THE GOLD COAST: ICONIC SURF BREAKS, LEGENDARY SHAPERS, modern INNOVATORS
AND AMAZING PLACES
SMORGASBOARDER F R
GREETINGS FROM THE
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Our comprehensive guide to barely scratching the surface of what the goldY has to offer
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It’s clearly gold Have you ever looked at the enormity of the task in front of you and wondered where to start? Well that was very much our position as we approached this very special, dedicated GOLD COAST edition of SMORGASBOARDER. As we near its completion we can confidently state that, no matter what lengths we went to, nor the size of this 196 page monster edition, we have barely scratched the surface of this world-renowned surfing Mecca. Unless we published a SMORGASBOARDER trilogy on the Gold Coast or more like an Encyclopedia Britannica-style series of publications, our best efforts were always going to fall short of covering everything and every surfer of interest we wanted to. We’ve given it our all. We’ve decided to shine a spotlight on those who perhaps steer clear of them, introducing you to folk you may not have heard of before, or know very little about. There are so many interesting people with fascinating stories to tell who call this magnificent city by the sea home. The Gold Coast has for so long been at the forefront of surfing, the surf industry and indeed the beach lifestyle in this corner of the globe. It’s a place that pioneered the bikini, turned pyjama parties mainstream, produced countless world champion surfers and acclaimed surfboard shapers and even introduced metre maids, god bless their souls. It is the home of the Superbank, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro and Burleigh Single Fin Classic. In 2018, the coast with the most will even play host to the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The region has boomed since the 1950s when it became known for its relaxed, fun and glamorous lifestyle. Pioneering cottages and seaside shanties have evolved into one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world, now recognised as Australia’s sixth largest city. But for a place so widely known, perhaps many are yet to discover all the Gold Coast has to offer. There is so much to this place aside from the vibrancy and high-rise of Surfers Paradise, the 40 odd world-class golf courses, Australia’s best theme parks or the 500 plus restaurants and cafes. There are World Heritage listed rainforests, numerous national parks, a stunning hinterland and even more stunning beaches with a water clarity that defies belief. Most importantly of all, for surfers, us …. the Gold Coast is home to some of the most consistent, quality point waves and beach breaks on the planet. There is no denying the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite playground. So enjoy this special edition of SMORGASBOARDER. We hope it inspires you to make your way and get ready to play.
Cheers!
ers
sboard
orga the Sm
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THIS PHOTO Gold Coast son Jay Phillips enjoys nature as it was intended on the Goldy. Read more about Jay on page 130. Photo: Jeff Levingston,
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DETAILS & STUFF WHERE TO PICK SMORGASBOARDER UP Grab it FREE at quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafés on the coast of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and New Zealand... And online.
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.
Unknown surfer cruising at Snapper on the Gold Coast. Know him? Drop us a line! Photo by Craig Bessant. See more of his work on page 122.
THE SMORGASBOARDERS STUFF, THINGS & ADVERTISING Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au 0401 345 201 NEW ZEALAND THINGS ‘Jiff’ Morris jeff@smorgasboarder.co.nz +64 (0)220 943 913 STUFF & DESIGN Mark Chapman mark@smorgasboarder.com.au 0400 875 884 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN THINGS James Ellis james@smorgasboarder.com.au 0410 175 552 STUFF, ACCOUNTS & EVERYTHING ELSE Louise Gough louise@smorgasboarder.com.au GEAR TESTS, MUSIC REVIEWS & OTHER THINGS Angus Brown gus@smorgasboarder.com.au
CONTRIBUTIONS 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.
The paper used for the text section of this magazine is from sustainability managed forests and controlled sources.
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We print with Inprint Pty Ltd an ISO 14001 environmentally certified and committed printer whose business is founded upon the principles of minimizing waste and maximizing recycling. Nice work
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Ske
Skeeta Derham: Team
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THE GOLD COAST A SURFING CITY A WELCOME FROM GOLD COAST CITY MAYOR TOM TATE
On the Gold Coast, the surfing dollar is a significant force in our local economy, contributing $3.3 billion dollars annually. We are home to a number of world class surfing events, including the opening events of the ASP World Tour – the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro. We’re also home to Surfing Queensland and Surfing Australia, both celebrating 50 years in operation. We recognise that our 57 kilometres of beautiful beaches are one of our most precious natural assets for both residents and visitors but also a major economic asset.
event will give you the opportunity to generate genuine sales leads, discover new buyers, launch new products, demonstrate innovation, raise your profile, tap into export markets, identify new distributors and markets, and stay ahead of your competition.
“ALL OUR CITY’S BEACHES ARE OPEN AND WAITING FOR YOU TO CATCH THAT PERFECT WAVE.”
Through our recently launched Economic Development Strategy, sports, and the surfing industry in particular, will benefit from our long term vision for growth and prosperity.
This is an excellent opportunity for Gold Coast surf businesses to get involved and I encourage you to register your interest to attend InterStyle at businessgoldcoast.com.au/trade-mission.
This strategy aims to improve our city’s reputation as an international destination of choice for business and visitors. We will continue to support our existing Gold Coast innovators, attracting surfing businesses and surf tourism to our city by diversifying our economic base, increasing employment opportunities, nurturing innovation, fostering competitive business, increasing international investment and export activities.
In February, our city will also host the Australian Surfing Sports Expo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Designed to promote surfing and surfing products to industry heavy weights and up and coming companies, the three day expo is designed to bring shapers, retailers, tour operators, designers, inventors and innovators from the surfing industry under one roof. More details can be found at australiansurfingsportsexpo.com.
In February 2014, as part of our International Trade and Investment Program (ITIP), we will be leading a trade mission to Japan for InterStyle the exhibition of board culture and fashion. This
At the moment, I’m investigating a new Sister City relationship with Hainan Province in China, one of that country’s best surfing locations. In March 2014, I’ll be visiting the island as part of an ITIP trade mission to Southern China.
Power Base Fins & Boxes - Completely Integrated
The Gold Coast is one of the world’s best surfing destinations, so it’s important we all support these reputation building events to encourage surf business as a key component of our economy. We are also in the process of restoring the legendary Kirra groyne, by extending it 30 metres. With the project expected to be completed by the end of the year, one of the world’s best surfing breaks will return to one of the world’s best surfing cities. All our city’s beaches are open and waiting for you to catch that perfect wave. We look forward to seeing you in the surf!
Tom Tate Mayor City Of Gold Coast
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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Meet a multi-talented Golden girl
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
14 GEORGIA KERVIN
THE GOLD COAST
This edition, we work our way South, starting at the wild waves of South Stradbroke island from page 50 through to the iconic Snapper Rocks, page 122. Enjoy the place and people!
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176 ART EVERYWHERE South Australian fisherman Jeremy Ievens shares his surf art
Tolhurst/Ingleby
BIKINI TIME
Welcome warm weather with new season suits
MAL SUTHERLAND
Amazing photography documenting our surfing history
SHAYNE NIENABER
Cracker barrells and amazing water shots from the Gold Coast
CRAIG BESSANT 122 Meet this late-
blooming Gold Coast photographer
PHILLIPS 130 JAY Amazing surfer, dad and all-round Gold Coast role model
WOODEN BOARDS 185 Currumbin again
145 YOUR
MATES
Curl’s guide to people we all know
plays host to timber fanatics of all kinds
THE USUAL BITS THE LATEST 24 And Greatest 26 News and community
GEAR 156 Surfboards 168 Test everything
HIHPs
CLOSEOUT
W: 22 1/2”
174 176 180 182 185 194
Music Art Surf Coach Columns Socials Aloha Barry
L: 9’0 TH: 2 11/16”
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au 02 4226 1322
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LADIES: FIRST Photos: Craig Bessant
N I V R KE
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P U T I N I V
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CRAIG BE
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SSAN
GTR 5’10/18.46/2.32 6’0/18.78/2.48 6’2/19.01/2.5 6’4/19.25/2.6
Simon
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5’10/19.92/2.38 6’0/20.25/2.6 6’2/20.59/2.6 6’4/20.5/2.6 6’6/20.5/2.65
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C O N T R O L
S Y S T E M
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
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LADIES: FIRST Photos: Craig Bessant
F R U S
N I H S SUN
MUSIC
SURFBOARDS
“I grew up in and around the Byron Bay area surrounded by music; I loved listening to all the buskers on the street and the bands at the markets. My parents bought me a guitar for my 11th birthday and sent me off to lessons with Travis an eccentric but amazing guitar and vocal teacher. When he moved I started to teach myself from YouTube videos
“I take my boards and fins very seriously and am lucky enough to have Stuart D’arcy to make my surfboards. D’arcy customises all my surfboards and takes the time to shape my board to my ability and help improve my surfing, however my current favourite is my blue 5’8” GK model”
“I like listening to chilled, relaxed music. Some of my favourite artists are Matt Corby, Avicii, Frank Ocean, love a bit of Bob Marly and ‘The xx’ too. “
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FAVOURITE SURF SPOT “Anywhere it’s big and clean! But some favourites are: North Stradbroke, Burleigh and the pass in Byron bay.”
SURFING “To me surfing means hanging with my family and friends, sharing waves, picnics on the beach, hanging out in nature and feeling free while surfing.”
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S D N E I R F & E HIN
WHAT MAKES THE GOLDIE SPECIAL? “If I could sum it up in three words it would be: Surf, sunshine and friends.”
WHAT NEXT? “New exciting experiences, I’d like to take my surfing as far as I can, travel to beautiful places, party hard with my friends and push women’s surfing into the future by training the new generation of surfers!“
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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HIVE
Noosa Bloom Beehive top $47.50 and Honeybee bottoms $47.50
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LATEST: SWIMWEAR HIVE
Seashells collection Beehive top with frill detail $47.50 and Honeybee bottoms $47.50
BRILLIANT BIKINIS “Hooray!” we can hear you all say! The water’s warming up, summer’s around the corner and the neoprene’s being dropped for boardies and bikini bottoms. So in celebration of spring, here’s a little taster of a few of the season’s designs.
HIVE SWIMWEAR Noosa Heads swimwear label Hive make sexy swimwear that stays on, which is perfectly sensible idea for all you surfing ladies out there. Hive suits are fully adjustable and you can mix and match original print tops and bottoms to suit your own style. To see the full range, see www.hiveswimwear.com
WIN! Noosa Dreaming Beehive top $47.50 and Honey bottoms $47.50
What’s the Hive slogan? The first person to email the answer to Hive with ‘Smorgasboarder’ in the subject line will win a pack including 1 x swimsuit, 1x Ectotherm 1.5mm top and1 x hat totalling over $250 of goodies. See the Hive website for email details. SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: SWIMWEAR
DKOKO Tested in the waves of the Hermosa Beach, Costa Rica, the Dkoko range of bikinis are designed for active girls who surf, sup and love the outdoors. See more at: www.dkoko.com.au
IRON FIST For the cheekiest swimwear with the quirkiest, most out there prints, you can’t go past Iron Fist’s IF Ladies range of bikinis. See not only the bikinis, but also an amazing collection of shoes, dresses and much more at www.ifladies.com.au
IRON FIST
Bikini sets and swimsuits $60
AFTER SOMETHING... UMM, HOT? 22
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013 Great coffee, roasted daily in Volcom Lane, Raglan New Zealand!
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WWW.RAGLANROAST.CO.NZ
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DKOKO
Sexy Surf Bikini Bottom $34 Pavones Crissed Crossed Surf Bikini Top $34
“IT’S ALL ABOUT WATER DISPLACEMENT.”
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: & GREATEST
PERFECTLY WRAPPED RRP from $60 Barz Optics have released a new “Tofino” polarised sunglass with wrap around lightweight frame. Available in unisex Matt Black or a Gloss Tortoise frames with triacetate lenses in grey / amber or blue mirror. www.barzoptics.com
tesy irl Photo cour 1912 Surf G and rl of Mal Suthe
BEFORE AND AFTER Wegener
Surfi and 7/16th e: RRP $200 - 4’ long (1 thick (11mm 21cm), 14 ½ ) wide (37cm ), It was so m uch fun back in 1912 and on your pud st (b the barrel. Pe elly). A glide sensation ill is. Get some wood that gets yo rfect for thos u deep in Wally’s Wat e small sum er m www.tomw Gallery Marcoola and er days. Available at egenersurfbo ards.com
SHOO SHARK Shark Mitigation Systems Pty Ltd launched their SAMS (Shark Attack Mitigation System) technology mid July this year. Based on collaborative research conducted with the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute and School of Animal Biology, the wetsuit and surfboard sticker are designed to deter predatory sharks from attacking. SAMS aim is to make the wearer, in appearance, more “cryptic” to the shark and in doing so not look like normal prey, such as a big juicy seal or surfer. The gear is distributed by Radiator Wetsuits. Wetsuits (M&L) $429, surfboard stickers from $69 www.radiator.net
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GEARBOX! There’s a brand new fin-box system out now! Strong, underglass installation means it’s neat and rock solid. And it’s totally compatibility with existing twin tab fins. Ask your shaper for them on your next board! www.gearbox-surf.com
THE GOOD OIL These Byron Bay folks do a massive range of skincare products from hemp. Their moisturiser with sunscreen is the only thing I personally use on my kids. Love it. There’s all kinds of creams, oils, balms - even shaving sticks. Check out the full range online. www.thegoodoil.com.au
GRIP STICK Kahuna Creations have released a new adjustable Kahuna Stick for street SUPing with an improved softer blade design that grips the road 50% better. Introductory price til 31st Oct $155 (RRP $179) www.streetsup.com.au
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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NEWS THIS IS THE
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE LOCAL SURFING COMMUNITY editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
facebook.com/smorgasboarder
twitter.com/smorgasboarder
MadFli man, Chris Loock
POPPED UNDER THE PANDANUS On holiday at his former homebreak of Currumbin, Dave Thorpe, (page 108) asked long time girlfriend Mylie to marry him. “I had been planning for a while to do the right thing. It was nice to pop the question at Currumbin as it’s our favourite place. We even went for a surf afterwards, which was kinda funny!”
FUTURE EL NINO TEAM RIDER Congrats to Reon Fisher of El Nino Softboards and wife Amanda. who recently celebrated the birth of son, Rayne. RIGHT: The now-larger Fisher family: Reon, Amanda and Rayne, dog Pixie and Courtney Love the chook.
ANOTHER LOSS FOR NSW Coolum skateboarder and Hive Swimwear model Nikki-Rose Quinlan exited reality TV show the The Bachelor Australia the other week. Tim Robards - the Sydney chiropractor with questionable decision-making skills - didn’t offer Nikki a rose and she had to leave the show. I guess the Blues just genuinely enjoy poor decisions and, well... losing. 26
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LEGENDARY KIWI SHAPER – CRAIG HUGHES RIP Craig Hughes, considered by many as one of the most influential surfboard shapers in New Zealand lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday July 16th. He was just 58. Craig is survived by wife Liz and sons Nat and Luke. Craig made boards for some 44 years, initially founding Wave Graffiti before joining Raglan Surf Co. He shaped for Town & Country and developed his own board label - Hughes Surfboards - in time focusing exclusively on them. A Kiwi surf legend is gone but certainly not forgotten.
SURF TRIPS – THE STUFF OF LEGEND Former women’s world champ Pam Burridge is now running fully catered surf and stand up paddleboard trips to the beautiful South Coast of NSW. Say’s Pam, “It’s a way to give people a more intensive learn to surf program with the option to cruise a stand up paddleboard if they don’t imagine themselves sporty enough to surf.” All the equipment is supplied including the South Coast’s idyllic beaches, accommodation and meals with pickups arranged from Sydney and Canberra. Special arrangements can also be made for group bookings.
A HOP, SKIPP AND A JUMP Hard to believe Skipp Surfboards clocked up 50 years this September. All this time and John Skipp’s still a gentlemen. Make sure you call into his Wollongong factory and buy yourself a slice of history from one of Australia’s top craftsman.
BACK ON BOARD Getting on a bit in years? Been a while since you tackled the seas? Well, stay tuned. Tony Dempsey and a couple of professors from Bond University are working on a pilot program to build the confidence and fitness of 60+ surfers to get silver foxes back in the water.
www.pamburridge.com or call 0409 767 176 for more info and bookings. Discounts offered to SMORGASBOARDER readers for Sept/ Oct so get in early.
MAKING A TWERK OF HERSELF? Surfer Anastasia Ashley’s recent pre-surf warm-up isn’t quite the norm, but it has been somewhat of a YouTube sensation, getting a fair few very hot under the collar, but for very different reasons. Some say this damages the image of female surfing, while others reckon twerking never hurt anyone... What do you think? www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Kt1aV4GFIxY
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Lang with sons (l-r) Nicholas, Joshua and Benjamin
ONE TOUGH MUDDER If anyone ever said SMORGASBOARDER readers weren’t as tough as nails, here’s the photo evidence that proves ‘em dead wrong. Good to see Brisbane’s Andrew Langford sporting one of our tees at the recent Tough Mudder at Caloundra. Needs a wash now though, Lang... It started off blue. Intrepid gear tester Gus Brown was another Smorgasboarder to cross the finish line on the Sunshine Coast. Congrats to any and all the readers who gave it a go this year. On the subject of Tough Mudder, Dave West of CTRL-V surfboard graphics business presented one of their custom board Dcals to CEO of the Tough Mudder organisation, Will Dean. Being a passionate kiteboarder based in New York, Will was given a board emblazoned with a photo of Pumicestone Passage to commemorate his stay on the Sunshine Coast. For more about CTRL-V surfboard Dcals, see page 172.
SURF WORLD GC UPCOMING EVENTS 15 Nov: Tim Baker book launch ‘Century of Surf’. 23 Nov: Jenny Midson curating art exhibition “Pineapples & Palms” 11 Dec: Cheyne Horan exhibition (stay tuned for more information). 22 Mar ‘14: Richard Harvey shapers workshop.
GOT NEWS? 28
Send it in. Upcoming events, charity happenings, interesting stories, email to: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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The SUP wave charger 9’4 ½” x 30 ½” x 4 ½” Weight: 10kgs eco friendly balsa
Riley Balsawood boards are made using renewable resource balsa and recycled polystyrene for performance, durability, beauty and lower environmental impact
HANDCRAFTED IN AUSTRALIA Raw Balsa • D.I.Y. Kits Stand up Paddleboards Paddles • Surfboards • Blanks • Tide Clocks •Fins • Fin Boxes Instructional DVDs: Learn To Surf, Build A Solid Balsa Board, Build A Foam Core Balsa Board
Call 0412 376 464 or Email mark@riley.com.au SHIPPING ANYWHERE, INCLUDING NZ
www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au Australian Environmentally-friendly handcrafted surfboards for the individual in all of us, with a guarantee. Enjoy Responsibly SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: NEWS
ALLAN BYRNE R.I.P. 1950-2013 Sadly, we can’t let this edition go by without acknowledging the tragic passing of Allan Byrne, a Gold Coast-based surfing icon who passed away in Bali this August from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was highly respected as a shaper, surfer and person across the surfing industry. Originally from New Zealand, Allan moved to the Gold Coast in the 70’s establishing the successful Byrning Spears label. As a shaper he was renowned for his skill in producing high quality channel-bottomed boards, which he continued to refine throughout his career. His significance as a member of the surfing community and value as an individual was evident in a massive and moving “ring of honour” held at Tugun to mark his passing. He is survived by his wife, Jayne, and adult sons Michael, Jamie and Matt.
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AB’s bereavement card, courtesy of close friend, Carl Birch.
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IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BEACH F U N C T I O N A L A N D D E C O R AT I V E S U R F A R T, H O M E W A R E S A N D M O R E
6 L O R R A I N E AV E , M A R C O O L A B E A C H Q L D ( 0 7 ) 5 4 4 8 8 5 6 0 S U R F B OA R D S • S U R F A RT • S H E L L S • D R I F T WO O D T H I N G S • C H E N I L L E S H O RT S • R E T R O S U N N I E S THONGS • TOWELS • UMBRELLAS • HAMMOCKS • GIFTS • GOPRO CAMERAS... AND SO MUCH MORE S T O C K I N G Q U A L I T Y A U S T R A L I A N - M A D E S U R F B O A R D S B Y T O M W E G E N E R , B U S H R AT, H I G H T I D E , B L A C K A PA C H E & S A S 32
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LATEST: NEWS
MORE SMORGAS ONLINE THE SMORGASBOARDER WEBSITE IS ALIVE...
Long and painful have been the months of chipping away at our new website, but it’s finally here and ready to go. Reading SMORGASBOARDER online is now only one part of what you can find on our site.
1 FEATURES Brand new stories, extra coverage of stories from the mag, reviews, gear tests and videos. Who know what’s we’ll stick in here. A story on Panda-dogging? Probably not.
2 READER PHOTOS Finally! Somewhere we can show off YOUR pics in one glorious gallery. See the best reader pics we’ve published over the years as finally check out all the awesome ones we just couldn’t fit into the print mag!
3 SURF TRIP STAYS Where to stay on your next surf trip? Let this help you decide. Check out surfer-friendly accommodation for Australia and NZ.
4 SURFBOARDS We constantly hear from guys how much you love the surfboards section in the magazine. We’re bringing that board-love online with a searchable section of your favourite surfboard designs and shapers.
GET WEBSKATING The boys from Fiik have recently tarted up their website. The new one has heaps of pics and info on the full range, along with some great video to get your electric buzz started. fiikelectricskateboards.com.au
5 COMPETITIONS You didn’t think we’d do a brand new website without finding a way to hand out more free stuff, now did you? Plenty of opportunities here to score some loot!
IS THERE MORE? Yes there is, and yes there will be. Like an elephant sandwich, we’re taking one bite at a time and we’ll keep adding new content and ideas. Check out the new site at
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU
BEEN RILEY BUSY Mark Riley has a new website and it looks darn swish with video content to showcase the range of Riley surfboards. Apart from custom made balsawood surfboards, the online store features everything you need to shape your own wooden surfboard, including written and DVD instructions, shaping kits and surfboard blanks, all the way to wood-coloured leash, fin plugs and fin blanks. shop.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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COMPETITION WINNERS...
ON ANY MODEL
CUSTOM ORDERS
Rippa 2
THIS PIC: Maggie with a new Beck board. RIGHT. More fresh Maggie art
SURF AND ART Maggie Schrieber of Byron Bay was the extremely talented young lady that scored herself a set of Molotow art products and a brand new Beck surfboards with Gas Fins and Hurricane accessories in the Molotow Show Us Your Art competition. Above, you can see the great use she’s already put her prize to on her new board from Joel Beck and more. Keep it up, Maggie! We hope to see a lot more of her great work in the future.
SUBSCRIBER
QUIVER Telephone: 02 6685 8778 Factory Showroom: 3 Banksia Drive Byron Bay Industrial Estate BYRON BAY NSW 2481 email: info@mcsurf.com.au
www.mcsurf.com.au 34
Mark Bish of Eagle Farm was the lucky one to take out the SMORGASBOARDER subscriber’s comp, scoring a Vampirate longboard, Samsara shortboard, Fiik electric skateboard, Smoothstar Flying Fish skateboard and Triple-X wetsuit. Here he is, trying hard to decide which board to use first...
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...AND NEW STUFF TO WIN! We have some really cool stuff for you to win this edition, so enter already!
COACHING Clayton Nienaber is a professional surf coach on the Gold Coast, helping surfers of all skill levels improve and become more comfortable on their boards We have four vouchers to get your surfing progression fast-tracked by CLAYTON CORRECTIVE SURF COACHING.
CTRL V
See page 56 for more info on the coaching programs.
Get some great graphics for your new or current surfboard with a funky CTRL V Dcal.
HOW TO WIN...
We have a full board DCal from the Str8 Up or PRIMO range for one lucky punter! See page 172 to read about Ctrl V’s Dcal graphics.
Simply visit our new website - www.smorgasboarder.com.au - and follow the competition links from the homepage! Couldn’t be simpler. All instructions for each individual competition are online, so check it out and get yourself in line for some cool gear!
OTHER COMPETITIONS No, that’s not all! Win a BILTON LED board in our new subscriber competition - see page 143; HIVE SWIMWEAR are giving away some great bikini and surfwear - see page 20, and thanks to SCOOT airlines and SURFTAIWAN.COM, there’s a sevenday surf trip to Taiwan up for grabs! See page 36 for all the information on that one - more details online at www.smorgasboarder.com.au as well.
GOOD LUCK!
POSCA POSCART.COM.AU have put up a fat pack of Posca Paint Markers - all 33 colours in a bundle worth $118 - for you to use on your surfboard - and just about everything else! See page 176 for inspiration. SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: COMPETITION
Year round swell, a multitude of uncrowded breaks from peeling rock-bottomed points to smoking river mouth barrels and ripe, rippable cobblestone beachbreaks set amidst the backdrop of lushly covered mountains falling to the sea below... Waves suitable for a smorgasboard of surfboard options with a warm tropical climate and crystal clear water... Sound good? Well here’s your chance to...
SCOOT TO TAIWAN ON A 7-DAY SURF TRIP THANKS TO
WIN
...a $5000 holiday courtesy of SCOOT AIRLINES and SURF TAIWAN including return flights and 7 nights accommodation for you and a friend. All you have to do is post a photo on the SMORGASBOARDER Facebook page, of something you
would give up* to WIN a surfing holiday for you and a friend to Taiwan. Coffee? Your cat? You favourite signed concert shirt? The wife? *You don’t actually have to give it up. We just want to know how you care!
SURFTAIWAN.COM • FLYSCOOT.COM For travel in 2014. Travel restrictions apply, subject to availability and may not be available at peak times. Blackout periods may apply to either flights or land activities. For full terms and conditions and further information, see
Photo: Moonwalker
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU
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GOLD COAST: THE HISTORY Snapper in the ‘60s. Photo: Mal Sutherland
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Just imagine surfing the Gold Coast’s famous breaks all by yourself or maybe with one or two others. The thought is unfathomable. But that’s what the earlier days were like for Mal Sutherland, a pioneer of the Gold Coast surf scene and chairman of the Surf World Gold Coast museum. We recently had the great pleasure of catching up with Mal at his Currumbin Waters home. WORDS: DAVE SWAN PHOTOS: MAL SUTHERLAND
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GOLD COAST: THE HISTORY
57kms of some of the world’s most stunning, pristine coastline, exceptional waves and only a few surfers out... No matter how many times I say it, I just can’t imagine it. Mal Sutherland recalls his dream existence on the Gold Coast in the early ‘50s. “I was very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. I was born in Brisbane, but we came down here just before the end of the War. I have been on the Gold Coast since I was four years old. We only lived a couple of hundred metres from the beach, adjacent to where Kirra Surf (retail store) is today.” Mal started surfing on the old surf-oplanes (rubber surf mats) when he was about four years of age and got his first sixteen-foot plywood toothpick when he was thirteen. That was 1953.
BELOW: Kirra carpark, 1962. Photo: Mal Sutherland RIGHT: Mal Sutherland in 1965. Photo: Supplied
He soon joined the Kirra SLSC because he thought you had to be in a surf club to ride a board. Mal wasn’t keen on how regimented it was but realised it gave him the opportunity to surf. “It wasn’t long after that the yanks came out for the ’56 Olympics (held in Melbourne). They brought their balsa surfboards for the International Surf Carnival in Torquay. It was like they switched on the lights. We had been living in the dark up until then. “Ron Halpin came home from the carnival raving about the Yanks and their boards and drew us diagrams of their boards in the sand. When Ron obtained one of the first hollow ply Okanui boards from Bill Wallace, Owen Cowlishaw from Kirra, who was retired and built boards in his spare time, made five copies of them: one for himself and one for each of us. They were probably the first ever hollow ply okanuis’ in Queensland. We rode them for less than 6 months, quickly changing them to balsa when it became available. “At that point in time, there might have only been a dozen surfboard riders on the Gold Coast. There were a few between Kirra and Greenmount, a few others up the other end of the coast near Surfers Paradise – Max Christmas and Cherokee (Peter Delaney) and another couple at Southport. That was about it. Not many of us had vehicles so you just surfed in your own area. You wouldn’t believe how many times I surfed Kirra point by myself.” Back then as Mal recalls, Kirra had two waves: the point and a big wave right out in the centre of the beach that used to break off the reef. It would break from about 4ft to 20ft plus. They used to surf out there when the sweep on the point became too strong. “It was a beautiful wave.”
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Alan Balmer, Snapper, 1963. Photo: Mal Sutherland
(L-R) Horrie Budd, Tony Keane, Mal, Terry Radacliffe 1957
Mal with Nev and Scott. Photo: supplied
Rainbow Bay, 1965. Photo: Mal Sutherland
GOLD COAST: THE HISTORY Brian Horie Budd, Kirra 1962. Photo: Mal Sutherland 42
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Mal today. Photo: Dave Swan
Mal’s amazing photographs Believe it or not, Mal’s photos were taken when the ‘waves weren’t that good’. Not only that, they are only a few of the shots he managed to hold onto when a Spring-cleaning craze went horribly wrong. “If the waves were good I was out surfing not taking pictures. I took most of my photos between 1959 and 1965, after that I built my house, started a family and dropped out of surfing for a while. “Unfortunately I lost a lot of my negatives when I was shifting house. I somehow managed to split the negatives up and put some in one box and some in another with a box of books that I gave to St Vinnies and never saw them again - probably 2/3 of my stock. I lost a lot of good stuff.” Worst still, when Mal later unpacked some boxes from the move he noticed his colour slides were covered in mould. “I just selected a couple and threw the rest away. This was of course before computers. I could have restored them all if I had kept them.” Today Mal is the chairman of Surf World Gold Coast, which is now in its fifth year. Many of his magnificent photos are on display at the museum in Currumbin.
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Joe Larkin, Miles Street. Photo: Mal Sutherland
GOOD OLD TIMES Having worked for Jackson Surfboards in Caringbah, near Cronulla, Brian ‘Fury’ Austen moved to Queensland to shape surfboards, firstly for Ray Woosley and then Joe Larkin on the Gold Coast. Following stints with these famous shapers, he decided to start his own surfboard factory in July 1971 at 28 Bolton Street, Kirra. Brian called it Goodtime. His explanation for the business name was simple, “Goodtime, that’s what surfing is all about.”
THE FIRST SHAPERS Mal believes it was Ray Woosley who first made toothpicks commercially here in Queensland, but credits Owen Callashaw as making the first few in the state. “What people possibly don’t realise is how rare those boards were. Guys like Woodsy (Gordon Woods), (Barry) Bennett and Bill (Wallace) only made about fifty boards each before the balsa surfboards came in. “What happened then, and you have probably heard this story before, in 1960 the Gidget movie hit the screens (in Australia) and surfing just went ballistic. You couldn’t believe the amount of guys running around with boards on their cars that never ever got taken off. They just wanted to be part of the scene. The Gidget movie sort of destroyed surfing in a lot of ways for us (laughing), it just popularised it so much.” The first person to make Balsa boards up here as Mal recalls was Roger “The Duck” Keiran from Sydney. “He set up a factory in Mermaid Beach, and made quite a few, but when foam boards began he just disappeared and went back to Sydney.
