they get to own their own board too!

Thus far we have had students complete major school projects incorporating designing, making and appraising surfboards.

And what is the end result?

Gloss or matt finish. We can do custom artwork or digital graphics on any board.

A board they have designed and made for themselves by hand right through to their own logo, which many design themselves, which is then glassed into their board along with their signature.

SHAPER COMMENT

Are there prerequisite skills needed for the course?

CONSTRUCTION

3 or 5

WE LISTEN, WE TALK and WE CREATE a board to suit your requirements. Custom boards are our speciality. Love to hear about what you are riding and what you want to ride.

IN A NEWN LOCATIO

None. Just be enthusiastic. The more they put in the more they get out of it.

Is the wait between sessions to provide time for students to consider their design?

We take as long as they need. They can be very hands on or just watch the various processes, learn about different stages and have a go when they feel confident.

We work around their requirements and time frame taking from a few weeks to a full term or two. Most of the participants come in after school or on weekends and it takes what it takes to finish the board.

Why are these board workshops important for you as a shaper and the people who undertake them?

It gives the customer a good idea what goes into their board, how much work is involved and the value they get for the hard earned dollars. It also provides them with an insight into design and what works for them and why.

Has this mentoring process taught you something new about the culture of surfing or something else?

I think it has reinforced to me the value of custom boards and educating these surfers has given me a great opportunity to meet some great boys and girls.

Each student thus far has raved about how this experience was complete value for money.

Leighton’s workshops are open to bookings from interested senior high school students as well as adults and generally anyone keen to know more about the inner workings of surfboard design and construction.

To find out more about the courses contact Leighton on 0422 443 789 or email leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au Courses run all year round and Leighton will try to accommodate people’s timetables where possible.

Units 7-8/9 Chapman Road, Hackham SA 5163 E: leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au M: 0422 443 789 154

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“THIS PROVIDES PEOPLE WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF MAKING THEIR OWN BOARD FROM SCRATCH THROUGH TO SIGNING THE STRINGER AND PLACING THEIR PERSONAL DECAL. ITS SOMETHING THEY CAN BE PROUD OF AND HANG ONTO FOR LIFE.” LEIGHTON CLARK

SCOTTIE’S PROJECT “I spent the first term of year 12 working on Saturdays on my research project, which was making my own surfboard with the Clark Surfboards crew down on the South Coast (of South Australia). I worked predominately with Mick Higgins, who shapes for Clark Surfboards.

His many years of experience in shaping made my experience so fantastic. I learnt so much working with Mick. His energy and passion for shaping made my research project a lot easier to talk about. There was never a dull moment.

“Shaping with Mick and Leighton was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone who has a passion for surfing and the production of surfboards. Mick went to extreme lengths to get my project exactly the way I wanted it. He has a very unique set of skills and techniques that I was able to take on board when shaping. The surfboard that we came up with rides like a dream! Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the shaping at the factory, I managed to receive great results for my research project.

“I would like to thank Leighton and Mick for making my project possible and absolutely nailing the exact design I was after.”

Scottie Hodgson

Clark Surfboards available at www.onboardsurf.com.au nov/dec 2012

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DECK

Jason Wiggers of Samsara Surfboards at work

BOTTOM

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

GOING GREEN IN THE GREEN ROOM

In recent years, a wave of experimentation has sought to detoxify surfboards by utilising materials that are more environmentally friendly. Changing the way surfboards are made however, and more importantly getting surfers to buy ‘green surfboards’, has been as challenging as riding an alaia. Quite frankly, most surfers like to speak of the connection they have with the ocean and nature itself but if you mess with how their board performs or how much it costs they would sacrifice Bambi to Huey the wave god to make amends for their sins.

Very harsh some might say but very true in the main.

Jason Wiggers however of Samsara Surfboards is putting his flax - a derivative of flaxseed similar in taste to nuts - on the line with his range of eco-friendly surfboards.

“We all have to find that something that feeds our soul and sets us free. For me it is my boards and my family. I am heavily involved in mechanical design and also consider myself an accomplished artist. I believe I have brought these two personal qualities together to make a highly competitive, eco-friendly surfboard that arguably performs just as good as a conventional surfboard with a lesser environmental footprint.

“My boards utilise recycled PU or EPS blanks and Entropy Supersap bio epoxy resin. For hot coating and clear/white boards we use Supersap CLR that is a better alternative to the normal petroleum products. In terms of surfboard cloth I use 4 and 6-ounce fiberglass cloth as a cheaper option but can use natural bamboo fibre cloth as the eco-friendly alternative. I use flax fibre as an alternative to carbon fibre strips to strengthen the board and aid flex. Graphics are printed with an eco ink on a poly flag material that is glassed under the cloth.

I even vacuum bag some boards with either a bamboo or flax veneer to aid strength, provide a beautiful finish and remove as much excess resin as possible to make them as light as can be.”

All in all the materials Jason uses in his Samsara Surfboards gives them an appealing and distinctive look that also puts a smile on Mother Nature’s dial.

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LITTLE GIRL’S BUDDHA 6’2 ½” x 22 ¼” x 2 15/16”

by Jason Wiggers

SAMSARA SURFBOARDS

Our modern fun board. It has a slight tail rocker and tail outline has been pulled in and rounded. Combined with the slight single into vee double concave through the fins, it gives you a good feeling for nice rail-to-rail turns.

CONSTRUCTION

X5

Eco-friendly and custom-made. Supersap Bio Epoxy Resin, bamboo mesh reinforcement, recycled Marko EPS foam blank and Probox fin boxes. Five fin set up, quad or thruster. FCS green fins.

SHAPER COMMENT Help the environment. These custom made boards are nearly 100% eco-friendly and Samsara Surfboards are one of the leading Eco friendly board manufacturers in Australia at the moment.

SAMSARA SURF Ph: 03 5622 0651 Mob: 0499 999 223 12-14 Queen St, Warragul, 3820 Victoria jason@samsarasurfboards.com samsarasurfboards.com Samsara now available at EARTH N SURF at Cowes, Phillip Island and CANOE N SURF in Davenport

nov/dec 2012

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1 Yes, 4 /8” !

5’9”x 18 ½”x 2 ¼” order5’6from - 6’3

BLACK FLAG

7’11” x 23 ½” x 4 1/8”

6’4” X 19 ¾” x 2 5/8”

6’2” x 18 5/8” x 2 3/8”

THE F.C.

THE AVR by Marty Brown (ACTION VS. REACTION)

By Terry Snake Bishop

by Scott Newman | SLS

by Ralph Riddell

Inbetween you shortie and your grovel board: slighty wider nose and tail, lower rockers, single to double concave, flat around back fin, plus flatter deck and a slighty boxier rail.

The 7’11” FC is a scaled up shortboard with a single to double concave BUT it has more volume than most 9’2” mals. Suits: big boys to very big boys or FCs...

Flatter nose rocker for easier paddling, and a deeper single to double concave for speed.

SHAPER COMMENT

PU Ocean Foam blank, 4 x 4 x 4 glass, sanded finish, Shapers S-Plugs

DESTRUCTION

X5

X3

Steal your parents’ credit cards and order one, it will be worth the beating.

So, if the kids are sick of seeing you sitting on the couch, halfway through your fourth beer, on about how you used to rip it up in the 80s, but that was 30 years, 30kg ago, but you don’t want to ride a mal... All is not lost, my friend! The FC’s for you!

Give me a call or you can see this puppy at COOLY SURF, Coolangatta and UNDERGROUND SURF in Noosa.

SLS SURFBOARDS 2/57 George St Moffat Beach Industrial Estate Ph: 0424 314 183 E: slssurfboards@hotmail.com www.slssurfboards.com.au

RALPH RIDDELL SHAPES 12/48 Machinery Dr, Tweed Heads Ph: 0412 828 848 E: retroralph@three.com.au

Anything, in your way. PU or EPS - up to you. Five plugs for a range of fin setups.

SHAPER COMMENT

CONSTRUCTION

X3

SHAPER COMMENT

BIG O

Our newest shortboard. Plenty of rocker in nose and tail, deep concave throughout for speed.

For the above average surfer...

If you’re average, this may change you to above average.

CONSTRUCTION

SHAPER COMMENT

Custom ‘summer’ shape for performance surfing in average to below average 1-4ft waves.

These go well in a variety of conditions.

This is a high-performance racing machine. It has drive and tends to finish any move you start.

MARTY BROWN SHAPES Ph: 0418 388 415 mbssurfboards@hotmail.com

CARABINE SURF DESIGNS 36 Finders Street, Wollongong Ph: 02 4229 9462 carabinesurfboards.com.au nov/dec 2012

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1+2

We only use Genuine FCS PC5 or K3’s.

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

FREE

T-SHIRT*

6’0” YELLOW

6’0” x 18 3/8” x 2 ¼”

Any size - Custom

Any size - Custom

INFERNO

THE ISLANDER

THE STUBBIE

GERAGHTYSHAPES.COM

By Dean Geraghty

The ideal beginner’s surfboard! Soft, stable and strong enough for your kids to learn to surf.

An all-round alternative to my small-wave PIG model, increasing the range from 2ft to 6ft waves, with the ability to work through smaller, flatter conditions too. Flatter tail rocker, lighter single concave and a hint of a double to zip through turns.

A narrower tail than our Fish.

Slight single to double concave, wide point in front of centre

Remake of my 1960’s model. Updated bottom shape and rocker, slight concave chines, bottom to tail pod vee.

BEGINNER SOFTIE

CONSTRUCTION

X3

Dual slick bottom with dual wooden stringers, soft EVA decks, rubber rail protection...

All with Fused decks and rails (which prolongs the life of every board due to sun and heat exposure) and comes with 3 soft rubber fins.

COMMENT Learn to surf and have fun!

SUMMER SPECIAL: from $199

CONSTRUCTION

X3

Custom to suit you, and saved in our design program as your LIVING FILE, to revisit and refine as your surfing progresses.

SHAPER COMMENT

Let me walk you through my design process. Helping you understand your board’s performance, through design, will make you a better surfer!

GERAGHTY SHAPES Dean: 0422 442 044 Lynette: 0416 442 044 E: info@geraghtyshapes.com www.geraghtyshapes.com 158

Michael Cundith

* every board order includes a free t-shirt

CONSTRUCTION

YOU DECIDE

Standard, strong, not too heavy and very durable, single to 5-fin.

Dimensions for the above board is 6’8”x 20 ½” x 2 ⅝”

SHAPER COMMENT

Great paddler. Fast and loose.

