INSPIRING STORIES & PEOPLE
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WHO’S WHO OF AUSTRALIAN & NZ SURFBOARD BUILDING
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www.gboards.com.au
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“WE CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH INSPIRATION AND WE CAN NEVER EXPERIENCE TOO MANY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE.” We can never have too much inspiration and we can never experience too many inspirational people. They shine a little, and sometimes a lot. Inspiring people can simply set an ideal standard we can strive to work towards, or become. Other times, simply by us seeing their achievements or being infected by their raw enthusiasm, inspiring people can ignite a spark within us, to get motivated and do something inspiring too. That sort of inspiration appears in so many forms. In our own tiny surfing microcosm, we marvel at amazingly talented surfers performing moves that realistically may never be possible for us to nail personally, but hell, it gives us fire in the belly to give it a go during tomorrow morning’s paddle out. We watch drop-jawed from afar as steel-nerved monster wave surfers plummet down faces taller than an apartment block. “Perhaps a step outside of the old comfort zone isn’t such a bad idea”, we may think. We get a healthy blast of childlike Christmas Eve excitement as we run a hand across freshly sanded foam. It’s so cool just listening to the shaper explain how they’ve gone about tweaking this soon-to-be-surfboard just for us, and being blown away by this functional piece of art in front of us that was a few ideas and a chat only a few short days before. We can’t help but get a personally renewed love for life and appreciation for those around us when we read the stories of those who have overcome insurmountable odds in beating disease,
dealing with disability and more, to be back in the water, loving life. And sometimes inspiration is simply the positivity of a real conversation with a good friend as you sit out back between sets making plans for life. As we edge toward 2014 and look back on what this past year has left behind... Damn, there’s been a lot of inspiration and inspiring people. So much has happened, good and bad, that we can draw on to try and be better, kinder, more loving and understanding people in the year to come. With that in mind, this edition is dedicated to inspiration in all its varied forms: from showcasing the professional skills, artistry and talent of fiercely independent surfboard makers across Australia and NZ, to looking at the passionate hobbyists who are creating in their own unique ways - from the big wave chargers whose feats scare us silly to everyday folk just happy to catch a ripple at their home break... It’s all about the love and the spark that makes us do what we do. Whatever your inspiration is, however you find it, and however you choose to use it, just do it. Grab it with both hands and do something, be something more than you are now and create something that didn’t exist before. You can be an inspiration too.
Cheers!
ers
sboard
orga the Sm
GRAB YOURSELF A COFFEE... THIS ONE’S A BIG READ 6
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Great coffee, roasted daily in Volcom Lane, Raglan New Zealand! WWW.RAGLANROAST.CO.NZ
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THIS PHOTO...
With such a big edition we thought it only fitting to feature a reader photo from the land of everything big, Western Australia. Andrew Lawson showing he is way more man than us. Show off.
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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.
What do you get when you drop a Camel down a wave? A photo by Jamie Scott, that’s what. See more big waves, big boards, big things and the word ‘big’ again. Page 60
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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SMORGASBOARDER
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INSIDE
PAGE 50 NEVER GIVE IN
Screw that C-word.
12 24 50 60
PAGE 60 SERIOUSLY BIG
We look at big future happenings, big boards and the biggest waves
80 94
LENSFOLK
You readers, you... Just look at all your awesome photos.
WIN STUFF!
Go to Taiwan, win some Posca paint pens. Yes you can.
Tolhurst/Ingleby
JUST BEAT IT
Piha surfer James Dickinson’s tale of fighting and winning.
I LIKE ‘EM BIG
In the immortal words of Moto Moto... ‘Damn girl, you huge!!’
WORKSHOPS
Where secret board business takes place behind blue walls.
BACKYARDERS See inspired folk that take the foam into their own hands.
108 FOUNDERS We talk to some
of the pioneers of surfboard building.
IT 116 PUSH Surfboard builders
PAGE 152 THE BLANK PAGES... Your ultimate who’s who guide to board builders
moving in different directions.
THE USUAL BITS THE LATEST
30 And Greatest 38 News and community
GEAR
130 Test everything
CLOSEOUT 140 141 142 145 151
Music Columns Surf Coaching Socials Aloha Barry
HIHPs L: 9’0 W: 22 1/2” TH: 2 11/16”
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au 02 4226 1322
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READER: PHOTOS 12
Glenn Hardwick of Looks Like Me Surf Photos sent in this fantastic shot of an unknown surfer on the Gold Coast. See more at www.lookslikeme.com.au
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Rusty
DOZER 5’8/19.25/2.31 5’10/19.56/2.37 6’0/19.81/2.5 6’2/20.06/2.62 6’4/20.31/2.69
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
DK 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
XFC 6’0/18.38/2.25 6’1/18.63/2.31 6’2/18.75/2.38 6’3/19/2.44
C O N T R O L
S Y S T E M
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au | SMORGASBOARDER NOV/DEC 02 2013 4226 1322
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READER: PHOTOS Great shot of Noosa swell sent in by Alex Benaud. 14
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Power Base Fins & Boxes - Completely Integrated
MORE POWER MORE CONTROL
OWEN WRIGHT
Chooses DXL CERAMIC C4 with Power Base Boxes
www.powerbasefins.com.au | 15 NOV/DEC 2013
SMORGASBOARDER
02 4323 4818
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SURFBOARDS
WITH SOUL MIKA KIKUCHI - TEST PILOT
FREE RANGE, AUSTRALIAN MADE
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MAXIMUMSURFBOARDS.COM.AU 16
You may have read about his board-building project in the November 2012 edition of Smorgasboarder... Here’s Matt Rutherfoord, all the way from Toowoomba, giving his own handcrafted timber board a run on the Sunshine Coast.