“Then Joey Larkin Came up in 1962 and set up in Kirra making boards. I was Scotty Dillon’s agent up here from 1960-65 until bloody Joe put me out of business the bastard. (laughs) “There was also another group. He was a yank and he started Multi Plastics in Mermaid Beach. A lot of the younger guys worked there for a while like McTavish and the Neilsen brothers. He was probably making the first of the moulded boards. “Then Laurie Hohensee started in 1964. Al Curtain was up the other end of the Coast. Then all the younger guys got into it and it just snowballed - Paul and Rick Neilson, Fury (Brian) Austen... They all did their apprenticeship with either Joe or Hohonsee.” For Gold Coast surf history, visit Surf World Gold Coast. surfworldgoldcoast.com
Kirra ’68. Carol Charlton and Pye’s engagement party with John & Es Charlton, little Chrissie, Rob and Gerry, Curley, Hacker, Furry, Blackie and crew from Kirra, Burleigh, Qld Wind n’ Sea and Sydney. Love the Hills Hoist with electric light and mandatory guy on the roof!” Gail Austen, Photo courtesy of the Charlton family.
His sister, Gail, remembers first walking into her brother’s surfboard factory. “It was Christmas Eve in 1972 and I had just returned home from London where I had been working in the fashion industry. Mum was keen for me to check out Brian’s new business, so I did straight away. “The place was toxic. I couldn’t believe the conditions they were working in but they all loved it and got to surf all the time. Brian had the likes of Rabbit round there, Michael Peterson, Peter Townend… they were all working there.
Gail isaw that between the shop and the factory there was no organisation and no money being made and that’s when she became involved. “Once we had things under control, somewhat, I convinced Brian to go to Brisbane and find a place to set up shop and that I would work in it for a while to help out. Here I am still. We have changed address a couple of times and even been burnt to the ground but have been in our Woolloongabba premises since November 1981.”
“It did immediately hit me however what pieces of art they were creating. The change from the big old boards to these short boards, it was amazing.” Brian also opened up a shop in Coolongatta, which was apparently no bigger than a cigarette kiosk. Brian Austen. Supplied
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GOLD COAST: THE HISTORY Richard at Burleigh. Photo supplied by Richard Harvey, from his personal collection
Richard at his studio Photo: Mark Chapman
A PLACE TO NEVER LEAVE Richard Harvey was another keen surfer who inevitably fell for the charms of the Gold Coast. “I grew up surfing on Sydney’s northern beaches but used to come up and surf Burleigh in early 1963 en route to places like Noosa when there was only Mctavish, Kevin Platt and Algy Grud and those guys surfing the points there. “The visits became more regular when I started working with Ronny Wade (Ron Wade Surfboards). He gave me a car and said, ‘Here’s a ute, it has a logo emblazoned all over the side, you can drive wherever you want and I will pay the fuel and give you $15 a week.’ So I was off to Queensland with 46
Baddy (David) Treloar. We made many regular trips and ended up staying for longer periods each time.” Ricky Neilson of Brothers Neilson fame had an old house on the beach at Surfers Paradise and Richard used to regularly stay in his garage. He eventually moved to the Gold Coast permanently in 1970, for five years at least. Richard worked in Shane Steadman’s factory in Mermaid before heading off to the United States and Europe. When Richard returned he went to work with
Dick Van Straalen and formed the Surf Company Burleigh Heads. From there he worked several other gigs including a ‘bit of a stint with Billabong’ for fifteen years designing catalogues, point of sale and accessories but lost interest when it became a “corporate affair more interested in reports and paperwork. So I decided I would slow it down and go back to
making surfboards.” Richard is still shaping surfboards today at Miami and runs the Australian Surfboard College, teaching aspiring surfboard builders the art of handshaping. Read more about Richard and his amazing work on page 78.
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Richard at his studio Photo: Mark Chapman
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STRADDIE TO SOUTHPORT Charlie Deutz, Photo: Shayne Nienaber
“It's a special spot because of its location. It's away from the hustle and bustle of places like Snapper and D-bah. It offers both a point break and Quality right and left-handers, so from a photographer's point of view, you get so much variation. It's an effort to get there if you don't have a boat or ski, so it keeps the crowds away most times." Shayne Nienaber, on South Straddie
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HIDDEN GOLD We start our trip through the Gold Coast at its northernmost extreme. Extreme not only in geography, but also by the nature of the waves. This is where experienced locals play. What better way to introduce the area than talk to local surf photographer, Shayne Nienaber, who reguarly puts himself and his gear on the line to capture amazing shots - like the one on this page - here and throughout the Gold Coast. WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN PHOTOS: SHAYNE NIENABER
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STRADDIE TO SOUTHPORT Shaun Gossman, Photo: Shayne Nienaber
“if you're an average or less surfer, it's not the place to go and surf on a big day. it has so many unforgiving rips and sweeps, and on top of that it's a much more powerful wave to surf. if you get injured, you could be in a lot of trouble.”
Graeme Fenton, Photo: Shayne Nienaber
Shayne Nienaber, on the reality of South Straddie waves
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Most people who have taken up a hobby chose something relaxing, low-commitment, low-impact and low-stress… A strange few chose the opposite. Rather than relax, Shayne decided instead to opt for blowing oodles of cash on expensive camera gear to have an excuse to swim for his life in the most critical points of vicious waves. But hey, he’s got some great memories captured forever to show for his past four years of amazing surf photography. Beat that.
“When I first started shooting I was helped out by a really nice couple – Matt and Leisa O’Brien. When I first bought my water housing, I was so scared to use it, worried about getting the camera waterlogged and all that, but they spent a long time with me, showing me how to really use the gear. It helped me so much and I’m really thankful to Leisa and Matt for that.”
“I get so excited getting a great shot,” Shayne explained. “I guess, a surfer gets the feeling, but I capture that feeling. If it’s a barrel shot or an aerial – I capture that – so I get just as stoked, or maybe even more stoked, actually just capturing that moment. When I get out of the water and see that shot, it’s just an unbelievable feeling.” A regular dad with a day-job, Shayne discovered his love for photography on a surf trip only four years ago. After snapping a few shots on a friend’s camera from the boat, he impressed not only those around him, but himself, by what he saw. A small idea turned to an all-consuming obsession and soon Shayne found himself shopping for camera equipment, then just as quickly upgrading as he outgrew it. “I probably mortgaged our whole house buying the gear,” he laughs. “I’ve got to be thankful to my close family, my wife and kids. They’ve been really patient with me. Getting up early, going out shooting, disappearing for a whole day to get shots and trying to better myself… I have them to thank above all for allowing me to do that. “And photography is expensive. If you want the good glass, you’ve got to buy it and good glass is what gets you the clarity and the good pictures.”
With a firm grasp on his gear and the Gold Coast’s amazing variety of breaks on offer, there was no sitting on the beach with a doughnut in hand for Shayne. He dived into the thick of things from the start, training hard to keep up the fitness needed to get shots from the water. Fortunately as an ex semi-professional soccer player and being from a surfing family, Shayne’s no stranger to exercise or the ocean.
SHAYNE NIENABER But why would you go to these lengths for a hobby? Well, because Shayne’s pretty quickly turning his hobby professional. With a number of published pics under his belt, he’s already been invited on overseas trips to shoot sponsored surfers at exotic locations – in fact, as we do the interview, he’s preparing to head off to Fiji with Coolum’s Kelly Norris and a few others to brave what they expect to be 8ft waves on arrival. Now that’s a ‘hobby’. Seriously though, it’s a just payoff for the hard yards he’s put in.
“When I started, not many people would want to say ‘Okay, this is how you do it, this is how you don’t do it.’ I took my camera, got in the water and made a lot of mistakes. It was a little frustrating in the beginning, but it was all driving me to better myself and get different shots.”
“I’ve never been scared of waves. You need to be fit, and guys who are fit are the ones shooting in the water. The reason I bought a water housing was to be creative and get different shots. Shooting from the land, there are some angles you can get, but shooting from the water gives you a totally different perspective. When you’re surfing yourself and you see a surfer catch a wave – that’s the aspect I wanted to capture: being in the action.” When Shayne’s not in the water, he’s capturing everyday moments he stumbles across in daily life – landscapes, interesting people and more recently, even weddings.
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ELSEWHERE ON THE COAST Shayne’s easy-going approach and high standard of work have afforded him the opportunity to build a portfolio including highprofile locals such as Mick Fanning (left) and Shaun Gossman (below).
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“I’ll be driving along and say ‘stop the car, stop the car, I’ve seen something’, and my wife will say ‘not again…’ (laughs). These days I do a lot of wedding photos and a lot of portraits. Surf photography is what I love, but I’ve also really been enjoying the weddings. “It’s interesting... When you’re a surf photographer, that’s how people class you and they don’t think of you as a photographer in any other way. But I’m a people person and I love meeting new people. That’s led to my family portraits and weddings, because really, people are my interest.” It may be Shayne’s eye for interesting people, or his skill with the camera that’s getting him such great shots, but probably more likely a mix of his past, his passion and his drive to perfect his art. In closing: thoughts from Shayne in navigating through not only the Gold Coast’s waves, but life in general… “If you’re a friendly person, and you respect other people, it helps you to gain respect. We’re excited to see more and you should be too. Follow him at www.facebook.com/snienaber1 and see his past work and more at shaynenienaberphotography.com.
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ON THE OTHER SIDE Keeping it in the family, the perfect follow to the surf photography of Shayne Nienaber, is to introduce you to the man who can help you surf like the people in Shayne’s photos – his brother...
Clayton Nienaber Clayton’s a busy boy. Some of the time he’s casually making South Straddie barrels look easier than one-ball juggling. Other times, he’s doing bits and pieces for his business in South Africa – Clayton Surfboards. Then he’s doing the drive and drop to school and back. And other times, very importantly, he’s shining a giant spotlight on EXACTLY what you’re doing wrong in your surfing. In my case, it’s a very large spotlight, like at a night-cricket match... Okay, back to the start. I get a text from Mark Hunt of Iron Fist clothing. “I have a professional surf coaching session locked away on the Goldy.” This is weird. I know I suck, but is it such common knowledge? After an apprehensive think about exactly how embarrassing this is going to be, I’m actually excited. Absolutely anything I can do to improve my dodgy surf skills and help me catch that extra wave is going to be absolute gold, so I can’t wait to get down to the Coast to meet Clayton and get started.
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“We have long right hand point breaks. we have intense, heavy, barrelling beachbreaks. Every day the wind can blow a different direction and we can have a diffferent swell direction. If you’re just in tune with where the waves are, there’s heaps of surf here.” Clayton, on why he chose to settle his family on the Gold Coast
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STRADDIE TO SOUTHPORT Clayton Nienaber, Photo: Shayne Nienaber sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CORRECT COACHING But hang on? Isn’t this surf coaching thing only for amazing surfers already? I mean I don’t really have any skills to actually improve... I’m not a beginner, but I’m by no means flash, so will it even be worth my while, or will this all be lost on me? Clayton, on the other hand - a more recent arrival on the Gold Coast - has more cred to teach surfing than most anyone you’ll meet. As a shaper, he’s done years creating surfboards and understanding how they work; as a surfer, he’s competed and excelled professionally, and as a coach… Well, you don’t get to coach the South African national surf team if you’re Gumby, now do you? In fact, he was the surf coach for Jordy Smith, so you know his advice is sound. Meeting him however, you’d never guess any of that – all you get is a wide grin and a friendly, down to earth bloke who just wants to help you not suck in the water. He assures me that the Corrective Surf Coaching course I’m getting is all about helping everyday surfers improve and have more fun... And that he’s sure there’s hope for me yet. So, the day’s here and I pull up at Clayton’s house to settle in for a bit of theory. The first part of Clayton’s course is in the form of a multimedia presentation, with some questions and video analysis. Using a bit of nifty software, Clayton pinpoints a number of issues in my stance, popping up and general body movement, backed up with video
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Advice all the way, - face to face or via the magic helmets (below). Photos: Shayne Nienaber
matching to show me where I should be. But it’s not all videos and bookwork here. Before long, we’re out in the road on Carver boards – similar to the Smoothstar – working on the body positioning and moves we’ve just learned. Applying the discussions to actual techniques using these surfsimulating boards is a fantastic step in the process and the ideal segue to get ready for the next stop – the beach. The problem I have with using good surfing advice is that by the time I hit the water, it’s all forgotten - a few strokes and a duckdive later my old bad habits take over and I’m doing every dumb thing I was before. Today, I’m convinced this will be the case again. But no! Clayton hands over a helmet with a built-in radio. As I go out into the water, he’s on the beach, guiding my every move loud and clear. Any time I slip back into a bad habit, he’s there to remind me and get me back on track. I’m quite aware that most of the ‘reminders’ should probably be “stop paddling like you’re a drowning gerbil” and “have you actually ever surfed before?” but in reality, Clayton’s far more polite and his calm, helpful tips really cut through and start sticking in this old noggin. By the end of the session, I can genuinely feel I’ve learned something valuable and now have a whole lot of tricks in the bag to work on over the next few sessions, which just feels fantastic. The Corrective Surf Coaching also includes aspects of equipment knowledge, diet, excercise and
this thing, nor that, but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.”
your mental approach, so it’s an extremely holistic look at surfing. Direction is a motivator in itself. The way Clayton structures the course - from filling your head with knowledge through to being the voice in your head in the water - is all about helping find that direction. So, can I now surf like the people in his brother Shayne’s photos? Hell no, but for me personally, Clayton’s objective insight into my surfing has already improved my questionable skills. It’s raised my confidence and most importantly pumped up the enjoyment level of surfing all over again. It showed me that you don’t need to be a highly skilled competition surfer to benefit from coaching. There’s a great quote that goes: “Happiness is neither virtue, nor pleasure, nor
A coaching session with Clayton is about that growth, regardless of your level of surfing and the experience is something I couldn’t recommend more highly. In fact, I’m now a signed up student. For more on Clayton’s Corrective Surf Coaching, see his website: www.claytonsurf.com.au, follow him on www.facebook.com/ ClaytonsCorrectiveSurfCoaching, or contact him on 0420 267 766 to discuss. Rates are $150 for the full clinic, $90 For one-on-one sessions and $50 to join a group lesson.
WIN! We have 4 X VOUCHERS for a coaching session with Clayton!
See page 35 for how to win one.
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THE WAVES SOUTH STRADDIE (TOS – THE OTHER SIDE) Think dredging, short, sharp, barreling waves breaking in next to no water. Only go if you're prepared to literally ‘Go’. Not for the fainthearted, beginners and even intermediates. These kind of waves are scarier than ones with just size - wheelchair material here. Best up to 6ft, but can even hold way, way bigger.
TIDE: ALL
SWELL: NE-SE
WIND: W
EXPERT SURFERS
THE SAND PUMPING JETTY Can score some classic days here. Variety of waves breaking left and right off the jetty and a classic left off the rocks of the seawy's southern wall when it's working.
SWELL: NE-SE
OUT OF THE ORDINARY... HANDSHAPED HANDSHAPED
SURFBOARDS RESTORATIONS
MAIN BEACH & NARROWNECK Seriously fun surfs here. It's a big stretch of sand, and even with the amount of surfers in the water you can usually find a bank of your own to surf with a few mates and maybe a couple of others. Definitely a morning surf spot as the wind gets into it by midmorning. Yes, it can wall up, making it hard to get out when its big, but on the right day it can hold over 6ft. NE-SE Swell, W wind.
TROPHIES
SWELL: NE-SE
DINGREPAIRS
THE STREET
BOARDS FOR BIG GUYS ARTWORK, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, BICYCLES, SCULPTURES AND JUST ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF...
WIND: NW
WIND: W
On the mainland there's literally kilometres of footpaths running from north to south, so grab some wheels and have a skate down the front. It's a great way to see the sights, people-watch and take in all the Coast has to offer at a leisurely pace..
KOMA SURFBOARDS GORAN PEKO
4/39 BAILEY CRES, SOUTHPORT, QUEENSLAND 4217
0402 863 763 60
Jules Hosp, Austrian pro kiteboarder. Photo courtesy of Street Sup
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STRADDIE TO SOUTHPORT
"Golden beaches, cold beer, summer in winter, beautiful hinterland, perfect barreling waves, Good local vibe, break walls, points, shapers, legends, pros, expros, parks, skateparks, boardwalks and cyclones... all in one coastline." Muso Andy Burke on why the Gold Coast is a place as special as they come. For more on Andy and his new CD, see page 174
Photo: bRAD. facebook.com/brad.nielson.9
ELECTRIFYING STUFF Dan Quinn of Fiik skateboards on South Straddie “South Straddie is a fast wave - quite powerful and intense. It’s a bit of magnet and you can always count on it being a foot or two bigger than anywhere else. It doesn’t seem to lose any of the energy. Perfect Straddie is 4-5ft A-frames, out there with mates splitting peaks and seeing who can get the best barrel ride. We’ve had a couple of sessions inside the Seaway when it's really big. It grinds along the rock wall. “I've surfed South Straddie for a while and every time I go on surf trips I still consider it comparable to any of the waves around the world with good reputations. “As for living around here, we love the North end. We call it 'The Bubble.' All of our mates are here, so we find it hard to leave. We cruise over to South Straddie on our tinnies for a surf and if there are a few beers on, its usually at ‘The Clubhouse’, Huffy’s place. (good mate, Chris Huffle).” Photo: courtesy of Fiik sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GOLD COAST COAST: THE PEOPLE
THE MAD KING OF THE NORTH WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
When you walk into GORAN PEKO’S surfboard factory at Southport, the planer is immediately put down, a smile spreads across his entire face and the excitement begins. He’s an animated character to say the least. I suppose its because he welcomes a break here and there as he seems to be working non-stop, day and night, seven days a week. When it comes to customs, restorations and ding repairs for all manner of watercraft, he is THE man at the northern end of the Gold Coast. Goran’s explanation as to why he is always so busy is quite simple: “I just charge a fair price. People believe I deliver value for money and they tell their friends. The business has spread from there. I don’t want people to be pissed off and bitter with the work I do, leaving them to look for someone else. My approach has worked. And that’s why I don’t take too many days off - otherwise the work just builds up.” Goran made a couple of boards in the late '70s in his dad’s garage, chopping up single fins to turn them into twinnies, but didn’t get into the surfboard game until around thirteen years ago. It was a chance meeting with Wayne McKewen (former champion surfer and present day shaper for Mt Woodgee) that set him on a new path.
Covered in tats, near head to toe, a guitarist in a punk band and one big unit. Scary? Not one bit. 62
“My daughter was going to kindy at the time with Wayne’s niece. Wayne was starting to shape some boards at his mum’s place at Chirn Park (between Southport and Labrador), not far from where I was living.
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“I was pushing my daughter around in the pram one day when I saw Wayne preparing to put a slab down for a shed. I was curbing at the time and ended up doing the slab for him. We got to chatting, he showed me the board he was shaping at the time and I ended up painting it and buying the board off him. I did so every year after that when I got my tax cheque, for the next ten or so years. “I later hurt my hips and had to take some time off from concreting and that lead to me doing some ding repairs at Mt Woodgee and with Dino Tziolis (of Intruder Surfboards). Then I went back to concreting but did some ding repairs and knocked out a few shapes in my spare time. I worked two jobs for the next seven years, but I just loved working on surfboards, so I pursued it. “Sure the surfboard game has its challenges but I'm sure everyone has their stories. I suppose if you have a passion for something, you just persevere and don’t let obstacles get in the way.”
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Touching, feeling, fixing and restoring so many boards - from the ordinary to the exceptional - has given Goran an eye for what he likes and what he thinks works. “I make boards for all kinds of surfers, from guys, girls, groms and beginners through to older blokes. I particularly understand what big guys, who have possibly put on a few kilos with the years, are after... Because I'm a big guy myself. “Personally I'm right into quads. I've been surfing them now for four to five years and they just flow. I love the fact the wider tail area assists with floatation and makes them so easy to paddle. Plus they go faster
and power you through fatter sections, which is a plus for the waves up here on the northern end of the Goldie. "At the moment I am trialling some coffin-nose stubby quads and they just surf really well. The design allows you to get plenty of floatation into the board without them feeling too bulky, and they just look really different. I'm going to try some epoxy versions of these soon and make them shorter again.” On the restoration side of things, I can personally testify to Goran’s craftsmanship. He beautifully brought back to life a magic old Frank Latta single fin for a mate of mine. “I love acquiring and restoring old boards. They deserve to be resurrected and preserved. They are works of art and such a big part of our surf culture.” As for Goran’s own personal work of art, he is about to get inked once again. “I got my first tattoo when I was fourteen - me and my mates down in the carport with a bottle of ink, a matchstick, needle and piece of cotton. From there I just got more and more, covering different parts of my body. “It’s my personal goal to finish it off. They are just something no one can ever take away from you. I guess some people are meant for them and some aren’t.” And every tattoo just adds some extra colour to Goran's already larger-than-life, character that’s for sure. All hail the Mad King of the North. www.facebook. com/pages/KomaSurfboards/211845158861318
finplugcover.com™ neatly covers over unused fin plugs on surfboards and water craft.
find out more online facebook.com/finplugcover finplugcover.com
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S T R A D D I E
T O
S O U T H P O R T
This northernmost tip of the Gold Coast is just so diverse. To the far north-west you have a kid's paradise - the theme parks of Dreamworld and Movie World. Across the Broadwater from The Southport Spit you have the unspolit beauty of South Stradbroke Island. Travelling south, there’s Seaworld, the Marina Mirage precinct and various ritzy highrise complexes, cafés and restaurants.
Getting here and Around
Main Beach Caravan and Camping Park
30 minutes from the Gold Coast airport or 55 minutes from Brisbane Airport by car, depending on traffic or take the AirTrain from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast - $100 for Adults, $50 for Children or $200 for a family of four, return. You can even bring your surfboards with their door-to-door service -just let them know.
WHERE TO Stay Staying up this end means easy access to great waves, loads of attractions and a plethora of accommodation for all budgets. CREST APARTMENTS MAIN BEACH 15 Breaker St, Main Beach 07 5552 6200 www.crestmainbeach.com.au Crest is exceptionally located in the middle of the action with Main Beach at one end of the street, the Tedder Avenue café precinct at the other and Marina Mirage just 3 mins drive up the road. Beautiful units inside, with a great pool to keep everyone in the family occupied. MAIN BEACH CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK 3600 Main Beach Parade 07 5667 2720 www.goldcoasttouristparks. com.au/park/main-beach A different experience - as opposed to ‘camping under the stars’ you are ‘camping
between the highrises’. That said, it's an exceptionally clean park with friendly staff right across the road from the beach and in the heart of it all. Pretty amazing to score a powered site for approx. $40$50 when you're only 5 mins drive from the heart of Surfers Paradise. PALAZZO VERSACE Sea World Drive, Main Beach 07 5509 8000 www.palazzoversace.com.au For the top professional surfer, or someone who's recently won Lotto, you may like to consider something a bit more extravagant. This Palace was recently voted Australia’s most luxurious hotel, but you may not know where to rest your surfboard as you walk through the grand marbled entrance... SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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EAT & DRINK So many options from indulgent dining at Marina Mirage and Tedder Avenue to great little cafés and seafood takeaways. HARD COFFEE Cnr Tedder & Peak Avenue 07 5526 3326 www.hardcoffee.net.au
CHILL ON TEDDER 26-30 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 07 5528 0388 www.chillontedder.com.au
There’s not many places you can still get breaky for under $12. Reasonable fare and popular with locals before they kick off each working day. Super-friendly service.
Award winning Gold Coast restaurant with 5 star food, Lunch and weeknights they do fantastic 2-course or 3-course specials. Regularly voted by those in the know as the best in the area.
SOUTHPORT SLSC Macarthur Pde, Main Beach 07 5665 3900 Great spot, right on the beach, good crowd, friendly staff and enjoyable meals.
THINGS TO see & do If three of the country’s largest theme parks aren’t enough there's a host of other activities on the Broadwater from fishing, jetskiing, boating, parasailing, helicopter rides.. the list is endless. an eye on www.visitgoldcoast.com and the themepark's websites for HOT TIP: Keep deals - often special tickets which can be used over several days at several parks. SEAWORLD Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 07 5591 0000 www.seaworldresort.com.au
DREAMWORLD Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera 07 5588 1111 www.dreamworld.com.au
WET'N'WILD Pacific Motorway, Oxenford 07 5556 1660 www.wetnwild.com.au
By far our favourite of all the theme parks. We guess it has a lot to do with a love and respect for the ocean and the living creatures within it.
For all ages but possibly more suited to older kids with the thrill rides and Big Brother set. That said there's still the magnificent Tiger Island home to numerous Bengal and Sumatran tigers and Whitewater World - an absolute ball for any age, including the parents.
Adult ticket from $59.99 each Child ticket (3-13) $34.99
Of particular note is Shark Bay, which is unlike any aquarium you have seen before. Most only have harmless Grey Nurse, Shark Bay has full size Tiger Sharks and Bulls.
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Adult Ticket – from $84.99, Child (3-13) – from $49.99
There are also heaps of rides for all ages and you don’t have to take a packed lunch to get there. It is on The Spit just 5 mins from Surfers.
MOVIEWORLD Pacific Motorway, Oxenford 13 33 86 www.movieworld.com.au
Adult Ticket from $84.99 Children (3-13) from $49.99
Adult ticket from $79.99 Child ticket (3-13) $49.99
Dave's tip:
“I went to Seaworld as a kid with my family and absolutely loved it. When I had three kids of my own and was living on the Coast I bought an annual family pass and did so for three years running. Other theme parks are fun but in my family’s opinion, they don’t compare.”
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STORE & CARRY YOUR BOARDS
EASILY & AFFORDABLY!
MIX ‘N MATCH!
BOARD CARRY SLING Rest your arms for the paddling! SUP Carry Slings assist when carrying big SUPS or surfboards long distances
SINGLE OR DOUBLE SUP AND SURF STORAGE STRAPS Different straps configurations are available to suit your storage needs
DOUBLE SURFBOARD AND SINGLE SUP STORAGE Mixed combinations of straps can be mounted on the same wall
GET A FREEBIE!
GET A FREE SET OF SINGLE FIXED WALL STRAPS When you purchase any set of Elofant Board Straps from www.elofant.com *
BUY ONLINE: WWW.ELOFANT.COM www.facebook.com/elofantboardstraps Australian-made quality storage solutions for your boards
More info online
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SURFERS PARADISE The iconic Surfer's skyline. Photo: Mike Swaine. www.abovephotography.com.au BELOW: Who said you can't find an uncrowded wave? Photo: Dave Swan
THE WAVES SURFER'S PARADIsE Amongst the crowds of surfers, bodyboarders, lifesavers and body surfers you can still find some gems. Just make sure to stay out of the flagged areas. The consistency of the surf is amazing. Best before mid morning.
SWELL: NE-SE
WIND: W
Am idst Gl itz and Gl a m ou r One word – iconic. Known as ‘Surfers’ it's the hub all things highrise. It boasts wide beaches - yes, they have returned - restaurants, cafes, shopping, family-friendly activities, and it's also the place to hit the town at night, with nightclubs, bars, pubs and clubs, all within a 2km range. Surfers Paradise + Bored = not an option.
Getting there and Around 30 minutes from the Gold Coast airport, an hour from Brisbane Airport by car, depending on traffic or take the AirTrain from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast - $100 for Adults, $50 for Children or $200 for a family of four, return. You can even bring your surfboards, just let them know.
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EAT & DRINK BENIHANA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Level 3, Marriot Hotel, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise (07) 5592 9770 If teppanyaki is not the best food and restaurant experience going around, I'll start wearing a wig. It's theatre for the stomach. My family still talks about the meals we’ve had here - my favourite restaurant on the Coast. BLACK COFFEE LYRICS CAFÉ 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
4 great attractions 1 great location!
PLUS Bungy Trampolines And Mini Golf!
V8 SUPERCARS ARMOR ALL GOLD COAST 600, 2527th October If you have ever sported a mullet and love the hum of a V8 as it reverberates through your body, this is the go. The term excitement doesn’t even come close to the atmosphere in Surfers Paradise when the V8 Supercars come to town with three action packed days of street racing and partying. AC/DC soundtrack not included. Prices start from $46 for trackside tickets www.v8supercars.com.au/events/armorall-gold-coast-600
If you like a brekkie or brunch after a wave then drop into this quirky little café. It’s worth the search with great food including very tasty tapas and excellent coffee. GOVINDAS VEG-O-RAMA 134 Centro Shopping Centre (Old Paradise Centre, situated behind Gloria Jeans and Starshots), Cavill Ave Surfers Paradise 07 5538 3788
Cnr Palm Ave & Surfers Paradise Blvd Surfers Paradise Ph: 07 55 702 700 Open 10am till late daily
EVENTS
You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love this joint. With Jay Phillips as one of its greatest fans (see story on page 130) you know it has to be good. Possibly the best value meal you will find on the Coast and so healthy you will sign up for a yoga class afterwords. LIME ON CHEVRON Shop 1/64 Thomas Drive Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise 07 5526 2992 Super friendly staff, prompt service and good food make this a regular pit stop for lunch.
STAY There are so many options for every budget if you stay in Surfers. COPACABANA 24 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise (+61) 07 5592 1866 info@copa.com.au Affordable, large self-contained apartments with separate lounge, dining and bedrooms (some are even spread across two floors with a massive sundeck) less than 100m from the beach. Ideal if you have a large family or are travelling with a surfing crew. Only 3-5 mins walk from the heart of Surfers. SURFERS PARADISE MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise (+61) 07 5592 9800 www.mariott.com.au Fun, fun, fun, Keep the family occupied while you hit the waves. With a crystal clear saltwater lagoon and a luxurious onsite Spa, along with several quality restaurants including Benihana Japanese Sake Bar and Restaurant...
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see & Do VOMATRON 6 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise 07 5570 2700 info@funtime.com.au You won’t forget the Vomatron. It is similar to the centrifuge used by astronauts to simulate rocket acceleration except its mounted vertically and rotates its giant 40 metre arms at speeds of more than 120km per hour – pass the bucket please… Price: $15 per person SLINGSHOT Same spot as the Vomatron in case you have lost your bearings and your biscuits. Haven’t had enough after the last ride? Well freak, try this: 160km/hr as you head 80m into the sky at 6Gs. Price: $30 per person MINI GOLF & BUNGY TRAMPOLINES Same spot as the Vomatron and Slingshot. Your kids can keep themselves busy as they watch you liquid laugh all over the place. JET PACK ADVENTURES Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise 1800 538722 www.jetpackadventures.com.au After injuring myself bungy-jumping in NZ I was keen to find out what other damage I could do. On a serious note, my childhood dream of being Astroboy nearly came true, but we just ran out of time before putting this edition to bed. Stay tuned - we're going up. Price: go midweek for $249, or get a group of four of you for $200 each. Q1 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, 07 5582 2777 www.skypoint.com.au It's Australia’s tallest building (if you measure it to the top of the spire) and provides you with the most awe-inspiring 360 degree view of the Gold Coast plus on a clear day you can see up to Brisbane and all the way to Byron. If the view is not enough then do the Skypoint Climb and get out there on an external building walk. Price: Adult - $21 for General Admission to Skypoint’s level 77 and 78. Skypoint Climb starts at $69.
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BROADBEACH TO MIAMI
Lucky morning work-dodgers. Photo: Mark Chapman
BROA DB EACH TO MIAM I You've worked on your tan and have your beach hair (lucky for some), so it’s now time to ‘high-pinky’ and join the café set. Not only is this stretch of Coast home to 'Millionaires Row' - Hedges Avenue - where quality beachfront properties range from $5-$8 million even in today’s real estate market, and as high as $27 million in early 2008... Property prices aside, the area has over 100 cafés, restaurants and bars, and that's in Broadbeach alone. Parks, bikeways and running tracks follow the coastline, so there are plenty of places to surf-check and people-watch.