Indo reports are unreal and local comments great. The Islander suits all surfers, holds in well, is fast and manoeuverable. Stoked.

Michael Cundith

CONSTRUCTION

YOU DECIDE

Strong, not too heavy and durable, single to 5-fin. Custom for you.

Above board is 5’10” x 20” x 2 ½”.

SHAPER COMMENT

Customers feed back is fantastic.

Great for paddling into waves, fantastic for late take-offs as it’s wide, stable, and accelerates instantly. You can feel it rise up on top of the water.

5-fins works perfectly for wide tail.

Holds in, is loose and has heaps of drive with amazing trim speed.

MICHAEL CUNDITH SURF DESIGNS 3 Banksia Dve, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, BYRON BAY Ph: 02 6685 8778 info@mcsurf.com.au www.mcsurf.com.au

nov/dec 2012

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SLIP ‘N SLIDE A REVOLUTIONARY FIN (LESS) SYSTEM

5’7” x 20 ½” x 2 ¼”

6’2” x 20 ½” x 2 ½”

6’0” x 19 ¾”x 18 3/8”

SPIDERMAN

SWALLOWTAIL

SQUASH ROCKET

Paddles well, maximum turning ability and its blend of single into double concave is designed to create more speed.

This performance shortboard is best in small to medium waves.

Deep, single concave, with flatter rocker, refined rails with extra volume through the tail.

by Dino Tziolis

by Dino Tziolis

Good for the working surfer.

Short, fast and skatey. Flatter rocker. Single into double concave.

CONSTRUCTION

3, 4 OR 5

FCS, Gas or Future fin plugs.

Five fin, thruster or quad. PU core, new digital custom made prints, 4 x 4 x 4 glassing.

SHAPER COMMENT Great for summer beachies

CONSTRUCTION

3, 4 OR 5

FCS, Gas or Future fin plugs.

Five fin, thruster or quad. PU core, new digital custom made prints, 4 x 4 x 4 glassing.

SHAPER COMMENT A great board for beachies or points for any young up and coming girls or guys.

INTRUDER SURFBOARDS Unit 7, 37 Hillcrest Pde, Miami, QLD 4220 Ph: 0409 727 735 E: dinosdings@gmail.com

Scott Peberdy| OUTEREEF

CONSTRUCTION

X 3 SLIDE

Please call Outereef for glassing and fin options. This is the perfect shape to run Slide Fins!

SHAPER COMMENT

A great performance shape that flies through flat sections but also turns nicely in the pocket, its super loose and responsive.

This board is a great summer board option.

Slide Fins are designed with a tensioned spring hinge system in the middle of the base which allows all the fins to fold up in one direction when under pressure from the water flow in the wave. Go in one direction and the fins are locked in position as normal fixed fins, turn the other and they fold up, so you’re essentially going finless.

These fins are built for moves like tail slides and reverses and you choose your set for going left or right, tailoring the slide to the setup of your local break.

Scott from Outereef/Slide fins also tell us these are great training fins.

“They’ll help you work on moves you can’t do with fixed fins. When you get used to the feel of the slide, you can try them with your fixed fins.”

For more information see www.slidefins.com

OUTEREEF SURFBOARDS 73 Phillip Island Road, San Remo VIC 3925 P: (03) 5678 5677 M: 0408 399 519 E: info@outereef.com.au www.outereef.com.au nov/dec 2012

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS

HOME BLOWN

MARK RILEY’S UNIQUE BALSA DISCOVERY IN NORTH QLD

Balsa trees are native to Central and South America. The small country of Ecuador on the western coast of South America is the primary producer and is where Mark Riley sources the wood for his beautiful boards. A trip to North Queensland a few years back however yielded a new-found source of very unique Australian grown balsa.

In early 2011 Cyclone Yasi devastated many parts of North Queensland. The tiny town of Mossman, 20km inland from Port Douglas, bore the brunt of the storm. Mark Riley was later holidaying up in these parts looking to source some balsa and link up with a farmer interested in growing some from seed he had brought back from Ecuador. He got to chatting with a lady who owned a local nursery.

“On my second last day we were at the Mossman local fair and I spoke with a lady selling plants there. I asked if she knew of anyone who grew balsa. She mentioned she had six seedlings that were about six months old and three foot high.”

Mark made his way around to the nursery later that day to inspect the seedlings.

Whilst there the lady mentioned a nearby farmer had a large 18m balsa tree that had been brought down in the storm and he was looking to get rid of it.

“I went around to this farmer’s place the next morning. He was a great old guy named Pirrie. I asked him how much he would like for the tree and he told me to just make him a couple of boards. I also mentioned whether he would be interested in growing some balsa from seed to which he replied, ‘No worries. Let’s experiment with them and see how we go.’”

A truck was organised to pick up the tree that Pirrie had by now cut up in the sections Mark was after. Six months had passed. With it craned onto the truck, the wood was sent down to Sydney whereby Mark left it for another year to dry out before cutting it in preparation to make the two very fine and unique boards you see beside this story.

In our last edition of smorgasboarder we showed the boards on their way up to farmer Pete’s. Mark filled me in on his reaction when he received the boards.

“When Pirrie got the boards I thought there was something wrong. He called me up and said, ‘Oh my...’ I asked what had happened, 160

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“WE WORKED OUT WE COULD PRODUCE A LIMITED EDITION OF TWENTY BOARDS FROM THE TREE” fearing for the worst. Then he told me how beautiful the boards were. He couldn’t believe it. ‘They’re incredible’ he said. He was almost crying on the phone, he loved them so much. Within a day I sent up some racks as well, and by the next day he sent me a photo of the boards hanging on the wall in his lounge room.”

Seeds have since been planted on Pirrie’s property. There are now one and twoyear-old balsa trees growing there. It will be another three years before the actual quality of the balsa being grown can be assessed. As for any surfers interested in these very unique looking balsa boards that are surviving recycled remnants of Cyclone Yasi, you better be quick.

“We worked out we could produce a limited edition of twenty boards from the tree of which Pirrie has two. Each of the boards feature a limited edition decal glassed onto the board.”

THE PROCESS, FROM TOP LEFT: Farmer Pirrie measures up the fallen tree. After drying, the balsa trunk is cut down to size. The balsa strips are then laminated together to create a sheet and then thicknessed. The sheets are then vacuumed onto the recycled EPS foam core and the blank is created. Solid bands are then bent to form the rail and a finish shape is then created.

RILEY BALSAWOOD SURFBOARDS Ph: 0412 376 464 E: mark@riley.com.au balsasurfboardsriley.com.au

AUSSIE QUAD FISH

by Mark Riley

Number 1 of 20 of the limited edition Aussie-grown balsa boards. This has a recycled foam core with laminated Australian balsa deck, bottom and rails.

SPECIFICATIONS

X4

Length: 5’10’’ - 6’6’’ Width: 19 ½’’- 22’’ Thickness: 2 ½’’ - 3’’ Weight: 4 kg Construction: Recycled EPS, stringerless foam core with 2.8mm balsa sheeting Bottom: Double scoop in tail to flat centre, flat nose Tail: batt Rails: 80/20 Features: 12 month warranty - you snap it - we replace it.

Eco friendly, light and durable.

Proven shape and easy repair in poly.

Fins: Boxes either twin or quad(suits FCS) Comes with Riley wood combo fins

AUSSIE THRUSTER

by Mark Riley

Number 2 of 20, this triplestringer thruster has great colours and serious strength.

SPECIFICATIONS

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X3

Length: 6’0’’ - 7’0’’ Width: 18 ½’’ - 20’’ Thickness: 2 ½’’ - 3’’ Weight: 3.5 kg Construction: The EPS foam core, featuring flex and memory return. Can turn on a dime and drive when required.

Stringer: Triple aesthetic stringers Nose and Tail: Solid cedar for great protection Bottom: Vee Tail: Square Rails: Hard 80/20” Features: This will last five times longer. Matching wood coloured boxes and leash plugs. Every board is unique. Strength to weight ratio is 10 times greater than polyurethane.

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GEAR: BOARDS

STORE PROMOTION

5’6 x 22 ½ x 2 ½

GHOSTBUSTER

6’0 x 19 ¾ x 2 9/16”

5’11” x 18.63” x 2.25”

5’8” x 19 ¼” x 2 3/8”

Larry Mabile | Third World Exotic

Sharpeye Surfboards, San Diego, CA

DISCO

THE GRUNT

By Jon Pyzel, Hawaii

By Eric Arakawa, Hawaii

A refined take on the miniSimmons. Evened out bottom curve, foam moved from the nose to the chest, adding a step deck. Option of no-bump, single-bump, or double-bumps to pull in the tail for more control. Twinzer fin set-up chosen after hours of Baja testing. Loose and positive, with lots of snap. Displacement hull in the front third leading to concave through the tail. Scary good time...

A high performance small wave board that allows you to surf like your normal shortboard. The bottom has the most amount of rocker of any small wave design and the outline is wide. You’ll go fast and turn tight on those small but fun days. The Disco should be ordered 4 - 6 inches smaller than your regular short board.

Developed with John John Florence, the Grunt is a highperformance board for loose, explosive surfing in average waves. More volume, lower entry and tail rocker, and lots of vee of the tail, it’s fast for smooth, tight rail-to-rail pocket surfing. Slightly wider outline and clean hip add squirt and snap. Extra volume for weak waves and flat spots. Order 1-2”shorter and ¼ inch wider than your normal shortboard.

The pictured board is one of John John’s own and will in store at Zak in early November.

This breaks the rules in what a mini board is meant to be ridden in. Catches waves and grovels well in small, mushy conditions, but it’s not a groveler - it’s high performance in a small package.

Squirts through flat sections and powers through the pocket, fun in the barrels, and a barrel of fun. To be ridden 3”-6” shorter than your everyday shortboard.

SHAPER COMMENT

Larry Mabile is known for making stoke-inducing surfboards. This is one of them.

TORQUAY STORE OPENING SOON!

COMMENT

Sharpeye Surfboards are a relatively new brand, established in 1993 and have in recent years assembled a great team of QS and underground rippers including Oliver Kurtz and Fisher Heverly.

COMMENT

Jon Pyzel is at the forefront of a new generation of shapers out of Hawaii and has become a go-to shaper for a number of CT surfers.

THE BANDIT

CONSTRUCTION

X3

PU blank, polyester resin.

Futures fins.

COMMENT

Eric Arakawa is a legend of Hawaiian shaping. Never satisfied with the status quo, EA is driven to constantly innovate and revolutionise surfboard and fin design.