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READER: PHOTOS NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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READER: PHOTOS
Harley Kingston sent us this cool Winki Pop speed blur of Torquay surfer Cody Robinson.
Ske
Fun little holiday ones by Geoff Mitchell
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Skeeta Derham: Team
nov/dec 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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PHOTOS: FROM AFAR
PNG PIGGYBACK Here’s Shane from Rubio Plantation Retreat in PNG having a bit of fun with his beautiful little girl.
“That’s my daughter, Keilani. She is three and a half now. She’s been surfing with me since she was 6 months old and loves it. She’s been barrelled more than a lot of adult surfers. We have had some pretty good wipe outs and it has not slowed her down. She already knows about swell and wind conditions.” Living the dream in one of the remotest regions in PNG, with his beachfront abode and lovely family, Shane is quite possibly the most stoked surfer in the whole country. To join Shane and Keilani on a wave or two, chat to the folks at www.worldsurfaris.com
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LADIES: FIRST
MURPHY’S
LAW
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BUT EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE GOING RIGHT FOR THIS BONDI SURF INSTRUCTOR WORDS: DAVE SWAN Photo courtesy of Lets Go Surfing.
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Lara Murphy
Born in St Georges Basin 200 km south of Sydney in the Shoalhaven Shire, Lara Murphy first learnt to surf when she was around eleven or twelve with twin sister Bernadette when their father gave them a surfboard to ‘kind of work it out’. She obviously enjoyed it as she has spent the last five years as a surf instructor at Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. So tell us, what was the reason for the move to the big smoke?
I came to Sydney for Uni and just love it. I studied industrial design and now I am at TAFE studying upholstery work and furniture. When I got here I kind of fell into the job as an instructor at Lets Go Surfing. Working at the beach and getting plenty of time in the water is good, particularly while I’m competing. So tell us a little about the comp side of things?
Log riding and Bondi? I would never have guessed. So you are obviously in tune with what’s ‘on trend’. I have to ask, are you a Bondi hipster? No I can’t say I am. I like to call them squirrels. They all hang out at the one place here called The Flying Squirrel. They all originate from there. I like to look at squirrels from a distance. But don’t you live on goji berries, kale and quinoa? Not quite, no. I prefer real food. And I don’t earn enough money to buy organic. But living in Bondi, at least tell us you drink a Bonsoy half-decaf latte? A banana smoothie is my cure for anything. How disappointing. Well for our lady readers, may I ask if you have met Bondi vet Chris Brown and if he is as hot as everyone makes out?
“I LIKE TO LOOK AT SQUIRRELS FROM A DISTANCE.”
I have had a few good comp results lately. I got a fifth at the Aussies this year and recently won the Whoopi Challenge at Arrawarra (Coffs Harbour). So longboard or log?
I ride performance mals. Ron Wade starting sponsoring me just before the Aussies. I have a custom model of The Bull. It works really well. It took me a while to get used to it but it’s a good mix of the board I was previously on and nose rides a lot better. The tail is a little bit narrower with sharper rails than usual, which helps me turn it easier and also carry. I am pretty short. Thanks Ron for the board. With logs, I have jumped on them a lot of times but have really struggled to be honest. In Bondi it is kind of getting trendy to ride a log. There are a few kids out there on their logs. Personally I don’t think it is the safest option in a crowd because none of them can surf, they don’t wear a leggie and just let the board go through everyone. But I think the log division is definitely helping the longboard community. It’s pushing a few more people into the scene, which is always good to see. It makes it fun having more people involved in the contests.
I’ve seen him swan by (hey that is highly offensive). He lives around the corner from where I work. He is not my type; too clean-shaven for me. You at least surf at Bondi?
Yeah, Bondi is my local. I live just around the corner. It is pretty consistent and there is always something there to surf. If I get the opportunity I will go and visit my sister in Wollongong or something like that but its mostly Bondi. Personally I love surfing Bondi but how do you find the crowds, particularly when teaching people to surf? It’s good because you learn patience and you work out the best times to surf. Bondi is good because you meet heaps of different people. And the people I work with are all surfers so in that sense it’s really good because there is always someone to surf with. We work pretty much everyday in any conditions. I was teaching Monday morning when we had a massive storm and we kept going. It does get really crowded but you get used to crowds, although when I first came up from the South Coast (NSW) it was a shock. You just put your blinkers on and keep motoring on. Well thanks very much Lara for your time and all the best success for any future competitions you have coming up. Let’s try and catch up at The Squirrel when I am next in town. I will just have to work on growing some hair, my beard and track down a good beanie.
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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HERE?
So far this is what some readers are prepared to give up for a surf trip to Taiwan. People have offered up girlfriends and wives, the kids, body parts, family pets - like Ozzie on the left here - many different forms of transport, unlikely possessions, their most precious surfboards and even complete quivers! Not that they’ll really have to give it up (unless we really like it or want to sell it on Gumtree for weekend beer money - not that the wives would work for selling online. There’s still time to show us how much you want to go, so! www.facebook.com/smorgasboarder
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LATEST: COMPETITION
WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE UP TO BE
Photo: © SurfTaiwan.com / MoonwalkerPhotos
HERE?