THE WAVES When we call in down the Gold Coast nowadays this is one of the spots we regularly surf. With the backdrop of the Surfers Paradise skyscrapers, there's no mistaking you're smack on the Gold Coast, but along this strip it definitely tends to be a bit thinner as far the crowd-factor goes. Plus, there's some fantastic little banks of late delivering peaks left and right.
SWELL: NE-SE, BEST E
WIND: W
It's mostly exposed, open beach, so it can be wind-affected. Early morning is usually best.
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EAT & DRINK ARIGATOU TEPPANYAKI Cnr Surf Pde & Albert Ave, Broadbeach 07 5592 3882 Great for a healthy lunch or dinner with the family. Prompt service and affordable teppanyaki. There may be fancier options, but it's hard to fault Arigatou.
“The Cambus Wallace is also a great little locals bar. It’s named after the wreck off the spit and the whole vibe inside is that kind of thing." Dave - Local Knowledge Surf Store
NO NAME LANE Off Elizabeth Ave - between the “Orical” Buildings - Broadbeach Of all the espresso bars in Broadbeach this is considered the pick. Lives up to it.
restaurant | bar | gaming | functions | entertainment
VINTAGE ESPRESSO 1/43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach 07 5527 7878 Quirky little café with good coffee and homely fare. Very popular with the locals. Try the coconut French toast. Haw haw. BSKT CAFÉ 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach 07 5526 6565 The place to be seen, with prices to suit the well-heeled and very much in vogue at the moment. Gets very crowded.
THE CAMBUS WALLACE 2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach 07 5575 3420 www.thecambuswallace.com.au This place will have you singing sea shanties and closing one eye like a pirate. NORTH BURLEIGH SURF CLUB 293 The Esplanade, Miami 07 5576 1604 www.northburleighslsc.com.au One of very few surf clubs right on the beach with stunning views whilst still on the ground floor - extra perfect if you've done yourself a surfing injury or have the oldies in tow. Great value meals and exceptional service.
Open 7 days Mon-Fri 10am-late, Sat-Sun 7am-late 07 5576 5403 | 293 The Esplenade, Miami, Qld www.surfclubaustralia.com
STAY OCEAN BEACH TOURIST PARK Cnr Gold Coast Hwy and Hythe St, Miami 07 5667 2710 www.goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/Ocean Great little holiday park nestled in a quiet corner at the base of Nobby Headland on the beach - a great little wave there.
Quick, quality surfboard repairs 2/22 Mountainview Ave Miami QLD thedingshop@hotmail.com ANTHONY POLS
0404 804 498 74
MANTRA BROADBEACH 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 07 5592 3152 www.mantrabroadbeachonthepark.com.au Located right in the heart of Broadbeach. Sizeable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments perfect for large families or a surfing posse. Looking down at Burleigh way above Nobby Headland, with the North Burleigh Surf Club in the foreground, right. Photo: North Burleigh SLSC
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see & Do
SHOP
JUPITERS CASINO Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 07 5592 8130 www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au
HARVEY SURF & GALLERY Unit 3, 10 Pacific Avenue, Miami 0414 557 624 www.harveysurf.com
Wild Cougars... See them in their native habitat at Jupiters Casino. Adorned in their majestic coats of gold, they are a sight to behold, particularly when stalking young prey.
More than just stunning handcrafted surf craft of every description, Richard's an accomplished artist and his shop is somewhat of a gallery displaying his art pieces.
STUART SURFBOARDS SURFBOARDS PRESENTS PRESENTS THE THE STUART
Bender Mini Gun
BLUES ON BROADBEACH Music Festival, 22-25 May 2014 www.bluesonbroadbeach.com.au Billed as one of Australia’s most iconic Blues festivals. Entire event is free and non-ticketed. GO WEST Head directly out from Broadbeach for some of Australia’s best golf courses (The Glades, Royal Pines, Palm Meadows, Emerald Lakes) and to take in the magic of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Think waterfalls and walks aplenty, quaint little mountain villages, wineries and weekend produce markets. Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook and Lamington National Park are well worth a visit with the lush rainforests a change of scenery from the beach.
DARKSIDE SKATEBOARDS 2158 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami 07 5572 7002 www.darksideskateboards.com If you love skateboards, you have to visit. Darkside boasts the largest range of decks in Australia and a skate museum exhibiting hundreds of boards and memorabilia.
Ride as a tri, quad or quad+1. Surfs unreal in 2-foot beachies right through to 6-foot heaving barrels.
AKA:The Quiver Killer” video AT www.stuartsurf.com.au
2576 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (07) 55 720 098 stuartsurf@hotmail.com
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Photo: Dave Swan
BROADBEACH TO MIAMI
DINO TZIOLIS is pretty passionate about the quality of workmanship that comes out of his factory. He has learnt the craft from some of the best in the business so the die was cast early on in his career. He firmly believes there is no substitute for quality workmanship. Originally from Mackay he moved here when he was 14 years old and went to school at Palm Beach. Soon after he got a job at the Brothers Neilson factory where he worked for four years under guys like Tony Dempsey, Thorton Fallander, Nick Masarin and Nev Hyman to name a few. After that he went to work with Chris Garrett at Phantom Surfboards and worked alongside Tony Eltherington and Dick Van Straalen. He’s even worked with Jim Banks and Al Byrne. The cream of the crop, Dino has pretty much worked under, for or alongside them all.
DINO-MITE “This is the third mecca of surfing in the world and the best surfers in the world come here to surf the best waves. So the quality of your work has to be world class.”
“When you see that many people shape and their different approaches, including some of the most talented glassers and finishers, you learn a lot. Basically, I have seen a lot, learnt a lot, done a lot. I have been in this game since I was fourteen. Twenty-six years now.”
Working in so many factories, Dino identified a need for a specialist ding repair business and so he started his own, Dino’s Ding Repairs. “The best part about it is guys come in with boards from all over the world. I get to see the oldest and the latest designs. I incorporate elements of design that I like into my own surfboards (Dino crafts his own designs under the Intruder label making them entirely from start to finish). That’s the real appeal of this business, creating stuff and going surfing of course. “I see a lot of people come and go in this industry who are solely in it to make money. If you want a job, you want to make a million dollars, go to the mines. There is more to life than keeping up with the Joneses. You have to be in it for the love of making surfboards and the lifestyle.” Dino’s Ding Repairs and Intruder Surfboards – 07 5575 6855 goldcoastsurfboardshapers.com.au
ON A BENDER
Stuart’s a no bullsh*t sort of guy who gives straight-up advice on the best board to suit your surfing style.
Stuart has developed an extremely strong and loyal following since launching Stuart Surfboards in 1984 on the Gold Coast. He’s particularly respected for his range of performance shortboards, all rounders and big wave guns and tests his boards extensively in the waves of Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand and various other South Pacific islands, not to mention the superb waves on offer on the Goldy. His latest model, the Bender Mini Gun, has received a fair bit of media attention and received really good reviews.
Photo: Supplied
www.stuartsurf.com.au
ABOVE: Stuart Smith (right) with surfer Nathan Hedge at his Mermaid beach store.
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Photo: Dave Swan
Another man equally influenced by the greats such as Tony Dempsey and Thornton Fallander, who also had the good fortune of working with legendary shapers, Richard Harvey and Dominic ‘Zappa’ Wybrow, is STUART SMITH.
DAMAGE CONTROL Former WQS surfer, and founder of The Ding Shop, ANTHONY POLS agrees that the Gold Coast is one of the major surfing hubs in the world. He should know - in the height of summer he's fixing up to 200 boards a week. Polsy, as he is known, started out with master craftsman Jack Knight first riding for him and then working in his factory doing ding repairs. This eventually lead to him setting up his own exclusive ding repair business where he tries not to let the work get on top of him. The Ding Shop - 0404 804 498
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SURFING ON DISPLAY The Gold Coast Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach will play host to Australia’s first ever surfing sports exhibition in February next year. It is anticipated to be the largest event of its kind in the country.
Some readers may be familiar with a similar sort of surf exhibition held over in the United States formerly known as the Sacred Craft Expo. The Australian Surfing Sports Expo has taken it a step further broadening the scope and opening it up to the public. We spoke with Blake Tabone, MD of Surfing Exhibitions Australia. “The exhibition will be more than just surfboards. It will include all kinds of surf craft from standup paddleboards to bodyboards, kneeboards, kiteboards, hand planes, swim fins, wetsuits, jet skis, surf accessories, fashion, you name it. Surfing Queensland are also involved along with Surfrider Foundation Australia (a charitable organisation that works for the protection and enhancement of Australia's oceans). “There are a lot of products out there, such as motorised surfboards for example that the public aren’t aware of and the plan of the expo is to showcase the latest and greatest gear. It is an event run by surfers for surfers. Whatever interests surfers we plan to have involved in the exhibition.”
Blake further explained the motivation behind the expo as a means to give the surf industry a boost following the challenging economic period of the last few years. “We wanted to show everyone the surf industry is alive and kicking. It provides people like surfboard shapers another means to promote their business other than hoping someone will walk into their business off the street. It’s a chance to say, ‘Hey, this is why you should be buying surfboards from us.’ “We genuinely want the public to get more involved in the surf industry and understand where the various products come from and the people behind them. To have an appreciation of the thinking behind a particular surfboard design and how it is shaped. The same goes for various other surf products and how they are made. “As such there will be lots of demonstrations on the main stage and on the river out back of the Convention Centre. There will also be fashion shows and various surfing celebrities on hand to sign autographs and engage with the general public. Plus there will be a ton of giveaways.” There will be just over one hundred businesses on display at the expo. Interest in the event from those within the industry has reportedly been exceptional. S.E.A., the company behind the festival, said they had received more than 500 requests for information on the expo over the past month.
Blake Tabone. Photo supplied
The expo has been designed to promote surfing and surfing products to not only industry heavyweights but up and coming companies and the public at large. The aim is to essentially bring surfboard shapers, retailers, tour operators, designers and all manner of inventors, innovators and manufacturers from the surfing industry together under one roof.
As far as the venue goes The Gold Coast Convention Centre is exceptional. It’s the only exhibition centre of its kind in Australia to offer total wireless technology allowing delegates and visitors to log on to email and the internet from anywhere within the venue. The centre has also been upgraded and equipped with the latest art visual and audio technologies.
The Australian Surfing Sports Expo will be held February 14-16 of next year. For more information contact 02 9527 1041 or go to the website australiansurfingsportsexpo.com. Follow the progress of the Expo on Twitter @ASSEblake as well as on Facebook.
As for the reason behind kicking off the first event of this kind on the Gold Coast, Blake had this to say, “The Gold Coast, in our eyes, is surfing. The Gold Coast revolves around surfing and has produced so many champion surfers, more than any other state. We look at this expo as a chance to cement the Gold Coast as the surfing capital of Australia.” SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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I n s p i r a t i o n Surfboard shapers are often referred to as artists, and rightly so – there’s love and soul that goes into boards that are shaped by hand. Richard Harvey, however, has more right to the claim of artist than most shapers alive today. Beyond the shaping bay and foam dust, Richard creates works of art on canvas, he writes books, he takes photographs, he acts, he teaches, he restores old boards, he collects and captures ideas in any way he can – all for the sheer love of the process. What’s amazing about the way Richard operates is how he absolutely immerses himself in every aspect of his creativity. Everything is done to the fullest. WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
colourful explosion of paint and resins - and a row of sneaky garden gnomes hiding behind a counter. His bright and cheerful paintings line the walls and cover easels, with his workspace seamlessly blending into gallery. The strong lines and flat colours of his work give a nod to his days as a graphic artist – just another feather in a rather large cap.
Not only is Richard inspirational to chat to about his current work, ideas and experiments, he’s also a treasure trove of historical information, with a trunk or two of collected newspaper clippings and the like to back his knowledge up.
“There was probably only about half a dozen of us that got paid,” Richard says. “I didn’t get a lot of money out of it. It was an amateur sport, so I’d just get a few dollars for travelling. Your sponsors would pay your contest fees.”
As he flicks through amazing photographs of years gone by he explains how he got his taste for the ocean on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. He was an active member of local surfriders clubs and a surfing competitor. His skills in the water not only earned him a 1973 Australian title, it also gave him the springboard to compete in the Pipe Masters and The Duke Kahanamoku Hawaiian Surfing Classic, although there wasn’t the same sort of financial incentives for competing back then, he says.
“Ron Wade (Ron Wade Surfboards) and Shane (Stedman of Shane Surfboards) were the main guys behind me. When I wanted to move to Queensland Shane opened up a little shop in Mermaid for me.” Richard’s current shopfront/ gallery/shaping bay/surfboard shaping school is now in Miami, not too far from his original landing spot on the Gold Coast. When you walk through his door today, you’re greeted by a
The second remarkable thing you immediately notice is the variety of materials and designs when it comes to Richard’s many surfboards. There’s all manner of foam design and fin setups - or no fins. Then there’s his experimentations with different kinds of timber, often used in unusual ways. Richard’s currently refining an all-balsa framed timber board design that is so light you can barely feel it when you lift it up. These will be available as a kit, he tells us.
bit, you will be better for it – not necessarily richer in money, but richer in thought, richer in adventure and richer in all the qualities of life.” Richard’s life has certainly been an adventure so far, and there’s no end or slowing in sight. While his achievements and associations have been extremely notable in the past, it’s really what Richard creates today that is even more important and relevant, as he continues to push the boundaries of creativity. We’re fortunate to have been able to get a small glimpse into the amazing contributions Richard has made - and continues to make -to the art and craft of surfing, and we look forward to seeing his next creations.
The Surfboard Shaping Academy is taking a lot of Richard’s attention at the moment. Passing on the skills he has learned is a very important part of his life at the moment. While he teaches the skills of making a board come alive, he also imparts deeper wisdom about life, energy and the environement – all of which he is extremely passionate about. “I know I’m not going to be able to change the world,” he says. “But if you do your bit in life, and every bit that you do is the right sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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W A T E R M A N Ride anything as long as you have fun. That is the true essence of a ‘waterman’ or ‘waterwoman’ for that matter. These days there seems to be a myriad of different designs featuring varied forms of construction hitting the water. DICK VAN STRAALEN is one such man who enjoys riding a variety of craft. Even more so, he has fueled our desire to try something outside the norm. WORDS: DAVE SWAN “Its part of human nature isn’t it, to pursue something different? Our lust for something new eventually breaks our bonds of conforming to the norm. Because let’s face it, performance shortboards don’t suit everyone. Surfing is about fun not necessarily performance. If fun means riding a kneeboard, so be it. Don’t go surfing to prove something, be yourself and enjoy the ocean.” It is this freethinking approach that has seen Dick endear himself to surfers on a world stage. He has worked on ideas and projects with so many notable surfers across the globe, guys like Russell Hughes, Ted Spencer, John Charlton, Andrew McKinnon, Thornton Fallander, Peter Townend, Rabbit Batholomew, Michael Ho, Mark Foo, Corky Carrol, Mike Tabeling and Dave Rastovich. It’s like the who’s who of surfing royalty through the years.
His business names are just as varied: Country Spaceships, Whitelight Projections, Eighth Wing Slalom, Spirit of the Sea and Out of the Blue. Dick has obviously mellowed with age simply labeling his boards Handcrafted by Dick Van Straalen nowadays. There is also his Classic Waterman range of racing Malibu boards, which were inspired by the likes of lifeguard Mick Dibetta and champion paddle boarder Jamie Mitchell. The people Dick credits with starting it all for him though were Greg Noll and Tom Zahn, part of the visiting USA Lifeguard Team who called in to his home break of Avalon in ’56. He started in the industry not long after that, initially gluing up blanks for Bill Wallace in Brookvale before going on to Shane and then Dale Surfboards. In 1968 he moved to Burleigh where he has been ever since. Dick’s had a couple of breaks from the surfboard building in a commercial sense but always kept his hand in shaping. “I have been in the industry for over fifty years. I am one of the few who have never gone ‘big’ and that’s why I am probably still here. If you oversize, you will kill yourself and the product. No
matter what people say, surfboard building is a backyard cottage industry. “Mind you, there is a place for the mass produced products as long as they don’t make out they are the same. They’re not handmade and often not made here, so don’t pass them off as such. In my day these boards were known as ‘pop-outs’. Today it is referred to as ‘embracing new technology’. Seriously, surfing has more spin than Shane Warne. “These kinds of boards lack imagination because they are made by robots. True shaping, by hand, is an art. It is sculpture. I just love the process of creating something with my hands. It is incredible when you are making something that gives you joy and in turn the person who rides the surfboard derives joy. It is a very gratifying pursuit.”
Dick is in constant pursuit of new and alternative construction methods to once again break the mould. As to what the future holds, he had this to say. “Conformity is poverty of the mind. When we experiment with design we get progress. If you have an open mind you can shape and indeed, ride anything… it is simply about having fun. “Let’s stop caring about how we look out there in the waves and just have fun. As long as we are, we may just take some of the aggression out of the water.”
Dick’s artistic flair has lead to him masterfully creating a broad spectrum of surf craft from balsa malibus, single fins and fishes to brightly coloured quads and all rounders right up to seventeen foot racing paddleboards. He has even worked on aluminum surfboards and hollow carbon boards.
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S T R A I G H T
S H O O T E R
Tony Dempsey is a dead set legend. An Australian title, five times runner-up, sixteen Queensland titles, sixteen Gold Coast titles, a gold at the Asian Pacific Masters Games and a shaper of fifty years. His record in the field of competitive surfing and experience as a master craftsman of handshaped surfboards speaks for itself. With that said, he’s not afraid to speak his mind either. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
Is this why he never became the darling of surf media? Too outspoken, too controversial, could or would upset too many corporate partners? Tony comes out with some crackers, there’s no doubt about that: “Computer shaping is like lip-synching to music. Completely soulless.” To say Tony is adamant handshaping is the only noble way to shape a surfboard would be an understatement. He explains the reason for his point of view. “I am terribly sorry but you might as well get your boards from China. Machine shaped boards lack any form of individuality. And it is sad because we have so many talented shapers here in Australia and yet hardly any handshape any more. I would love to see the originality of surfboard shapers return. It’s this uniqueness through handshaping that can get us ahead of the game once more on the world surfboard stage.” Tony’s passion for the craft is clear for all to see. He has a proud and illustrious history shaping surfboards. He started shaping at Hohensee Surfboards in 1963 and is credited by several people we have spoken to through the years as the first person to shape a shortboard, well before all the going vertical stuff. “No one can really claim to have built the first shortboard because I am sure somewhere, in some corner of the earth, someone was riding something different and way shorter to what we were.
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“What I can say is I was surfing a kneeboard (on my knees) in Noosa, going wiggle, wiggle, wiggle and thought, ‘There is something going on here.’ I went back to Hono’s (Lawrie Hohensee’s surfboard factory) and said to him I have to make this shortboard to which he replied, ‘Like hell you will, and waste a good blank. You can strip down that old mal out there.’ “I made a 6’3” and a little later a 5’8”. I guess that’s a fair bit shorter than the 7’6” some claim they were riding as the shortest of the time.” Andre Marsaus, former longtime Gold Coast local, owner of Underground Surf in Noosa today, renowned history buff and mad surf collector gave his perspective on the matter. “There are a lot of big claims out there but Tony has never got the due recognition he deserves because he’s not a show pony. He’s an incredibly humble guy. There are photos of him at Kirra in ’67 riding boards way shorter than anyone else.” In 1974 Tony started his own label, Tubeline, and for the next ten years shaped, glassed and sanded his own boards, an incredibly exhaustive process. “When I shape I give it my all. People don’t know what bloody art it is, and how hard it is to handshape a board. It’s a craft. At one stage after Hohonsee’s I was shaping at Brothers Neilsen and it nearly killed me. I was handshaping twenty to twentyfive boards a week. I can’t handle mass production.”
When it comes to imported surfboards, particularly cheap imports flooding the market, Tony is accepting of the fact that everyone has a right to make surfboards. “The only thing that cuts me deep is misrepresentation. Boards need to be clearly labelled where they are made and not in 3mm type. The reason being is if someone buys a board thinking it is locally made and it falls apart in a few months, it reflects poorly on the ‘true’ local shapers making a quality product. “My other concern is with regard to educating the market so they can make informed decisions. The Chinese aren’t the ones pushing innovation and yet they are the ones cashing in on all our development work. That’s why we need to continue to innovate through handshaping and establish a clear point of difference between the genuine article and the cheap copy. And hopefully then, people can understand the difference in price.” To those who do understand quality surfboard design and construction, Tony has always been considered ahead of the game because he is a true surfer/ shaper. Andre sheds some light on this. “He only gave up competitive surfing about ten years ago but still absolutely rips and he just turned sixty-six. Because he is such a good surfer, he understands what will work in what waves.
“Tony is renowned for his blank selection, the rocker design and weight is critical to a high performance shortboard (incidentally he uses Burford Blanks). He has beautiful rail lines and refined nose rocker and nose entry so you get into the wave face quickly generating more speed. He’s also developed a variety of tail curves coupled with bottom concaves to enhance the board’s performance. It’s all designed so you can perform functional manouvres on a wave face at high speed. “It’s why he has attracted the likes of top surfers through the years such as Wayne McKewen, who he helped become the first Kiwi to win an Australian title, and Dave Reardon-Smith. He is the ultimate handshaper.” There is no denying Tony has achieved so much in the field of surfing, both in and out of the water. What is also clearly evident is his passion for surfing and making surfboards. It has not waned with the years. He is still smiling and styling. “When I die, I can turn around and say, ‘Bloody hell I had a good time. Making surfboards, surfing and sharing it all with my beautiful family has been my life and I have loved every minute of it. I have no regrets.”
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"Then there are those like me, who just love making surfboards, and as long as the boys and I can make ends meet, we’re happy." Jack Knight
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Jack Knight is an artisan. He doesn’t just build surfboards - he lovingly, obsessively and masterfully hand crafts functional pieces of art. You cannot compare his surfboards to that which you would buy off a rack in a surf shop. WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
S A C R E D If anything, what Jack Knight does signifies how the art of crafting a surfboard has become aligned to that of painting a canvas. A photocopy of a Picasso is like getting a Chinese surfboard. A framed print is like getting a mass-produced, machineshaped board. Buying an original masterpiece on canvas is akin to buying a surfboard made by Jack Knight. And like so many artists, Jack is simply in this business because of his love for it.
shape full concaves, Jim Pollard, “The first guy to shape channel bottoms. These channels started 12” from the nose and followed the plan shape and curved out through the flyers in the tail.” and former pro surfer Glen Winton, who Jack developed the four-fin
C R A F T channels. No computer could replicate the design. But they are such a beautiful board to surf. The curved channels follow your movements and are really mellow, soft, fluid and free-flowing, whereas with a straight-channel board, you have to really get on
“I guess some people are in this industry to make money first and foremost. Then there are those like me, who just love making surfboards, and as long as the boys and I can make ends meet, we’re happy. We’re not interested in pumping out boards by the hundred. It’s an age-old adage but our focus is on quality, not quantity.” Jack turned 60 last February. He has been handshaping surfboards for 45 years. Just imagine how good you would get at something if you practiced it, day in, day out, week in, week out for 45 years. Experience is such a rare commodity in today’s world. How can you compare that kind of experience to someone who has just learnt to shape a surfboard on a computer and finish it off by hand? Plainly put, there is no comparison. As Jack has said so many times before, “A shaper’s best tools are his eyes, hands and imagination. Nothing else.” He has learnt from some of the best in the business. Jack has worked with many of the greats from the ‘60s and ‘70s but credits three shapers in particular as having a major influence on his career: Glen Ritchie, who he recalls as the first person to
fins. (Some readers may recall we featured a piece on the family in our November 14 edition last year. To read it go to www. smorgasboarder.com.au). Just recently Jack and the boys have started hosting Friday night shaping sessions where those interested can come along, sit back, relax, have a few beers, listen to some music and see them go about their business shaping a board. Aaron explained the motivation behind these sessions. “In a chilled environment, we see this as a chance to play a role in educating surfers about what goes into our boards so they can gain a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship.”
Aaron, Sean and Jack.
surfboard with, now better known as a quad. His mastery of the quad and these curved channel boards in particular are the standouts. I am a huge fan of quad fins and agree with Jack that they deliver greater speed, a larger sweet spot, natural run and are easier to surf than a thruster. As for his curved channel bottom boards, they are truly unique. I can’t think of anyone doing these style boards of late. They’re obviously quite hard to create and can’t be machine shaped, so that’s probably the reason why. “You have to handshape these
top of the channels to surf them. You have to drive the water out the tail so they surf long. The curved channels don’t and deliver somewhat of a hydrofoil effect.” Thankfully Jack is passing down what he has learnt to his sons who are all involved in the business. Aaron is learning the art of shaping with his father and is the man responsible for the amazing resin tints, inlays and artwork featured in their exclusive line of surfboards under the Harvest label. Sean takes care of the surfboard repair side of the business and Mitch continues to be involved where he can, assisting with spray artwork and
Jack adds to this in saying, “I regularly get surfers who come in to order a board and ask to watch me shape. It’s cool with me. It involves them in the whole process. So whether it is through these Friday night sessions or whether they come in during the week, the customer gets to be involved in the whole process.” Between the two labels, Jack and his boys are shaping an awesome array of extensively tried and tested designs from channel bottoms, single fins, bonzers, quads and twinnies. The fact most of their customers have been coming here for some 15 years or more is testament to the quality. Having been involved in the Gold Coast surf industry for over 20 years now, during a 45 year shaping career, Jack Knight is undeniably a local legend.
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Photo: Mark Chapman
BURLEIGH M E E T I N G
P L A C E
Burleigh sunset. Photo: Mark Chapman
Burleigh point barrells. Photo: Craig Bessant
T H E
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BURLEIGH HEADS The point, packed with families on a Sunday afternoon.
Park entertainers
Burleigh Heads has changed quite dramatically over the past few years and in many ways, it has become the vibrant centre of the Gold Coast, home to all manner of surf-related businesses, including the HQ for Surfing QLD. There’s a real buzz about the place. Of course, the surf has always been - and still is - absolutely first class. Now there’s a trendy precinct, centred around James Street, with a host of phenomenal espresso bars, cafes, restaurants and shops to add to the already great vibe.
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THE WAVES Burleigh POINT
"It’s got to be Burleigh. It’s right in front of my office. Definitely the most accessible."
DAVE: Cutting to the chase, the point at Burleigh is an awesome wave, but since I no longer live here, I figure the locals own it and there's a host of fun barreling beachies just a little further north that are less crowded.
Scott Gillies, Surfing Queensland, on his favourite wave
If you think you're up to it though, and are willing to show the right amount of respect, the point is legendary for good reason. It's a right-hander that can deliver the most perfect, hollow, long-walled barrel rides you can imagine. It can even handle over 10ft if the swell is from the south, but when it's that big, the sweep is something else.
TIDE: ALL
SWELL: NE-SE
WIND: SW
SSE swell is what you;re after for the super-long rides.
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STRADDIE TO SOUTHPORT
It can start barrelling even past here when it's really cranking! Photo: Mike Swaine, www.abovephotography.com.au
"Burleigh is just‌ GO FOR IT. Down the line!" Tony Dempsey - Shaper
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EAT & DRINK BURLEIGH HEADS HOTEL 4 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads 07 5508 0500. Warning! Stay away. We wish we did. We planned to have a few quick beers and couldn’t leave. Damn you fisting monkeys! Too much fun... BURLEIGH PANTRY 15 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads 07 5576 2818 Now we know why Shrek's Donkey is obsessed with ‘waffles!'. The Pantry's waffles with bacon, banana and poached egg... So good. Great food, great service, nice coffee. No need to pretend to be cool when you’ve got all that sussed. COMMUNE ESPRESSO 1844 Gold Coast Hway Burleigh 07 5520 3377 Very hip and extremely popular and understandably so. BOROUGH BARISTA 14 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads Gets our vote for the BEST coffee on the Gold Coast. CANTEEN KITCHEN & COFFEE 23 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads 07 5534 3877 Make sure to turn up in your gym gear to totally blend. We pretended to be personal trainers from Sweden. If you love your super foods, you will be in heaven. Give me a QUINOA! Now give me a KALE! And a GOJI BERRY! WHAT DOES IT SPELL? CANTEEN. A pocket of Bondi in Burleigh. Superb coffee. Jokes aside, awesome food and drink.
“ZULLAZ AT BURLEIGH. OPENS UP INTO A COURTYARD WITH LIVE MUSIC IT’S THE BEST. MIX OF INDIAN AND FIJIAN CUISINE." Anthony Pols – The Ding Shop
STAY BURLEIGH POINT APARTMENTS 300 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads (07) 5576 2233 www.burleighpoint.com They’re across the road from a world famous break. What more can we say. BURLEIGH BEACH TOURIST PARK 36 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads 1300 672 750 www.goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/park/ burleigh-beach This is a cracker. Across the road from the point. 100m to all the b’fast joints, bars and restaurants and unpowered sites from $39 is pretty sweet.
THE FISHHOUSE 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads 07 5535 7725 www.thefishhouse.com.au Unfortunately our plans to float SMORGASBOARDER on the stock market haven’t materialised yet, so we haven't had the opportunity to dine here. However we have it on good authority that their seafood is exceptional and one of the best on the Coast. We did enjoy the ambience of the outdoor lighting while eating fish 'n chips across the road in the park. 90
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HEADLAND WALK “There is no where else on the Gold Coast like it. The headland is amazing. It is part of the reason we fell in love with Burleigh. We walk the trails all the time. The rainforest walk and the coastal walk are both about 2.5kms return. “The fact there is a lot of grass around with a few trees for shade right along the beach and up to the point make it really special for picnics as well. It is so popular and you don’t have to get covered in sand but still get this amazing view of the ocean.”
SHOP MT WOODGEE 1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads 07 5535 0288 www.mtwoodgee.com.au
Team rider Wes Sieberhagen Photo: Jake Illing
SEE & Do
of
g e n erat io ns
SURF BOARD SHAPING E X P E R I E N C E u nder
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Get back to the soul. A real surf shop, complete with surfboards and friendly people that know and use the gear, locally made right down the road in Currumbin. An icon of the Gold Coast surfing scene, read more about the Mt Woodgee story on Page 116.
Kim Lawson, Burleigh local
"DAMN YOU FISTING MONKEYS!"
24 Christine Avenue, Miami, QLD 4220
(07) 5576 5914 • info@jackknightsurfboards.com.au
www.jackknightsurfboards.com.au
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Dave and Mark - Smorgasboarder
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Mark Hunt
SIN EYEWEAR team rider Jay Phillips. Read more about him on Page130. Photo: swilly.com.au, supplied by SIN EYEWEAR
BURLEIGH
After fifteen years in cities, working in ridiculously high-pressure jobs, Mark Hunt decided to make some changes for himself and his family. He moved to the Gold Coast and set up the Australian arm of skate/surf/ art/fashion label Iron Fist. With a Burleigh warehouse full of insanely cool gear - Mark's working hard and living the life: enjoying time on the Gold Coast with his family. "For us, it was a good place to set up our business. Here, money's not first - it's all about lifestyle and family. "That's the most important thing for me, because the one thing in life you can't do is buy time. Here I can spend my time wisely, not travelling an hour and a half between a city and the beach. "Our family life revolves around the beach - fishing, surfing, stand up paddle, longboarding or just floating down the creek with my kids. That's been my goal, and I've reached it. www.ironfistclothing.com.au
“QUAlity of life...you've got the best of both worlds wide open space inland and the most amazing beaches, incredible breaks.” Mark, on the Gold Coast 92
Burleigh is not only a hub for surfing and dining, it's also home to many apparel and fashion accessory brands you know and love.