In conjunction with these fine shapers, we will be offering custom orders, made in the USA and Hawaii and shipped to Australia.

ZAK SURFBOARDS 307 Victoria Rd, Thornbury Victoria Ph: 03 9416 7384 E: zak@zaksurfboards.com zaksurfboards.com 162

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

TEST G EVERKNYOCTKHITIN TILL “DON’T IT” YOU’VE TRIED

It is almost Christmas and you may be considering buying a surfboard for your kids or partner who has recently taken up surfing. The question is, with so many different types of softboards now on the market, how do you sort out the ‘deals’ from the ‘duds’? To answer this question we took our own families and friends surfing to test out some of the softboard brands available.

First of all...

let’s get one thing straight, in the main, softboards are for people who are either learning to surf or are in the early stages of their development, whether they are kids or adults. The main appeal of a softboard is when it hits you it doesn’t hurt or leave some big gash in your leg. It is that simple.

When you are learning to surf you are going to have some scrapes and bruises and it is best they are not long lasting.

With this in mind, we didn’t see the point in reviewing these boards by telling you, ‘Surprisingly, this board really rips! Yeew!’

So, we’ve cut the bull and evaluated these boards on what you really need to know to make an informed choice on what surfboard to buy.

Questions we asked: • How does it surf?

• How does it paddle?

• How buoyant is it?

• How stable is it?

• Who’s the board suited to?

• Is it durable?

• How much does it cost?

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GEAR: SOFTBOARDS

THE WASH Rating The Rolls Royce of softboards.

Any age can ride these.

Pete says:

Main Appeal

“The board was nice and stable, and being soft to land on, it just helped build confidence, without the worry of being bashed in the head by a fibreglass board.”

The closest thing to fibreglass boards in terms of how it surfs and it’s incredibly durable.

Range Pete Kirkham, an avid windsurfer and SUP-er, found the GBoard Original a great way to help him get his head around surfing.

Photos: Louise Gough

6’0” through to 10’6” available in red or blue.

Price From $535 through to $1,145

More info www.gboards.com.au

GBoards are the ‘original’ softboard.

Founded by one of Victoria’s famous surfing families, the Gerards, the company has been around now some fifteen years and is possibly the most widely used softboard by Australian surf schools since surf schools began.

where the rounded edge towards the front stops the board from ‘catching’ on the wave and stalling your board.

GBoards also come with optional nose and tail guards.

The materials used are the best in softboard technology such as the twin composite stringers (spine), EVA deck and bumper rails and closed cell foam. This type of foam is made up of thousands of small-encapsulated bubbles and if you get a ding in your board it does not absorb water like a sponge as with softboards and hard boards at the cheaper end of the scale.

Chris Kendall from the Coolum Surfing School best describes why his surf school and many others use GBoards:

The other main point of difference with GBoards is their similarity to an actual fibreglass surfboard. Whilst they are a softboard, their rocker is comparable to a fiberglass surfboard and the rails are all handshaped. You will notice many softboards have a hard edge right the way around, whereas the GBoard has a hard trailing edge at the rear of the board and rounded edge towards the front, as with a normal fibreglass board.

The hard trailing edge assists turning

“The other appeal of GBoards is their durability. I have got some GBoards that have been with me for well over five years and have been used every single day. They are a great product and do last a long time and that is the reason why they are the top priced board, you get what you pay for.”

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“The main reason we use the GBoards in our surf school is because they are the top-of-the-range product available for learning to surf. The materials used to make GBoards are designed to absorb the impact if you fall onto your board or get hit by it.

Special thanks to Chris Kendall of Coolum Surfing School for the help! www.coolumsurfschool.com.au

nov/dec 2012

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TEST G EVERKNYOCTKHITIN TILL “DON’T IT” YOU’VE TRIED

Phoebe says: “This board was one of the easiest to ride. It was cool, but wearing Dad’s wetshirt wasn’t...”

Test pilots Phoebe (main) and Mikaela (bottom) enjoyed catching even the smallest of ripples on the GBoards Classic.

While the GBoards Original was designed to cop a battering every single day by countless surfers in surf schools, not every beginner batters their boards on a daily basis - although with my kids, I might argue that point.

With this in mind, GBoards developed the GBoards Classic - built to still withstand a fair bit of wear and tear, but at a price-point that was attractive to mums and dads on a tighter budget.

It’s a similar make to the Original and still at the top end in terms of quality, but is simply a more affordable option. I guess comparing the Classic to the Original is like comparing a good solid 4WD to a Sherman Tank.

The GBoard Classic can be identified from the Original by the black stringer line on the deck.

Like the Original, the Classic also uses closed cell foam. It’s less resistant to heat though, and a bit more care needs to be taken with it.

With that said, it’s a similar board in terms of its design and still paddles and surfs incredibly well.

Special thanks to Dane at Dicky Surf in Dicky Beach for the test board help!

THE WASH Rating It carries the GBoards name, so you know these are quality surfboards that paddle well, surf well and are solid beginner boards.

Main Appeal A well priced, well made quality softboard.

Range The Classic range is extensive, starting from 5’6” through to 6’0”, 6’6”, 7’0”, 7’6” and 8’0” available in red, blue and pink.

Price From $299 through to $549.

More info www.bicsport.com nov/dec 2012

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THE WASH

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TEST G EVERKNYOCTKHITIN TILL

Rating

“DON’T IT” YOU’VE TRIED

For the price it is hard to argue with the El Nino as a great softboard option for kids. It may not stand as much rough and tumble as say the GBoards or Geraghty softboard, but it’s a different price-point and streaks ahead of many other cheaper alternatives.

Phoebe dominating on the Cruiser.

Last edition we gave the El Nino Flow 6’0” a run - this edition we tried out the bigger brother, the 8’0” Cruiser.

The Cruiser proved to be one of the most popular boards with the kids. Of course being kids, they liked the look of it, and that it appeared ‘fast’. But it proved to be just as popular with them amongst the waves because it was the lightest of the longer style softboards. It was easier for them to carry, and not as cumbersome in and out of the water. It paddled easily and surfed well. The kids found it to be really stable and asked again and again to go out on this board.

Size does matter when learning to surf.

All our kids are absolute beginners, and the extra length definitely helped provide them with that extra stability

to stand up. I think the important thing is not to go too short early on with a softboard. Give them time to become accustomed to a larger, more stable board that’s easy to paddle, before they advance to a smaller board.

You don’t have to worry about a softboard being ‘too big for them.’ Kids learning to surf shouldn’t be tackling anything over 1ft when they’re first starting out anyway, or they could be scared off the water for eternity.When they’re ready for bigger surf, then it’s time to scale down and move on.

That said, this one was a whole lot of fun for the grown-ups too. This Cruiser would be a great family board to have down at the beach for people of all abilities to hop on and enjoy.

Elliott getting ready for a stand-up run

It paddles well, surfs well and is easy on the wallet for the size of the board. There’s no point going smaller if your child can’t stand up on the thing. That would be the real waste of money.

Main Appeal Light, buoyant and fun to surf.

Best suited to kids learning to surf, but it still got a couple of old bald guys up and trimming.

Range Available as a 6’6”, 7’6” and 8’0” in red, blue or green.

Price From $339.95 through to $449.95 for the Cruiser but it is only one model from a huge range of El Nino softboards starting from as little as $199.95.

More info www.elninosurf.com

Elliott getting ready for a stand-up run

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THE WASH Rating Super safe, light, compact and a whole lot of fun for everyone.

Elliott & Sam:

Range

“It’s too big!! Not this wave!!

AAAAAAAAAARGH!!

There’s a 4’11” for surfers under 70kg and a 5’6” for surfers over 70 kg.

Personally, we would recommend the 5’6” because it’s more versatile and can be used by various members of the family.

...That was fun! Let’s go again!”

Price At $304 for the 4’11” and $324 for the 5’6”, the Albacore is very affordable considering how many members of the family can make full use of the board.

More info www.surfindustries.com.au

What is the Albacore? It’s the sofboard version of Tom Wegener’s Seaglass Project Tuna finless boards (PU versions of the traditional Alaia timber finless boards).

It is absolutely awesome as a surfboard as the material used replicates the flex surfers of traditional wooden alias would be accustomed to.

So.. no funs, but all fun. (Bad kiwi joke, sorry...)

Of all the finless boards I’ve ridden - and fortunately there have been a few now - it’s one of the easiest to grasp the basics of friction-free surfing’s glide and slide. Once you have got the hang of it, there is nothing better then a 360 degree spin- addictive stuff. The kids, however, will be smashing your 360s in no time.

The appeal of this board is almost limitless but let’s name a few anyway...

All members of the family can make full use of the Albacore and it would have to personally rate as one of our favourites.

It’s compact and light as a feather, which makes travelling with the board a cinch. Because of its size, kids can handle it with ease and choose to ride it lying down like a bellyboard. This makes it perfect for those being introduced to the surf too.

There are no fins to speak of so there is no chance of doing any damage in that regard. But despite the lack of fins, its uniquely blended rail line and concave gives it direction once you are up and riding.

Mark says: “I’m still a newbie to finless, but the Albacore is great. The control feels similar to the Tuna... Hey, going sideways is fun.”

And while that’s the beauty of the Albacore - that it can double as a board for the kids, mum or dad - it’s also one of the setbacks though.

You’ll find yourself at the beach with the kids, with the full intent of teaching them to surf, and yet the whole time you’ll be tempted to nick it off them and scoot out the back for a few waves of your own... Hey, mums and dads needs rewards too.

Thanks to Jamie Willems of GSI for the loan of his personal testers! nov/dec 2012

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Mikaela says:

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TEST

“I like this board. I caught a lot of waves on it. When are we going surfing again?”

G EVERKNYOCTKHITIN TILL “DON’T IT” YOU’VE TRIED

THE WASH Rating

Super stable, paddles well, surfs well, trims well and would be one of the most durable softboards on the market. Suitable for all types of beginners from the very young through to adults.

Main Appeal Absolute top quality and serious durability

Range

Available in 6’, 7’, 8’ and 9’ in yellow, red or blue. We tested the 7’ and 9’ models, the larger being the best for the kids in these conditions as it was the easiest to paddle and most stable. The scales would tip in the 7-footers favour if the surf was a little larger though.

Geraghty are the largest supplier of softboards in South Africa and with good reason. They are super-durable and ride really, really well.

The Geraghty’s quality construction means they can be bashed, battered and dropped and even left out in the sun (a shortcoming of many softboards with glued skins) and still come back for more.