OR HERE?
NOV/DEC 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
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU Photo: © SurfTaiwan.com / MoonwalkerPhotos 26
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Kayla Drysdale
Kye Darcy
Luke Kennedy
Mark Williams
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ART
Darcy Turner
Richard Harman
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ENTRIES INTO THE POSCA ART COMPETITION... We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again... Damn, there’s some talent out there. For more great entries, see www.facebook.com/smorgasboarder and check out the Posca Art Competition photo album, and you can still enter too! These guys and girls are in line to win a fat pack of Posca Paint Markers - all 33 colours in a bundle worth $118. To get hold of some pens yourself, buy direct from Poscart.com.au
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013
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ABOVE LEFT: X BELOW Chapma
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: & GREATEST
LATEST &GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR HER
WITH LOVE FROM COSTA RICA More stunning bikinis for active surfer girls from the folks at Dkoko. New range just in. www.dkoko.com.au
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NEW HIVE ‘Swimwear that sticks’ and looks stunning as well. Hive Swimwear, functional and fashionable with tops and bottoms you can mix and match to suit your own style. www.hiveswimwear.com.au
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Fully self-contained surfboard factory/showroom in the heart of the Byron Bay Arts and Industry estate is FOR SALE
• Established 20 years • High exposure • For sale as a going concern CONTACT bm2481@hotmail.com or 0422 021 282
BEACH BUMS JayCeKay chenille ladies resort shorts. Soft and light, perfect for the beach. Sizes 8-16. Available in mint, watermelon and white. RRP $39.95
EVERYTHING S.U.P.
jaycekay.com.au
Lessons, Hire, Sales New/Used, Accessories & Apparel
SURFER’S JEWELLERY Beautiful surfboard-themed wooden necklaces and earrings. Earrings, large necklace $8.00 ea, Small necklace $5.00
Todd Mingramm Photo: Greg McCarthy
www.cronullasup.com.au
Emma Louise Designs online:
Shop 3, 13-15 Kingsway, Cronulla PHONE: 9544 2293 MOBILE: 0400 085 823
emmalouisedesigns. bigcartel.com facebook.com/ EmmaLouiseMayfield
BIT OF LEATHER Comfortable, stylish, high-quality sandals. Choose from a range of cool styles in a variety of colours. RRP from $66 www.rainbowsandals-au.com 32
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LATEST: & GREATEST
LATEST &GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS FO R HIM
EVOLUTION Having produced high-quality clothing for others for years, Evolution have now officially turned their hand to their own brand of edgy, cool skate-surf-street-artpunk-ish designs. RRP $35 each.
www.evolution-australia.com
RARE FINDS Classic old Australian shaper surfboard decals from the past now recreated on the latest organic fair trade quality tees. Don Allcroft, Fred Pyke, Pat Morgan, Maurice Cole, Klemm-Bell along with a heritage collection from renowned cinematographer Albe Falzon now available through Rare Surf Tees. RRP $44.95 to 49.95
raresurftees.com
OLD WAVE Quality tshirts direct from the shapers who originally designed them with original art. Think legends like Greg Noll, Yater, Velzy, Dewey Weber, Dick Brewer... along with a growing number of Australian & NZ shapers such as Classic Malibu, Ron Wade and Denis Quane. RRP $30.00 to $40.00
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SMOKIN’ SANDALS Comfortable quality. Choose from a range of cool styles in black, mocha, tan, dark brown, grey and sierra brown.
Byronod..as. the surf go
Finally a beer as go
RRP from $66 rainbowsandals-au.com
We’ve got a few designs available... Choose from the classic Fist design (below) the new Weekend Wave Warrior Team shirt in grey (right) and the super-cool Sea Creatures characters by Curl (bottom)
SMORGASBOARDER
T-SHIRTS
www.byronbaybrewery.com.au
Your collection of surf tshirts is not complete without at least one of ours. RRP $30.00. Combine it with an annual home delivery subscription for the perfect Christmas gift at $50.00 That even includes our 2014 Smorgasboarder calendar! www.smorgasboarder.com.au/shop/ NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: & GREATEST
GET A GRIP!
What a cracker! A skimboard with a handle for stability. Perfect for kids learning to skimboard or those who want to try radical new tricks. The handle comes off as well so you can use it with or without.