2. WHEN DID YOU LAUNCH SIN EYEWEAR? Launched in Australia October 2011. We’re an Australian owned, Gold Coast based company.
1. WHAT’S THE REASON BEHIND THE NAME? The Gold Coast lifestyle is incorporated into our brand - Sin City.
3. HOW DO THEY HOLD UP?
SETTING THe BARZ A former Queensland and Australian Champion kneeboarder, Kevin Barr is used to setting the bar high. Today his Burleigh based business, Barz Optics, is one of the most innovative sunglass companies worldwide. In 1995 Barz developed their first product, a sunglass goggle for surfing to stop surfers getting pterygium -‘Surfer’s Eye’ - a fleshy growth of thin tissue that grows over the white part of the eye caused by UV and exposure to the elements. Think of the sun reflecting off the water and you get the drift. It was a revolution at the time. This initial product aimed at protecting surfers’ eyesight has evolved into a range of nearly 300 variations. The most exciting development of late being their Floater and San Juan models, which you can wear in the surf, knowing full well, no matter how big the waves, they will float. The frames are sonic moulded to create air cells within them so they don’t sink (Smorgasboarder tried and tested). Barz have also recently released a children's range to protect kids’ vision from the age of 4 up. See the site: www.barzoptics.com
This September we launched a lifetime warranty for our sunglasses. We make quality eyewear, full stop. Quality equals zero returns. 4. YOU MUST BE CONFIDENT IN THE PRODUCT? Our aim was to build a technical quality eyewear brand that was affordable. We're now the only brand worldwide to offer a lifetime warranty for glasses under $150. 5. THE SUNNIES ARE READILY AVAILABLE? We presently stock 350 shops within Australia and plan to launch into NZ, Canada and the US next year. 6. THE REASON BEHIND SELECTING JAY PHILLIPS AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR? He was an automatic pick. Respected by his peers and the King of Kids. Jay is the man. 7. OTHER SURFERS WHO ARE TEAM RIDERS? Leonard Rawlings, Sarah Mason, Audrey, Grace Styman Lane, Matt Clarke, Nic Doran, Brett Burcher, Zeb Critchlow and longboarders Kirra Perry and Jess Roberts and MX riders, skaters, road bikers and a wake skate champ. www.sineyewear.com.au
Early days - Kneelo Kevin Barr of Barz Optics
RULE OF FIST
STYLE
Seven questions for Cameron Williams of Sin Eyewear.
SEVEN SINS
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PERFORMING ARTS By definition, a performing art is an act that’s essentially an extension of the artist. It’s where the artist uses their voice, dance or drama as a means of artistic expression. Takeda surfboards are by right, living, functional art and an extension of Yoshi Takeda himself. WORDS: DAVE SWAN As you can imagine, we see a fair few surfboards on our travels with SMORGASBOARDER around Australia and New Zealand. Personally, I am a huge fan of beautiful resin work. For some time, Yoshi Takeda’s handiwork has stood out in my mind as some of the best I have seen. Whilst I have admired his boards, I knew little about the man himself. I had not yet had the pleasure of meeting Yoshi until about a month back. It was great to get the opportunity to speak with him and hear his story of how he got into making surfboards and how he acquired such skill. Yoshiro Takeda was born in Hokkaido, the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan’s four main islands. In an area famous for its ski fields, it was only natural he grew up skiing and skating. It wasn’t until he was eighteen that a close friend taught him to surf. The experience was unforgettable and Yoshi was hooked. Pretty soon he was working in his mate’s surf shop fixing surfboard dings. He was fascinated with how surfboards were made and wanted to learn how to shape. Yoshi was equally astounded when his mate informed him that nearly all the boards came from Australia. There was no one in Hokkaido who could teach him how to make a surfboard at that point in time.
With no career prospects and a burning desire to make surfboards, he decided he would travel overseas to learn his craft. Of the three considered destinations - Hawaii, California and Australia - he decided on Oz. But he had no money and couldn’t speak a word of English. Yoshi knew he had to save some cash first and set about getting work at a car manufacturing plant west of Tokyo. When they saw a tattoo on his hand, he was immediately struck off the list. He returned with the hand bandaged, feigning an injury and eventually got the job, managing to save enough to arrive here on our shores. That was the year 2000, and he was twenty-three years of age. “I moved to the Gold Coast - a place considered a Mecca for Japanese surfers. I was living the dream. I was surfing all the time and the people were so nice. I was playing around, but in a few months I had nothing - only a car to get around in. I thought to myself, ‘Man, I have to make some money!’ “I first got a job as a kitchen hand working for $8 an hour. I drove around trying to get a job doing ding repairs but had no luck. Eventually I got a job doing surfboard repairs at Jason Rodd’s factory (JR Surfboards) in Mermaid Beach. I was really grateful for the opportunity.” Yoshi furthered his skills in repairing surfboards and in time
learnt to sand, finish, polish, install fins and eventually glass. Over the course of the next few years he worked with Dan MacDonald of DMS Shapes and Chris Garrett of Phantom Surfboards to name a few. “When I do something, I become obsessed with it. I want to know everything. I am never really satisfied and with surfboards, I wanted to know every process and how to do it. “When Dan first showed me how to put colour into the resin I was like, ‘Wow, this is awesome.’ I love painting and drawing. I wanted to get really good at resin artwork and glassing.” And, quite obviously, he got pretty bloody good, quick! In 2006 Yoshi returned to Japan to visit friends and from there went on to California. When he arrived in LA with $500 in his pocket, after eight hours in the airport figuring out what to do, Yoshi gathered his backpack and board bag and caught a taxi to San Clemente (an hour south of LA heading towards San Diego) and booked accommodation for the next few nights, which effectively used up the remainder of his money. The next day Yoshi went to the local surf shop and they recommended he see local shaper Timmy Patterson about some work. He showed him the board he had glassed and Timmy was so impressed he gave Yoshi a job and place to stay.
He soon worked his way up from sweeping the shaping bay floors to glassing boards at lightning speed, so he could afford some time shaping his own. After a two-month stint, he returned home to the Gold Coast where he’s been handshaping his performance shortboards, fishes, longboards and various other creations from start to finish for some seven years now. Yoshi’s boards are quite simply out of this world. Today Yoshi ships boards around Australia and to his homeland, Japan. He sees making surfboards as an art form and not a form of mass production and that is why he has developed such a following. But he’s far from finished in his quest for better performing, more strikingly appealing surfboards. “Making surfboards is never ending. I am always wanting more. I am never really satisfied, as I believe I can make better surfboards tomorrow. There are improvements to be made along every step of the building process.” For a catalogue of Yoshi’s boards, video, images of his artwork and more, see www.takeda.com.au
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RIDE THE LIGHTING
WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
A new shining light has emerged from the surfboard industry in Burleigh. Ladies and gentlemen, Mike Bilton of Bilton Surfboards. Mike hails from Western Australia. He was born and raised there, surfing the Perth and southwest breaks of WA as a kid until six months ago when he moved to the Gold Coast.
The boards that initially caught our eye however were rather flashy, in the true sense of the word. Mike has developed a way of inserting LED lights into his surfboards.
He’s been shaping boards now for some ten years and like so many shapers, he cut his teeth doing ding repairs. The progression from there was natural. Mike was after something slightly different to what was on offer at the time so he shaped his own.
“I had the idea to insert LED lights about two years ago. Driving home from work one day I saw what I thought was lights on a board but it turned out to be just the reflection from the sun. It went from there. I guess I can thank whoever it was surfing that late afternoon session.”
Today he shapes a range of boards from performance shortboards through to various retroinspired shapes like eggs and single fins, various '70s style boards and longboards. Mike's also presently experimenting with a few finless creations - boards that you can ride switchfoot in both directions - and he's using a range of high-tech materials and trialling different applications.
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He’s made numerous changes to his boards from the original prototype, upgrading various components to increase battery life.
“I presently use Lithiumion batteries. The current ones last for about two and a half hours, and take about seven hours to charge. The system adds about 300g to a board all up for battery, lights, wiring - the works. Not much really.” Mike makes the boards entirely from scratch himself, right through to the glassing, sanding and finish. His LED system can be built into any one of his board designs. “Young crew love it. A few of the older guys are more reserved. When they ask me what it's for, I just say, ‘A bit of fun. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it?’
“The kind of surfers my boards appeal to, I guess, are simply those looking to have some fun. If I can give someone a better time in the water and help them catch more waves, my job is done. “With these boards you'll find yourself going for a fair few more early morning and late afternoon sessions, that’s for sure. And of course you can ride the board in the daytime. You just don’t turn the lights on.” After watching Mike build the LED system into a board, I'm left scratching my head as to how blokes like him get to know all this stuff. I later found out he was formerly an apprentice mechanic. The thing that's really refreshing about Mike however, is that he's just focused on doing his own thing well and making his customers as happy as he can - nothing else.
“My aim is to build a board as unique as the individual surfing it. People can come in, thrash out an idea with me, we can develop the template and then I’ll hand shape it. Or they may want one of my models with a different tail on it, or for me to recreate one of their old classics. Either way, not a problem. “If they're keen on LED lights, we can decide on the pattern they want. You aren't even locked into the one colour, using the remote you can select one of around 20 colours or let the board flash through an automatic program, changing colours while you ride.” Pretty flash indeed. Mike’s showroom is open to the public, so drop in and grab yourself a demo board.
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Floating Sunglasses
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION 1. First Mike routes the channel for the lights. 2. Not many shaping bays have soldering irons in them. As the ribbon apparently doesn’t like to bend too much, Mike joins two pieces together at sharp angles with a soldering iron. 3. For a standard board, Mike repeats this process along each rail and down the centre. The lights on average take an extra 3-4 hours pre-glassing. The build time is not reflected in the extra expense of the board. Boards retail for around $950 for a performance shortboard. 4. Then it is a matter of connecting the lights to the central unit. Mike has modified a Gore-Tex vent plug for his charging port. It prevents all water entry. Everything then goes under the glass.
5. There is a magnetic key used to isolate the port. The isolator was apparently the key to the system working. 6. Mike tests them for a while before glassing the board to ensure everything is in working order.
• Polarised • Polarised Bi Focal • Polarised Photochromic • Polarised PC (Melanin infused) • RX Prescription
San n Jua
7. Customers can create any configuration they like from bands, arrows, letters, numbers… Whatever. The sky's the limit. For more on Bilton boards, see: www.biltonsurf.com
WIN!
a Bilton LED board! See Page 179 for how.
www.barzoptics.com Showroom - Unit 11 / 4 Leda Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Ph 07 5576 4365 SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Devil (Chilli)
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Phantom (Phantom)
RETURN OF THE PHANTOM
BURLEIGH
Phantom (Chris)
After a year living in Bali the Ghost Who Walks has returned full of fresh new ideas and a whole host of fun shapes. The consistency and variety of waves on offer proved a constant source of inspiration. We caught up with the Phantom and his tamed wolf Devil (aka Chris Garrett and Chilli) at the Skull Cave. WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
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“The experience has me loving my surfing at the moment and frothing on some really fully little boards I am riding. It has turned me into a grommet again.” “I would surf super early every morning. We lived not far from the local mosque. I would be on my yoga mat, in the dark, stretching, waiting for the sun to come up when the boys would get started. If I heard the prayers and I was still in bed I thought, ‘Sh*t I am late.’ I hit the mat before the locals hit the mat.
First attempts Chris’ first actual attempt at board building was in his hometown of Cronulla when he was just eleven years old. He and a mate bought an old malibu and cut it in half. His mate got the front half and Chris the back. He still recalls the sound of “making” his first board. From that point on he “always wanted to do it”. It wouldn’t be until he was nineteen that he had another crack.
Chris and his family initially went over to work with Bob Moore and help establish Deus’ board program at the Temple of Enthusiasm in Canggu. Job done, he ended up making boards for the Rip Curl shops in Bali at a factory on the Bukit and now has a regular shaping gig there servicing his Balinese clientele. He is happy to be back home on his farm on the New South Wales North Coast. As he describes it, “Bali was fun and the buzz that was there in a creative sense was exciting but there is no place like home.”
“The first one I shaped from an actual blank was on saw horses in my mate’s garage. I can still remember scratching that first blank with a surform and sandpaper and from that point on it has been my passion and desire... I was infected and addicted! I got my mate Tony Russell to glass it because I had no idea how to do the rest. That was 1979/80.”
Now before we go any further I wanted to explain the reason for Chris’s inclusion in this Gold Coast edition considering he now bases himself a little further south. Firstly, his family has a long history on the coast; secondly, he has long been a part of the Gold Coast surf scene; thirdly, many locals still ride his boards and finally, I have an incredible respect for the guy. From the very day we started Smorgasboarder he has always been so gracious with his time, really accepting and supportive of what we are trying to create, down-to-earth, no bullshit, not up himself, fascinating to talk to and an incredibly funny bastard, not only that, I have always loved his boards and approach to surfing. Well there you go, interview over, that’s Chris Garrett. On a serious note, there is more to tell.
“He said to me, ‘Son, do anything you want to do so long as it makes you happy.’ I told him I wanted to make surfboards to which he replied, ‘except make surfboards.’ So I started a carpentry apprenticeship.”
Why do what you do?
“I was like, ‘Wow, a surfboard factory.’ I became friends with Rob Webster and Dominic (Zappa) Whybrow who were shapers there at the time.
“What my passion has always been and still is… it’s making boards for people who want to surf a bit better than what they are now. That’s what I really enjoy. I am more a facilitator than a shaper. People have a bit of an idea of what they want and what they want to do on a wave and I help get them there. Together we create something. “It’s this desire to deal with customers face to face and make custom boards that got me started in the first place. What I ordered from the guy in the shop, didn’t translate into the surfboard I was after. Eventually I said, ‘bugger it, I will do it myself’."
It would still be a while however before Chris got into it full on. His father was keen for him to make something of himself and considered surfers nothing but bums.
to the Gold Coast Chris commenced his carpentry apprenticeship in Cronulla and finished it on the Gold Coast. He had been there before visiting relatives and absolutely loved it. He explained the reason being, “Good weather, warm water, consistent surf. What’s not to love?” Chris initially moved into a place in Bolton Street, Kirra, just a few doors up from the Goodtime surfboard factory where he soon regularly hung out.
“Then I started shaping a few of my own in the garage at home. No one really taught me, I just had a go. I had no idea what I was doing but it was so much fun. I had a lot of support from Dennis Watts at Full Force who turned my rough shapes into something that resembled a surfboard. I had a small shaping set up under an old beach house at Tugun that was literally in the sand dunes on the beach for a while, then I moved up to my grandparents’ house on a few acres by the river at Coombabah (near Runaway Bay at the northern end of the Gold Coast), which was sitting empty at the time.”
is from Windsor in Brisbane and his dad from Beechmont in the Gold Coast Hinterland. His family’s heritage however on his father’s side can be traced right back to the tiny island of Premuda on the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. “The only thing to come out of Premuda are fishermen and priests - my family were fishermen. They moved here in the late 1800s and were given 176 acres of riverfront swampland at Coombabah. Brady Park and Brady Drive are actually named after my family (after the First World War their original name Dilistovich wasn’t considered too cool so they changed it to Brady). The Southport Bowls Club was gifted to the members by my uncles who owned the land. “Anyhow my great grandparents built their house at Coombabah in 1906 and here I was eighty odd years later renting it for $30 a week and shaping surfboards in the old milking shed.”
The idea behind the name “I was still finishing my carpentry apprenticeship and making boards when I could, so the name “Phantom” fitted really well... you know... here today, gone tomorrow like a Phantom. The name never really came from the ‘Phantom’ comic although it was a source of inspiration on occasions.”
Main Beach, Southport Chris ended up buying a small surf shop in 1984 not much bigger than a shoebox off Nick Maz who was glassing his boards at the time at his Living Waters factory. “We called it the North End Surf Centre. A mate of mine, Tim O’Leary and I went halves in it - $2,500 each. It was just around the corner from the present day caravan park. “It was good fun and at the time they were building the Southport Seaway, which created this amazing left hander. This was before South Straddie’s surf break existed. Every time they would dump a few rocks the lefthander would get longer and longer and hollower and hollower. The only way you could get up there was on a pushbike as there was no road. It was really good surfing and not a lot of people. Making the boards at Coombabah and having the shop at Main Beach was a really nice dichotomy Chris explained but it lasted only nine months before he made the move to Burleigh.
Now Chris’ family history is quite fascinating. Chris himself was born in Cronulla; his mum sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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“I love shaping because it’s art, its sculpture, its creativity, emotion and passion all rolled into one and it’s just awesome.”
The Burleigh Factory A move to Tugun to live in ’85 saw him sublet a small factory space on Lower West Burleigh Road. Over time he took more of the factory over until he occupied the entire premises. It became a creative hub for the next 19 years. “Because of my nature I like to involve other people in what I do. Consequently we had a lot of people who wanted to make stuff. I was ‘facilitating’ once again (even today, several people work out of his present day shaping shed from time to time). At the Burleigh Factory we had shapers like Dick Van Straalan, Bob Minty, Tony ‘Doris’ Eltherington, Anthony Deitz, Marcus Moore, Wayne Lowan, Gordon Knight, Jason Hoko and Rod Morgan sharing the space from time to time.” “I was having a lot of fun and making lots of cool stuff but because I was hand-shaping everything, and there is only so much of you that can go around, I was way too busy for my own good. It was now time to down-size to a more balanced and manageable gig. So around 2004 I closed the factory and moved to Currumbin premises for a few years. At the same time my family and I decided to get out of Tugun and back to the land to reconnect with the important stuff so we found an awesome block at Duranbah.”
Back on the farm “This is all about me wanting to stay true to shaping. Getting the balance right, surfing, shaping and dealing with customers face to face making custom boards. I am able to indulge my other true passion living where I do, veggie gardening and particularly growing healthy fresh food for my family and friends. There’s nothing better. “I love shaping because it’s art, it’s sculpture, it’s creativity, emotion and passion all rolled into one and it’s just awesome. I don’t know what I will do when I grow up but this will do until then.” Check out the craft at: www.chrisgarrettshapes.com.au
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PHOTO: CHAR
Great surfing spots Melanesian hospitality
Uncrowded world class waves SAPNG endorsed unique surf area management plans
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RUBIO PLANTATION RETREAT, NEW GUINEA ECO TOURS LTD, NEW IRELAND PROVINCE email. shaneclark@newirelandsurf.com web. www.newirelandsurf.com VANIMO SURF LODGE LTD – VANIMO , SANDAUN PROVINCE www.vanimosurflodge.com facebook. www.facebook/vanimosurflodge web.
Empowering Communities Since 1989 2013 | SEP/OCT 102 SMORGASBOARDER
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s
S:
TD,
Tallebudgera to
EAT & DRINK
PALM BEACH
Three cafes, amongst some of the best on the entire Gold Coast, to check out are:
Just north of Currumbin, this area is home to a great beachbreak and some of the best little cafés and eateries you're likely to come across on the Goldie.
LITTLE ST KILDA CAFÉ Seventh Ave, Palm Beach 07 5559 5250 Absolutely awesome b’fast and big serves. Superb after a few hours in the water. Funky spot for a couple of drinks at night as well.
“THe Brekkie burger at the Barefoot Barista. It's got this tomato relish that just blows everyone else away.” Clayton Nienaber – Clayton's Corrective Coaching Little St Kilda big brekkie
BAREFOOT BARISTA 10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach 07 5598 2774 Regarded by many as the best coffee on the coast. Quite a bit of manscaping going on with the clientele, but the coffee's good for sure, even if the wait's a bit.
THE WAVES
GENKI CAFÉ 1114 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach 07 5598 1966
Palm Beach
Held in high regard amongst the local crowd and with good reason.
Well, it was good enough for Occy in his wilderness years! Suffice to say there are a plenty of great beachies at Palm Beach delivering left and right hand breaks. The peaks near Laceys Lane are a favourite. Such fun waves when it’s on. Can hold up to 6ft.
SEE & Do
SWELL: ENE
Tallebudgera ‘Talle’ is another story. It can hold bigger again if you are up to it. Strong local crowd.
“My two favourites are Genki - Great breakfast, Japanese influence, live music on Saturday arvos. Dog friendly tie out front, and Avvia - Amazing dinners, lunches, breakfast.Stylish place, ocean views.”
FEAST ON FIFTH 9th October Fifth Avenue at Palm Beach, the home of so many good little cafes will host a celebration of food, music, fashion and multicultural arts under the stars.
Natasha Eenhoorn – Barz Optics
SWELL: SSE
CE
Currumbin on the right heading left towards Laceys Lane, Palm Beach. Photo: Mike Swaine www.abovephotography.com.au SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Small days. Photo: Mark Chapman
C U R R U M B I N
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S O M E T H I N G
F O R
E V E R Y O N E
When it's big, it's on and and it's jaw-dropping. When it's small, it's simply perfect. Currumbin caters for all kinds of surfers for all kinds of reasons and is a favourite spot of many here on the Gold Coast.
Bigger days. Photo: Jesse Watson, Black Apache Surfboards SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CURRUMBIN
THE WAVES CURRUMBIN ALLEY DAVE: This was my local for many years. It can be ridiculously crowded and extremely frustrating if the waves are only peeling off the point. When it delivers several breaks along the stretch from the point to Laceys Lane at Palm Beach however, it's phenomenal. It will serve up sections for shortboarders, mals, SUPS and even surf boats. This is when it’s best – nature’s way of crowd control. There is usually something on offer regardless of the conditions.
SWELL: NE-SE, BEST SSE
WIND: SE
He makes great boards, and is handy with a camera. Photo: Jesse Watson Currumbin is a great wave for kids, beginners and all manner of surfcraft, so it's not often quiet.
The stretch between the point and Elephant Rock can also deliver some great little beachies when things aren’t working at the point. The same goes further south at Tugun and North Kirra.
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Gary ‘Kong’ Elkerton
"I actually surf The Alley (Currumbin). I’m not as fit as I used to be to surf Burleigh. Jump in, paddle out, catch a wave, paddle back across the entrance to the Creek and walk around."
SURF GE AR
Ken Holmes Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
"At the end of my street are the best, uncrowded A-frame beach breaks. You wouldn’t think you could still find uncrowded solid stuff on the Gold Coast but you can. Granted I am often surfing in the morning before the sun comes up."
A bird's-eye view of what Currumbin Alley has on offer.
Jesse Watson Black Apache Surfboards
Photo: Mike Swaine, abovephotography.com.au
SURFER S
HIRE , DEMOS AND S IR A P E R , S FBOARD CUSTOM SUR umbin om at Curr tory showro opular models c fa r u o to Come r most p to demo ou
THREE
STORES! Currumbin-lover Dave Thorpe of Malibu Boats. Photo: Aki K
FOR REA L
1730 Gold Coast Highway, BURLEIGH HEADS 122 Griffith Street, COOLANGATTA 2 Stuart Road, CURRUMBIN (Factory Showroom)
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I STILL CALL CURRUMBIN HOME
“I just love surfing the Alley. Great waves and great mates out in the water.” Dave Thorpe on Currmbin
Dave Thorpe is a former Currumbin Alley local who regularly gets back to surf his beloved break to catch up with family and friends. A former professional snowboarder who competed on the world circuit throughout the US and Europe, when Dave wasn’t snowboarding, he was surfing. But his interest in boardsports didn’t end there. In 2001 he started his own events company running wakeboarding and snowboarding tours, demo days and coaching clinics - a true smorgasboarder at heart.
ABOVE: Dave not at Currumbin - see Page 138 for where and how... BELOW: Alley satisfaction. Photo: Aki. K, supplied by Dave Thorpe
It was around this time Dave developed a relationship with the MD of Malibu Boats, Xavier West. Malibu sponsored Dave with a boat for his wakeboard tour. Today Dave works at Malibu, who have recently released a breakthrough wakesurfing innovation called Surf Gate, which looks set to offer up completely different surfing opportunities, regardless of the wind, tides and waves. (Sounds cool? It is. Check it out on page 138.)
CREATIVE ALLEY SURFER: Hilton Fletcher WHEN: Sunday 4th August WHERE: Currumbin Alley VERY STRANGE BOARD: 5’3” with 19 ¼" nose and 17 ¼ tail with Webber flexy fins HOW DOES IT GO? Because of the beveled rails the water seems to come from the cutout across the top section and makes it easy to pivot. It feels like it skims on top of the wave, rather than surfs it like a traditional board.
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The other thing that I find is that it surfs off the tail. It generates all the speed from the back quarter of the board. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN? One of the guys I used to work with at B.A.S.E. did an experimental board for a guy and he didn’t like it so the challenge went up and I was willing to surf it. I love it. We are going to experiment with a few different sizes of it soon – a 6’2” version with a 18” nose and tail, 17” in the middle and 2 5/8 thick.
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GOLD COAST: PEOPLE
BREAKNECK SPEED He makes lightning quick custom paddleboards and has had the misfortune to break his neck surfing, not once, but twice. We talk with a Currumbin resident, amazingly more accident prone than myself. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
The first time Jamie O’Meara broke his neck, he was was surfing The Point at Cronulla, near Shark Island. He took on a monster wave, couldn’t get down the face in time, it sucked up and deposited him on a ledge. He broke three vertebrae although he didn’t know it at the time. He knew he was hurt but not that severely. It wasn’t until three weeks later that he woke in the middle of the night to excruciating pain. He later discovered the break was just 0.57mm from the spinal cord. To make a long story short, after a horror two and a half year wait wearing a halo for this period, he got the operation he needed and made a full recovery. They took out the three crushed vertebrae and replaced them with prosthetic vertebrae and a three-inch Titanium plate. “After the op (operation) the doctor told me I was bullet-proof, that I had nothing to fear going forward. I slowly eased back into surfing. That was about 2008. “A little while down the track, I decided to head over to Bali for a surfing holiday. The first surf I had, I head butted a reef and broke my neck again. I had snapped the Titanium plate where the prosthetic vertebrae were.” Jamie was surfing an outer reef break at Kuta between Airport Rights and Airport Lefts. “I remember getting six or seven perfect stand up barrels, thinking how good is this? There are actual chunks of reef between the two big coral heads. I hit one headfirst. “Two guys found me tombstoning (where the surfboard sits upright tail on end with the surfer buried below the surface of the water). I woke up on my back, on my surfboard. They had put me there and were slapping my face to wake me up. “I started yelling, ‘Stop, stop, I've broken my neck.’ I knew the feeling and knew straight away I had broken it again. My whole body was numb.
They strapped me to my board using leg ropes and waved down a boat.” Jamie ended up being medevaced back home but apparently had to endure another twelve-month wait for an operation. In March 2010 he was operated on once more. He then moved to the Gold Coast, where he had spent some time growing up. “I started riding standup paddleboards on the flat water here at Currumbin to get some fitness back. It was around this time I started developing some paddleboards of my own. I had shaped surfboards since I was fourteen and worked in various factories over the years. “I met Leo (who owns the Boatshed SUP hire and paddle school) and he helped get me back on my feet. I began shaping boards in his garage. I had a whole new life, surfing and shaping again. “Leo had seen me surfing my paddleboards and wanted to know more about the board and was blown away when he tried mine. He wouldn’t give it back. “That’s the focus of these paddleboards, high performance and nothing but. I handcraft them all start to finish and they only weigh 6-10 kgs. Standups that surf like a shortboard - 360s and aerials. I know, because I've done them. “I've combined a board that paddles well, is stable and surfs really well. My boards have surfboard rails not big chunky things. We have four models now, but are also making customs.” On a final note, Jamie insisted we mention his dog, Roxy. “She's ten now. I got her from the animal shelter. She saved me and I saved her. She loves the water as much as I do. I regularly take her out for a surf. She just doesn’t know she is a dog.”
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Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
EAT & DRINK THE BEACH SHACK 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin 07 5598 2024 Ahhh, the Shack. The Alley (Currumbin Point) is one of the best places on the Coast to surf, and breaky afterwards at the Beach Café is like a ritual. Try the b’fast burrito.
SPECIAL! OFFER
BUY 1
The Beach Shack
GET 1 FREE Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Tomewin St, Currumbin, QLD 4223
1300 886 511 | www.cws.org.au | moreaustralian@cws.org.au PLU Smorgasboarder 110
Good for breaky, lunch or dinner. Unbelievable views. Our preference is an extended lunch, so we can indulge in some super-fresh Sydney Rock oysters and a couple of beers. And then maybe a couple more. Also great to sit amongst the waves when a big storm rolls in. DUST TEMPLE 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
This voucher entitles the bearer to one FREE adult admission with one paid adult admission* *General admission only. Valid only on presentation at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (not valid with any other offer) Valid to 31 December 2014. Up to six people per voucher. Open daily 8am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day and ANZAC Day.
CURRUMBIN BEACH VIKINGS SURF LIFESAVING CLUB 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin 07 5534 2932
Dust Temple
“Elephant Rock Cafe is my local.” Kevin Barr – Barz Optics
In the heart of the Currumbin surfboard factory precinct, Dust Temple is home to Hinge Gallery, Therapy Retail and fl.oz Espresso. Good coffee, fast service and some nice treats. ELEPHANT ROCK CAFE 776 Pacific Parade, Currumbin 07 5598 2133 A popular venue with locals for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Surf World Gold Coast
WHAT TO SEE & DO SURF WORLD 35 Tomewin St, Currumbin (opposite Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary) 07 5525 6380 If you enjoyed our story on Mal Sutherland (page 38) you'll love this place! Fascinating exhibits and extensive displays of surfing memorabilia, including 150 surfboards, artwork, posters, trophies and photos. Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Child/ Concession, $20 Family
CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin 1300 886 511 www.cws.org.au It had been a while since I visited the Wildlife Sanctuary. It's changed so much. The sheer size today absolutely blew me away. We spoke with Ken Holmes from the Sanctuary. “Yes, the place has grown. We now have koalas, kangaroos, Tassie devils, wombats, echidnas - you name it. In fact, we have 60 koalas and are one of only 12 places in Australia where you can cuddle one. We also took in something like 300 koalas into our Wildlife Hospital last year. The hospital is a big part of what we do. Last year 7,500 native animals were admitted and visitors can come in and check out the amazing work of our vets and volunteers. “The hospital relies on donations and corporate sponsors to fund the crucial work of the vets and nurses treating, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. That is how we came to know Kelly (Slater).
“He came in here one day when he was out for the Quiky Pro and walked around for a bit. He was in the Wildlife Hospital for about an hour and loved what we are doing there. He clearly has a real passion for animals. Anyhow he became an ambassador and assists us with fundraising. Kelly calls in whenever he's in the country and has since visited with his daughter and Kalani (partner). “Aside from the animals we also have daily shows and displays, a kids playground called Wild Island Adventure Park complete with wombat holes, treehouse and flying foxes and an adventure park with 65 challenges up through the tree tops. We have segways and a train to get around the park.” 100m from the beach and 5mins from Coolongatta Airport. Admission: $49 Adults, $33 Child, $40 Concession, $164 Family 2 adults + 3 children. 4 in 1 passes are also available providing admission into the Wildlife Sanctuary, Green Challenge Adventure Parc, Surf World and Honey World. $204 Family 2 adults + 3 children.