Basically, there’s much less emphasis on looks and more on durability and function. If you are looking for a board that is aesthetically pleasing, there are others, but if you want a board that can take a heap of punishment, this is it.

Summer launch specials $199 for 6ft usually $225 $250 for 7ft mini-mal $275 for 8ft mini-mal $295 for 9ft malibu

More info

www.geraghtyshapes.com

Dean Geraghty explained to us why he launched this range of softboards that are new to Australia.

“I started the soft board program as a means of educating surfers as to a value system about surfboards. If you want to learn to surf and are after a cheap surfboard that is going to take all the bumps, there’s a soft board. You can’t expect a fibreglass board that is hand made to be selling for the same amount.

“When we started the boards they were very much focused towards kids. Adults have the maturity and understanding that if they fall and hit their board they’re going to hurt themselves.

Kids have no fear and when they get hit they become water-shy.

Softboards have an important role in getting kids into the sea. Plus, kids don’t know how to handle a fibreglass board. If they drop it, suddenly it’s an $80 repair. Parents drove demand for the boards.

“We also found every kid who went and had surf lessons then went home and didn’t have their own board. The need to sustain it and get that continuity of feel, which is incredibly important when you’re learning to surf. Their first board should be identical to what they originally learnt on.”

These boards are heavier than standard softboards, but the weight actually assisted the board’s stability and glide when surfing a wave. You can sense, by feeling the board and the shape of its rails and rocker profile, that it’s a quality make.

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The Catfish even catches little dribblers like this.

I would implore any parent looking to buy a softboard for their kids to really shop around and see what is out there. Even with limited surfboard knowledge you’ll be able to see, and in particular feel, the difference in quality between many softboards.

The Ocean & Earth Catfish is a prime example. From the minute we picked it up you could immediately feel it was a good little softboard and I was keen to try out myself. We’re happy to report that it performs really well and is seriously good all-round fun.

THE WASH Rating

A great little softboard that is absolutely perfect for any young kid who has progressed their surfing beyond the beginner stage and is really getting into ripping it up but is not yet ready for a fibreglass board.

Main Appeal

It had a really nice plan shape and a solid feel to the board. It looked like it would ride a treat.

This was confirmed when we took it for a surf. Some softboards flex in weird places and can stall your momentum on the wave.

The Catfish felt solid on a wave and trimmed beautifully.

Top Feature

Rock solid fins for great control.

Range

The Ocean & Earth Catfish, is 5’6” or 6’0 and is available in lime, blue or yellow. Aside from this model O&E has a range of Grommy boards from 5’6” to 6’6” and Ezi Riders from 7’0” to 9’0”.

Price

Models from $279 to $399.

More info

www.oceanearth.com.au

0407 218 591

WWW.SURFNRAK.C0M.AU Sutherland Shire, NSW, 2230, Australia

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TEST

SUP SUPPORT GEAR WORDS: JEFF MORRIS

G EVERKNYOCTKHITIN TILL

Kiwi correspondent and proud Standupperer, Jiff, gives the Seventh Wave Surf All Day Vest, and Water Shorts a whirl.

After having previously used the Seventh Wave custom fit online ordering system to order a steamer, I knew that when the Surf All Day Vest arrived by post that the fit would also be excellent.

This is a really versatile and practical item, I will be using it mainly for SUPing, but it is obviously great for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing too.

Made from superstretch Japanese Yamamoto 2mm neoprene, fully lined with Titanium Alloy Alpha and fitted with a 2 litre re-fillable and removable bladder hydration system, two storage pockets (side and front) and a specially designed camera housing system in the chest — the vest gives you warmth, storage and flotation, as well as a continuous supply of hydration. It also has an easy entry side zip.

Seriously, James Bond would have one of these, although his Platypus® water reservoir would be filled with Vodka Martini (slushed not stirred) and the pockets would carry a Walther PPK and some sort of phone or bomb. No doubt it would also be bullet proof, sharkproof and overproof.

Unfortunately I’m more Alan Bond (sort of forgetful), so for me it’s just water, iPhone, sunblock and a snack bar, all secure in zip-lock plastic bags, just in case a careless White Pointer accidentally knocks me into the water... Last thing you want is a soggy snack bar.

I have teamed this ensemble with Seventh Wave’s other great SUPing product: Water Shorts.

These are a 2-in-1 item, with 2mm Yamamoto neoprene on the inside keeping you warm and snug, while the streamlined boardshort outer of Taslan nylon are quite functional.

This model features a new pocket setup, with left and right short pockets, complete with 170

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key loops, and a left-hand cargo pocket with a double dome closure system. These are great for storing items on those SUP adventures, around the beach, and are an excellent addition.

So how do they perform? The guys at Seventh Wave reckon both products are for mild weather and conditions, but on one of the occasions that I tried them out it was raining with an outside temperature of 13 degrees, and a water temperature of 11 degrees Celsius. I spent plenty of time in the water by way of some quick dunkings and both shorts and vest (over a 1mm long sleeve top) plus 5mm booties performed better than expected! I was out for around one and a half hours, and was really comfortable.

Velcro type loops might be a useful future addition to keep the hydration tube on the vest secured and out of the way especially for surfing - and maybe a few colours for the SUP shorts?

Sure, black is slimming, but it makes my hair look even greyer...

As for normal cruising conditions, you couldn’t ask for more comfortable and functional items to keep you out there for as long as you want.

Also note that the hydration bladder can be inflated to act as a buoyancy vest. Some local councils here have some strange regulations (weird, eh) regarding SUP’s and flotation devices, aside from the fact that you’re attached to one usually via a leg rope.

“DON’T IT” YOU’VE TRIED

BELOW: Hydrated and comfy.

Jiff’s ready to Sup all day in his shorts and vest. See next edition for review on his Aviators.

Wetsuit bottoms, cleverly disguised as shorts.

Big thumbs up!

Both are available direct from seventhwave.co.nz Surf All Day Vest: NZ $269 (Approx AU $215) SUP Shorts: NZ $179 (Approx AU $142)

The snack pocket. Can it get more important than that?

7/11/12 11:45 PM

So cool, they make Dave want to dance.

San Juan sensation WORDS: DAVE SWAN

We try the latest style from the Barz Optics floating sunglass range, the San Juan.

One of the main selling points about these glasses is they float, so we put them to the test. We didn’t tackle it in some nancy way either, by simply throwing them in a pool. Next to anything can float in still water. It was straight to the surf. As soon as we got there I was hoping they sure as hell stood up to their claims. The reason being - I had forgotten the sunglass retainer (the strap that holds them to your head)!

First tick: I have used various brands of these style glasses before in the water and often found them useless.

Why? After a couple of minutes they fog up like the Scottish moors and you can’t see a bloody thing. The Barz San Juan’s did not.

Second tick: I copped a couple of waves on the head and lost them on not one, but three occasions (if I was a better surfer I would have probably not lost them at all because they fit so comfortably snug on your mug). Each time I found them bobbing safely on the surface.

Third tick: The lens is great and they’re bloody comfortable. In the water, and on land, they get a big thumbs up.

A good old fun surf shop carrying old labels - Golden breed, Morning of the Earth, Gordon & Smith, Morning Star, Bear, Old Guys Rule and Penny Skates.

150A Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island P: 03 5952 1659 E: pip@waterfront.net.au

Yep, you got it - a surf shop that carries retro and fun labels, dashboard Hula dolls, heaps of kombi stuff, posters, Maddog boards, Skims...

Sadly, reasons, foer health must sell our baby...wSo WE ARE

Plenty of presents for the surfer who thinks he has everything. Come in, grab something unique or just have chat.

FOR SALE Great shop, gr eat price.

RRP: $95.00. For more, see www.barzoptics.com nov/dec 2012

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BOARDS WITH WHEELS

LEFT: Michael O’Leary testing out his new Koastal board complete with Revenge Trucks on the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix track.

SWEET REVENGE Revenge Trucks review Michael O’Leary, Melbourne

Gave one of the new Koastal boards a try (a Classic 47”) and noticed it came with the new Revenge Alpha II truck so I was keen to get to the pavement and give them a go.

In a few simple words, the Revenge Trucks’ 45 degree torsion design is the answer to a surfer’s land needs.

This torsion design allows for the smoothest edge-to-edge transitions you have ever felt on a regular skateboard. This allows for buttersmooth carving or big long drawn out turns. The ‘bump-stop’ design of these trucks mean that you also don’t get wheel bite when you are laying down a big deep turn. This ‘edge-to-edge smoothness’ caters for any type (or weight) of rider and can be ridden soft or firm depending on your preference.

It’s easy to read about how good other people think these trucks are but the best way is to go demo them for yourself.

LEFT: Revenge Trucks Alpha BELOW: The Flowboard

FOURTEEN WHEELS OF FLOWING FUN Flowboard review - Angus Brown & Ben Hewitt Not having the opportunity to visit smorgasboarder HQ for a while I was keen to see what goodies had been collected over the winter. As expected the Arbor skaties, the Freebord, Kahuna Big Stick and FiiK electric skateboards were in their regular spots but in the corner, I laid my eyes on this strange looking skateboard, with a truck set-up that I’d never seen before...

“GET ME OUT ON A GOOD HILL RUN FOR A DAY...”

The Flowboard is one seriously peculiar looking skateboard. The deck is slightly wider but the same length as a standard board, but the real difference is the truck system which consists of two 7-wheel setups on curved axles. In total that makes 14 wheels of pleasure or for those with my level of co-ordination, 14 wheels of potential tragedy. Therefore, in order to give this board a fair go I contacted good mate and long time skater (surfer and snowboarder) Ben Hewitt to put it through its paces.

MAIN: Ben puts the Flowboard to the test.

BELOW: Fourteen wheels... Count ’em.

Ben’s assessment after 30 minutes: “The board goes great! It’s a bit heavier than a regular skatey, but still stable. It turns sharp, but be careful - it can kick out when pushing it though tight with a bit of speed. But that’s only after having a short test run... Get me out on a good hill run for a day and I would definitely have a ball on this baby!”.

For a surfer, or someone who loves super smooth street carving, these trucks are a must.

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Makaha

Makaha

Jupiter

Free Former

Free Former

Scamp

GT Spoiler II

GT Spoiler

EARLY ROLLERS Vintage skateboard fanatic, Shorty of Vintage Surf and Skate Emporium in Anna Bay gives a little glimpse into skating’s past, and shares a few of her priceless wheeled treasures. WORDS, PHOTOS: SHORTY BAYLISS

Well where did it all start? Way back in the 1950s, it seems...