HOLIDAY INSURANCE Don’t lose your surfboards from the roof of your car this holiday season. Lock them up with Kanu Lock stainless steel reinforced lockable straps. The perfect Christmas present. Available in a variety of sizes from $79.95 www.kanulock.com
RRP $129.95
LATEST &GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR ALL
Image for illustration purposes only
Facebook: d6surfskimmeraustralia
FOR THE SURFING ARTIST A superb Christmas gift idea. 33 colour Posca Pen pack and you won’t find it for a better price than at Poscart. RRP $118 online from www.poscart.com.au
CHRISTMAS
BEER
CHRISTMAS CHEER No more boring cards. Check out these beauties! Akymbo Surf & Tiki Art Cards by Kym Nagler RRP 4 for $12.00. Find Akymbo on facebook, email kym_nagler@internode.on.net or call 0402 751 064
Mmmm beer. Yes oh yes.A taste of Byron in a bottle. Golden-hued, refreshing summer lager. Sixpacks (around $17) or cartons available at various bottle-o’s nationally. www. byronbaybrewery.com.au
Stylish postcards available at the Rivermouth General Store, Tomakin, NSW. Call in and write to someone you love, the old fashioned way. RRP $4.00 schellphotgraphy@bigpond.com www.therivermouthstore.com.au 36
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OPEN YOUR MIND TO THE OPPORTUNITY WITH POWERBOARDS PADDLE ASSIST MOTORISED SURFBOARDS • • • •
35 minutes continuous runtime = up to two hours surfing Can be surfed with or without the motor Australian designed, easy to operate, easy to maintain From $4,015 (inc. GST)
DON’T LET INJURY STOP YOU RIDING WAVES ACCESS AND SURF REMOTE BREAKS WITH EASE
SEE VIDEO ONLINE! WWW.POWERBOARDS1.COM INFO@POWERBOARDS1.COM NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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NEWS THIS IS THE
SO MUCH SURF GEAR IN STORE YOU WILL BE AMAZED! FROM SURFBOARDS TO SKATEBOARDS, WETTIES, SURFWEAR AND ALL THE LATEST GADGETS
AUSTRALIA
XMAS SALE
MEN’S
BOARDIES
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE LOCAL SURFING COMMUNITY editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
facebook.com/smorgasboarder
twitter.com/smorgasboarder
WERE UP TO $70
NOW $35
The remains of Calicoan Surf Camp Photo courtesy of Michelle So.
SURFWARE
TEES WERE $39
NOW $19 LADIES
DRESSES WERE UP TO $69
NOW $35
SHORTS & SKIRTS WERE UP TO $59
NOW $25 SUNSHINE COAST SUPERSTORE 2 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551 Telephone (07) 5491 3620 Open Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm and Sun 9am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day
SURFWAREAUSTRALIA.COM
SURFAID PHILIPPINES APPEAL SurfAid has launched an appeal to assist the Filipino people in the wake of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan that has affected more than 13 million lives. When speaking about where funding would be directed, SurfAid CEO Andrew Judge said, “The need on the ground will determine the exact locations. Our experience indicates that in a disaster of this scale, smaller coastal communities will likely miss out on assistance that flows to the larger population centres.” You can donate to the SurfAid Philippines Appeal at the website. See www.surfaid.org/Philippines for more information.
SMILE LIKE DRAKE In recognition of the tragic passing of their wonderful son Chris Drake who was swept out to sea at North Curl Curl Oceanside Pool whilst trying to tend to the safety of others when large waves engulfed the pool, Trevor and Nikki Drake have launched the Smile Like Drake Foundation. The aim is for this initiative, which promotes water safety on Australian Beaches and Waterways, to act as a living memorial to a selfless young man who always put others before himself. In Trevor and Nikki’s words, “It allows Chris’s life to truly be a catalyst to bring benefit to others.” To be involved visit the website: www.smilelikedrake.org
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BYRON SURFBOARD FACTORY/ SHOWROOM FOR SALE In the heart of the Byron Arts and Industry estate, this fully self contained surfboard factory/ showroom established 20 years is for sale as a going concern. Interested parties contact bm2481@hotmail.com Send it in. Upcoming events, charity happenings, interesting stories, email to: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
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Judy Anderson
A SAD LOSS We were very saddened to hear the news of Judy Anderson’s passing. Whenever we called in to see Gail and all the crew at Goodtime in Brisbane, Judy was usually our first port of call to see how she was and how everyone was travelling.
WOOD SHOW Back to Tree to Sea Day will be held at Pt. Leo on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula on Sat, December 7, from 10am. Hosted by the folks at Tree To Sea it’s a chance for anyone who has made a wooden board to come down and show off their wares. There will be heaps of boards on display. It’s a great chance to catch up with old friends and maybe make some new ones. www.treetosea.com.au
She seemed to keep them all sane and under control. Gail is undeniably the flair, passion and drive and Judy always seemed to be the calming influence. They were mates for over 40 years. We were deeply upset by the thought of the dynamic duo being broken up. Our heart goes out especially to Gail and all the crew at Goodtime and the many customers touched by Judy’s kind spirit. Rest in peace, Jude.
SURF WORLD 20 YEARS ON This December Surf World Torquay is celebrating the 20th Anniversary - remarkable but not surprising considering the quality of the exhibits. To coincide with celebrations the museum has introduced a new exhibition entitled 20/20. www.surfworld.com.au
POP UP ART In conjunction with Caffeine Culture (the good people and mighty fine roasters of Mambo Coffee) CTRL V DCals have launched a Pop Up Shop just before the bridge to Duporth Avenue in Cotton Tree. If you’re after something unique and original for Christmas check out the art, craft and cool surfboard decals along with some mighty fine surfboards by Mitch Surman. Shop 4 First Ave, Maroochydore. www.facebook.com/ctrlvptyltd
FRESH SALT The extremely talented Joel Coleman and his equally talented wife Sherrie have opened a new Saltmotion gallery in Warringah Mall (near Target on the Ground Level) to showcase there ever-increasing, stunning array of surf imagery. Drop in! www.saltmotion.com NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DAMAGE
RESEARCHING SURFING INJURY As surfing continues to evolve with more aerial and radical turning manoeuvres we are seeing an increase in musculoskeletal injuries, both acute and chronic. A recent Bond University study of 1,348 surfers gave some insight into what injuries and ailments surfers most commonly experience. The shoulder, head and face, and ankle/foot were indentified as common areas for acute injuries, while the lower back, shoulder and knee were shown to be where surfers are most likely to experience chronic injuries. While this research was one of the largest national surf-specific surveys to date, it relied on self-reporting from the participants, so in order to gain more reliable information, researcher James Furness of Bond Uni is planning to use what has been learnt from the survey and physically assess 100 surfers, so they’re after volunteers.