Slater and Kalani SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Amongst all these surfboard manufacturers and suppliers of surf accessories however, there is Print’n’Wear. A local business with a very proud history right here in Currumbin. You might just recognise this old poster. Perhaps you owned a pair of Cheetahs yourself?… or if you are a bloke, hopefully your girlfriend did. Well Cheetah swimwear was born and bred on the Gold Coast. Carl Birch takes us back in time.
Currumbin is the surfboard manufacturing capital of the Gold Coast. The industrial precinct centred on Currumbin Creek Road is home to so many ‘creative’ businesses: Burfords, one of the originals who also happen to be the largest blank manufacturer on the Coast; a countless number of shapers such as Mt Woodgee, Clearwater Surfboards, Maximum Surfboards, Woody Jack Shapes & Designs, Firewire, DMS & KMD Glassing (Neil Purchase Jr); then there’s businesses such as The Australian Fin Co, Rhema Graphics (custom surfboard decals & tissues) and Shapers Fins.
“Not too long after that we were working on all the blended fabrics Billabong were using at the time. Do you remember the old fluoro boardshorts?” Oh yes I certainly do and let me tell you, I sported those numbers about the place way better than that Red Foo bloke today. But let’s get back to the bikinis.
CURRUMBIN
THE
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“Cheetah did become quite successful. We had 130 people here at one stage. We were working out of four factories. We were also working with a number of major surf labels. I even did some work with Byrning Spears on the clothing side of things. “Then in about 1990 Billabong started printing their own tshirts and in ’96 the tide more or less ran out on Cheetah and we sold the business. We thought it would last forever but it obviously didn’t.”
Carl and Gail Birch
Carl and Gail retained the original factory however and with a good credit history in time they launched a new swimwear label, Kulu Atoll, which later simply became Kulu. When their son Alan came into the business they started to refocus their energies towards simply Print’n’Wear.
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“We have reinvented ourselves as small screen printers who do small quality runs. Al is in charge of it all now. Gail and I simply help out where we can. We have had a charmed life though.”
Ras from Firewire
“Well my wife Gail and I started our business, which we called ‘Print’N’Wear’ in 1977 under a rented beachfront house in Palm Beach. We were initially working with a lot of shops because they weren’t doing their own prints. In 1978 we started making swimwear and in ’79 we started doing Billabong’s prints. The business started to really grow and in 1980 we moved into our current premises in Currumbin where we are today.
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As a little side note whilst we are talking about creative and inventive businesses it would be remiss of us if we didn’t mention the man behind the Currumbin Alley Fish Fry and Wooden Surfboards Day (for more on this turn to page 185), Grant Newby. Grant had developed a method of building his own boards that in turn inspired Firewire to launch their latest TimberTek range. “I started vacuum bagging Paulownia over a polystyrene core, just using polyurethane glue. I then came across the idea of using Lanolin on the outside because Paulownia is pretty waterproof in salt water as it is. By using the Lanolin it nourished the timber and added to the waterproofing. What I also found when the board hit the salt water was it became sticky, stickier than any wax you've ever used. It sort of blows people away when you surf on a piece of raw timber but I have made quite a few boards this way now.
“Firewire approached me and I assisted them with their new TimberTek range. I guess I turned them on to the potential of this method of construction. “They now vacuum bag Paulownia to an utra light styrene core. But they couldn't get their head around the Lanolin on the outside. I think someone in their American office thought that if somebody's paddling around on this thing that smells like a sheep, maybe they’ll get eaten by a shark, so they use Entropy epoxy resin on the outside and just paint that on so they actually don't use any fiberglass cloth on the outside. And they use that to toughen the Paulownia, and also to seal it. It was nice to be recognised for something I came up with in the garage at home.” Check out the TimberTek range at www.firewiresurfboards.com or call into their factory showroom 1/49 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters.
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From the Burford factory floor to your local break. Photos: Dave Swan Darren Burford
POINT BLANK A surfboard blank is the shaper's canvas. So that would make Burford Reinforced Plastics - who have played a central role in the Gold Coast’s proud surfing history - the ultimate surfboard art supply store. Burfords are the Gold Coast’s original surfboard blank manufacturer and are still the industry leader. They also happen to be Australia’s second oldest blank manufacturer after Barry Bennett.’s Bennett Surfboards (blanks) starting production around the same time as Graham King and Midget Farrelly. Darren Burford - the son of founder Don Burford shares his thoughts on the continued success. “It's more competitive here on the Coast than anywhere else in the world and that’s why the product is so good. Plenty of intense competition keeps you on your game. You can’t afford to take anything for granted.” When pressed as to why Burfords have maintained such a strong standing in the shaping community, Darren had this to say. “Our consistency is the best in the world Making polyurethane blanks is a lot like making bread. You have your favourite baker and they have a consistency that you like. Some breads can be unreal one day and crap the next. Our consistency is something we pride ourselves on. Other than that, it’s just a matter of having the right ingredients to create a strong blank. But it’s not as easy as 1+2=3.”
Burfords produce a multitude of blanks of varying lengths, thicknesses, rockers and weights. In fact they have something like eighty different moulds within which they can adjust the length and rocker of the blank to create well over one hundred different types. When it comes to stringers, it is the same again. The variety of timbers of varying widths is extensive including the super thin cedar stringers that featured heavily in boards of the early ‘70s. Indeed these are THE very stringers from the 70s! As Darren explains, “We don’t like to throw anything out (laughing). We even have many of the original plugs (moulds) for the blanks. But we are always developing something new as well.” Today, Burfords are not only one of the most respected blank manufacturers around Australia, they also export to New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii, Portugal, Spain, France, England and Italy. Despite the international prestige Burfords are still a relatively small, family-run concern.
year, Mum recently retired, then there’s my sister Natalie, brother-in-law Garth, nephew Hayden and wife Robyn. “I have personally been in it now for just on 30 years. I finished school in 1983 on a Friday and was here at work on the Monday. In reality though, I have been in this business my whole life. I grew up in the factory.” For any aspiring shapers or indeed fully fledged surfboard builders, it is interesting to note that not only do Burfords supply resin, foam and fibreglass as they have done since the '70s, they also now stock a range of shaping tools and materials – all the bits and pieces you need to make a surfboard from scratch. Drop in to 5 Stewart Road, Currumbin any day of the week, and connect with the Burford Blanks page on Facebook.
“We have 22 staff, many of who have been with us for over 20 years - and even a few over 30 - meaning we have a great deal of experience. The guys know what they are doing. Dad (Don) still works in the business, he is into his 55th SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
FULL HOUSE KMD Glassing. A man in every room.
Neil
Ryan and Cory Ken
Left shaping bay This is Neal Purchase Jnr’s personal bay. Recently returned from an overseas jaunt, we ask him what his focus is of late. “I’ve been riding single fins a lot and am working on really getting the rails tuned specifically into the single fin design. Lower, sharper rails, bottom shape, outline and width play a big part in how these boards perform.”
Right shaping bay Former Novacastrian , shaper of 44 years, Ken McDonald’s personal shaping bay. This time he’s overseeing his neighbour Jesse take to his third blank. Ken hires the bay out from time to time and assists those keen to learn the craft. 114
Jesse
glassing bay 19 year old Corey and Ken’s son Ryan are glassing a log with resin tint. Corey is learning the tools of the trade and can now craft a board from start to finish, but is primarily focused on glassing at present. Ryan’s focus is the artistic side of sprays, glassing, and tints... Ken explains, “He hasn’t been in the industry that long, but has been in it all his life, if you know what I mean.”
Max
Sanding Bay
Spray Bay
Max Taylor, shaper of some 35+ years who started his career doing ding repairs at Gordon & Smith in Carringbah along with a successful 20 year stint living and shaping right on Coledale Beach (north Wollongong) is at work putting in fin plugs.
We initially find Ken here but find he floats from room to room keeping an eye on everything, lending a helping hand where needed, getting to work on whatever else needs to be done. Occasionally he too finds time to knock out a few of his own shapes. Ken has always shaped and glassed throughout his career including a 12 year stint at Pacific Dreams. Ken sums up the business.
At KMD his focus is on the sanding and finishing side of the business but he still finds time to knock out a few of his own boards. Being 6’2” Max particularly caters for big guys like himself because he understands what they need in a board. “What we’re doing here is real hands on, artisan work. It feels how a surfboard factory should. No mass production, just quality work.”
“We started out glassing Neil’s boards and he rented a bay and it has just grown from there. We have been here 11 months and have already outgrown the place.
more and more like-minded people such as Ash Ward of Eagle Sword Surfboards. Our focus is on making high quality boards that last.”
Roxy
And of course, how could we forget. What’s a surfboard factory without a dog? Neal’s foamcovered mutt is ‘Roxy’.
“We do everything from single fins with all the old glassing, pigments, tints and resin pin lines. Boards from 9’8” down to 5’2”, quads, 5 fins, singles, you name it. We have attracted
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CURRUMBIN
MOUNTAIN HIGH It’s interesting, given their pedigree, that more has not been written about Mt Woodgee. They’ve been a significant part of the Gold Coast’s rich surfing history since the ‘70s, so perhaps it’s because rampant self-promotion has never been their thing? Or perhaps because, to outsiders, the mountain was always shrouded in mystery... WORDS: DAVE SWAN, PHOTOS SUPPLIED, MT WOODGEE SURFBOARDS
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Up a kilometre-long, gumtree-lined dirt drive - reportedly covered in potholes and crawling with cane toads and carpet snakes - stood the ramshackle farmhouse atop of Mt Woodgee, 365ft above sea level. It was officially home to two surfers - Nick and Agg - but many surfers came to call it home. Built in 1918 it was set amidst 33 acres of tropical rainforest. There was no power, water, telephone or amenities but the view from the front verandah was something else – a clear view straight across to the cranking points of Kirra, Greenmount and Snapper Rocks. It was the perfect base for a lifestyle of surfing, surfing and more surfing. Mt Woodgee’s founder, Nick Anagnostou, shaped his first boards under the farmhouse in the early ‘70s. Pretty soon a long line of surfers would make a well-worn track to the house for some good times, a few laughs and to collect their freshly shaped new surfboard. Rabbit Bartholomew, Jack McCoy, Al Byrne, Gary Elkerton and the Peterson brothers Michael and Tommy - were regular visitors. With so many people coming and going the police became suspicious. Surfers weren’t considered to be the most reputable of sorts in those days. They were convinced the boys at the farmhouse were up to no good. The drug raids became so frequent the police ended up becoming some of their best customers... buying surfboards, of course, for themselves and their kids. The suspicious crop that had caused such keen interest from the cops turned out to be wheatgrass. The boys were once and for all uncovered to be health freaks.
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As explained by Nick, the real truth behind ‘Mystery Mountain’ was they were living the dream – living sustainably, surfing non-stop, and shaping surfboards. Life on the farm was in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the burgeoning coastal city below, and they liked it that way. Nick’s ‘surfboard business’ grew to such an extent that in 1984 it became time to formalise it and set down roots with a small store in Coolangatta.
North Stradbroke’s Lincoln Taylor. All have been attracted to the skilled craftsmanship of the Mt Woodgee shaping team. Mt Woodgee enjoy a wealth of shaping experience with respected shapers Ian Byrne, Wayne McKewen and Gil Glover collectively clocking up around a century in the shaping bay. They can shape everything from high performance shapes to channel bottoms and retro inspired designs. It’s no wonder they’ve developed such a strong following. Nick puts it beautifully when he says, “I would love everyone who rides our boards, wears our clothes or comes to our shops to feel - even if it’s just a little bit - the happiness that I’ve felt in my life as a surfer. The farmhouse, the mountain, the camaraderie... Mt Woodgee embodies these feelings.” As to what happened to the old farmhouse? In 1996 it was bought by a major surf industry figure who demolished it and cleared most of the surrounding rainforest. Unbelievable and unfortunate. The house high on the mountain may well be gone, but as the boys in the shaping bay and Mt Woodgee stores can firmly attest, the legend still lives on. Mt Woodgee have stores in three locations: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta 2 Stuart Road, Currumbin (Factory Showroom) Visit the website for more information: www.mtwoodgee.com.au
Through the years some of the best have ridden for Mt Woodgee including former champ Gary Elkerton, and current WCT contender Bede Durbidge, along with many other fine surfers such as Paige Hareb and SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CURRUMBIN Photos: Dave Swan
CLEAR WINNER Life is pretty good for Steve del Rosso right now. After twelve years of IVF, he and wife Nat welcomed a baby boy into their world and his team riders just racked up four Australian titles and many placings at the Longboard Titles in Port Macquarie. WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
“The greatest thing Nat and I have ever experienced is welcoming this little man into the world. As you can see we have already got him working in the shaping bay. We were also pretty stoked (Nat also works in the business) with Clinton (Guest) becoming the inaugural open men’s Logger champion and Georgia (Young) winning the open women’s longboard title. Even Denver Young’s win in the Under-18 women, when she borrowed one of our board’s for the final, was fantastic. “We’re not really known for the logger side of things. The hipsters wouldn’t even be aware of us. Our focus has always been primarily on the performance shortboard and longboard side of things. “I still like to put a performance twist into everything though, even 118
our logs and cruisers. It’s a matter of subtly combining old school style with progressive design.” Steve credits these ideas to learning from some of the best in the business over in his home state of Western Australia. He worked with the likes of Col Ladhams, Mick Manolas, Mick Button and Bert Berger. “Those guys were a great influence in the early days. They could see how passionate I was. I started doing a few boards in my late teens out of curiosity because I was pretty obsessed with surfing. But it was more of a hobby. It wasn’t until 1989 that I got into shaping full on. I’d only dabbled up until that point. “Frenzy was the first label. I started getting consistent orders and before I knew it turned into a full-time job.”
In 1996 one of the oldest surfboard manufacturers in WA came up for sale and Steve bought it. At the time, Clearwater Surfboards had Col Ladhams shaping boards for the likes of Jake Patterson and Taj Burrows. Things went from strength to strength. Steve worked in the business laminating, sanding, doing ding repairs and shaping. It gave him experience with the full spectrum of surfboard manufacturing, including him being one of the earliest adopters of surfboard shaping machines. “I bought one of the first shaping machines over at Clearwater. I’ve been playing with them now for longer than most shapers. B.A.S.E. got me over to set up their machines and get all Darren’s and Simon’s shapes up on computer.”
“We do a bit of everything here. We have two shaping machines cutting our own boards and for several other guys. We also contract glass for most of the people we cut blanks for.” “I handshaped for 13 years and got pretty good at it, turning out 20 boards a week. I got a lot of practice up, yet machines are more accurate, more consistent and are going to give you a far better performance product. It’s not as hit and miss, in my opinion.” For more on Clearwater see the website www.cwsurfboards.com.
After a few years Steve left B.A.S.E. to set up his Currumbin factory.
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LADY OF MANY COLOURS Photos: Dave Swan
It’s the name she goes by, and its totally fitting. We recently witnessed, firsthand, the beautiful work by the equally beautiful Teena Mcilveen at the Clearwater Surfboards factory. WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN
How refreshing is it to see a lady working in a surfboard factory? All I’ve seen for the last few years is ugly blokes, factory upon factory... I was intrigued to find out what it was like for Teena working as a woman in a pretty blokey industry. “You possibly have to prove yourself a little more. Some may think perhaps because you are a woman you can’t work just as hard but it really depends on the person. I don’t really think too much about the whole male/ female thing though. “I was lucky to get a start with Dave Verrall from Diverse initially - working for free, watching, listening, learning, and I gradually got more jobs from there. I started spraying, glassing and even doing a bit of shaping. Working in a small factory was good because you got to do lots of different
things, helping out where needed. “It’s a big undertaking for a surfboard manufacturer to take you on. These guys don’t make a lot of money. They have to commit a lot of time into developing your skills.” Unbelievably, Teena only started playing with resin artwork just on two years ago when she went to work with Dan MacDonald at DMS Shapes. “It was an incredible experience to work with Dan and he definitely made me a better glasser. He pays such close attention to detail.” Today Teena glasses and creates the amazing resin work featured on surfboards by Eden Saul of Dead Kooks, Jesse Watson’s Black Apache, Gavin Upson, More Surfboards and of course, Clearwater Surfboards.
As for what the future holds, and whether the ever-increasing number of female surfers can expect a ‘lady’s touch’ to enter the world of surfboard design... “I dabble in shaping from time to time with the help of Steve, but I’m still not at the stage I want to be with my glassing. I want to perfect this first.” Undeniably modest, Teena’s artistic flair is clearly evident to all who see her work. I’m certain we will see and hear more from this extremely talented lady. Check out her work on Instagram: @theladyofmanycolours
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LABOUR OF LOVE
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
STEWART MAXWELL is passionate about two things in life: his girlfriend Coco and surfboards (we are not sure about the order). Making surfboards has been a life long addiction, making them for Coco, a mix of pleasure and pain.
But Stew is adept at meeting the needs of fussy customers. He’s been making surfboards since the ‘70s.
Today he still plies his trade making customised surfboards for a comprehensive range of skill levels and conditions. “Custom surfboards are the go. You can’t be restricted by models. As I say, ‘free range is better than battery hens.’
“I actually set up the business with the late Alan Oke. We both put $500 in but ended up going our separate ways. I persevered with the business and during its time we had blokes like Mick Pierce, Phil Grace, Peter White (Classic Malibu), Andrew McKinnon and Paul King working with us.”
“From what I can gather, no one else is doing it and there is a definite demand for these fins. We are presently making sets in four different sizes.
He headed north once more and arrived back on the Gold Coast in 1998 setting up a factory in Burleigh followed by a shop in Palm Beach before committing to a bigger set-up in Currumbin in late 2010. He had a stack of orders from Japan when the tsunami struck in March 2011. With it, 70 boards on order suddenly had no place to go.
“I like working with people one on one. It is often with people who can’t quite get what they are after elsewhere. Considering I shape all manner of boards from lightweight mals with plenty of flex through to singles, quads, performance shortboards, boards with flyers, five fin set-ups and bonzers, I usually have something I can specifically make to suit to their surfing style.” With regards to bonzers, Stew has just recently launched a new range of bonzer keels with tabs to suit the various fin systems.
TOP: Stew working the resins. ABOVE: The Maximum bonzer with tabs concept. BELOW: Coco with her Maximum board.
Born in Windsor, an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Stew moved around a bit with his family before leaving home at a young age. Following a stint up on the Gold Coast in 1967, and another a little further north at Maroochydore, he moved back down south settling in Phillip Island where he became an active member of the Phillip Island Boardriders and set up a successful business by the name of Offshore Surf in 1972. At the height of its success, Offshore had a shop at Newhaven (the site of Islantis and the Big Wave complex today), one at Wonthaggi and another at Bentleigh East. As well as the shops, Offshore also manufactured a range of clothing and swimwear.
In 1983 Stew sold the Offshore trademark to an American consortium and continued shaping customs under his house for another year before setting up Maximum Surfboards at Sam Remo in 1985.
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It knocked Stew around some. But he is a fighter and Stew dusted himself off and reopened his new factory at 46 Currumbin Creek Rd in Currumbin recently.
Photo: Dave Swan
“She can handle herself in the surf you know... Double overhead. She drops in on me too. But then she just smiles and your heart melts. Making her a surfboard isn’t easy though. She is so bloody fussy.”
“A lot of the younger guys who do airs and 360s keep busting their fins out. A low profile, short bonzer keel provides the drive required, can be released easily from the lip and when you come back down, it allows you to maintain your speed.” As you can see, the ideas and the fire are still burning. Stew still lives and breathes surfboards. As for Coco, “She is such a lovely girl but is most definitely the hardest customer to please. It makes working with everyone else a breeze.” For video of Coco’s board, see maximumsurfboards.com.au
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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T UGUN TO SNAPPER THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN Without doubt, this is the surfing capital of the Gold Coast. It’s home to the famous Superbank, the local break for current world champions Steph Gilmore and Joel Parkinson, former champ Mick Fanning and a host of other stars from various eras. However, it's not only a surf spot for the rippers. Away from the points, there are plenty of banks along this stretch for even beginners and young kids to get amongst the waves. We chat to a man that spends some serious time in the water here - photographer Craig Bessant. WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
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TUGUN TO SNAPPER
G R E A T
B A L L S
O F
F O A M . . .
Dave with a wig? He wishes. Joel Parkinson makes this wave look too easy. 124
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CRAIG BESSANT
WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
T H E
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Craig's childhood was spent in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, where he claimed Bondi, Bronte, Maroubra and a reefy outcrop - better known as the Bombie - as his local breaks. Spending his youth surfing, swimming and scuba diving these waters, saltwater ran deep in his veins but oddly enough, like old-school camera film, his surf photography took a little longer to develop, despite having some serious exposure, right in his own home. "My brother Brad started with the 110 Instamatic Minolta then the Nikonos. He bought himself a Dave Kelly water housing and took to the water, along with his friend Sean Davey. They had numerous spreads in Tracks and many other magazines. "Surf photography was the norm in our house before too long. Our father built a darkroom, as the photographic bug had rubbed off onto Dad as well. Instead of clothes hanging off the line, it was black and white prints pegged up to dry out. I can still remember the big sign we had in the darkroom: "Close the door or all the dark will leak out." "Twenty years later, in a new era of digital photography the bug has now rubbed off on me. Cameras and housings are now more affordable, making it easier to break into photography."
"I started off with with an Olympus waterproof. This was a great point-and-shoot camera bulletproof - as I can honestly say I hammered it in the shorebreak." Craig explains that with every shot he took his skills grew, and he needed more. He decided to try out a GoPro (which incidentally, is what he used for the main photo of the Georgia Kervin interview on page 14.) "The GoPro camera was magic. My barrel shots started to move to the next level. People started to comment on them in a good way. This pushed me to try harder. Before too long I had outgrown it and needed more, so I bought myself a Canon D600 t3i - by no means a professional camera, but way above a pointand-shoot. I equipped myself with a 500mm zoom lens, and the land-based side of my surf photography started. "My SPL A-Series housing has allowed me to capture up-close and personal shots of people ripping. Sometimes a little to close for comfort - a fin or two to the head or body is almost a certainty every session. It doesn't take long to realise who you can trust to whizz past your head and who you cant."
O F
C R A I G
Despite those few fin-chops, and thanks to encouraging comments from friends, Craig realised people were really enjoying his images and decided to create his online space, Foamballs, to share his love of the ocean with all those interested. "The name Foamballs came easy to me - the foamball is the driving force behind all barrels and my photography. I would have to say, my favorite thing to photograph would be a thick hollow barrel."
Favourite spots "D-bar is one of the spots I feel safe at as the majority of surfers are rippers and it is relatively safe to put yourself in there path. Burleigh point is another place I feel safe to shoot, as the surfers here are also rippers. The only problem here is the sweep is usually too strong - it's jump in, swim out and drift down the bank like a rocket, snapping off a few shots before you're out of range. "Snapper, the Superbank, is another great place to photograph with the likes of Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning, Oney Anwar, Steph Gilmore and many more carving up the break. The only problem here is the crowds. As a water photographer you almost need full body armor to
B E S S A N T protect yourself, because you WILL be run over. "Luck is on my side at the moment though, as I've dodged many a close call, but I know the day is coming... And when it does, I'm sure there will be a little bit of swearing and a lot of blood...
A HAPPY HOME "The Gold Coast is a magic place - great point breaks, even better beach breaks, so there's a wave for every style of surfer. It's a breeding ground for world class surfers. Take TOS (the other side). You can go to South Straddie when it's pumping and see some of the best surfing you're likely to see in the world. I would have to say this is my favorite spot on the Coast for surfing and watching surfing. "If you find yourself surfing the Coast and some guy with a yellow water housing is throwing himself over the falls whilst snapping pics, it's likely to be me." You can find the pics Craig takes on his Facebook page -Foamballs. All pics are for sale, with high res images emailed straight to you. www.facebook.com/FOAMBALLS
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TUGUN TO SNAPPER Photo: Craig Bessant
"THE GOLD COAST IS A MAGIC PLACE - GREAT POINT BREAKS, EVEN BETTER BEACH BREAKS, SO THERE'S A WAVE FOR EVERY STYLE OF SURFER."
THE WAVES
Craig Bessant
KIRRA... THE LEGEND
RAINBOW BAY
DAVE: It's world-renowned for good reason. I love this wave. I have had some of the most memorable rides and incredible spankings here. The horrendous sweep when it’s working ensures all the people who shouldn’t be out there aren’t.
This is the section of the Superbank where the slalom course flags (surfers) start to open up and you get a little more room to manouvre on the wave face.
Fast, steep takeoff followed by a square, sucky barrel that can close the door on you without a moments notice. So much down-the-line speed. The lengthening of the groyne is sure to lengthen the stories of surfing this legendary spot.
SNAPPER ROCKS
TIDE: ALL
SWELL: SE
WIND: S
GREENMOUNT DAVE: What I refer to as the mellow section of the Superbank. The waves here, or in this section, if you are on a leg-burning record ride, are a little fuller giving you time to play around on the wave face in your own time. Not too much though, as I discovered when I stuck the tail of my board, complete with fin, into the side of my gob. Now on one side of my face I have the Joker smile, Batman-style.
SWELL: SE
WIND: S-SE
Ahh... the start of the magical Superbank with its 300-odd labelled takeoff spots in between. It attracts the best surfers in the world keen to sample the goods. It's the longest right hand point break in the world - quite possibly the most crowded right-hander in the world too. That said, people will wait hours for their turn of surfing THIS wave and once they have, they never regret it. It’s like lining up for the Matterhorn at Disneyland on the 4th of July. You have to be patient, the wait is excruciating, but the smiles on faces after a ride say it all. Serious slalom course with little room to negotiate as you take the steep initial drop.
TIDE: ALL
SWELL: NE-SE
WIND: SE
EXPERT SURFERS
DURANBAH Is officially over the border into NSW and not part of the Gold Coast so we won’t talk about it here. So just pretend you never heard about it. It doesn’t need any more surfers tackling the break anyhow.
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SIN EYEWEAR TEAM RIDER AND METALLICA LEGEND ROB TRUJILLO
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sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GETTING HERE & AROUND
Coolangatta airport is no greater than 5-10 minutes away from anywhere in this region. There are 50 direct flights, each day, seven days a week, coming in from around Australia, New Zealand and beyond. All in all, that means you'll spend more time in the water and less time travelling.
STAY TO SURF
Columbia A[artments - so close to Snapper
TUGUN TO SNAPPER
THE SHOPs SUNHOUSE 41 McLean St, Coolangatta 07 55 364 886 www.sunhousesurf.com Something a little different from the norm - this surf shop in an old KFC building makes for a very cool store with good vibe and great boards by a number of top shapers including Chris Garrett (aka Phantom – see page 100 to read more on the Ghost Who Walks). Don’t miss the SUNHOUSE surfboard swap meet on October 12th.
SURF MEGASTORES
EAT & DRINK
Take your pick: Kirra Surf if you’re after big brand gear, plus our mates at World Surfaris have an office there, manned by the legendary ‘Scardy” (David Scard); or Volcom Boardlab, specialist retailers of the latest Firewires. Both are on the main drag so you won’t miss them.
COLUMBIA APARTMENTS 184-190 Marine Parade, Rainbow Bay (+61) 07 5599 0666 www.columbiaapartments.com.au Let’s face it, if you are coming to surf the Superbank you might as well stay right in front of it. If you were any closer you would be sitting in the lineup. Spacious 2 & 3 bedroom self-contained with big balconies to take in the view. Double-thumbs up.
BUDGET ALTERNATIVES
CAFÉ DBAR 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta 07 5599 2031
Younger crew on a tighter budget might like to consider a few other popular surfer hangouts with share accommodation.
Great views, good vibe, reasonable café fare recommended by the locals, which is always a good sign.
KOMUNE 144-146 Marine Parade, Coolangatta (+61) 07 5536 6764 www.komuneresorts.com
RAINBOW BAY SURF CLUB 2 Snapper Rocks Rd Coolangatta (07) 5536 6390
If you want to stay and party near the Superbank, opposite Greenmount Surf Club. COOLANGATTA SANDS HOTEL 3 Griffith St Coolangatta QLD 4225 (+61) 07 5536 3066 www.coolangattasandshotel.com.au Backpacker-style accommodation in this grand old pub just 100m from Kirra Point. 128
Home of the Quiky and Roxy Pro and quite possibly the most amazing view from any beachside club in the Universe, perhaps.
Rocky Rawlings Volcom Boardlab
“CafE D'bar is my office away from home. Good wifi upstairs and you see whales breaching al the time. The coffee is good and the Bircher muesli is the best on the Coast.” Darren Wright - Scoot Airlines
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Justin Fudge - Sunhouse
SEE & DO KIRRA KITE FESTIVAL 13th – 17th November QUIKSILVER & ROXY PRO Last week in February through to mid March 2014. Dates TBA. BLEACH FESTIVAL Surf arts and culture festival 7th – 23rd March 2014 For an update on events see www.bleachfestival.com.au. Participating artists announced so far include Mat McHugh & The Seperatista Soundsystem and Band of Frequencies.
Something that requires a special mention is the scheduled Opera on the Beach running for three very special nights during the Bleach Festival. Imagine one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, a massive sand-sculptured inspired stage and Opera Australia’s finest singers performing Mozart’s masterpiece, The Magic Flute, ending with a spectacular fireworks display. This is something really special to enjoy with your partner or family and friends. Tickets start from $35.
“Rainbow Surf Club. No better place to sit and watch the action on the weekend and have a bit of brekkie or into the afternoon. The sunsets from there are world class with the sun going down and the waves peeling in.” Glen 'Rocky' Rawlings – Volcom Boardlab SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LOVING LIFE
Photo: Dave Swan
Photo: Dave Swan
GOLD COAST: THE PEOPLE
Jay enjoying a coffee sporting sunnies by Sin Eyewear, one of Jay’s main sponsors.
JAY PHILLIPS
Every sport has their so-called ‘wild child’. If you read all that has been written about him in the past, for surfing, it was Jay Phillips. While he admits he lost his way on the road to his anticipated pro surfer stardom, Jay has his life back on track, is enjoying his surfing and loving time with his family. WORDS: DAVE SWAN 130
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Photo: Jeff Levingston, courtesy of Jay Phillips sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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“The Gold Coast is my home. It’s beautiful, it’s forever changing and our future looks good.”