Just surfing in the water wasn’t enough for the freshly stoked surfing folks and surfers decided to do it on land as well. California was first in line to take it to cement, but it wasn’t only surfers behind the development of it. Prior to this, kids had made wooden scooters out of milk crates. These early pre-cursors to skateboards were pretty rudimentary, using boxes on roller skate wheels.

Everyone was experimenting - it was all brand new. Finally, the box designs became modified to be just planks on wheels, from which it was only a short and quick progression to companies producing layered wood boards. Funny enough, despite a lot of technological refinement, not a whole lot has changed from then until now.

Early companies such as Hobie, Makaha and Jacks started holding competitions in 1963 which included ‘freestyle’, which most you wouldn’t really associate with skating today - it was almost a form of dance on a skateboard.

By 1965, skateboarding seemed to be a dying trend - it was generally thought of as a fad that had petered. But then, as now, there was a core group that kept the spark alive. They went back to making their own boards and skating the streets on clay wheels, which were basically uncontrollable and dangerous.

Two fine examples of early plastic Z-Flex boards 174

Despite a crucially important piece of development – the invention of the kicktail by Larry Stevenson - this underground minority

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following was the status quo until the early 1970’s, when a surfer named Frank Nasworthy realised that urethane rollerskate wheels were the future for skateboarding as well. His work and belief led to him launching his company Cadillac wheels and the ushering in of the modern era of skateboarding. And then the story really begins…

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE,

THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

Here are some great examples of skateboards from those early days, as well as some of my cool plastic skaties that have made such a comeback over the past few years. Enjoy!

Surfer: Orbit

Sponsored rider Scott ‘Whippy’ Denis (photo: Simon Punch)

NEW LOCATION, SAME GREAT SERVICE, BEST BRANDS & FRIENDLY STAFF

38 years on, surfers still surf and Southern Man Surf still stands strong as Ulladulla’s original and best surf shop.

For personal service and a great range of fashion and accessories, surfboards, skateboards, bodyboards and much more, visit Southern Man Surf shop in Ulladulla on your next surf trip.

CALL US: (02) 4454 0343

THE SKATEBOARD EQUIVALENT OF AN ALAIA? Top and bottom view of a very early 60’s board, by Hobie. Note the tiny rollerskate trucks and clay wheels.

T7/119 Princes Hwy, Ulladulla The Woolworths Centre Ulladulla NSW 2539

WWW.SOUTHERNMAN.COM.AU For more information on these boards, or if you’re hunting up a classic board yourself, call Shorty on 0415 104 047 or visit the website on www.vintagesurfandskateemporium.com

LIKE US ON

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HIVE STYLE: Isabella Nichols at Telos Island Lodge in Indonesia for a personalised surf training camp established

by Hive Swimwear and Olympic Sports Physiotherapist Peter Hogg.

Photo: Chris Peel

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CLOSEOUT: FITNESS

FIT

LIKE A MEDALLIST In Australia, we take our sports performance seriously. Whether it’s an athlete of the highest calibre training for an international event, or a weekend warrior, getting in a few waves with mates, there’s a shared understanding that being the best you can be on the day just makes sense. So can a bit of a training help you catch a few extra waves? Of course it can.

Hive Swimwear team rider Isabella Nichols personally knows that it helps a whole lot. She trains with Winter Olympic Sports Physiotherapist Peter Hogg, who works with some of Australia’s gold medallists.

But it’s not just for Olympians. Peter lets us in a few secrets and lists ten integral components to a well structured training program. So if you’re training to pump up your fitness for summer, these tips will keep you heading in the right direction.

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Surf Fitness Training Surf-specific workouts

 you can do at home Get fitter, stronger and your surfing  enhance performance more waves,  Catch Get more barrels better and have  Surf more fun

To get started with your free surf-specific workout, visit...

www.TOTALSURFINGFITNESS.COM/freeworkout

Now

stocking

SUPs!

More boards than you can poke a log at.

s Harbour NSW 392 Harbour Drive, The Jetty Strip, Coff shack.com.au elog w.th ww Phone: 02 6658 0223

10 KEY TRAINING COMPONENTS

By Peter Hogg 1. Understand your injury history and current injuries and adapt your training program to include rehab drills.

2. Measure what you are trying to change.

3. Target ‘weakness’ initially with stability training.

4. Build on personal strengths with a strategically loaded program.

5. Be sports specific once you have a good strength base. (Surfing fitness components are agility, core strength, leg power, cardio and paddle fitness) 6. Plan your program in 3 week blocks (or microcycles) and 12 monthly blocks (macrocycles) with consideration for key surf fitness competitions or goals.

7. Change your program regularly - the body adapts and improves with change but plateaus with the same program repeated for more than 4-6 weeks.

8. Never compromise alignment, body form or technique. Studies show injuries occur if mechanical alignment and stability are poor.

9. Use a diary to record your sessions so you are true to yourself.

10. Rest is an important component of physical training. Three days on followed by a rest day is a commonly applied routine.

Peter Hogg is an APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist and co-principal of Noosa Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy.

Winter Olympic Sports Physiotherapist 2002, 2006 and 2010, he’s also the Hive Swimwear team manager. www.hiveswimwear.com www.noosasportsphysio.com.au 178

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CLOSEOUT: FITNESS Hive Swimwear team rider Isabella Nichols demonstrates some challenging drills that she has been doing as part of her recent development. The drills can be done at home independently with simple equipment once the exercise benefit is well performed.

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. Med Ball Hip Tucks: hold your body form and retract the hip and knee to the horizontal. Great to enhance amplitude and alignment in top turns.

2. Med Ball Toss: Vertical throws to enhance upper limb/ chest power for explosive take offs.

3. Med Ball Sumo Squats: Depth to improve lower limb strength and hip strength for stronger bottom turns.

4. Med Ball Overhead Deadbugs: Core stability for prevention of back injury and enhanced rotational power during rotational turns.

Give these simple exercises a go for the next few weeks and see how much better you feel for it, and how much of a boost it gives your surfing. nov/dec 2012

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Own a real surf shop...*

The Plank Shop - an iconic surf business in an iconic surfing destination is for sale. Live the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

A STICKY BUSINESS

PART TWO: STICKY 70’S ONWARDS WITHOUT WAX, WE’D BE SLIPPING ALL OVER THE PLACE LIKE STEADY EDDY ON THE DANCE FLOOR. ‘ONDI’ MARSAUS LOOKS AT THE HISTORY OF THE STUFF. Whether it was scratching sand over wet varnish, carving ridges into the deck, using rubber panels or painstaking paterns with flyscreens, from day one, surfers wanted ot find a way to stay stuck to their board. After the discovery of floor wax to use for surfing it all went nuts right up through the 60s - See last edition for more detail.

*dog not included

During the 70’s the original Honey Surf Wax had a big market presence with a 175gram block and the tag line “Sanctified by world champions” and Nat Young had his own brew. Honey Surf Wax was bought by Ocean and Earth in 1986 and remained the same until 2000, when the packaging and recipe changed significantly.

If you’re seeking a lifestyle seachange and would rather live your life than work it away, contact the owners.

10 CLARENCE ST, YAMBA NSW 2464

(02) 6645 8362

WWW.THEPLANKSHOP.COM.AU

In 1972, John Dahl started his surf traction company in California and named it Wax Research. Around the same time Fred Charles Herzog III, otherwise known as Mr Zog, launched a new enterprise called Sex Wax. Both companies dominated the surf wax market and it’s highly likely that you have one of these guys’ wax on your board today.

In 1978, Herbie Fletcher developed Astro Deck, sold as rubber squares that glued onto the deck. This then led to a full tail patch in 1980 and the Aussies at Gorilla Grip introduced the Dial pad in 1982, which sold in huge numbers.

Surf wax these days is a formula of natural or synthetic wax.

It’s a mixture of Paraffin, beeswax or other hard waxes and petroleum jelly can be added to create a soft consistency. The natural additives include vegetable oils like coconut or hemp oils, pine resin, tree pulp and natural essential oils.

Over the years there have been many attempts to replace wax with traction pads, clear coat sprays, glassed on deck texture and other crazy stuff but wax is still used by almost every surfer today... Every time they go surfing.

SEX WAX: An iconic brand - there are few surfers who haven’t used it.

op, New surf sl hfeel old-schoo 180

3/77 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD

WWW.UNDERGROUNDSURF.COM.AU

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BEER IS NOT BEER

CHALLENGING YOUR THINKING AND YOUR TASTEBUDS The Craft brewing industry has really taken off in Australia. With massive growth over the last five years, it seems as though there is a new brewery opening every month!

This is great news for consumers who are now getting access to really fresh beer that packs a heap of flavour and people are also being exposed to beer styles that they were not previously familiar with.

The styles of beer that dominated the Australian landscape for decades were things like Draught, Bitter and Lager.

Truth be told they are all actually lagers with only subtle differences separating them flavour wise. Australian lagers have a fairly distinctive flavour owing to the fact that cane sugar has long been used as a source of fermentable sugar. They are also not what you would describe as challenging beers. That is, they are wet, have bubbles, usually 4.5-5% alcohol and when drunk cold are reasonably refreshing.

This is not me bagging these types of beers or even being a beer snob - well maybe a little. Everything has its place, and Australians in particular remain faithful to their brand of beer be it VB, XXXX or Tooheys. What is changing and I would encourage more of, is people picking up a couple of beers that they are less familiar with, and opening their eyes to a whole new world of beer that they didn’t know existed.

In this column, I’ll be trying to help in this process by explaining a few things about the various beer styles that are available, and hopefully make it less daunting next time you’re in a bottl’o staring blankly at the fridge thinking to yourself ‘What the hell is a Lambic? Is that even beer?’

Watch this space next edition for the first instalment - Pale Ale.

POINTS OF VIEW

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I’m dedicating this column to those surfers among us who make a real difference in the ecological battle to keep our ocean clean.

In our line of work we interact with these people daily – surfers disillusioned by the lack of consideration for the environment, and who work diligently to preserve it to ensure groms of today and tomorrow can enjoy the very waves we often take for granted. I can’t include them all here, but I’ll mention a few, local and further afield.

Close to home and hearts is Surfrider International. These groups of volunteers work tirelessly in their local community and local breaks to preserve and protect the environment, right at the coalface. Get involved where you can, help clean your local beaches and protect the environment most precious to you. If you can’t, well spare some shrapnel (or more) when you can to support the cause. Big ups to all the guys and gals at Surfrider worldwide. www.surfrider.org.au.