READER DAMAGE After seperate incidents of broken arm, foot and hand (twice) as well as a surfboard nose speared into his thigh in the last two years alone, we figured SMORGASBOARDER’S very own Dave is possibly one of the unluckiest people alive. It turns out a couple of SMORGASBOARDER readers have caught some of Dave’s luck has and have copped a few beatings themselves.
The research will be at no cost to participants, and extremely beneficial to any level of surfer, as it will identify areas of weakness or tightness and also provide assessment of the individual surfers level of aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness (their paddling power) and measurements of health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? If you surf more than six hours per week and surfing is your main form of exercise, have at least five years’ experience and are currently not injured, you’re eligible. To express an interest in taking part, please email jfurness@bond.edu.au
Shoulder 16.4% Neck 9.2% Hand/Wrist 2.6%
Head/Face 13.3%
Ribs/Sternum 5.3%
Upper Back 3.9%
Lower Back 9.5%
Elbow 2.4%
“Six months ago I got 18 stitches in my head when I collided with my mal. The silly thing is that on the day, the surf at Gerroa was less than three foot.” Rod Curran
Hip/Groin 8.4% Shin/Calf 3.8% Knee 10.7%
Ankle/Foot 14.6%
Where surfers have been shown to be most likely to suffer acute surfing injuries, from Bond University. Photo: Craig Bessant 40
“I got this tasty little fin chop earlier this year at Noosa National Park! It’s healed up... But it took four months and one day (who’s counting)” Terry Brown
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LATEST: FEEDBACK
ABOVE: Sid in 1917, at Greenmount LEFT: Sid “Splinter” Chapman, age 105 BELOW: Jon Liebetanz and Mandy Chapman of Rhemagraphics in 1986, with the company car in Traders Way, Currumbin
BASKING IN THE GOLDEN GLOW... A FAMILY RICH IN GOLD COAST HISTORY
We’re so stoked with all the fantastic recent reader feedback to our last edition on the Gold Coast. It was brilliant to hear so many people enjoyed it! In between it all, a photo we received of a surfer way back in 1917 at Greenmount Beach got us wondering... We found out the young gentlemen is in fact Sid “Splinter” Chapman. He is the grandfather of Mandy Chapman who incidentally, along with her husband Jon Liebetanz, runs Rhema Graphics who produced the first screenprinted decals in Australia. So much history going on! Following Mandy’s email we ended up chatting with both her and husband Jon about the family’s surf background. Mandy’s grandfather Sid apparently ended
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up becoming one of the first people to own a surfboard in the Twin Town area. His board was a 2.4m American redwood, one of six brought to Australia for demonstrations by Duke Kahanamoku. Apparently the surfing tradition has been carried on by Mandy’s family ever since from her father to her brothers, sisters and Mandy herself. Jon’s family on the other hand hailed from the far north coast of New South Wales. They built their own hollow wood surfboards and skis, surfing everywhere and anywhere from Byron to Greenmount. Later in life Jon started learning the craft of shaping fibreglass surfboards, glassing and sanding at age 14 from none other than Ray Woosley before going on to work
with industry legends Richard Harvey and Michael Peterson. Rhema Graphics on the other hand was established in 1979 as a graphics and screen-printing specialist for the surfing industry. Jon and Mandy purchased it from the original owner in 1984 and have grown the business from operating out of a backstreet garage in Currumbin to servicing some 600 clients in the surf industry today. Nowadays they not only produce board decals but even individualised artwork laminates for the entire surfboard, along with a host of other services. Jon summed up their love for surfing and the industry.
“We’ve been entrenched in the industry for such a long time. Surfing to us, and dealing with the wonderful people within this industry, has been a way of life.” It never ceases to amaze us how many interesting little bits of history we pick up along the way, and entertaining stories we encounter whilst on the road with the magazine. If you have any interesting stories and quirky facts about surfing in general, always feel free to drop us a line anytime by email on: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au We’d be stoked to hear from you!
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Australian SUP & Paddle Festival. Queensland’s Jackson Close. 44
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A message from the City of Gold Coast: Gary ‘Kong’ Elkerton
WHAT’S COMING UP ON THE GOLDIE! The summer of 2013/2014 is shaping up to be a great season of local and international events for surfers and surf businesses alike. The ASP world tour events Quicksilver Pro, and Roxy Pro and Pro Junior, a number of junior and grom contests and titles as well as the Australian SUP and paddleboard titles will showcase surfing talent and the Gold Coast’s world class surf breaks.