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Those who know of Jay Phillips know of his power surfing and promise. But there’s much more to Jay than surfing prowess alone, much more to the man behind the board. A man many Gold Coast kids aspire to be like. A man who is now setting the standard for young surfers to follow at the Hurley High Performance Centre at Casuarina. Born in Carlton in Victoria Jay moved around quite a lot as a kid. His dad was in the Navy. The family eventually settled in the tiny beachside town of Fingal, just across the Tweed Heads Bar from Duranbah. The family had a long history in the town dating back to the 1940s. “My nan owned the Phillips general store there and ran it for about twenty years. She is ninety-four, old Gladys, and still kicking. She was like my mother growing up. My mum divorced my dad when I was about seven and he raised me and my two sisters.” In the mid ‘90s, Jay was heralded as the ‘next best thing’ and was expected to take the world pro surfing circuit by storm. He was considered a lay down misere to take world title crown. But life got in the way. Jay had great success in the Pro Junior Series. His form continued into the WQS (World Qualifying Series for the pro tour) where he was placed in the top four at the start of the year and was still in the top fifteen at the half way mark. Then his girlfriend at the time fell pregnant and admirably, he left the tour behind to be present for the birth of his first child. From there, his interest stayed at home rather than on tour and with that, Jay was deserted by his sponsors of the time. What resulted was a devastating downward spiral. Jay had a new family, was now unemployed and was still finding it difficult to deal with the tragic loss of his father only years before. Jay enjoyed an incredibly close bond with his father John, who was involved
in an incident with a bouncer at the Greenmount SLSC. As a result, John slipped into a coma and subsequently lost his life. “He used to bring me down the beach all the time for a surf. I would still be out after dark and he would be calling, ‘Jay, where are you?’ “I was sixteen when he passed away. I left school not long after that and did nothing but surf. When my career took off, I had no direction and no one to really talk to about contracts. “The Snapper Boardriders became my family. Plenty of people took me in and gave me a lounge to sleep on. Guys like Jason Gale, Josh Lock, Rabbit (Wayne Bartholomew) and Bruce Lee were all really good to me. But I guess I missed my dad and his guidance for sure.” Without a steadying influence in his life and more money at his disposal than a young man of his age can sensibly handle, temptation paved way to endless partying. His major sponsor Billabong cut him from its string of sponsored surfers. Through his early twenties he then went through a raft of sponsors, but eventually landed a dream role with Ezekiel in their Free Surf program. He travelled the globe for the next ten years surfing dream breaks. His role with Ezekiel regularly brought him to the States. Through his connections in the surf industry he rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood set such as reality TV star Brody Jennar of The Princes of Malibu and The Hills fame, and Robert Trujillo, the present day bass guitarist for Metallica. “I met him in Venice. I was hanging with Jason (Reposar – friend and surf photographer) and we were at Starbucks and Robert came up and we were introduced. I was like, ‘Is this for real?’ Robert had just started trialing to become the bass guitarist for Metallica. The footage later featured in the documentary film about the band called Some Kind of Monster (2004). “I said to Jason, ‘If he gets the gig, and they travel to Australia, do you think
they would want to hang out with some surfers?’ I knew he was a really keen surfer. Jason later rings me up and says, ‘He got the gig. Metallica’s coming to do some shows.’” Kirk Hammett (guitarist) and Robert Trujillo were the keen surfers on the tour and Jay introduced them to all the local surf stars: Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Dean Morrison... They filmed everything and managed to score some great waves. Simon Thompson, Jay’s stepbrother, who makes Simmo Surfboards and incidentally shapes all of Jay’s boards today, shaped a board for Kirk and Robert. “Robert is really keen to do his own signature model and call it the Aztec after his bass guitar and Kirk wants to do his as the Mummy after his guitar. “We got awesome footage from the time spent with the boys. It got me thinking I could put it all together with all the other footage from my career and make a film out of it. So that’s what we’re doing. We’re hoping to have it finished in time for our 50th anniversary of Snapper Boardriders next year, and in time for the Bleach Festival (an arts festival that celebrates the Gold Coast beach lifestyle and incorporates the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro). “It’s called ‘Two Minds. The Jay Phillips Story’ because I was always in two minds on everything I wanted to do in my life. ” One thing Jay is not in two minds about is his sense of family. It is pretty plain to see Jay is a proud husband and father. “My wife’s name is Kausalya. She’s just the best. Her parents own a Hare Krishna vegetarian restaurant in Surfers called Govindas. It’s funny I mentioned that. I do love her more than their food. (laughs) Her parents are amazing cooks though. She is amazing too. She works at the Super Radio Network with John Laws. “We have two girls together, Savanna, who is seven and now competing for
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TUGUN TO SNAPPER Photo: @samawelsh Courtesy of Jay Phillips
“It is great to give back to a club that has given me so much. I have lived and breathed this club for so many years. We’ve enjoyed incredible success and have so many legends as members. To achieve individual success is great, but to win a teams event for your club is a completely different feeling and pretty special.
Snapper Boardriders, and Soraya, who is two and wants to be just like her sister. And we have a Christmas present on the way - a boy, and we have already picked out his name, Sion. “My eldest son Shandor is now sixteen and I get to see him on holidays. He’s a troublemaker like I used to be (laughing).” Jay’s love of kids is not just confined to his family. He took up a role a couple of years ago with the Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre. “As a sponsored surfer for Hurley, Jason Haynes and Mitchell Ross sat me down and wanted me to be a brand ambassador for the 134
facility. So I went along and got all my coaching certificates. They have an exceptional, but pretty rigorous routine of intensive training and video review. My role is to basically bring some fun to the program. “I like to come down and interact with the kids and bring the stoke and help them reach a new level. It’s an unbelievable facility. There’s all kinds of technology and equipment at the place including trampolines to practice flips, you name it.” Jay is just as committed to his role at Snapper Rocks Surfriders where he is now the President.
“As a club we continue to work hard to provide for some of the young kids who are less fortunate and help them out with entries and trips. I remember that’s what the club always did for me.” And as for his beloved Gold Coast and, in particular its southern breaks, Jay had this to say. “The Gold Coast is the heart of the surfing industry, where we breed World Champions. It has been centre stage for so many surfing greats through the years from Rabbit (Wayne Bartholomew) to MP (Michael Peterson) to Mick (Fanning) to Joel (Parkinson) to Steph (Gilmore). And there are so many up-and-coming future champions.
good times in and out of the surf, and there will continue to be. “With so many cheap flights coming into Coolangatta, anyone can come here and get the wave of their life. With that said, I would like to see a little more respect out in the water for locals in much the same way as respect is shown in places like Hawaii. “The Gold Coast is my home. It’s beautiful, it’s forever changing and our future looks good. Tom Tate (the Gold Coast Mayor) is really living it for the surfers at the moment. They are rebuilding the big groyne at Kirra and that will return so many special surf spots between Snapper and the Kirra little groyne. It will take a while but the surfing here will get even better.” Keep up to date with happenings at Snapper Rock Surfriders: snapperrockssurfridersclub.com
“Damn, there have been some
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australiansurfingsportsexpo.com.au sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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TUGUN TO SNAPPER Photo: Dave Swan
His obsession with Burt Reynolds is a major concern. The man with a Ferah rug on his chest even adorns one of his boards called The Jiblets. JESSE WATSON of Black Apache Surfboards has a problem. He’s special, but I like him nonetheless. I caught up with him recently to talk about… Pretty much, nothing in particular. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
MOUSTACHES AND MOTORBIKES DAVE: So, what are we talking about? JESSE: I don’t know, you're supposed to be interviewing me. Well you usually have something intelligent and witty to say. I haven’t come here with anything to discuss. I figured you'd just talk. I’ll remember that next time you come for a board. I’ll say, “Hey, I was going to shape you something but figured you’ll come up with some idea, so here’s a block of foam.” Ok, well, what’s new on the shaping front?
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You can be the worst surfer in the world and the board should just be an extension of your feet. When you are riding a twin fin you really need to think about where your rail is, where you turn your shoulders and keeping your speed. With a single fin, particularly a decent length one, it is a matter of point-and-shoot. Tracker shapes, single fins with belly channels, all with the flexy fins is where things are heading now. You’re doing a fair few shortboards as well?
We’ve thankfully moved on from the guys in beaver-tail wetsuits, slicked back hair and canvas shoes. Of late I am shaping a lot of single fins with channels.
My shortboards aren't the 5’11” x 18 ½ “ kind - they're sort of hybrids. Really wide, short and light that go fast... Still thrusters and stuff, but boards that'll get in and out of the barrel real quick. Boards to have a lot of fun on.
The beauty about a good single fin is you shouldn’t have to think, to surf it.
Is that attracting different types of surfers?
I am selling boards to all walks - from 16 year old kids to 60 year old blokes. I shape such a wide range of boards, but I suppose I'm now also getting known for my shortboards. That’s the bulk of what I have been doing. Pretty much all custom shapes. Your view that hipsters are in decline is a concern. Without them, we have no one to poke fun at. Think of all the sailor cap manufacturers that will go out of business. Well maybe not so much in decline, in that they are chameleons. They just morph into a new trend. We have to be responsible about what we say though and mindful of their feelings. Some hipsters are cool with the tag but others take themselves too seriously. I had to tame down my Anchors are for W*nkers model (Mark of course
has one, need I say more - Dave). I generally refer to it as the Anchors now because it made some guys skin crawl. I guess the highlight of having a surfboard company is the opportunity to offend people on a large scale. But let’s move on. Making fun of hipsters isn’t really fair. It’s like punching someone in the dark. What are we going to talk about now? I don’t know. Ahh, it’s the Gold Coast. How about bikies? Hey, I’m a bikie now. Come and see what’s in my garage. I bought a 1976 XS 650 with hornet mural sprayed on the tank. Did you buy it to satisfy your penchant for leather chaps? It all makes sense now – motorbikes, bear skin rugs, Burt Reynolds...
like a 1970 Chevy Camaro made of skin. Big man, big moustache. What’s not to like about Burt? Make you feel like a real man when he holds you close at night. Enough, enough. Let’s talk about me. Did you find sales really soared after I rode your boards? You ain’t got no bike with a bee-sting tank mural. No seriously, once the photos of you surfing my board went viral, the orders just flowed in. I probably didn’t plug it as hard as I should have. Mission accomplished, sans-pencil moustache: Black Apache 'on trend.' For more on Jesse's boards: blackapachesurfboards.com.au
Don’t knock Burt. The man was a sex symbol. He is
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GENERAL LEE Lee Cheyne has been making surfboards for some 23 years now, and we wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if there was a 23-year-old Lee Cheyne Design still going strong in the surf today. He makes 'em to last, because he needs to. Lee's a big man. Not tubby - we're talking viking-style - so he knows about needing to keep a sturdy craft underfoot that can take a beating in powerful surf. We have a chat to one of the friendliest guys in the board business.
You're known as somewhat of a specialist shaper of performance boards for big guys like Dean Brady and powerful lady surfers such as Claire Bevilacqua...
"Yes and no. Basically, I just make sure their boards are nicely refined and as accurate as possible. On the other hand, I do that with all my customs too." What’s exciting of late in your world of design? "Just trying to refine each one of my models, and continue to work on making them look sick, go great and last longer."
And the Gold Coast? "Living and working on the Goldy as a shaper is pretty amazing because we have a variety of waves for most conditions. It allows us to work on our designs for good waves and points and also the sloppy beachies. Also, the concentrated amount of great shapers on the coast means you have to be on your game constantly if you want to sell a board." leecheynesurfboards.com
Photo: Leigh Jackson
"It's funny how we get those tags, but I was just doing what I knew. I'm a similar size to Dean, so I just made him some boards that I liked and then we went from there. With Claire it was much different. It was purely through association. She just gelled with my current grom designs, but took a real shine to the Rocket-Vee."
Are their certain design considerations you have to take into account for those types of surfers?
"the concentrated amount of great shapers on the coast means you have to be on your game constantly" SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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HEAVEN’S THE SURFER’S REQUEST FOR HEAVEN: “No crowds, please. Can I have an endless supply of waves, wherever I want? I’d like to surf all day. I want to get up and ride my wave for as long as I want - not just one bottom turn, cutback, fall and paddle back out - I want to ride it forever. Oh, and can my mates come too?” Gold Coast aquaholic Kristen Bower finds out that you don’t have to wait until the afterlife to have your eternal wishes granted thanks to a cool new idea known as the Surf Gate by Malibu Boats. WORDS: KRISTEN BOWER PHOTOS: CHRIS PROUD
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COOL: BUSINESS INVENTIONS PROMOTION
N’S GATE
Sapphire Beach surfer and current Aussie longboard champ Jared Neal gets down with the gate. Photo: Chris Proud SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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“ It’s all about water displacement.” Finding places to surf with less people and more waves is pretty high on the wish list, and sometimes that expensive search can lead you to secluded locations in far off exotic countries. In one instance the need to surf led to a lake in the middle of a European town. A video that got around online showed what happens when idle minds and driven surfers meet. A group of surfing extremists dived into the water and paddled out into the middle of the lake whilst their friends, standing on a bridge in the middle of the lake, threw around four sticks of dynamite into the water. The explosion sent water flying high into the air and set off a shock wave rippling out to the banks where a wetsuit and bandit-masked surfer promptly paddled onto the wave and surfed it to shore. Now whether or not it’s true, that’s pretty keen... The Qiantang River in China has a tidal surge onto a shallow estuary that produces a rolling, endless wave. The same thing happens in Brazil on the Amazon, where a very fast and full tide change meets the river and causes a mindblowing, seemingly endless wave that would require a fully packed lunch and deck chair on your surfboard if you dared try to surf the whole thing in one go, with no doubt many dangers lurking in the water below if you fell off. Closer to home, we found another solution that isn’t quite so life threatening, nor does it require an incredibly expensive private health insurance policy. It simply involves a boat, which is easier to come across than a few sticks of dynamite or an international flight to a remote location. Welcome to the world of wake surfing.
Skurfing behind a boat with a surfboard has been around since surfboards were invented, but it wasn’t until wakeboard specific boats began getting built bigger that wake surfing started to gain more popularity. These larger wakeboarding vessels have provided many years of fun for wake-surfers to fool around on little surfboards and have a grand old time. A wake-surf pro circuit has even been formed and people actually make a living of wakesurfing nowadays, but it wasn’t until recently that the world of wake-surfing has been redefined with a man made wave with some serious surfing potential. Australian-made Malibu Boats has introduced a new whiz-bang fandangled piece of technology called the Surf Gate. This ‘gate’ on the side of the boarding platform, combined with the boats internal ballast system is operated with the flick of a switch in the captain’s chair and instantly turns a boat wake into a wave with surfing credibility. Living on Duranbah hill on the Gold Coast offers me one of the world’s best banks, but it’s often combined with Hollywood-like crowds in school holidays, or anytime the surf is good for that matter. So when I was presented with the opportunity to test this new contraption, I couldn’t think of a better excuse to get behind one and give it a crack. But what’s a good day surfing without a few of your mates? Fresh off a comp, pro surfers Jared Neal and Dane Pioli were lurking around looking for something to do. With the wind onshore and the surf flat that day, it didn’t take much convincing for the lads to jump on board the boat, join the fun and show us what they could do on the man-made wave. Another quick phone call was made to local shaper Ralph Riddell who wasted no time in excusing himself from the office to pick up his son Curtis from school a touch early with a “family emergency” and head out on the Tweed River for an afternoon of a little research and development.
Dane Pioli. Photo Chris Proud
the side you wanted to surf on. Now, with the flick of a switch the gate does its work and forms a perfect wave to shred every time, without the corner-crowding discomfort.
So, how was this gate thing going to work? It’s all about water displacement. Before Malibu came in with their revolutionary idea, it was all about trying to get as many people as possible into the boat and crowding them over the corner of
The wave is created a few feet behind the boat, so to get onto it you shorten your rope and handle so it dangles off the back of the boat around 8-12 feet. You do the usual water-ski deep start like on a wakeboard and when you get up, this will put you right into position on the wave. It’s a slightly different feel to surfing - and I dare say a more concentrated effort to stay in the sweet spot on the wave - but the principle’s the same: front foot heavy and the board speeds up, back foot heavy and the board slows down. Once you find that sweet spot, you can throw the handle and get surfing - now riding an endless wave. Limited only by your stamina and the amount of fuel in the tank you could seriously surf all day long.
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BUSINESS PROMOTION
FROM THE BACK,
you can really see how the Surf Gate digs in and churns up a wave face behind the boat. And your mates can constantly heckle from a few metres away! Classic.
Photo: Malibu Boats
David Thorpe of Malibu Boats... testing gear!
Our boat - the Malibu Wakesetter - came complete with speakers right across the tower, so all we had to do was connect the iPod, jack the volume, crack a beer and we were laughing, surfing endless waves with our mates cheering us on from barely two feet away. No fighting for waves, No punks to drop in. Does it get any better?
ON THE GATE “We’re so excited to offer this game changing innovation to enhance the sport and build on Malibu’s legacy of industry leadership,” said David Thorpe, Marketing Manager of Malibu Boats here in Australia. “There’s nothing even close to this on the market, so come and check it out this summer.”
MALIBU BOATS Since 1995, Malibu Boats Australia has maximized your experience on the water. Whether you wakeboard, ski or just want to hang out with family and friends, they have a boat for everyone and every budget. With meticulous attention to detail and development input from today’s top pros, there’s a reason why Malibu is the number one, bestselling boat in the world. And owners will agree, there’s just something way cool about the Malibu vibe that is unmatched by any other boat. 142
CHECK IT OUT! If Kristen’s tale has got you as excited as us about giving this a go, get your fix of more information on the Malibu Boats website: www.malibuboats.com.au and keep up to date on the Facebook page - look for the “Malibu Just Ride Tour” page.
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...a Smorgasboarder field guide to some of our most common ocean loving mammals. ILLUSTRATIONS & WORDS BY CURL
THE SOUTHERN OCEAN BOOFHEAD
...relaxing in his natural environment.
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THE INNER URBAN HIPSTER Getting to the beach to record clips for his latest online web series and forum is sometimes hard to manage for such a busy young go-getter. Currently undertaking a third gap year from his multimedia and marketing course, he thought it might be a good idea to continue researching all the ideas and possibilities this new technological age has to offer. So with his pack horse full of Apple products he has saddled up like a new age cowboy for the long and exciting journey to the promised land... The digital frontier. Most days, he holds meetings and appointments at the local cafè where he can sip soy lattes, make
use of the free Wi-Fi and discuss his grand visions. He has an idea to create the ultimate interactive surfing experience that can be enjoyed online without ever having to go to the beach. It will be a collaboration that will allow all of his online friends to share their passions for beach culture, fashion, music, art and independent thinking. Users can download images of themselves doing creative and artistic things in an environment that is supportive to the emotionally fragile individual. It will be the first website of it’s kind not focusing on weather patterns and the spirit of adventure, but rather, how to find best the best lighting angles when taking a selfie.
THE FRECKLE-FACED CHOP-HOPPER Since he first showed promise among the waves as a three-year-old, this golden haired prodigy had been pushed like a broken down Kingswood in a bottleshop drive-thru. The lure of the professional surfing juggernaut drove his parents and siblings to forgo any ambitions and aspirations they might have held for themselves in order to see this dream come to fruition. (Sure this caused a build up of well concealed resentment and a robust cycle of passive-aggression within the family, but hey, sometimes you just gotta take one for the team!) The regimen of training, contests and public speaking courses was relentless but over time reaped many sweet and lucrative fruits. 146
Results and accolades piled almost as high as the expectations placed on his sinewy shoulders, and the much-lauded pro tour lured him like an Eastern Grey kangaroo into the headlights of a passing road train. Everything came to a head in a Parisian hotel room when cleaning staff discovered this semi-famous athlete comatose in a steaming tub full of lavender essential oils and assorted complimentary bath salts. It seems the young chap was in the midst of an absinth, champagne and freshly baked croissant bender when he came to sad and lonely realisation that his love of surfing had been vacuumed from his soul. He has since moved inland and now raises prizewinning Shetland ponies.
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THE FAT-GUTTED COAST HOG After recovering from an intricate quadruple bypass procedure, this one-time lawyer and his trophy wife moved to the coast in search of life’s inner meaning and high density real estate opportunities. He spends most of his waking hours in his home office brokering business deals, sucking down thick Cuban cigars and nibbling on Camembert cheese and antipasto platters. When the conditions seem just nice enough, he’ll dust off the ‘yellow beast’ and spend a relaxing afternoon at the local beginner break running down innocent children, yelling at holiday makers and getting a bit of sun on his hairy shoulders. His plans to develop a beach-fronted nature reserve have been met with stiff opposition from local residents and rate payers, yet the council seems extremely interested in the
employment opportunities and tourist dollars that such a project could create. His Aboriginal-themed casino - tentatively named ‘Electric Dreamtime’ - will feature a boomerangshaped gaming room, fully segregated food court and drinking areas and, its crowning jewel, the Rainbow Serpent Roller Coaster. Among the many objections and complaints raised, the main concern seems to be the constant shadow it will cast over the beach and surrounding hinterland and the Balinese style open air sewerage outlet that will run parallel to the foreshore boardwalk. Negotiations continue.
THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS PINK EYED MYSTIC Having grown up deep in the native forests of Australia’s North East in a communal teepee made from broom handles and recycled West African picnic blankets, it was only later in life that his love affair with the ocean began. After successfully completing a home-schooling double degree in Hydroponics and Horticulture (Honours), he set forth into the world to discover a place where his inner spirt could intertwine with his chakras and positive energy flow.
This sanctuary was found in the form of an abandoned roadhouse just ten miles off the Pacific Highway in a low-rent backwater. Over the years he turned this shell of the petroleum age into a state of the art facility that recycles chip oil into a clean and renewable fuel source in accordance with the stringent principals of permaculture and macrobiotic karma. Unfortunately, business has been slow.
With his spare time however, he has been able to retrofit a double horse float into a sprawling one-bedroom apartment with alfresco kitchen, bathroom, living and toilet facilities only a stones throw away. Always the innovator, his latest handcrafted surfboard has been designed and inspired by the hydro efficiency of the humble cuttlefish. While it is still in the developmental stages, this board has been made by painstakingly sanding and
piecing together thousands of real cuttlefish to form a board that is truly exquisite to behold. (Yes, he was very high)
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The centre provides a yoga and interpretive dance space, organic community gardens and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest freerange worm farm. In the downstairs gift shop there is a huge selection of crystals, mood rings, and other feng shui approved souvenirs. Healing the soul through surfing and yoga clinics are the Unicorn’s most popular courses and gateways to spiritual enlightenment. Participants take off on a wave and put themselves in various yoga positions until they hit the reef in a state of unadulterated bliss. Ancient poses such as “the poison donkey, “the ageing walrus” and “the mean spirited landlord” increase the
students oneness with the cosmos and its surrounding suburbs. Phase three of the complex is to be launched by the end of the year, with the soon to be completed Australian Centre of Reincarnation to have its doors open just in time for the Christmas holidays. This is obviously quite a big gamble to take as most average Australian families have very little knowledge or experience regarding the spiritual beliefs and practices that reincarnation followers adhere to. It will be interesting to see if she can make this very ambitious project work, but its worth a try... After all, you only live once!
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THE BROWN SPOTTED LEATHER SKINNED COUGAR Found mostly in warmer Northern climates with high median house prices, this graceful and alluring creature is often found basking in the generous glow of financially established older gentlemen. These men tend to be captain of industry types with plenty of material possessions and disposable income, high pressure jobs and long hours. There are plenty of lengthy absences for business related trips and a continual need to network on the
golf course. This is what sparked a keen interest in fit young surfers. So with plenty of spare time on her hands, and an original Greg Noll classic strapped to the Lexus, she heads to the beach looking for some fun, sun and frivolity.
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Her ‘acquaintances’ are usually met when she asks for a little help rubbing sun screen on that hard to reach place between her shoulders. “My,” she might say, “You have quite broad shoulders from all that surfing young man.” And as another victim falls helplessly into her wrinkled clutches, there will be surfing lessons, clandestine meetings and secret rendezvous all up and down the coast. If her latest catch is particularly able, he might be whisked away to the timeshare in Fiji or French Polynesia where they will drink fine liquor and feast on exotic seafood while cruising aboard a chartered yacht around deserted islands. Unfortunately, this poor young surfer will be left as empty as an eaten crustacean.
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SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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THE PURPLE NOSED BURNOUT To look at this specimen, it is hard to believe that he was once, in fact, a surfer of very high skill and ability. Growing up in a small and sleepy coastal town and living only a drop punt away from the beach meant that, unbeknown to him, he was enjoying a life of surfing nirvana. Sure it was a case of right place, right time, but how was he to know he was living such a blessed and dreamlike existence. A youth spent surfing by himself or with one or two friends, no crowds, good fishing and not a care in the world. But then they came, surely but slowly over the years, turning by increments, the dream into the nightmare. High rises now cast their evil shadow over his family home’s
grave, the beaches are clogged and the boat ramp is chaos because every bloody knob seems to have a jet ski, or as he calls them ‘the blow flies of the seas.” So all he seems to do now is drink and lament and feel bitter. “Dream of those days when the point used to crank like a machine, when you used to pull in 50 whiting in a mornings fishing, when you could have shot a gun up the middle of the main street and not hit a bloody soul... Those were the days, Sonny Jim, those were the days. Now he spends most of his leisure time at the golf course working on his double figure handicap - still a surfer at his core, but just too bitter at the world for turning.
“...EVERY BLOODY KNOB SEEMS TO HAVE A JET SKI”
THE GOLDEN EUROPEAN TOSSER This Austrian speaking Swede from Norway has been working his way around Australia for the last decade on an international Zumba visa. From Bondi, Broome to Byron he has been ‘bringing his love to ze women’ with Fitness and Fondue classes that he holds on nudist beaches all over the continent. While working with molten cheese and wobbling lady flesh can have it’s challenges, his classes are always well attended and extremely popular, especially with grey nomad foodie types. A staple on the Backpackers scene, he can be found holding court at the bar, re-telling stories to impressionable female travellers about his adventures in the old country. The tale about 150
him saving a family of cross-eyed Tibetan mountain goats from a particularly hungry snow wolf seems to get him the most action. While surfing is a mere bi-product of the shallow lifestyle he chooses to pursue, it does help keep his triceps toned and his hair a lovely shade of copper blonde. His evenly tanned skin, will alas, become riddled with an aggressive and painful strain of melanoma. But for the minute, he’s living every young man’s dream following the sun and enjoying the company of an endless stream of willing female partners while living in a shared bunk house that smells like a damp Ugg boot.
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THE INLAND REDNECK GUZZLER
KAIKOURA SURF
Arriving at the height of summer, this loud-mouthed species of the Bogan family comes to the beach on the annual holiday to let the sea breeze blow through his mullet while drinking frosty rum and cola bottles under the harsh Australian sun. He drags his trusty board out from under the house and chucks it in the back of the ute for the three-hour pilgrimage to the coast where for the next two weeks he and his mates have BBQs, play beach cricket, get blind and punch people in the face. This true blue, fair dinkum bunch of Aussie battlers are just fun-loving larrikins, that’s for sure. The board might go out for spin every now and again, but surfing in footy shorts tends to leave a bit of chaffing on the old plums. The twin fin seems to be used more often as a makeshift table to keep the pies and Chiko rolls from getting too much sand on them.
On colder days, these boys can be found in their V8s doing doughnuts in the car park while someone’s on the roof chucking a browneye... Classic. One time Johnno, Stevo, Jonesey and Moose bet a slab of Bundy cans that Mick couldn’t eat a urinal cake straight out the trough at the local RSL .Good old Mick scoffed it down to win the tins, but you should have seen the chunder! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi!
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF BOARDS, HIRE BOARDS & WETSUIT HIRE! At KAIKOURA SURF, the South Island’s iconic surf shop, we stock all the major brands, including JS Surfboards, Volcom, O’Neill, Billabong, Rusty to name a few...
WE HAVE A GREAT RANGE OF SURFBOARDS, WETSUITS AND STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS. Surfkaikoura’s iconic prints in mens and womens are available in store: t-shirts, hoodies crews, caps and more. Hire all you need to get the most out of your stay in Kaikoura. We’ve got a huge range of surfboards - paddle boards snorkel gear - quality mountain bikes plus much more!
KAIKOURA SURF Kaikoura, NZ
P: +64 3 319 7173 E: info@kaikourasurf.co.nz
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WWW.SURFKAIKOURA.CO.NZ SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Jake Colreavy. Photo: Jack Dekort
lum son Coo a e r d nd o o g ny up a There’s a m o s cing stars... is produ f r u s g comin There’s quality, consistent point and beach breaks with relatively uncrowded waves catering for surfers of all levels! Combine this with a friendly, down-to-earth surf community and a local shopping village where everything is centrally located and you have the perfect holiday destination for surfing families, couples and groups. Here are your top choices for accommodation and more. Just make sure to tell them SMORGASBOARDER sent you! NEXT EVENT: Golden Days Festival Saturday, November 2
COOLUM BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
THE SHOP FOODSTORE
COOLUM HOLIDAYS
Situated in a great patrolled surf beach location and close to shops and clubs catering for all camping options.
Open every day 5.30am (for your surf wax, combs, leg ropes!) through to 9.30pm.
EXECUTIVE ACCOMMODATION Managing over 25 executive beach homes and apartments from Twin Waters through to Coolum Beach, we have the perfect property to indulge all of your needs while on vacation. Each tastefully decorated with a high standard of facilities including pool, air conditioning, bbq and pay television. From $1300 a week, shorter stays available
There are 133 powered caravan sites each with concrete slab for your annex, 30 powered tent sites perched on top of the dunes with uninterrupted views out to the ocean, 71 unpowered tent sites and 6 modern villas in the park. Ph: 07 5446 1474 1827 David Low Way, Coolum Beach SUNSHINECOASTHOLIDAYPARKS.COM.AU
We sell all groceries, organic, gluten free, snack foods, gourmet treats, phone credit, internet access. THE SHOP has local knowledge, local products, and local staff, on the esplanade, opposite the surf club. We are the local one stop shop. PH: Ph: 0400301078 E: theshopcoolum@hotmail.com FACEBOOK.COM/THESHOPCOOLUM
PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION Enjoy a stress free holiday knowing your pet is safe with you. We have 30 holiday homes that specialise in the right accommodation for you and your pooch. $110.00 non-refundable pet fee applies. From $490 a week shorter stays available. HOLIDAY APARTMENTS Great deals on one, two and three bedroom self contained apartments. We’ill help you find the perfect apartment to relax in. From $490 a week shorter stays available. PH: 1300 303 423 WWW.COOLUMHOLIDAYS.COM.AU
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This is seaside luxury right on Coolum Beach. These self contained luxury Coolum Beach apartments combine the best of urban chic and beachside living.
One of Australia’s finest all encompassing resort destinations sprawling over 150 hectares. Accommodation is set amongst natural bushland, lakes and gardens. Superb leisure facilities include an 18-hole championship golf course, the largest day spa in the southern hemisphere, tennis centre with 7 floodlit courts, 9 sparkling swimming pools, direct access to a privately patrolled beach, Kids Club, Activities Centre and dining options are aplenty.
Winners of the 2013 Best Club on the Sunshine Coast and Clubs QLD Chef of the Year, Coolum Surf Club delivers a premium club experience to all members and guests by offering excellent dining and entertainment right on Coolum Beach with stunning beachfront views.
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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. PH: 1300 139 744 1808 David Low Way, Coolum Beach ELEMENTONCOOLUMBEACH.COM.AU
They provide something for everyone whether it be lunch, dinner, pizza or coffee served out on the deck. We also offer members and visitors a great bar with an extensive wine list, TAB, Keno, 48 fantastic pokies, and live entertainment Friday and a DJ every Saturday night to help you dance the night away. Our member facilities are open from 10am daily until midnight on Friday and Saturday night and until 10pm all other nights. Coolum Surf Club is becoming well known for fantastic food with views to match.
PALMERCOOLUMRESORT.COM.AU
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GEAR: THE SHORT OF IT WORDS: DAVE SWAN
HOW
SHORTCAN YOU GO?