Some interesting programs in place in California are hopefully being introduced here soon- the Rerip and Warm Current initiatives. Rerip is an organisation working to keep surfboards out of landfills and is run by a volunteers (aren’t all these things – there’s no financial glory in environmental kindness!). Rerip sets up drop-off locations for unwanted boards, fins and wetsuits.

Depending on the condition, they are either donated to other non-profit organisations or turned into funky works of art. Some are also turned into functional by-products such as handplanes, so they can be enjoyed again and again. www.rerip.org.

Our green friends at Warm Current also run a not-for-profit, collecting primarily wetsuits and distributing to those in need.

The idea started with friends travelling in South America experiencing people who loved the water but simply couldn’t afford access. Knowing that old wetsuits and boards were being discarded en masse, the solution was obvious, so they tackled both problems. More good peeps doing the right thing. www.warmcurrent.org.

Guardsg,s le d d a P Nose &pe & Leash Plu Rail Ta

k Fins Pro Tec

pair Kts

afe Re Travel S

So cheers to everyone taking the time to make a difference – we all appreciate your efforts... And I’m sure the ocean does too.

Stuart Richie is the head brewer at the Byron Bay Brewery at Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay. Stu knows his beer.

Nicola O’Reilly is the better half of the nice folks from Surfing Green, a couple passionate about providing sustainable surfing products.

byronbaybrewery.com.au

surfinggreen.com.au

SURFTECH AUSTRALIA www.surftechaustralia.com.au 02 4226 1322

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GO ON, TAKE A BITE! Most of us would know how your mind can drift when you’re out surfing. A nearby disturbance in the water, and you unfortunately start to picture the worst. You may envisage getting away by the skin on its teeth, or imagine being chomped. I would be surprised however, if any of us actually contemplated what it would be like after you have been eaten alive.

David Hockings did, and wrote a novel about just that.

LEFT: Author David Hocking with three of his close friends.

ABOVE: David says “Cottesloe sunset from in the water. That pylon is where they found one victim’s Speedos.

“He vanished during a swim late last year. The tears in his bathers signified a big great white, they reckon. They never found any part of him.”

Well thank you David Hocking!

That’s what I must first say to get it off my chest. I am on deadline and trying to get this edition finished and there you go writing a book that I can’t bloody well put down.

Some books start slowly and build momentum. Others start slowing and keep that pace. The shark that ate Tommy Shoalhaven immediately goes BANG! and hits you like an attack from the deep blue by you know who... The back cover provides a clue as to what’s in store: On a Spring morning of cloudless blue sky off Cottesloe beach, Western Australia, a teenage boy is killed by a great white shark.

Tommy Shoalhaven’s earthly business, however, is far from over – and so begins an oceanic odyssey of leviathan proportions for Tommy’s 182

ghost, now cocooned within the shark’s body.

Two years later, as another great white is suspected of a series of attacks along the same stretch of coastline, two local fisheries biologists think they see a pattern to the carnage and hatch a plan. But they’ll need some help.

Are you ready to enter the water?

The book immediately draws you in as you venture the world’s oceans viewing it from a shark’s perspective. It raises a number of interesting and topical discussion points, from the degradation of our oceans and the creatures within it, to the notion of ghosts and life after death. It also touches on the recent edict by the WA government, where sharks that venture too close to popular beaches are to be killed.

What is eerily coincidental is the final editing of the book began twelve months ago, just before the first of six shark attacks in Western Australian waters, five of them fatal.

It is hard to believe this is the first novel by ex-Cottesloe resident and marine biologist David Hocking.

A self confessed ‘shark head’ he has always held a fascination with the ocean and in particular, its apex predator. David is also deeply concerned about the plight of our oceans and all these in part formed the inspiration for his book.

Aside from his love of creatures of the deep he is also surf mad.

Several years back he moved to Noosa, with David listing surfing as one of the primary reasons he did so. Despite years underwater he never got around to surfing until

July 13, 2010. He remembers the date vividly because he has been addicted since.

Whether it’s surfing the points of Noosa, Sunshine Beach or his trips down to the world’s premier wave spots around Caloundra to surf with his mate, he takes every chance he can to get wet. To date, he’s only been visited by two of his underwater friends whilst surfing.

Let’s hope he never ends up like the character in this book...

The shark that ate Tommy Shoalhaven is not yet available in bookshops but both the eBook and hardcopy are available online. See: www.davidhocking.blogspot.com (Dave Swan)

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MUSIC WE LIKE:

S R I A P E DING R

R BOARD? BUSTED YOU HERE...

GET IT FIXED

AGNES WATER/1770

BYRON BAY

BELLARINE PENINSULA

REEF 2 BEACH

DR DING

ROUSA SURFBOARDS

Mon-Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm

07 4974 9072

ALEXANDRA HEADLAND

ALTERNATIVE SURF

GRIND PLASTIC DONUT RECORDS  Grind is the 3rd release from Gold Coast bluesman Mark Easton. The name reflects his commitment to touring the country to share his “true blue” blues.

There’s classic blues beats and rhythms, with talking lead guitar lines, a sprinkling of harmonica all complemented by Easton’s gritty voice.

And surprisingly, he’s a one-man band.

The song Beach Bummin’ reflects the Aussie surfer’s rite of passage: “Going down to Centrelink to pick up my cheque... Beach bumming, it’s a government job.” Or was that just me? www.markeastonlimousine.com (Angus Brown)

QUICKFIX SURFBOARD REPAIRS

REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS

Mon - Fri 10am-5pm

Mon - Fri 7-3pm, Sat 7-midday

0438 631 153

0432 361 791 02 6681 3142

EPOXY BOARD REPAIRS By appointment

0427 019 420

THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS

Mon, Wed-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm

(07) 5492 5838

SLS SURFBOARDS

Mon, Wed, Fri 11- 5pm, Sat 8 - 12pm

0424 314 183

NOOSA

UNDERGROUND SURF

BALLINA

FLUID FOILS

0402 863 763

MIAMI

DINO’S DING REPAIRS

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 12pm

0409 727 735

TUGUN

DIVERSE

Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun 9-4pm

07 5598 4848

CURRUMBIN DIRECTION SURFBOARDS Open hours 9am to 5pm

0450 556 233

KIRRA

Seven days, 9am - 5pm

03 5261 6077

THE SURFERS SHED Seven days, 9am - 5pm

0437 246 848

ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES

YAMBA

03 5952 2578

7 days, 9-5pm

PLANK SHOP

ADELAIDE

TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS

WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS

02 6645 8362

Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 12pm

0432 330 826

BUDGEWOI REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS 0422 304 078

LONG JETTY

SANDLOCK SURFBOARDS

Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am -12pm

0437 032 614

WOLLONGONG

SKIPP SURFBOARDS

Mon-Fri 9am - 5:30pm Thurs 9am - 7:30pm Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm

02 4228 8878

SHELLHARBOUR

BROWN DOGG

7 days a week - Just call

0416 455 985

JERVIS BAY

Mon - Fri, 12.30pm - 5.30pm Sat 12.30pm - 5pm

08 8376 4914

MID COAST

THE DING KING

CLARK SURFBOARDS Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

0422 443 789

SEAFORD

LIQUID STIX SURFBOARDS

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 9am - 3pm

0407 606 685

LONSDALE

MID COAST SURF Call us for a quality repair

08 8384 5522

RAGLAN, NZ

RAGLAN LONGBOARDS

7 days, 10am to 5pm except winter - catch us if you can

+64 7 825 0544

INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS Seven days, 9am - 5pm

02 4441 6756

NAROOMA

DSC SURFBOARDS Seven days, 9 - 5pm

0424 867 962

GRB SURFBOARDS Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 10am - 2pm

0408 701 467

FIX BROKEN BOARDS? s

Promote your repair busines for $15 an edition.

Call 0401 345 201

nov/dec 2012

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TORQUAY

STONKER

02 6686 7858 0401 841 298

Mon-Fri 10am - 5.30pm Weekends by appointment

KOMA

03 9416 7384

PHILLIP ISLAND

BRISBANE

Mon-Fri 9am -5pm, Sat 9am -12pm

Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

Mon - Fri 9-5pm

BUCKO’S SURFBOARD

SOUTHPORT

Four years between albums is way too long when it’s one of your favourite bands ever. The Ocean Beach CA boys make up for it however with an incredible, chilled, and infectious release. A swag of new songs with their trademark mix of reggae rock and hip-hop makes for an awesome release that would sit proudly on the shelf next to my Sublime collection if I hadn’t got it on iTunes. www.slightlystoopid.com (Mark Chapman)

02 6685 8778

7 days, 9am - 5pm

07 5455 4444

07 3266 1001



ZAK SURFBOARDS

NICHOLSON SURFBOARDS

Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30pm, Thurs 8:30am - 8pm, Sat 8:30 - 4pm, Sun 10am -4pm

TOP OF THE WORLD STOOPID RECORDINGS

MC SURF DESIGNS LENNOX HEAD

MOFFAT BEACH

0403 693 333

THORNBURY

WURTULLA

Facebook.com/nicholsonsurf

Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm,

0431 740 940

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

PRIMITIVE SURF

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 2pm

Sun, M - F 8:30-4:30pm, Sat 8-4:30pm

07 5475 4811

MARK EASTON

SURFBOARD REPAIRS

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SURF TRIP ACCOMMODATION QUEENSLAND

Planning a surfing holiday or weekend away? These fine accommodation options offer great proximity to surf beaches in some of Australia best surf spots and beyond. Get out there.

NEW SOUTH WALES

PORTOBELLO BY THE SEA  6 Beerburrum St, Dicky Beach Caloundra Fantastic surf spots right on your doorstep. Moffat, Neill Street, Dicky Beach all within a 5 minute walk. Luxury accommodation within 50 m of some of the best restaurants Caloundra has to offer.

Proximity: Across from patrolled Dicky Beach, on-site dining and shopping.

Phone: 07 5491 9038

E: info@portobellobythesea.com.au

www.portobellobythesea.com.au From $325 for two nights.

VICTORIA

TASMANIA

SHAMBHALA @ BYRON 14 Childe St, Byron Bay

SOUTHVIEW BULLI 19 Southview Street, Bulli

MARRAWAH BEACH HOUSE 19 Beach Road, MARRAWAH

SILVERWATER RESORT 17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo

Majestic, hidden beachfront just minutes to the heart of town. Relax after a day in the surf in our ambient and tranquil environment. Beautiful rainforest setting with private spas, steam room, sauna. Perfect for couples or families. 5-star, selfcontained tree house retreats.