SURF GE AR
Australian SUP & Paddle Festival. Queensland’s Jackson Close. Pic Surfing Australia/Nikon
Complementing the city’s fantastic natural assets, City of Gold Coast offers world class business, industry and export capacity development. 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.
FOR REA L
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
February is a big month for business events, with the first event the Australian Surfing Sports Expo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Designed to promote surfing and surfing products to industry heavyweights 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 the same month, the City will host a mission to Japan for InterStyle, an exhibition of board culture and fashion. As part of City of Gold Coast’s International Trade and Investment Program (ITIP), the mission is designed to support local businesses to generate genuine sales leads, discover new buyers, launch new products, demonstrate innovation, tap into export markets, identify new distributors and markets and stay ahead of their competition. For more information on how your business can benefit from City of Gold Coast’s support or why you should locate your business here, visit businessgoldcoast.com.au
THREE
STORES!
1730 Gold Coast Highway, BURLEIGH HEADS 122 Griffith Street, COOLANGATTA 2 Stuart Road, CURRUMBIN (Factory Showroom)
WWW.MTWOODGEE.COM.AU NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: COMMUNITY
‘Slap the Hawk’ a possible new skate-yoga pose? Photos supplied by Street Sup
WHEELY STICKING WITH YOGA There’s all kinds of ways to push the boundaries, and the folks at Street SUP have found another one - yoga with skateboards and Big Sticks. Like a rolling balance board, a skateboard is a great way to work those muscles, improve your balance and strengthen your core. Best of all, when you’re done, you can just grab your stick, push off and roll all the way home too. Christmas gift ideas here gents, pay attention... Cool gear at www.streetsup.com.au
...AND OTHER
STICKS GIRLS AT KIANGA “About eight chix-on-stix surf together at Kianga, Dalmeny and Carters on the far South Coast of NSW all year round. “Here is a pic of just four of them - Sue Lawson, Bea Weston, Nicky Cowie and Lin Wilton. We also just returned from Padang Padang in Bali in August... Only in our second year of surfing but will never give up!” Cat Davies Keep up the great work girls!
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The SUP wave charger 9’4 ½” x 30 ½” x 4 ½” Weight: 10kgs eco friendly balsa
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www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au Australian Environmentally-friendly handcrafted surfboards for the individual in all of us, with a guarantee. Enjoy Responsibly NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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SURFING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD
Kirsten Wilton
Choose the highest quality, best value softboards for kids, learners, and those who just want a safe and fun option in the surf. foot rom 6 Sizes f d to r a rfbo soft su ft SUP! o 10’3” s ality hool qu Surf-sc uction constr
PADDLING FOR HARRISON Four NZ stand-up paddlers, Kirsten Wilton, Wayne Roberts, Ross Parker and Brent Bourgeois (Brick), are taking on a trek of over 300 kilometres long. Their journey will take them down the entire length of the Waikato River, from Taupo to Port Waikato and through a few obstacles such as Huka Falls, and eight dams and lakes. And all this they plan to do in four days.
FROM $225 WITH *FREE DELIVERY WHAT HAPPY CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY:
“My own kids love them too...” Dean Geraghty
The motivation for the trip is 10-year-old Harrison Mundy, who this year was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer mostly found in children. The SUP trip is part of a campaign to raise funds to help Harrison on this not very fun journey, and in doing so, it will also raise awareness about Ewings Sarcoma. These super SUPers will tackle the river on 10 December 2013, leaving Lake Taupo at sunrise. For more information, to donate, or to get involved in any way, please see the website laketoportsup. org.nz or email Kirsten at kirsten@liquidstixx.co.nz Happy paddling Kirsten and Co., and Harrison, mate, all the best of luck with beating this thing. We’re all sending our very best wishes from across the ditch.
“I love my Geraghty soft-board ‘coz it paddles so well and it’s super stable” Jasper “I like Geraghty softboards as they are the cheapest high-quality softboards around!” Jamie Softboards ted from a trus surfboard shaper!
ORDER ONLINE:
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CALL DEAN OR LYNETTE ON 042 2442 044 OR 041 6442 042
* FREE DELIVERY for all orders of softboards up to 6ft, anywhere between the Sunshine Coast and Sydney. Contact us for shipping costs elsewhere. Harrison 48
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RSF members hard at work not working
MAKE A CONNECTION IF HANGING OUT AND SURFING WITH GOOD MATES - NOT TO MENTION LAZILY READING SMORGASBOARDER - SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA, PERHAPS THE RSF IS FOR YOU The Retired Surfers Fraternity believe that no more work means lots more waves, and in late 2011, after many days of meeting at their local beach each morning, a few motivated surfing retirees decided to form the Retired Surfers Fraternity, to create a way for like minded surfers to connect across the country. “The love of surfing is a binding force for us young and old that have tasted the surfing lifestyle in our time. As we get older and ‘wiser’ we learn, I think, to appreciate and respect the beauty of the sport/passion we have for surfing.” RSF Shelly Chapter at Crescent Head
From that small start Retired Surfers Fraternity now has multiple members in every state in Australia - except SA, come on guys - and also have members in New Zealand, Hawaii and California. “As we wander around our coastline, we do see other surfers wearing our distinctive RSF cap or T-shirt and maybe a sticker on a car or board. This is a perfect chance to simply say G’day to someone you would just maybe have walked by otherwise.”