Many performance boards of late have gone shorter, fatter and wider but just how far can this trend progress? Tully St John of Shotgun Surfboards has taken his designs to new heights... Or quite the opposite, we should say. The Tunnel Rat (you have to love the name) stands a mere 4’6”. But this is no retro-inspired design - the aim of this board is to take high performance surfing to a new level. Tully talks us through the Rat’s tale. “We decided to truly step things down a little and create a board
that really works in all sorts of conditions. It is a shortened down, stubby version of the performance shortboards we have been making. “There have been a few people playing around of late in the low 5 foot range and they appear to have had a bit of success. Where
this design is really different to everything else is that it is down in the mid 4 foot range and working for an 80kg surfer. A younger guy could probably go even shorter again. “The channels, size and outline all combine so this board surfs like a performance board as
opposed to a retro, which is common with a lot of smaller boards today. You have to nurse them along to turn, whereas with this, you can really drive off the tail. It’s not just a little toy to cruise along on.”
Rat Run, Tully St John. Photo: Dave Gleeson, SurfShotsNoosa. Supplied courtesy of Noosa Surf Works
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DEVELOPMENT
“Dad (Mike St John) and I collaborated on the design and handshaped it from start to finish. The board’s design necessitates it is completely handshaped.
Only 4’6” long!
“Dad was particularly influential with regards to the channels, having been involved in glassing and sanding hundreds of them back in the late ‘70s with Phil Fraser down in Mona Vale. My input was to see the board take on a high performance look and feel..”
FEATURES
“I have made quite a few now and am happy with the thickness. They have just the right amount of chunk to them. But it’s the channels that make the really big difference to these boards through turns, giving you drive off the bottom.”
were in the middle. We have shorter ones in the middle and the longer ones are near the rail so they spiral back the opposite way delivering more bite on the rail, as opposed to the middle of the board.”
“The channels deliver the hold and traction that is usually lacking in a board of this size. The earlier versions of the Tunnel Rat that I made without channels were a bit too skatey. You didn’t have that holding power. As soon as the channels went in it was like a green light went on and the boards really worked.
THE TAIL
“The deep swallow tail, squared off on the end, gives you a board with plenty of hold that will release at the right time and place on the wave. It bites in at the bottom and top when you need it to, but then doesn’t stick or grab. Rather, it releases due to the loose plan shape and shortness of the board. What you get is a board that delivers drive and direction from the tail yet still flows through the sections.”
Squared off swallow
“I always found channel bottoms great for tuberiding in perfect conditions, but a little tracky in less than perfect conditions. I think with this design we have found a perfect home for them. We have reversed the channels from days gone by when the longer channels
BENEFITS
“Plus, it is an exceptional board for tube riding. It puts you right in the slot from the start. The chunk in the middle makes it easy to get straight into the sweetspot of the wave and gets you through dead sections easily. Too thin, and they just don’t glide over the fatter sections of the wave.
“Surprisingly enough, it really releases off the top of the wave due to the width of the board and let’s you get into the air really easy. The width also provides heaps of stability when you are landing airs.”
ROCKER
“It features a 5-fin setup so you can ride it as a thruster or a quad. Personally, I have been riding it as a thruster.”
“Our experimentation over a long period in time has developed a board for the future. It’ll really open up people’s minds to drawing different lines on a wave. I can just see young guys going absolutely crazy, really pushing into new areas with their tricks.
WIDTH CHANNELS
FIN SET UP
“The board features a much flatter rocker with just a bit of nose lift right at the tip. The flatter rocker ensures you don’t push water. When combined with all the curves and contours I have worked into the bottom of the board, it made me realise there is a lot more to these boards in the 4ft range than I first thought.”
“Its size also makes it the perfect ‘traveller’ board. Nice and compact.”
REACTIONS
“When I have taken it out, people have said, ‘What the hell is that thing?’ Then they’ve seen me get waves and are blown away by what it can do.”
THE WRAP
We’re excited. Give the Tunnel Rat a run - we can;t wait to. Who said good things don’t come in small packages? For more information, call Tully on 07 5474 4567 noosasurfworks.com.au
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
5’8” x 23 1/8” x 2 5/8”
5’4 ‘’x 22’’x 17’’x 16’’x 2 ¾’’
6’0” x 21” x 2 ½”
5’11” x 19” x 2 3/8”
POCKET PUNCHA
5’4’’ QUAD FIN FISH
STUBBYLICIOUS
THE PANDA
This is a revised replica of an ‘80s board made for me by Dale Ponsford. featuring a double flyer pintail, single into double concave with slight vee exit in the tail. Suits fast, sucky, tubing waves - equally good in average conditions. A real all-rounder.
Flat, fast and super-fun, this is perfect for waves 4ft and under, both offshore and onshore. Can be customized to suit surfers of all size and abilities.
Comes free with a beard kit and attachable beaver tail for your wetsuit.
Good all round board for small to medium waves. It has a single concave running into a vee behind the fins, making this board more responsive through turns.
X5
Light 6oz/4oz trimmed lap glass job with copper resin tint. A full gloss coat and wet rubbed finish and an FCS quad fin setup. Art by Tiphaine De Fleurette.
by Michael Watkins
CONSTRUCTION
by Jordie Brown
A quad but can be ridden as a thruster. Southcoast Foam mega light blank with carbon strips for added strength. Includes Neepro Traktor pads - two colours.
SHAPER COMMENT
Before I shape a board for you, I want a thorough understanding of what you ride and how you ride it, what improvements you want from your board and surfing, and go right into the science of it, I want the board I make to deliver what you’re after!
Ph: 0415 234 806
www.facebook.com/pages/ NEE-PRO-Kneeboard-Surfing
neepro.blogspot.com.au 156
CONSTRUCTION
X4
SHAPER COMMENT
This style is my everyday board in summer. It never fails to perform in whatever the ocean throws at me!
HIGH TIDE SURFBOARDS Skenes Creek, Vic 3233 Ph: 0401 437 392 E: hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com www.hightidesurfboards.com
By Jesse Watson
CONSTRUCTION
1+Bs
6/4oz deck, 6oz bottom with hipsters paint panel inlay, Volan flex fin and mini sidebites.
SHAPER COMMENT
THE board for summer. So far past retro, it’s verging on postmodern. Next week it’ll be in rehab - it’s THAT COOL. Super fast, super sick, super cool. you know you want it. Look of feined interest not included.
BLACK APACHE SURFBOARDS Ph: 0410 419 791
blackapachesurfboards@live.com.au blackapachesurfboards.com.au
by Graham Carse
CONSTRUCTION
100% Handshaped!
X3
SHAPER COMMENT
This one’s a great addition to your quiver!
QUARRY BEACH SURFBOARDS
75 David St, Caversham, Dunedin NZ
Ph: +64 3 455 7414 M: +64 27 518 8678 www.qbsurfboards.com
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS 6’2” x 20” x 2 ½”
5’6” x 19 ¾” x 2 ½”
Full Custom
Full custom, 6’5”- 8’
LEAF (SINGLE FIN)
SEA HAWK
THE KILLER EGG
B-29 SUPERFORTRESS
For sweeping turns and straight line charges, this is a single fin... for stylers, available as a full custom order.
Twin or quad fish available in full custom, great for small to head high surf. Traditional fishes usually incorporate a swallow or deep swallow-tail, which increases your wave catching ability and provides a great looser feel, but it’s possible to evolve the fish for more performance. I‘ve been trying out different tail shapes and fins/keels and it has been very rewarding.
The Killer Egg is a hybrid quad ideal for all-round surf,small to head high. Recommended to be around 4-5 inches shorter than your height.
by Yoshiro Takeda
CONSTRUCTION
X1
PU foam and polyester resin with glass on single fin or box
SHAPER COMMENT
My modern version of the single fin. I’ve been developing this simple one fin board for quite a long time. This board is for everyone. It transforms your competitive mind to a more peaceful mind. A pure fun board and perfect for learning to surf with style. It’s good to have one in your quiver.
by Yoshiro Takeda
CONSTRUCTION
by Yoshiro Takeda
CONSTRUCTION
X4
EPS with epoxy resin with FCS or Future quads.
SHAPER COMMENT
A best seller – a must have board. You will fly on this!
2 or 4
PU foam and polyester resin, with original wooden keel, or Futures or FCS.
by Yoshiro Takeda
Versatile quad for very small to double overhead point breaks.
CONSTRUCTION
X4
Quarter inch Redwood stringer, PU foam and Polyester resin. FCS or Futures quads.
SHAPER COMMENT
After working on the tracker single fin shape for a few of my friends, I got inspired to develop a future hybrid model built for speed and extra maneuverability for better performance.
SHAPER COMMENT
A Supersonic fast board. TAKEDA CREATIONS Ph: 0433 179 836
www.takeda.com.au
www.facebook.com/takedacreations SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
5’9” x 19 ¾” x 2 ½” 30.5 L vol
6’3” x 21” x 2 ¾” 39L vol
5’9” x 19 ¾” x 2 3/8”
5’8” x 19 ¼” x 2 ¼”
PADDLE POP
FOAM FRIENDS
ROCKET-VEE
F-22 ROCKET TAIL.
The R-V is by far the fastest, smoothest board I have ridden. It’s a small to medium wave board that suits all levels of ability. It has a medium single concave under the front foot, spiraling into a deep vee double concave through the tail. Surfs tight and and fast off the back foot with power to burn for those speed runs down the line.
The F-22 is the most versatile rocker I have. It’s the base for several of my summer models. Having a deep single double concave makes the F-22 really fly. It has nice tail rocker for getting vertical in the slop. Can be ridden as a normal board too. As all the boards I do are custom orders you can choose your own tail shape colours and dimensions. It’s too easy.
by Steve Morris
With a single to double concave with vee out the tail double bump squash tail, it’s a small wave grovel enhancer.
CONSTRUCTION
X5
PU foam with 4oz bottom, 2 x 4oz deck resin tint wet rub finish. FCS X2 thruster/quad combo
SHAPER COMMENT
Super-responsive with plenty of volume hidden away (30.5L) Custom dimensions available.
by Steve Morris
Excels in small waves. Wide nose for wave entry and a smooth curvy outline into a round pin. Extra bite and area behind the fins giving control and release in small pocket sections,while the full single concave gives it some zip.
CONSTRUCTION
X5
PU foam with a 6oz bottom and 6/4 oz deck. FCS X2 thruster/ quad combo.
SHAPER COMMENT
Our most popular ordered model from 5’5” to 7’0”
MORRIS SURFBOARDS Unit 3 / 590 Whangaparaoa Rd Stanmore Bay Auckland NZ Ph: +64 (0)21 994 916 E: steve@morris-surfboards.co.nz www.morris-surfboards.co.nz 158
by Lee Cheyne
CONSTRUCTION
3 or 4
Burford Blanks, Silmar resin and Surf 9, Hexcel S cloth, with FCS or Futures.
by Lee Cheyne
CONSTRUCTION
3 or 4
Burford Blanks, Hexcel S cloth, with FCS or Futures.
LEE CHEYNE DESIGNS Ph: 0403 655 316 E: orders@leecheynesurfboards.com www.leecheynesurfboards.com Lee Cheyne Surfboards on Facebook
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS 6’10” x 20 ¾” x 2 ¾”
6’6” x 21 ½” x 2 5/8”
5’7” x 20 ½” x 2 ¼”
6’2” x 20 ½” x 2 ½”
SINGLE WITH SIDES
MINI NOSERIDER
DIGITAL SUNRISE
MP SWALLOWTAIL
Modern fun single fin. You can ride with just single fin or with side fins as well.
Deep single through the nose, deep scooped vee running off the tail. Low rocker throughout until a late tail kick.
Good for the working surfer. Short, fast and skatey. Flatter rocker. Single to double concave.
by Mark Rabbidge
CONSTRUCTION
1+2
Made here in Ulladulla. Resin tints or paint. Choice of box or glass-on fin.
SHAPER COMMENT
Catch lots of waves. Smooth out your style, but mostly have fun.
by Rory Oke
CONSTRUCTION
X4
Ocean Foam handshaped blank, 6oz cloth with a polished finish.
SHAPER COMMENT
Ultra responsive surfing off the tail and perfect for those two step nose rides!
by Dino Tziolis
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. Custom made to order. Digital sunrise print photos by Melissa Mruck 0418 823 865. Great for display and company advertising.
by Dino Tziolis
MP swallow tail single fin. Template off MP original. Classic for Burleigh or Kirra. Light to heavy vee in the tail.
CONSTRUCTION
3, 4 OR 5
6 x 6 x 6oz glass or 6 x 4 x 6oz. PU core, full polish, custom sprays or digital prints.
SHAPER COMMENT Custom made to order.
SHAPER COMMENT Great for summer beachies
RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN Ph: 02 4456 4038 M: 0427 767 176 Bendalong, NSW markrabbidge.com Email: sales@markrabbidge.com
OKE SURFBOARDS 1/1-7 Canterbury Rd, Braeside, VIC, 3195 Ph: 03 9587 3553 www.okesurfboards.com
INTRUDER SURFBOARDS Unit 7, 37 Hillcrest Pde, Miami, QLD 4220 Ph: 0409 727 735 E: dinosdings@gmail.com SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
FREE SHIPPING!*
From 5’9” - 6’1”
6’5” x 18 ½” x 2 ¼”
THE 4X5 COMBO
ROUNDED PINTAIL
by Ian Byrne
By Neil Walsh
Channel bottom combined with a shorter, wider highperformance board. 5-fins a must for variety. Works in any conditions, from 2-6ft+.
This board is best suited to solid waves - ideal for indo. It features a single to double with slight vee tail release.
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
X5
X3
Burford PU blank 4 x 4oz deck and 4oz bottom. FCS fins.
Double 4oz on deck, single 4oz on bottom, with carbon inlays.
SHAPER COMMENT
SHAPER COMMENT
Quick off the mark, higher top end speed with the maneuverability of a performance shortboard.
This is the board you need when the swell kicks in!
6’9”x 22 ¾” x 3”
6’9” LK
by Burford Blanks
The LK is a great blank to shape thicker wider shortboards or fish-style boards.
If you want a original mid-70s single fin, this is the blank.
CONSTRUCTION
We pride ourselves on our consistency. Only the highest quality foam and materials go into every Burford blank, along with over 50 years of experience.
COMMENT
*FREE SHIPPING! Australia-wide on
all Mt Woodgee stock boards up to 6’8! (Excludes Movement and clearance boards)
160
NATIVE HABITAT SURFBOARDS Neil Walsh Cunjurong Point, NSW M: 0407 499 872
7’0” DON
by Burford Blanks
This blank has been in manufacture since 1985. Ph: 07 5535 0288 www.mtwoodgee.com.au Join us on Facebook Stores at Coolangatta, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads
7’0” x 22 5/16” x 3 3/8”
CONSTRUCTION
We pride ourselves on our consistency. Only the highest quality foam and materials go into every Burford blank, along with over 50 years of experience.
COMMENT
The original single fin blank from 1975 - NOT A REMAKE.
BURFORD BLANKS 5 Stewart Rd, Currumbin QLD 4223 Ph: (07) 5534 3777
SMORGASBOARDER | JUL/AUG 2013
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
r ee you nt to s a w u ? o Do y online esigned board d
ANYTHING YOU IMAGINE
6’0” x 20 ½” x 2 ¾”
6’6” x 19 ½” x 2 5/8”
From 5’- 7’
CUSTOM DESIGNS
THE LONER
SMARTBOARD 2 V2FLEX By Mitchell Rae
ALLROUNDER
BY GERAGHTYSHAPES.COM
EXPERIENCE EVERY PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS ONLINE AND UNDERSTAND YOUR SURFBOARD BETTER. Let me walk you through the design process via Skype. You get to be involved in every part of your board’s design - from planshape right through to the decals, all without leaving your home. By understanding your board’s performance, through this process, you can become a better and smarter surfer.
GERAGHTY SHAPES
Dean: 0422 442 044 E: info@geraghtyshapes.com www.geraghtyshapes.com
by Mike Bilton
Low entry rocker, into a double concave, through to a big tail vee.
CONSTRUCTION
1, 2 OR 3
4oz bottom 4oz + 4oz on the deck. Epoxy available.
SHAPER COMMENT
This is a blend of new and old shapes - a real hybrid. Single, twin or thruster options radically change the ride you get out of this one board, making it a great addition to any quiver. Suits most moods and conditions with a simple fin change. Available in a range of sizes.
PH: (07) 5607 0211 M: 0431 042 507 Unit 2/8 Ramly drive Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 mike@biltonsurf.com www.biltonsurf.com
Good planing area and fast, low rocker with twin vee/ single concave bottom shape. Extremely fast, loose and versatile all rounder. Above: thruster for Matt (83 kg). We do a lot of customs in this style, set up as quads - my favourite .
CONSTRUCTION
3 OR 4
Light or strong glassing on PU foam. Fitted with our own SwitchBlades Fins - drag free and lightning fast. Custom order through the size range. Works very well in the shorter lengths.
OUTER ISLAND SURFBOARDS 7 Bayldon Drive, Raleigh, NSW Ph: 02 6655 7007 info@outerislandsurfboards.com outerislandsurfboards.com outerisland.blogspot.com
Shotgun Surfboards
Supa-fast bottom, fused with a nice loose planshape.
CONSTRUCTION
3, 4 OR 5
PU or epoxy using all A1 Burford blanks.
SHAPER COMMENT
This is the one-board quiver. Supa-fast and responsive.
NOOSA SURF WORKS PH: (07) 5474 4567 1/11 Bartlett St Noosaville QLD 4566 Info@noosasurfworks.com.au noosasurfworks.com.au JUL/AUG 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
From 5’ - 12’
8FT DRIFTWOOD
THE JAX
To be made by... YOU!
by Paul Winter/Fuyu
A complete range of build-yourown kits from 5’6”fish to 12’ SUPs. If you did woodwork, played Lego or ever built a jigsaw puzzle, then you can build a board with these kits. Kits are CNC-cut for perfect shape and have been tried, tested and refined to create performance surfboards, not wall-hangers!
Traditional noserider/log rocker, square or rounded pin. Nose concave, semi-flat through midsection planing area to rolled bottom through tail. 50/50 rails, refined through tail and nose. Custom orders are our specialty.
YOU DECIDE
CONSTRUCTION
X1
Your first board will take around 30-40 hours. Some can build in a week, others take months, but the satisfaction is the same - pure stoke! Disclaimer: Responsibility for wives/husbands/ girlfriends/boyfriends annoyance at the lack of quality time spent with aforementioned partner not taken by Surfing Green or any of its affiliates during the construction of your board.
SHAPER COMMENT
SURFING GREEN Coolum Beach, QLD Mobile: 0412 042 811 surfinggreen.com.au
From 9’6” - 10’
From 9’1”- 10’’
THE LOG
EASY RIDER
Laguna Bay Longboards
Hand-shaped Burford foam with cedar stringers with tints/ pigments and quality glass/resin from USA. 6 x 4 + fin patch and 6 x 6 deck with polished finish. Fin box with Greenough 10”/A4 fin.
CONSTRUCTION
162
9’6” x 23 1/8” x 3”
An old school log with a modern touch.
CONSTRUCTION
X1
Performance continual flow rocker with accentuated kick. Fuller outline with double concave into vee.
All 6 0z glass or Volan. Tints, pigments for the colour of your choice.
Best quality materials available in gloss or matte finish
SHAPER COMMENT
SHAPER COMMENT
This board is a great allround log. Trims and turns well, and is an amazing noserider.
Turns on a dime, excels on the nose. An all-round beautiful thing for the peeling points of Noosa.
FUYU SURFBOARDS M: 0418 884 242 www.fuyusurfboards.com
by Max Taylor
NOOSA SURF WORKS PH: (07) 5474 4567 1/11 Bartlett St Noosaville QLD 4566 Info@noosasurfworks.com.au noosasurfworks.com.au
CONSTRUCTION
1 +2
The easiest longboard in the country to ride! As the name suggests, the Easy Rider is effortless to surf in all conditions and suits all styles of surfers. The ‘soft tail’ of surfboards, the Deluxe is suitable for older/heavier surfers and the Pro Series ll for younger/lighter surfers.
MAX TAYLOR SURFBOARDS Ph: 0414 674 953
maxtaylorsurfboards.com
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS 5’9” x19 ¼” x 2 5/16” and 26 l
9’8” x 23 ¾” x 3 1/8”
9’1” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾”
6’1” x 20”x 2 ½”
HOT LOG
THE NOSE RIDER
‘70s LOVE CHILD
by Steve Del Rosso
by Steve Del Rosso
This is my most popular model and one of the best all round boards. It has a smooth rocker that has heaps of drive. It goes well in small and solid waves and has a fuller outline so it can be ridden shorter than a high performance shortboard.
This is the model log that won a QLD and Aussie title. It has a flat rocker chime rail in the nose with single concave,vee in the tail with 50/50 rail.
The Nose Rider has a wide outline from nose to square tail with a slight hip three quarters of the way down. Single concave in the nose, with a rolled vee running through the tail and low 50/50 rails.
The ‘70s Love Child is a single fin, single concave, single flyer pintail take on ‘70s single fins. The wider nose outline helps with paddling and the flat rocker helps maintain speed.
BOSTON SWITCH
CONSTRUCTION
3 or 4
Foam, fibreglass, carbon patches and pro finish.
SHAPER COMMENT
It’s the perfect board for a one-board quiver.
CONSTRUCTION
By Dan Bekis
X1
PU foam with resin tints by @theladyofmanycolours.
SHAPER COMMENT
It noserides with ease, turns like a high performance longboard, and trims at whatever speed you would like it to - in a lot more places on the wave face than the average log.
CLEAR WATER SURFBOARDS Factory: Currumbin QLD Retail Store: Shop 1/10 Oasis Drive, Secret Harbour, WA 6173 Ph: 08 9524 8636 www.cwsurfboards.com
CONSTRUCTION
X1
PU foam. Volan glass with deck patches, tinted resin and gloss polish finish. Single fin box or glass on fin.
SHAPER COMMENT
A re-creation of the ‘60s classic nose riders, for waves from half a foot to head-high.
By Dan Bekis
CONSTRUCTION
X1
PU foam with 4oz bottom and 2 x 4oz deck with resin tints and custom fabric inlays. Gloss polished finish and choose from 10” fin box or glassed on fin.
SHAPER COMMENT
This is a born-again single fin - the outline of a ‘70’s board with a slight modern-day twist, ideal for waist-high to overhead waves.
DJB SURFBOARDS 1/1 Mitchell Rd Brookvale NSW Ph: 0417 674 257 www.djbsurfboards.com.au SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
5’10” x 19 ¼” x 2 ¼”
9’8” x 23” x 3”
From 5’5” to 8’
7’6’’ x 21 ½” x 2 ½”
POP TOP
GRUGSTEP SQUARE
HYDRO HULL FISH
MR CHARISMA
Shorter and wider, full rounded square and flat rocker helps glide over flat sections but still allow for pocket surfing when waves pick up. Still enough rocker for big airs and big turns.
Heavy glassed square nose sidewalk noserider. Thin, round, forgiving rails with a flat rocker and square nose provides the ultimate combo for noseriding. 9’6” through to 9’10” available
Dick Van Straalen shapes each custom made balsa surfboard with passion and vision in such a way to create a unique life or spirit for each craft. No two are alike. For the astute buyer or rider, they will bring a special joy that belongs to those who know and love the force that can be found in the sea.
Mr. Charisma is a stylishly simple mid-length single fin, specifically for small peelers and point breaks.
Matt Williams | THE FACTORY
CONSTRUCTION
X3
Highest quality foam and fibreglass, glassed on fin.
SHAPER COMMENT
Perfect for Sunny Coast conditions.
Matt Williams | THE FACTORY
CONSTRUCTION
X1
Highest quality foam and fibreglass, glassed on fin.
SHAPER COMMENT
This board comes from seven years of shaping with Tom Wegener. If you want a floating platform to run up and down on, this is it.
THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS 17 Allen Street, Caloundra QLD Ph: 07 5492 5838 E: Williams.h.m@hotmail.com
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by Dick Van Straalen
CONSTRUCTION
X2
These are made using the finest South American balsa, laminated over a styrofoam core for strength and lightness.
DICK VAN STRAALEN 7/3 Ramly Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Ph: 0409 262 729 www.dickvanstraalen.com facebook.com/classicwaterman
by Dave Porter | TREEHOUSE
CONSTRUCTION
X1
Lightweight stringerless EPS foam blank. Locally-sourced Hoop Pine deck laminate, Durable epoxy resin, ‘S’ glass, with glass-on fin or fin box.
SHAPER COMMENT
Step back, drop the knee; step forward, trim. It’s all about doing less and doing it with flair. A gentle rocker throughout with a little more in the tail provides the trim. A refined tail and rails provide the necessary responsiveness. 100% hand shaped. Full custom service.
TREEHOUSE HANDSHAPES Ph: 0415 925 739
E: dave@treehousehandshapes.com
treehousehandshapes.com
17/09/13 12:43 AM
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS Yes, 4 1 /8” !
7’11” x 23 ½” x 4 1/8”
THE OUTLINE
THE F.C.
By Glenn ‘Cat’ Collins
by Ralph Riddell
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...
SHAPER COMMENT
Super Model Size
X3
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 and 30kg ago, but you don’t want to ride a mal... All is not lost my friend! The FC could be for you!
Glenn Cat Super Models available this summer, only at UNDERGROUND SURF. THE OUTLINE styled from the 1977 to 1989 era. THE BLACK LABEL for fans of 1990 to 1999. SOMETHING FUNCTIONALLY TRIPPY: 2000 onwards.
SUNSHINE COAST ORDERS: UNDERGROUND SURF 3/77 Noosa Dve, Noosa Heads Ph: 07 5455 4444
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+ CoLAB IS THE HOME OF...
SURFBOARD SHAPERS: CONTACT US FOR OUR AWESOME RANGE OF PLUGS AND FINS!
GOLD COAST ORDERS: RALPH RIDDELL SHAPES
12/48 Machinery Dr, Tweed Heads Ph: 0412 828 848 retroralph@hotmail.com
IN-HOUSE SHAPING SURFBOARD MACHINE CUTTING SERVICE CUSTOM SURFBOARDS CUSTOM LAMINATING CUSTOM ARTWORK HURRICANE SURF ACCESSORIES
UNDERGROUND SURF 3/77 Noosa Dve, Noosa Heads Ph: 07 5455 4444 undergroundsurf.com.au Like us on Facebook
10 TEXTILE AVE WARANA QLD 4575
(07) 5493 3539
17/09/13 12:43 AM
Any size - Custom
Any size - Custom
THE ISLANDER
THE STUBBIE
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.
Michael Cundith
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 SURF DESIGNS 3 Banksia Dve, Byron Bay Industrial Estate, BYRON BAY Ph: 02 6685 8778 info@mcsurf.com.au www.mcsurf.com.au 166
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.
5’8”
5’2’’ x 20”x 2 5/16”= 28l
RETRO SINGLE
SHOVEL HEAD
Leighton Clark | CLARK SURFBOARDS
Revisiting all-time classic design, this retro-style single fin is sleek and stylish.
CONSTRUCTION
X1
6oz resin tint glassing with a gloss polish finish. Custom art and digital graphics available.
SHAPER COMMENT
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.
by Chris Garrett
Born from a constant desire to reinvent, tweak and push design, and inspired by my year living in Indonesia... The Shovel head has a hull under the nose feeding into a triple concave out the tail. It’s flat rockered with the fins set up more as fouruster than a quad.
CONSTRUCTION
X4
Burford blanks, Surf 9 fabric and Silmar resin. Quad fin, CGA front and CGQL rears.
SHAPER COMMENT
One of the funnest highperformance boards that I’ve ridden for a while. CLARK SURFBOARDS NOW IN A NEW LOCATION Units 7 and 8, 9 Chapman Road Hackham SA 5163 E: leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au M: 0422 443 789 Available at www.onboardsurf.com.au
Ph: 0424 450 690 phantomsurfboards@gmail.com chrisgarrettshapes.com.au Available at SUNHOUSE, 41 McClean St, Coolangatta.
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GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
Entropy Bio Resin Super Sap CLR
•
A low viscosity, low colour and UV stable clear liquid epoxy resin system
•
Performance grade eco resin
•
Reduced environmental impact
•
Safe and pleasant to use – low odour, low VOC’s
6’10” x 21” x 2 ¾”
From 5’5” to 8’
THE BIG BOY
TURBO CONCAVE FISH by Tony Dempsey
by Tony Dempsey
First designed in the early ‘90s when big guys only had mini mals to surf on.Tony introduced this design to free up and let bigger boys enjoy their surfing without those restrictions.
CONSTRUCTION
X5
PU blank and resin, A-grade materials. Quad-plus-one.
SHAPER COMMENT
They said it couldn’t be done - a big guy’s board to give shortboard performance. Bullsh*t! On one of these you will be smilin’ while you’re stylin’.
UNDERGROUND SURF 3/77 Noosa Dve, Noosa Heads Ph: 07 5455 4444 E: kirra@undergroundsurf.com.au www.undergroundsurf.com.au
100% hand shaped, highperformance fish.
CONSTRUCTION
3-5
PU blank and resin, A-grade materials. Tri-fin or Quad-plusone concept.
SHAPER COMMENT
This design was initially made for Dave Reardon Smith, being a top aerial surfer. It gave him higher speed on the face of the wave, a higher running line and more power out of turns. 100% Aussie-made from the Underground shaping bay.
Available in Australia from
info@surfinggreen.com.au 0412 042 811
Like us on Facebook
surfinggreen.com.au SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Gus says:
Photo: Mark Chapman
GEAR: TESTS
“THE PROPULSION SYSTEM REALLY CAME IN USEFUL FOR GETTING BACK OUT AND FIGHTING THE SWEEP, WHICH MEANT MORE WATER TIME AND MORE WAVES.”
(DON’T) FIGHT THE POWER
SMORGASBOARDER TEST-TEAM ELITE - GUS BROWN AND MICK HUGHES - EXPERIENCE THE PADDLE-ASSIST POWER OF POWERBOARDS WORDS: GUS BROWN
The Powerboard we tested was the 9’ Malibu. They are heavier than a standard longboard, though having said that, once they are in the water the weight difference is not really apparent. There’s a simple “on” button which is pushed when entering the water. Then, to engage the motor you simply lie on the board and press your chest on a soft rubber bump (lifting your weight of the bump disengages the motor). This mechanism is simple, but very effective. Getting the hang of controlling the motor was easy.
It was particularly surprising how quiet the motor was when engaged. Other surfers, only metres away, were completely unaware of the running motor. Getting onto waves was very easy: just lie down on the button (engaging the motor), do a few paddles which helps for initial momentum, and chase the peak to glide onto the wave. Once you jump to your feet the motor turns off and the wave does the rest. No drag was evident (as the prop spins freely) and then it is just down to your longboarding skills. The propulsion system really came in useful for getting back out and
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fighting the sweep, which meant more water time and more waves. These boards would be best at points, where after catching a wave you can use the propulsion to send you round the break to the zone quickly and easily. We however, were at a solid beach break, so while the propulsion was helpful getting though the constant lines of white wash. There was still some paddling required, but once in clear water it was all a pleasure. Any initial scepticism about the real utility and functionality of a powered surfboard was definitely blown out of the water. While
Powerboards can be used to assist those with injury or disability in getting into and enjoying the ocean, they definitely can be enjoyed by the broader surfing market too. One thing that really hit home when doing this board test was the passion, energy and commitment of the man, Chris - with the support of his wife Natalie - in turning Powerboards from a concept into a quality product. The Smorgasboarder team will definitely be chasing Chris up to test out the powered shortboards too - we’re excited!