Southview is a bed & breakfast and self contained holiday accommodation, nestled between Sandon Point Beach and Bulli Beach. Recently rated 4.5 stars by AAA tourism it is the perfect place to unwind and perfect for the surfer and their family.

The Beach House is located on an organic beef farm on the wild, west coast of Tasmania. The comfortable, self contained twobedroom cottage has spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and easy access to the beach.

The perfect base to explore the wilderness of the Tarkine and Arthur River areas. 1 ½ hrs drive from Burnie Airport and 2 ½ hrs drive from Devonport Ferry.

Spacious one, two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments all with spectacular bay views and modern conveniences. Complementing the 4.5 star accommodation is an excellent range of resort facilities including indoor and outdoor pool, billiards and games room, tennis and basketball courts, restaurant and bar.

Proximity: Close to quality reef and beach breaks as well as the local general store and hotel.

P: 03 6457 1285 or 0428 571 285 E: marrawahbeachhouse@activ8.net.au

Proximity: Five mins to surf beach, two mins to town Phone: 1800 033 403 res@silverwaterresort.com.au www.silverwaterresort.com.au

Rates from $140 per night

From $175 per night

Proximity: Absolute beachfront, on surf friendly Belongil beach.

15 m walk to centre of town P: 1-800-SHAMBHALA E: enquiries@shambhala.org.au www.shambhala.org.au From $279 per night Quote promo code: SURF AD

Proximity: Nestled Between Sandon Point and Bulli Beach Telephone: 02 4268 6303 E: info@southviewbulli.com.au

www.southviewbulli.com.au From $145 per couple

CHRISTMAS ISLAND

COOLANGATTA SANDS HOSTEL Cnr McLean and Griffith Street, Coolangatta

9 Shirley Street, BYRON BAY

Your ultimate surf HQ! Where else can you find some of the world’s best beaches and beach breaks on your doorstep - Kirra, Snapper Rocks, D-Bah, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Coolangatta? Free breakfast, free pick-up, economical shared and private rooms. Stay three nights and you can travel to Byron Bay for free on our shuttle bus! Part of the Coolangatta Adventure Crew.

Outrigger Bay is the perfect Byron getaway for the ultimate relaxing holiday. With direct access to the beach, these fabulous 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are not only in a stunning location but are also so close to Byron’s great restaurants and bars. This is an ideal location for a surfing holiday with the family or a group of friends.

Proximity: Across from great surf breaks, restaurants, nightlife Phone: 07 5536 7472 E: hostel@taphouse.com.au

www.coolangattasandshostel.com.au

Proximity: DIRECT ACCESS to beach - only 50m walk. 2 min walk to town centre shops.

P: 02 6685 8646 E: info@outriggerbay.com www.outriggerbay.com

Rates from $29 per night

From $195 per night

TV 184

gym

laundry

kitchen

parking

KIAMA COVE BOUTIQUE MOTEL 10 Bong Bong St, Kiama

SCAMANDER BEACH SHACK 130 Scamander Ave, SCAMANDER

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

This is the ultimate authentic beach shack and only $130 per night, anytime of the year! Amazing location right opposite Tasmania’s premium east-coast surfing beach. Uninterrupted views of waves and the Scamander River mouth provide breathtaking scenery sitting in the comfort of the shack. An ideal getaway for surfers and their families or keen fisherpersons plus a cosy getaway for a couple.

Kiama Cove Boutique Motel is in a fantastic location right near the heart of Kiama overlooking Surf Beach. The motel offers ocean views, king sized beds in most rooms, off-street parking, free Austar, swimming pool and a fabulous sun lounge area overlooking the beach.

Proximity: Right on Surf Beach and a short stroll to the main street of Kiama.

Phone: 02 4232 4500 E: info@kiamacove.com.au

www.kiamacoveboutiquemotel.com.au

Room rates are from $90 to $200 for family rooms

CHRISTMAS ISLAND SURF

Proximity: Right opposite Scamander Beach.

Phone: 0400 912 583

www.scamanderbeachshack.com

$130 per night, all year round

NO CROWDS! GREAT SETUPS!

London Village, Kiritimati

AU$1,395 per week/guest.

This includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals and daily boat transfers to the best waves.

Check out ‘Kiritimati Island’ on Google Earth. We have no crowds yet and many, many set-ups. Be one of the first to surf this new discovery. Flights go via Fiji with Air Pacific’s ‘Bula Saver’ airfare special.

Proximity: 100m walk to London’s waves, half hour boat ride to Paris’ waves.

P: + 64 027 4484 598 E: info@christmasislandsurf.com

www.christmasislandsurf.com

wi-fi

pool

airconditioning

family-friendly

pet-friendly

spa

bbq

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Keen to hop on a plane?

Accommodation now further afield!

Check out this cool new clip from the folks at Piwiwiwi Campervans as they head out for a Raglan surfing roadtrip full of sunny days and glassy waves.

NEW ZEALAND

You couldn’t meet a nicer and more accommodating couple than Anna and Niall and their campers are specifically fitted out for surfers - surfboards too if you need them. And they’ll even come and pick you up from the airport. Now is that service or what?

Watch the clip: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RFyLPjcgXBs

ROADTRIP

PIWIWIWI SURF CAMPERVAN RENTALS Raglan NZ DON’T STAY... EXPLORE! The only campervan rentals company in New Zealand aimed at surfers. Vans are kitted out with all the gear you need including straps to hold your boards safe INSIDE the van.

PiwiWiwi is a small, friendly company based in the magic surf town of Raglan.

Transfers to and from Auckland Airport available.

www.piwiwiwi.co.nz Call: +64 7 825 0974

PIWIWIWI SURF CAMPERVAN RENTALS

ADVERTISE IN SURF N ACCOMMrdabOleDAraTteIOs for Super-affo of budgets. the smallest 5 201 34 01 04 ll Ca

Raglan Office: +64 7 825 0974 NZ Free Phone: 0800 74 94 94 E: info@piwiwiwi.co.nz www.piwiwiwi.co.nz From $25 per night

LOVE THIS PLACE

PIHA

Why wouldn’t you? One of the most stunning, dramatic, beautiful, consistent and powerful surf breaks in New Zealand. And this place is right here: Piha Domain Camp. One hundred metres to the beach, another hundred and you are at the Piha RSA for a refreshing beer or meal after your surf. Across the road are cafes and corner store. This is a place you have to visit and stay to tick off your wet-bucket list. www.pihabeach.co.nz/Piha-Camp.htm Call: +64 9 812 8815

PIHA DOMAIN SURF CAMP 21 Seaview Road, Piha, NZ What a phenomenal location for surfers and their families!

Piha Domain is a large, family-friendly campground in the heart of Piha Village, accommodating tents, caravans, campervans and also has cabins to hire.

Piha Domain Camp

Only two minutes walk from one of the best surfing beaches in New Zealand, this is one of the best value for money camps in the country.

Proximity: Right on the beach in front of the iconic Lion Rock and only a short stroll to shops.

Phone: +64 9 8128 815 E: pihacamp@xtra.co.nz Rates from $10 a night for tent sites

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Brought to you by

SURF TRIP ACCOMMODATION

COOLUM BEACH

Noel Mooney - 0417 756 076 coolumbusinessandtourism.com

Welcome to a world of beachbreaks, boosts, barrels and brilliant fun - Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast North Shore. Beyond the tourist strip of Mooloolaba and just south of the righthand pointbreaks of Noosa, the water here is warm all year ‘round and there’s no shortage of surf breaks. It’s a true surfers playground and a top destination with a unique personality and charm. Here are your top choices for accommodation.

EXECUTIVE ACCOMMODATION

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

YOUR CHOICE OF HOLIDAY APARTMENTS

Managing over 25 executive beach homes and apartments from Twin Waters through to Coolum Beach, Coolum Holidays has the perfect property to indulge all of your needs while on vacation.

Take your four legged friend on your next holiday! Enjoy a stress free holiday knowing your pet is safe with you. Pet friendly holidays are becoming increasingly popular and Coolum Holidays has 30 holiday homes that specialise in providing the right accommodation for you and your pooch. All our holiday homes adhere to strict policies and conditions so that your holiday with your beloved pet is safe, secure and comfortable.

Managing an array of self contained apartments on the beautiful North Shore, Coolum Holidays will help you find the perfect apartment to relax in whether it be for two nights or two months.

All of our executive properties are tastefully decorated throughout and provide a high standard of facilities including swimming pool, air conditioning, bbq and pay television. Accommodating singles, couples and families, our portfolio of executive accommodation will surely not disappoint.

P: 1300 303 423

www.coolumholidays.com.au

A $110.00 non refundable pet fee applies to all bookings made – a small price to pay for peace of mind.

P: 1300 303 423

www.coolumholidays.com.au

From $1300 a week, shorter stays available

186

From $490 a week, shorter stays available

Stay in one our apartments and stretch out with more privacy and space than a hotel room, perfect for an extended stay or corporate accommodation.

We can offer you a great deal on one, two and three bedroom apartments – phone our friendly booking consultants today.

P: 1300 303 423

www.coolumholidays.com.au

From $490 a week, shorter stays available

COOLUM BEACH GETAWAY RESORT 3-7 First Ave, Coolum Beach A modern 4½ star resort. 18 spacious, air-conditioned 1, 2 & 3 bedroom townhouse-style units and apartments with self-contained kitchens, laundry and lock up garage. Tropical gardens, heated pool and spa, half tennis court, plus bike and surfboard hire. One street back from the beach with a quiet, pleasant family atmosphere.

Proximity: Only a short stroll to Coolum’s fabulous beach, alfresco dining and shopping.

Located centrally on the Sunshine Coast, the tourist attractions, world-class golf courses and rainforest walks are all within easy driving distance.

P: 07 5471 6759 F: 07 5471 6222 Australia: 1300 723 263 E: info@getawayresort.com.au www.getawayresort.com.au Phone for your special price

SEACHANGE COOLUM BEACH 1864 David Low Way, Coolum Beach

A world away from the everyday... 35 boutique holiday apartments with style and character... The ideal retreat for your tropical getaway. Designed to be different from the rest, Seachange features fully selfcontained one, two bedroom and family apartments - some with private rooftop spas and ocean views, all immaculately presented by resident managers who offer you personalised friendly service.

Isn’t it time you experienced Seachange?