RSF member Knotty carves it up
And ‘fraternity’ aside, it’s not just for the boys - women are more than welcome to join too. If you’re interested, please check out the www.retiredsurfersfraternity.com website. Hopefully you’ll be able to connect with some long lost surfing mates, or make some great new ones.
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FIGHTING & WINNING:
MAKING IT BACK WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
JAMES DICKINSON is now 34, works in IT and lives in Piha, just west of Auckland, NZ with his partner, 12-month old baby girl, their two dogs and a growing collection of surfboards. While all that sounds perfectly normal and in fact, quite idyllic (especially the ‘living in Piha’ bit) three short years ago, one little word shook James’ life up, well out of the realms of any normality: cancer. “Remember it? I’ll remember every minute detail for the rest of my days,” James thinks back to the days leading up to the news. “I’d had a sore lower back, and sore nipples of all things, for a month or so. I’d just been taking concrete pills to harden up thinking it’d go away. It didn’t, so I thought I’d go get it checked out. I had an incredible doc who, unbeknownst to me, knew exactly what was up and got me onto the right tests immediately. On Wednesday and Thursday I had two sets of blood tests done, a testicular ultrasound and a CT scan. On Friday the 10th of Sept 2010 at 1pm I was told that I had testicular cancer in stage 2C (of three stages).
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“My partner was with me, and my parents cut short a holiday to come back to NZ. We were all in shock. I think the hardest part was telling people close to me the news. You know the age old prequel to a conversation with a mate, ‘Hey, how are you? Good, you? Yeah good, what ya been up to?’ Well, for the first time in my life, I had to change up that old ritual and admit that I wasn’t in fact ‘good.’ It was soul wrenching telling close friends and family I had cancer. “In many ways that was one of the hardest parts of the whole thing. It doesn’t get much tougher than having to tell your 84-year-old grandmother, who has been a rock in your life, that you might be getting fitted for a box before her.”
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LATEST: LOCAL James Dickinson and one Facebook selfie no-one should have to take.
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Everything moved pretty quickly for James and family. Fortunately, with private health insurance, James was on the fast track to treatment, with the best doctors and surgeons available. By the Wednesday after his diagnosis, he was on the operating table. Four weeks later, he was started on an intensive chemo regime. “There was no mucking around” James explains. “Testicular cancer is a good-prognosis cancer, which means they give you a better than average shot at beating it. So, they hit you hard with the radioactive juice to get on top of it early.” James had always been open to natural medicine and nutrition, and decided to look into what he could do in parallel to the chemotherapy. That research turned him onto the concept of body alkalinity and intravenous Vitamin C. “With regard to alkalinity, the body strives to maintain an acid/ alkaline balance. With processed foods - alcohol, sugars and so on - we are often very acidic. This is particularly important with regards to cancer as some research is showing that cancer cells can’t survive in an alkaline environment. So, I turned my eating habits upside-down, and went completely alkaline, with the hope that this would slow the propagation of cancer. “I also found that IV Vitamin C had been shown to be incredibly effective against cancer cells...
I’m talking mega dose. I was having 95grams of Vitamin C through a drip, three times a week. That is the equivalent of 27,000 oranges in one week. Even if the treatment wasn’t going to cure me, it could only but help with boosting immunity and wellbeing. I’ve continued my IV Vitamin C treatment to this day, although I’ve toned down to 50g once a fortnight. “The doctors scoffed, but now over three years on, not only am I clear of cancer, but in that whole time I haven’t been sick - not even a sniffle – and I work in a high-rise with 2,500 people circulating all the winter ailments. Luck, coincidence? I don’t think so.” James’ chemotherapy treatment finished on Christmas Eve, 2010 and his gift for the year was that he was officially cancer-free. However residual tumours deep inside his body were still a cause of concern for his doctors. “They decided to monitor them, and if they weren’t active or growing, to just leave them. That messed with my head. I’d completely freak out if I started to feel any weird symptoms, but as the tumours weren’t growing I was told to just sit tight. In December 2012, however, a CT scan showed the tumours had started to grow. By March 2013, they had grown more, and worse yet, they had changed state from fluid-filled to solid.
“The doc then said we need these out ASAP, because if they change state and trans-mutate into active cancer again I’d have a 50% shot at lasting more than two years. Pretty shit odds. So I was booked in for May 3rd, prepped, and away we went but boy was I unprepared for how hard it was going to be. How hard that was going to be was 7.5 hours of open-chest surgery… for what was meant to be a 4-hour operation. The procedure was to remove three tumours and all the lymph nodes between James’ heart and pelvis to remove risk of re-occurrence, but once inside, the situation was more complex than anticipated. “They found the largest of the three tumours was rubbing on the psoas muscle (in the pelvis) so they had to chop a chunk of that out. Then they found the same tumour was wrapped around the main artery feeding my left kidney. Initially they thought they would have to take my kidney out, but eventually the surgeon figured out he could cut the affected section out of the artery and re-join it. That saved the kidney and left me with 75% function - a stunning outcome in a sticky situation. When they extracted the lymph nodes, they had to put little titanium clips on them to stop them leaking, so now I have 40-odd little bits of titanium attached to me. Can’t wait to see a chest and abdomen X-ray, it’ll look crazy!”