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Mick cruising
DOES IT WORK? SMORGASBOARDER TRIED AND TESTED
WORDS: GUS BROWN
POWER BOARDS Mick says:
Powerboards are the only surfboards on the market that utilise a propeller-based propulsion system, which can incidentally be adapted to a range of other water based craft. They have an electric motor that runs off a lithium battery that can be recharged at home (about 35 minutes) or off a car cigarette lighter. The boards are designed to travel approximately 7-9km an hour (quicker than paddling, but not a jetski run) depending on the size and set-up. Full charge provides about 35 minutes of continuous runtime, which in the surf equates to a good 2+ hour session, depending on how much you rely on the motor.
“THAT’S AN ABSOLUTE CRACKER... AND I DON’T USUALLY RIDE LONGBOARDS. IT WAS REALLY EASY TO GET OUT AND TO RIDE” Chris show’s Mick (left) and Gus (Right) how to operate the board
THE POWER
THE BUILD 6’4 - 11’6 SUP. They’re constructed with a double-stringer foam core, two sheets of 6oz glass with epoxy for added strength and durability. The deck has two sealed compartments, for battery, electrics and motor. Underneath, there’s a standard thruster set-up, however the primary fin has a jet-shaped cylindrical tube which safely encases the custom made brass propeller.
MORE INFO Check out the range and videos of the boards in action at the website www.powerboards1.com
The Powerboard is the invention of Chris Preston. This ex-tiler had a significant rotator cuff injury and decided this wasn’t going to keep him out of the surf. Shoulder issues are a common problem for long-time surfers so Chris wanted to ensure all those with a passion for surfing had the opportunity to stay in the ocean. He started working on his designs approximately seven years ago. Since then, much work - as well as significant investment - has gone into getting the boards to a standard where they are ready for market. Powerboards are now in production with the factory based on the Sunshine Coast. SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo: Mark Chapman
DOES IT WORK? SMORGASBOARDER TRIED AND TESTED
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
EL NINO
FLOW 6’6” Having now ridden quite a number of softboards over the last few years with the kids, as we test them all out for SMORGASBOARDER, the first thing that hit me with regards to this board was its plan shape. It’s fuller than the 6’0” Flow.. It more closely resembles a mini mal, as opposed to a shortboard. This suggested to me it would be a great step-down board from the 8’0” Cruiser we tried last year. But when we rocked up at the beach, with solid, crunching dumpers and overhead sets on offer, we realised this wasn’t going to be a little whitewash ripple-run test...
SPECIFICATIONS
TEST DAYS Not quite softboard test conditions, we were blown away with Gus Brown putting life and limb on the line to see how the El Nino softboard coped. After a bit of a battle on the paddle out, Gus copped a few beatings but ended up scoring a few pearlers - I mean, who pretty much gets barrelled on a softboard? While a bit weary afterwards, Gus had loved not having to worry about being smacked in the head, and came out smiling. But, back to the more sensible softie conditions, and a few days later we took the 6’6” Flow out again in smaller waves. My kids had become quite comfortable with the 8’0” Cruiser but struggled to get to their feet regularly on the 6’0” Flow. It was just too big a transition in their early development and the 6’6” proved a happy medium. This little rocket is fast, loose and more responsive than a startled crack-junkie. I was right. The fuller plan shape provided a little more stability, which meant they could get to their feet and enjoy the greater maneuverability of this smaller board.
3-pack removable screwin fins, double substrate for added strength and durability, leash plug, available in various colours.
THE WRAP The El Nino Flow once again confirmed these boards are great for beginners, particularly kids, but damn, this one held it’s own when put to serious testing too. The boards meet their intended use and they’re not too heavy on the wallet. PRICE: $249.95
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“NO, YOU WON’T BE TRADING IN YOUR BIG-WAVE GUN FOR A SOFTBOARD ANYTIME SOON, BUT IT WAS PRETTY IMPRESSIVE TO SEE THE FLOW HOLD ITS OWN.”
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KELLY NORRIS
Photo by Smico
E C N A M R O F R S E E I P R H O HIG S & ACCESS . FIN SHAPERS.. CALL US! NALLY.
TERNATIO
LIA AND IN
AUSTRA COAST OF
price tag. ithout the w e c n a rm o om RD ty and perf SURFBOA @gmail.c s n rself. Quali u fi o USED BY s y a LY s D g n U fi O • S R P 524 h to try GA 0417 980 Get in touc 171 SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER TURERS MANUFAC
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ALL DOWN
THE EAST
17/09/13 4:58 AM
BUSINESS PROMOTION
CLOSEOUT: BUSINESS CTRL-V have a huge range of Dcals
TAKE YOUR BOARD AND STICK IT!
Simple and smart, CTRL V is a new surfboard decal concept that is so easy to apply, you can do it yourself.
Lets say you have a mate, a girlfriend celebrating a 21st, a 40th - even a wedding - and you want to give them something special: a surfboard featuring photos of them all over the deck, bottom or both. Or perhaps you have a new stick you want to add some real flavour to, or just a old board you want to dress up - that old minger that needs a facelift. Well, this could be the answer to all the above dilemmas. ‘So what is it?’ I hear you say. A CTRL V DCal is essentially a made-to-measure laminate over vinyl self-adhesive film - basically a huge sticker, but top quality. The technology is UV stable, water and immersion proof with adhesion guaranteed for at least three to five years of regular to frequent use. This means you can surf it as much as you like. You could even say it protects your surfboard from minor dings and possibly adds to its overall strength.
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The Dcals conform to stick to any kind of curved or weird shape so that means it doesn’t matter if you have a fish, mal or even a channel bottom board, this baby will stick to it like a dream. The really cool thing is the unbelievable clarity of images when they are digitally reproduced onto the surfboard. THERE ARE FOUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DCALS YOU CAN ORDER:
STR8 UP which is basically the ‘off the rack’ version. You order a design from the CTRL V range with optional sizes available from a 1/3 board , 1/2 board or full board DCal. Prices start from $74.95. PRIMO
WIN! Brighten up your board with a CTRL V DCal! See Page 35 for info on how to win one.
CTRL V have “enlisted some of the most talented artists that will take your ride to the next level.” Emerging artists, established artists and absolute legends think Dick Hoole - works are featured
ALREADY STUCK ON IT Joel Beck of Beck Surfboards recently used CTRL-V DCals on surfboards for the Coolum Junior Classic competition and as a gift for the Tough Mudder event CEO.
THE ENGINE ROOM CTRL V is the brainchild of Sunshine Coast couple Dave West and Dani Royall-West.
SOLO Your art or photo is what takes centre stage. You submit your own design or images to be developed into a Dcal. Family photos, montages, your local line up... You name it. Typically the cost for a shortboard is around $250.
Dani is the creative spark behind the business. A specialist in commercial design, she runs her own graphic design agency and brings the DCals to life. Dave is the “newly sprung chicken when it comes to the free range of creative expression” and is a surfer of thirty years. Says Dave, “What we have developed is an Australian first which enables the surfer to express themselves and customise their own sled.”
HANGIN This is all about turning an
GET IN TOUCH
old surfboard or classic collectible into surfboard wall art. “Imagine, a photo from your last epic surf trip, on that board you rode, hanging on your wall!”
Browse the designs and order online at ctrlv.com.au. Contact dave@ctrlv.com. au with any queries and follow the fun on www.facebook.com/ctrlvptyltd
The CTRL V range really does provide you with limitless options to customise the look of your surfboard. Plus, with what appears to be a straight forward DIY application process and an instructional ‘how to' video, even an unco like me could do it. Every order includes free shipping and an application toolkit.
Dave and Dani
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CLOSEOUT: MUSIC Andy Burke taking on the chilly waters in Ireland
ANDY WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
BURKE
Irish-born singer-songwriter Andy Burke has made his home on the NSW North Coast. Working in the surf industry by day – at the Volcom Board Lab at Coolangatta – by night, Andy takes on a different role: a talented performer with 20 years of music in his back pocket. He can play guitar - and does so with Neil Purchase Jr. in Haldane’s Daughters. He can sing. And, he can write great songs. His latest solo CD “Red Little Swift” is testament to that fact. Andy grew up listening to classic rock bands like AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, and Led Zeppelin, but later turned his mind to skateboards and hip hop a’la Public Enemy, Beastie Boys and Eric B & Rakim. “Ireland had no hip hop, so I had to search in music stores. I got obsessedskateboarding at age 12and still am to this day - I’m still skating at 40.” “I started surfing at 15. Lahinch (on the northwest coast of County Clare, Ireland) had a core gang of surfers all hanging out surfing a Raglan-type point break.” This period of surfing and skating in the early ‘90’s introduced Andy to punk rock, and this dangerous combination set his life on course. “That was it. Game over, I decided I was gonna spend the rest of my life trying to surf and be like Sonic Youth.”
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At 24 Andy met an Aussie girl named Michelle and fell in love. He soon and found himself relocating to NSW settling in Fingal Head on the Tweed - where he still lives with wife Michelle and son Elliott. His Fingal home base is the perfect spot to explore and enjoy the waves along the Gold Coast and further South – that is, when he’s not in the recording studio in Mullimbimby or gigging. The songs on “Red Little Swift” truly reflect the relaxed lifestyle of the coast. With twangs of country, plenty of gently overdriven rock, catchy melodies and harmonies, this is a great roadtrip release if we’ve ever heard one and it’s already spent a fair bit of time across our speakers.
You can check out www.facebook.com/ andyburkemusic for gig updates and happenings. Little Red Swift is available to purchase on iTunes.
MUSIC WE LIKE WORDS: GUS BROWN DARLING DOWNS
IN THE DAYS WHEN THE WORLD WAS WIDE FUSE
ANDY BURKE
RED LITTLE SWIFT INDEPENDENT Recorded in Mullumbimby NSW, this release is as clean and crisp as the surrounding countryside. Heartfelt roots-rock, with Andy Burke singing and playing most of the instruments on this recording. Positive and upbeat and with some cool instrumentals - including the guitar-heavy opener “The Nomad”- highlights include the title track and “Good Things Last.” Put your headphones on and feel it! The production’s raw and real and there’s enough variety to make this a great, long listen.
This is the third release, after a 6 year gap, from the Darling Downs which is a collaboration of Kim Salmon (Scientists, Beasts of Bourbon) and Ron S. Peno (Died Pretty). The album, consisting of 11 tracks is pure in its simplicity, combining delicate acoustic guitar (and a splattering of banjo) overlaid with reflective, earthy vocals. There is a general country feel across most of the songs and the mood is consistently deep and contemplative. The maturity and strength of relationship between these two musicians is highly evident in this release. This album is a slow grower and perfect for a late night or lazy Sunday afternoon.
ELLIOTT WHEELER THE LONG TIME MGM
THE APE
THE APE INDEPENDENT YEAH! This is what it’s all about. Dirty as dirty rock ‘n roll! With Magic Dirt’s Raul Sanchez on guitar and Tex Perkins’ signature growl on the mic, it just screams pure rock heaven!! The Ape hits the streets October 4. Can’t wait to catch them live. It’ll be bananas.
There is a real depth and complexity to this first release from Elliot Wheeler - an established artist and composer who has worked on a variety of movie soundtracks including The Great Gatsby. This background is evident in this highly elaborate, ambient album, mixing contemporary and orchestral elements. With beautiful female vocals and so many guest musicians, the soundtrackish style is difficult to describe... Perhaps not dissimilar to Portishead. A quality release with fantastic tracks including the stunning “Tend to me.” This will not be the last you hear of Elliott Wheeler. Well worth a listen.
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CLOSEOUT: ART
ABOVE: These artworks are no wall-hangers! Jeremy at Coolum Beach. Photo: Matt Craven / ActionFoto.com.au LEFT: Jeremy's board on display at The Shop in Coolum, to be auctioned for the 2013 Surfrider Eco Challenge BOTTOM LEFT: Wedding shoes, Posca-styled! BELOW: Three-quarters of the Ievens - Kirsty, Jeremy and Kai
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ART, ART EVERYWHERE... When he's not fishing for rock lobsters off Port MacDonnell in South Australia, or braving the icy SA waves in a 4/3 wetsuit, Jeremy Ievins (that’s Eye-vins, not Levins) is putting his Posca pens to every surface he can find. And we mean everything. Try a photocopier. And wedding shoes… Jeremy takes some time out to chat to us about his artwork. WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
“I’d always liked seeing boards that had been sprayed with airbrush art, but living down here, it was hard to get that work done and I just decided to do it myself. I wanted my own boards to look like that. That was some 15 years ago, but Jeremy’s art output has really picked up over the last eighteen months in a big way, doing commissions - and of course the odd favours for mates - to brighten up the boards at his local break. “I got onto Posca pens and they were really easy to use. I’ve got stuck right into it – it’s been quite addictive actually.” The variety of objects Jeremy applies his art to is evident as you look through his gallery of work on Facebook. Surfboards of course, but also shoes, very cool guitars, and the photocopier... “I definitely don’t like canvas. Just taking a blank canvas and painting on it doesn’t really do much for me. I like to put my art on different objects. The more bizarre the better. “The photocopier was done for a local business. They wanted it painted up to display. They sell Poscas in their newsagent, and I think Posca supplied all the pens for them to have it done up. “That went in a local art show just after I finished it up and it ended up winning first prize in its division. So it was a win-win all round.
“I put about six days into the photocopier. It was really hard work – a lot of laying on my side. It wasn't something you could sit at the table and comfortably work on. It felt like a neverending job, but it was worth it in the end.”
“Drewy Brophy’s work really blew me away and I’ve always liked Caspian’s work, but it’s all about finding a style from what inspires you personally. That’s another challenge, but that’s what I want to get out of it all.”
“The commission stuff is where it gets interesting, because there’s a lot of stuff I wouldn’t normally do – like the wedding shoes – but when someone brings something to you and says ‘Hey, can you paint this’, you think ‘Yeah, I probably can' and you just push yourself to do it."
But it’s more than getting something out of it for Jeremy and he's keen to give back. He was recently asked by local council to run an art workshop for National Youth Week.
When it comes to pushing his art, Jeremy tells us he fortunately gets the time and support he needs to exactly do that from his family – wife Kirsty and kids Imogen (10) and Kai (13). “They’ve had to put up with me painting for so many hours, I’m sure it’s taken a toll on them all. Both the kids are very artistic. But they expect to have something done real quick and it's all finished. (laughs) They just still need to learn that it takes hours and hours to achieve something neat.“ Influence-wise, Jeremy says his work draws inspiration from the likes of Drew Brophy and Sydney’s Caspian De Looze, but he’s definitely got his own spin there, with bright and colourful subject matter.
“I decided to turn it into a work shop showing the kids how to use the Posca pens - from preparation of what they wanted to paint, through to blending techniques with the pens, and then how to seal and protect their artwork when finished. The Posca pens were all supplied, so all the kids needed to do was bring their items they wanted to paint and I showed them tips to help them paint it. They all walked out of there with some cool art pieces.” When it comes to the future, there are exciting times on the horizon. Jeremy says the commissions are coming in thick and fast, but he’s more than happy to keep juggling the fishing with the art for now. “I’m just happy with how it’s all going at the moment. At the moment I can do a board at night when I get off the boat, but if it got too busy I wouldn’t be able to balance it.” sep/oct 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CLOSEOUT: ART
“Everyone seems happy with the work I’ve done for them, so it’s all worked out well so far.” “I can see one day I’ll want to retire from fishing and then it’ll be something I can throw all my time into then. It’s something I really enjoy doing. And as for surfing... “We get in the water every day, it’s good. It’s very cold compared to Queensland – they’ve got it pretty luck up there. We wear 4/3 wetsuits all year round and probably should be wearing boots during the winter. I don’t wear booties though, I just get cold feet. We’ve got good waves down here, and it’s really uncrowded. It’s just cold.” Check out a gallery of work on www.facebook.com/kirsty.ievins
WIN!
Fancy a pack of Posc a pens for yourself? Se e Page 35 for how to win!
"THIS IS ME AND MY 10-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, IMOGEN. The two boards on the left are hers, and the other two are mine. She's wearing a denim jacket and DC boots I painted for her. Imogen loves using the Poscas and is most likely to follow in her Dad's footsteps. I'm a very proud dad and love the artwork she creates".
Jeremy's idea of an art exhibition. Photo: Sean Cowling. RIGHT: Art delivery...Not canvas... A copier!
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WHAT TAPE?
Let the beauty of the balsa show through with clear Versagrip Traction Tape. Environmentally friendly and suits all size boards. Buy online: www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
Chris McCormack 10’ SUP with versa tape
Call 0412 376 464 or Email mark@riley.com.au SHIPPING ANYWHERE, INCLUDING NZ
www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au Australian Environmentally-friendly handcrafted surfboards for the individual in all of us, with a guarantee. Enjoy Responsibly SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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1. LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING.
CLOSEOUT: COACHING
Keeping your head up allows your front foot more room to widen your stance and get better balance. This also enables you to better prepare for the section ahead. NEVER LOOK AT YOUR BOARD! If you do you will not want to let go of the rails, you will wobble and fall.
2. DON’T RUSH AND TRY JUMP UP.
You never land in the right place. Rather bend your back knee and place your foot on the board where your traction pad is and do a push up with your hands creating a triangle for balance.
Arch back, look forward and pull your knee up
Photos: Shayne Nienaber
3. STAND UP using your legs the same way you would lift a heavy box. Come upright with your back straight and legs slightly bent. If you bend from your waist you will be off balance. And fall face forward. 4. KEEP YOUR HANDS IN FRONT of you as
this will direct your momentum forward. Stand in a pose similar to that of a fighter (hands up and knees bent). This is the best position to be in to quickly react to a situation. Wherever you point your front hand, the nose of your board will follow.
5. BEND YOUR BACK LEG towards the front.
This will move your center of gravity forward, helping your momentum. Bending your knees any other way with mess will your balance.
6. RELAX AND ENJOY. Create a tripod for balance
Push up using knees, release hands early, balance on the back foot
COACHING WITH CLAYTON
#1: GET ON UP
Go with the flow and don’t fight for balance. It’s just the same as riding a bicycle.
WIN!
Score a voucher for a coaching session! See page 35.
CONFIDENCE in getting to your feet is a huge issue for some surfers. It’s a funny thing, confidence - it can make or break your surfing! Time out of the water, age, injury, or even crowds can really whittle away at it. Ever heard of ‘keep it simple, stupid’? Let’s go over this basic of basics - popping up. Here are a few pointers on how to nail getting to your feet every time.
Clayton Nienaber runs Clayton’s Corrective Coaching helping surfers of all levels improve. Having coached the likes of Jordy Smith, he kinda knows his stuff. Drop him a line for personal coaching to be a better surfer, from $50 for group sessions, $90 for one-on-one and $150 for a full coaching clinic.
WWW.CLAYTONSURF.COM.AU | 0420 267 766 180
Keep shoulders level, bend knees in the direction you’re going and keep your hands up
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S R I A P ING RE
D
AGNES WATER/1770
REEF 2 BEACH
Mon-Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm
07 4974 9072
ALEXANDRA HEADLAND
ALTERNATIVE SURF
Sun, M - F 8:30-4:30pm, Sat 8-4:30pm
R BOARD? BUSTED YOU HERE... GET IT FIXED
BELLARINE PENINSULA
BYRON BAY
DR DING
ROUSA SURFBOARDS
Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 2pm
0403 693 333
MC SURF DESIGNS
ZAK SURFBOARDS
02 6685 8778
03 9416 7384
SURFBOARD REPAIRS
Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm,
0431 740 940
THORNBURY Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm
07 5475 4811
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm
WURTULLA
LENNOX HEAD
NICHOLSON SURFBOARDS
TORQUAY
QUICKFIX SURFBOARD REPAIRS
STONKER
REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS Mon - Fri 7-3pm, Sat 7-midday
Mon - Fri 10am-5pm
0438 631 153
Facebook.com/nicholsonsurf
0432 361 791 02 6681 3142
MOFFAT BEACH
BALLINA
EPOXY BOARD REPAIRS
PHIL’S FOILS
Seven days, 9am - 5pm
03 5261 6077
THE SURFERS SHED Seven days, 9am - 5pm
0437 246 848
PHILLIP ISLAND
By appointment
Mon - Fri 9-5pm
THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS
02 6686 7858 0401 841 298
ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES
YAMBA
03 5952 2578
0427 019 420 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
7 days, 9-5pm
ADELAIDE
PLANK SHOP 02 6645 8362
TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS
Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 12pm
0432 330 826
BUDGEWOI
07 5455 4444
BUCKO’S SURFBOARD
SOUTHPORT
KOMA
Mon-Fri 9am -5pm, Sat 9am -12pm
0402 863 763
MIAMI
DINO’S DING REPAIRS
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 12pm
0409 727 735
TUGUN
DIVERSE
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat & Sun 9-4pm
07 5598 4848
CURRUMBIN
REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS Mon-Fri 10am - 5.30pm Weekends by appointment
SANDLOCK SURFBOARDS
LIQUID STIX
0437 032 614
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 9am - 3pm
Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am -12pm
WOLLONGONG
SKIPP SURFBOARDS
Mon-Fri 9am - 5:30pm Thurs 9am - 7:30pm Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm
02 4228 8878
0407 606 685
LONSDALE
MID COAST SURF Call us for a quality repair
RAGLAN, NZ
BROWN DOGG
RAGLAN LONGBOARDS
JERVIS BAY INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS
7 days, 10am to 5pm except winter - catch us if you can
0416 455 985
02 4441 6756
SURFBOARDS
08 8384 5522
SHELLHARBOUR
KIRRA
0408 701 467
CLARK SURFBOARDS SEAFORD
0450 556 233
RESIN ART
MID COAST
THE DING KING 0422 443 789
7 days a week - Just call
Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 10am - 2pm
Mon - Fri, 12.30pm - 5.30pm Sat 12.30pm - 5pm
LONG JETTY
Seven days, 9am - 5pm
k Fins Pro Tec
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
0422 304 078
DIRECTION SURFBOARDS Open hours 9am to 5pm
WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS 08 8376 4914
UNDERGROUND SURF 7 days, 9am - 5pm
Guardsg,s le d d a P Nose &pe & Leash Plu Rail Ta
pair Kts
afe Re Travel S
+64 7 825 0544
KAIKOURA, NZ
SURGE SURFBOARDS Bust your board? Call us 24/7
027 428 7453
FIX BROKEN BOARDS?
s Promote your repair busines for $15 an edition. Call 0401 345 201
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA www.surftechaustralia.com.au 02 4226 1322
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GOLDEN REVOLUTION Strap yourselves in - this beer has a special place in history and demands to have its story told. What’s the big deal with Pilsner? Well, it revolutionised the way beer was brewed; it changed peoples’ consumption habits forever; it’s widely acknowledged as the most imitated beer style on the planet, but maybe its biggest impact has been changing the world wide preference for Ales over to Lager. Around the time Australia was settled, the vast majority of beer being produced and consumed was Ale but fast forward a hundred years and the statistics favour Lager by at least 2-1. At the time, most Ale-producing breweries were not concerned. They’d seen beers come and go and figured that lager would be another passing fad, they couldn’t have been more wrong! In Australia today around 80-90% of the beer we consume is actually Lager (global consumption is fairly similar), though some of the labelling of Australian beers can be a bit misleading at times with some proclaiming that the beer is a Bitter or Draught when in essence, the majority are actually Lagers! Let’s take for instance draught beer in a bottle or can, draught is NOT a beer style. A draught beer is what you get at the pub. This is because it has been “draughted“ from the keg to a tap and into a glass, so it’s a bit of a misnomer to say you can get it in 30-can blocks at the bottl’o and yes, I would wager it’s a Lager. Think of some of the leading international beer brands like Becks; Heineken; Carlsberg; even Fosters and consider this: they all evolved as imitations of the worlds’ first pale golden lager. It’s then you begin to understand how significant the impact of that first Pilsner has been.
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POINTS OF VIEW
THE ECO CHALLENGE This year we’re excited to once again be involved in a fabulous event here on the Sunshine Coast embracing all things sustainable. It’s going to be an awesome day and I encourage everyone to save the date and make the trip up here to be a part of it. The Surfrider Foundation Eco Challenge 2013 is a free community event held annually in Tickle Park, Coolum Beach as part of the Golden Days Festival. The Eco Challenge showcases green and sustainable culture, leisure and business, and features live music, a wooden surfboard event, an awesome skateboard jam plus demos, interactive art and eco-workshops, massive kites on the beach, drums on the beach and an eco-village filled with market stalls. The stalls will be packed with local, innovative and sustainable products offering alternatives to common consumer goods. The event is carbon offset and in its years has achieved a carbon neutral status or greater. The Eco Challenge is all about creating awareness of environment and sustainability initiatives, and it also supports Surfrider Foundation’s “Rise Above Plastics” campaign, which encourages everyone to think about their use of plastics. Surfing Green is organising the wooden surfboard event, so if you have built a wooden board of any kind, shape or style and would like to share the experience with others, then bring it along. This is also a great opportunity if you’d like to know more about wooden boards of any kind, and the various methods of building them, by talking with some very talented people stoked on timber surf craft. It’s set to be a fantastic celebration of sustainability and our ocean environment, so we hope to see any like-minded individuals appear out of the woodwork (excuse the pun!) to join us for the day.
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
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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GOLD COAST: OUT
THE Wooden SURFBoard Day Currumbin Alley
The Fifth Annual Wooden Surfboard Day 2013 was held at Currumbin Alley this August. Grant Newby - organiser of the Wooden Surfboard Day as well as the Alley Fish Fry - was pretty happy with how Mother Nature had played along this year. “24°c air , 21°c water and 3ft of swell and offshore winds with low tide midday. Just the best weather in three months at least and a great turn out of people and boards.” With easily 200 boards on display, the inclusive community gathering saw everyone from backyard builders to absolute legends of the surfboard game enjoying the Queensland sunshine side by side.
Wooden Surfboard Day organiser Grant Newby and his funky little stump.
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GOLD COAST: OUT
Short, long, skinny, wide, experimental to traditional - there was a board here for every surfboard fan. And with a nice little rolling wave on across the road, there was also a fantastic excuse to put some of the amazing timber designs to work. Watching surfers take off on giant toothpicks was like going back in time. Amazing to watch. All up, it was a great day for those involved and we’re looking forward to next year already! Better start building... woodensurfboards.blogspot.com.au
BELOW: Dick Van Straalen had a series of very special, limited edition balsa boards on display.
BELOW: Not quite a 6’0” thruster, you need a good, strong mate to share the load with one of these.
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THE SURFER’S DIRECTORY Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle
Lessons, Tours, Board Hire www.jervisbaystanduppaddle.com.au
0403 354 716
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1/25 Coldstream St, Yamba, NSW Ph: 02 6646 3454 www.revivalyamba.com.au
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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GOLD COAST: OUT Richard Harvey (left) explains his new all-balsa hollow board design to Tom Wegener. There is absolutely no weight to this board and using a frame, rather than chambering solid balsa, creates a whole lot less waste of this scarce resource. Sustainability, which is always top of mind, is incidentally the focus of a PhD study that soon-to-be Dr Tom is undertaking at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Yes, a truly traditional log.
ABOVE: Ras from Firewire was on hand to chat about the new range of Timbertek unglassed EPS core boards coated with Entropy Bio-resin. BELOW: Dave Malthouse from Lismore, with wife Kate and daughters Mollie and Ruby, shows off his cracker of a D-fin log - his first attempt at a board, and a fine one at that!
ABOVE: Proud builder of “rough as guts cigar-box cedar kneeboard.” Cool shirt, Dave!
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THE SURFER’S DIRECTORY P: 07 5539 5969 M: 0434 797 596 E: grantnewby@bigpond.com SurfboardsByGrantNewby.blogspot.com
Byron Sunset Happy Hour! Monday to Friday 4-6pm Half price selected Tapas (Calamari and dips) $5 select beers & house wine, $10 Margaritas
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Nothing beats the feeling of riding a wooden board you’ve built yourself
There’s nothing like the ride, feel and experience of an authentic wooden surfboard . . . and when you’ve built that board yourself, with skills that will stay with you for life, nothing beats the feeling. Tree to Sea Australia offers 3 day workshops enabling you to build your own wooden board and give you the skills to build many more. Our wooden boards are environmentally friendly, and the feeling of riding one . . . incredible! Our unique construction method utilising sustainable plantation Paulownia timber, delivers a flexible, buoyant, manoeuvrable board that’s as good to ride as it is to own. SUP’s, long boards, short boards and classics - made by you with a little help from Tree to Sea Australia. See web site for workshop dates.Workshops are held in Mt. Eliza, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Tree to Sea Workshop Gift Vouchers are available Robert 0409 211 751 Gary 0423 804 975 info@treetosea.com.au
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FAR LEFT: Recycling king, Jason Oliver, with a brilliant board from pallet timbers. LEFT: Dave O’Reilly stays sun-safe at the Surfing Green gazebo. BELOW: Geoff Moase of Dovetail Surfboards.
BELOW: 84 years young, Barry Regan of Ballina is still putting in the hours, creating beautiful hollow boards from a mix of timbers. The 40-60 hours to create a board is clear to see in the intricate inlay work he lovingly details the boards with. Surfboards like this, made from the heart, is what makes this day so special.
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SEP/OCT 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD
ALOHA BARRY shares with us the dangers that lie in the Gold Coast’s shallow waters... “This is the sad but very real story of my good mate, Kevin the Dolphin. We shared an apartment and a love of Swedish twins during a stint I spent chasing rainbows in Australia’s City of dreams - the Gold Coast. It was a memorable time in a period of my life I have very little recollection of. When I first met Kevin, he was an unadulterated superstar. Known throughout the land for his aquatic mastery, he constantly sold out shows at one of this country’s most popular theme parks. He had screen idol looks and a rock star attitude, was raking in an enormous amount of cash and was invited to every party in town. And let me tell you, party he did. At first, his socialising was both respectable and highly responsible. He held court with the creme de la creme of the late night scene. Television personalities, supermodels, famous artists and the sporting elite all wanted to rub softly against his dorsal fin and be entertained and Kevin was only too happy to oblige. Over time the adulation became addictive and this happy-go-lucky sea mammal transformed into a hardened creature of the night and his days began to end when the 194
sun rose. However, the Gold Coast’s early hours can be a very dangerous place to exist when you’re a sloppy drunk with a vicious thirst. He ran up bad debts at the casino, destroyed hotel rooms and grew an unhealthy lust for pole dancers, but because of his stature and standing, people chose to look the other way. In this kingdom of vice, Kevin was the golden prince.
Maybe his decision to bite the thumb off a Japanese tourist was a lapse in judgment, or perhaps it was simply a cry for help. But in this lawless town, there is only one unspoken rule: you never pee in the pool you’re swimming in. Kevin soon disappeared, but to this day his legend still shines as a bright and timeless warning to all. Please, let it be your lighthouse.
TOP: Kevin today, trying to pick up the pieces and move on with his life ABOVE: Aloha Barry spent over a decade on the Goldie after losing his teammates, morals and mind during an end-of-season football trip in the mid ‘80s.
SMORGASBOARDER | SEP/OCT 2013
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