Proximity: Walking distance to beach, local shops, restaurants P: 07 5471 7799 F: 07 5446 5380 Freecall: 1800 008 112

info@seachangecoolumbeach.com.au seachangecoolumbeach.com.au

Call for best rates

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BUSINESS PROMOTION

SURFING COOLUM Surf spots within close vicinity include Coolum main beach where a consistent left-hander reels in from in front of the surf club. At the southern end of the beach below the lookout at Point Perry, when the swell is 4 foot plus, a quality righthander can break close to the rocks. This wave is definitely the standout when it’s on but typically a place for the chargers in the surfing community.

Just over the headland the FIRST and SECOND BAY (from the water it is really one bay) are also popular and fairly consistent.

Although surrounded by rocks, the bottom is largely sand and the lefts and rights can be found depending on where you want to sit. In rare conditions, THIRD BAY breaks but this is definitely rocky and risky.

COOLUM CAPRICE 1770 David Low Way, Coolum Beach Located right in the heart of Coolum Beach, our ocean view, fully self contained apartments cater for couples, families and groups. With 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments to choose from, Coolum Caprice boasts the best views and location in town.

Proximity: Middle of town, walking distance to shops and restaurants. Directly across the road from the beach and Surf Club. 15 minutes Sunshine Coast Airport and 1½ hours from Brisbane Airport.

Phone: 07 5446 2177 E: relax@coolumcaprice.com.au www.coolumcaprice.com.au From $140 per night Smorgasboarder reader special:

Call today for 20% off!

ENDLESS SUMMER RESORT 9-21 Frank St, Coolum Beach

COOLUM SEASIDE 6-8 Perry St, Coolum Beach

This is the perfect place to stay in Coolum for holiday resort accommodation. Ideal for couples or the whole family.

Choose from fully self-contained and spacious apartments located in a peaceful setting, away from traffic, but only a 100m stroll to the surf beach, main restaurants and sidewalk shops. Fantastic 25m heated pool, waterslide, children’s playground and mini golf on-site.

Perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the Sunshine Coast’s natural scenic beauty and holiday attractions. Our fully self-contained AAA 5-star rated one to four bedroom apartments are air conditioned and have Austar, LCD TVs, CD & DVD players. Roof terraces are available with majestic coastal & hinterland views.

Facilities include 3 heated pools, 4 spas, tennis court, gymnasium, internet lounge/ library and poolside barbecues.

Proximity: 100m to patrolled surf beach and shops.

Phone: +61 7 5471 9800

E: holiday@endlesssummerresort.com

www.endlesssummerresort.com Keep an eye on our web page for specials throughout the year or call direct to ask for our special surfer’s rates.

Proximity: Short stroll to patrolled beach, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Phone: 1800 809 062 E: info@coolumseaside.com www.coolumseaside.com Check our specials online

COOLUM MOTEL & BUDGET ACCOMMODATION 1862 David Low Way, Cnr Ann St, Coolum Beach

ELEMENT ON COOLUM BEACH 1808 David Low Way, Coolum Beach

Coolum Motel is ideally located across from beautiful Coolum Beach. We offer a variety of room types ranging from Private Ensuited Rooms to Budget and Backpacker style and facilities. For a family friendly venue offering fantastic deals and discounts Stay with us!

This is seaside luxury right on Coolum Beach. These self contained luxury Coolum beach apartments combine the best of urban chic and beachside living. Stay in either a one, two or three bedroom holiday apartment right in the heart of Coolum and right across from Coolum Beach. Surf all day and stay in style at Element on Coolum Beach.

Proximity: Short walking distance to restaurants, shops and clubs.

Phone: 07 5471 6666 E: info@coolummotel.com www.coolummotel.com From only $ 35 per night.

Quote this magazine for 20% DISCOUNT!

Proximity: 1 minute walk to beach, shops and restaurants.

Phone: 1300 139 744

stay@elementoncoolumbeach.com.au www.elementoncoolumbeach.com.au

From only $149 per night in a one bedroom apartment

Dates and conditions apply

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* Boards not included

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MAKING A SURFBOARD? RESTORATION OR REPAIR?

LEARNING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY? MAKING BLANKS MAKING FINS? 416 A4, full-colour pages, over 1000 photos.

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POSITIVE PADDLE Moffat Beach set the stage for the October Paddle for Poverty. A solid $2,700 was raised to to go towards the Medan Water project in Indonesia, to construct a well to provide clean water for the local community.

“It was really good,” said photographer Kerrie Anne Bennett. “There was about 80 or 90 entries and there was such a good vibe on the day. Everybody was highfiving and having a good time.”

Kerrie says she hopes it will become an annual event.

Sponsors on the day included GASfins Australia, Loud Life, Boardstore, Coolum Surfing School, Signoptics, Goodlife Community Centre, Caloundra Physio, GoWake Cable Park, Australian Christian Channel, Network Communications and Kai Coffee. www.facebook.com/paddleforpoverty

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CLOSEOUT: RELAX

SOUTH COAST GIVE IT UP FOR CANCER CHARITY Mark ‘Stork’ Thompson is a recreational photographer from South West Sydney. He loves surfing and tends to photograph that a lot of the time. Most of his spare time is spent on the NSW South Coast.

“I love the people and the waves down there,” Stork says.

Recently, Merry Street Restaurant in Kioloa hosted a charity fundraiser exhibition as a part of Art Fest on the South Coast. Stork and the Merry Street boys managed to raise $1,200.00 for Cancer research through a raffle, $900.00 of which was raised on the night!

The winner of the raffle won an artwork of their choosing from the exhibition. The winner happened to be Toni Smith, wife of Dave Smith from Gordon & Smith Surfboards. “Dave suffered from throat cancer earlier in life, so I was really happy with the result of the raffle!” said Stork.

Good job for a good cause and by all accounts an awesome night.

For more on Stork and his work, see the website: storkphotos.com.au For more on Merry Street restaurant, see the interview with Matt Upson and Dean Pitt on Page 88. nov/dec 2012

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SOUTHERN FISHING The first ever Wanda Fish Fry was held on Saturday, 22 September at Wanda Beach, Cronulla. Organised by Ben Di Donato, it was a cracking day. There was a nice little swell on, the weather was perfect and there was a range of great boards on display - Black Apache, Bushrat, Mark Riley, PCC and Neal Cameron to name a few. Even better, we discovered some sweet boards from shapers we had not come across before such as Mako, BKSC and DJB. Ben wanted to say a special thanks to Grant Newby and Caleb Stokes for support and inspiration. The next fish fry will be confirmed for September 2013. www.wandafishfry.com.au

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Joel, Andrea and Shaun

Taylor, Kelly and Zane.

Claire, Matt and the band

THE C0-LAB OPENING PARTY This November saw the official opening of the Co-Lab in Warana on the Sunshine Coast.

Shaun and Andrea Olivier of GASFins Australia and Joel Beck of Beck Surfboards have joined forces to create a real one-stop hangout space for surfboard manufacture and a bit of shopping.

There’s a huge range of Mt Woodgee and Beck Surfboards, GASFins, Iron Fist clothing, Hurricane Surf Accessories and plenty more.

Snags and surfboard finishing

For the opening night we got to enjoy a friendly get-together, complete with live entertainment, beers and a bbq.

There a lot more to come yet, Shaun tell us.

Visit Co-Lab in person at 10 Textile Ave, Warana QLD, or find the on Facebook to keep up to date with local happenings. www.facebook.com/pages/CoLAB/184451211679538

Co-Lab security: Phoebe nov/dec 2012

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CLOSEOUT: RELAX

SURF COOL & COLD STUBBIES

The opening night of the Byron Bay Surf Festival turned out to be a great success with 700 people enjoying the great atmosphere and entertainment at the Byron Bay Brewery.

“The highlight for me was the amount of new faces in the venue over the weekend,” says Brewery GM Adam Rose. “The vibe was very relaxed and everyone enjoyed the beautiful art on display and great live music we had over the 3 days.”

The entertainment on the night was from Band of Frequencies but the new Pale Lager stubbies were also a huge hit with punters.

Godfathers talk Photo: Myriam Frank

“We are very excited about the future of the brand and the launch here at the Brewery later in the year,” says Adam.

“Being a local born and bred it’s great to have a venue in Byron Bay that reflects the old school surfing and chilled out vibe of years gone by. We’re looking forward to a great summer!”

And we’re looking forward to our next trip there for one of those Pale Lagers…

Band of Frequencies Photo: Myriam Frank

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Visit the Byron Bay Brewery at 1 Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay or get more info online at www.byronbaybrewery.com.au

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7/11/12 11:49 PM

The MC Quiver MICHAEL CUNDITH SURF DESIGNS

Danny Wills Rippa

5’10” x 19” x 2 1/8”

Stubbie

Caloundra Malibu Club hosted the 12th annual Fun in the Sun Team Longboarding Challenge on Oct 20-21 at Happy Valley, Caloundra.

“We enjoyed sensational weather with clear skies, plenty of sun and the location provided a sheltered pocket from strong northerly winds. A fantastic turnout of 19 teams participated this year with 5 of them making the trek all the way from Bagara, North Qld. “2011 defending champions Amore Coffee were a standout performer all weekend, but the Top Nuts gave them a run for their money this year staging a hard fought battle in the final, claiming the glory.

“It’s a good thing we ride big boards with most participants using their biggest log over the weekend to get the most out of the small, clean sliders that were on offer. The atmosphere was fantastic: great company, good tunes and the smell of the BBQ and fresh coffee in the air. There were so many people involved in making the weekend the success it was - too many to list - great work team, and thank you!”

The Caloundra Malibu Club wanted to say a big thanks to the sponsors: Souls, Liive Vision, Classic Malibu, Clipsal, Dicky Surf, KFC, N&P Site Boring Pty Ltd, AJC Electrical Service, Beachbeat, AJC Metal Products, Global Surf Industries, BJR Queensland Pty Ltd, World Surfaris, Twin Disc Pacific, Stomp Wax, Amore Coffee, Hayden Surf Craft, Moffat Beach Mechanical Services, Da Bomb Surf Shop, Creatures of Leisure, Kanulock, Lea Printing, Caloundra Screenprints andSunshine Coast Regional Council.

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Telephone: 02 66858778 Fax: 02 66808932 Factory Showroom: 3 Banksia Drive Byron Bay Industrial Estate BYRON BAY NSW 2481 email: info@mcsurf.com.au

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FREIGHT IT NOW! We’ll send boards anywhere in Australia for reasonable rates

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5’10” x 20” x 2 ½”

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LOVED BARRY in 2012? nEXT EDiTiOn iS OUT JAnUARY 2013!

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With hundreds of reef passes, it might be worth going with someone who knows

It’s what we can’t tell you that matters

Ry Craike, Maldives punt.