James at Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel in July ‘09 during a stormy winter surf 52
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Post op, James was in intensive care for three days, then in a ward for another six. “The pain was unlike anything I could explain. The meds didn’t seem to do anything except make me sick. I was having trouble breathing... It was tough. Slowly but surely, I got better and was able to stand, then take a few steps. By the time I was discharged I could just walk myself to the car. For the next twelve weeks I was in and out of hospital about five times with complications. One of the lymph nodes was leaking and I had about 3.5 litres of lymph fluid drained out of my stomach cavity, twice. I developed stomach adhesions and due to not holding food down for over a week (again) hit my low point of 66kg. The same weight I was when I was 17, down from my usual 83kg. Despite all the setbacks and extra hurdles, James recovered steadily, albeit slowly. “I learnt a lot about myself during that recovery time. I
was depressed for a while and genuinely thought that I was never going to get better, but those close to me pulled me through it and I’ll never be able to thank them enough for all they did for me. I must have been a real pain I the arse! I’ve put 11kg on now and feel great. Everything is absolutely fantastic. I feel great and can see myself repairing and getting stronger. After chemo I was technically clear but still had this cloud hanging over me, now I feel free, like I’m in a completely different mindset altogether.” James tells us that during his recovery, surfing played an important part in helping maintain a positive outlook. “I actually managed to surf through my chemo right at the beginning of my journey. That helped immeasurably by giving me an hour or two a week off from thinking, freaking, wondering, obsessing. I’d just paddle out and switch off and rely on the lizard part of the brain - paddle, pop,
turn. It was blissful. I must have looked terrible though with the shiny bald chemo-boy head, I got given heaps of waves which was an awesome bonus. “I got back in the water three months to the day after my last op. It was tiny, about two foot and glassy. I took my mal out and caught one wave. I was in the water for about 15 minutes and was absolutely stuffed, but completely stoked. The next day it was smaller again, and I went out on my shortboard, because I’d found the longboard really hard on the scar on my belly. I had three waves, and came in grinning from ear to ear. “The next day I had to go to the doctor for a severe pain, and discovered I’d torn my right abdominal muscle and had to chew down painkillers for a month… I guess I was running before I could walk. “The feeling of being in the water is indescribable to most, though the entire readership of this fine publication will know exactly
LATEST: LOCAL
James’ home of Piha. On a positive note, did we mention Piha is awesome?
“I HAVE 40-ODD LITTLE BITS OF TITANIUM ATTACHED TO ME. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE A CHEST AND ABDOMEN X-RAY...”
what I mean. Since then, I’ve been in the water a few more times. Twice I was in for close to an hour and didn’t even get a wave, but it didn’t matter, I had a paddle, got wet, had a chat to some of the crew and came out stoked. The water is just so healing for the soul, grounding and cleansing. Most important of all, despite the intense gravity of his situation, James has come out fighting, and is getting fitter every day. He’s literally living proof that the c-word isn’t a death-sentence, and with good care, a positive outlook, a bit of luck perhaps, and a lot of love and support, there’s a whole new life at the end of the tunnel. “Everyone’s journey is so different. I think the biggest lesson for me is that you have to read and research. Know thy enemy. I’m certain that I got a higher standard of care because I challenged and questioned my doctors all the time, and I still do. Also the good old ‘more than one way to skin a cat’ adage is very true. I am absolutely convinced that the NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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James hits the beach at Piha. Just what the doctor ordered.
nutritional regime, focus on alkalinity and the IV Vitamin C contributed greatly to the outcome. I’m probably here due to intensive chemo and major surgery, but the alternative therapies gave me a better chance of survival and helped me heal much faster, not to mention the peace of mind from knowing that I was doing absolutely everything in my power to affect a positive outcome. So read, research, challenge and throw everything you possibly can at it. “Well, there is one other thing. Don’t be a tough guy, or girl. Go and get lumps, bumps and pains checked out. It doesn’t matter how staunch you are if you’re dead. Since getting sick, I’ve had countless friends whisper to me that they had a wee pain, or a funny bump, and that they’d gone to get it checked out. I couldn’t be more proud of them for that. It’s such a small thing, but if my experience can prompt just one person to go get checked out, and catch something early, then it has all been worth it.” Coming out of Movember, taking care of personal health is top of mind for many. So go to the doctor, get checked out. There’s a wealth of knowledge available these days, so no excuses - do the right thing, and look after yourself. A huge thanks to James for sharing his story, and best of luck for the future. Glad you got to stick around, mate.
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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: Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 14
COOLUM BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
THE SHOP FOODSTORE
COOLUM HOLIDAYS
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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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LATEST: DIRECTIONS Photo: Mark Chapman
THE FUTURE OF SURFING IS UNDENIABLY LARGE. MAKE THAT SUPERSIZED.
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FOR THOSE glued to their laptops, PCs and other internet-enabled screens, watching the footage of Carlos Burle tackling what is presumed to be a 100ft wave off the coast of Nazaré in Portugal, the question must be asked... “What next?” Nutters around the globe are finding and surfing bigger, bigger and bigger waves. And we get to watch it all, from the safety of the couch! No one in their right mind would have thought it possible to catch, let alone surf, a 100ft wave ten years ago. Now it has presumably been done, even if Laird Hamilton has controversially dismissed the record attempt because Carlos wiped out towards the end of the ride. Talk about raining on your parade. Hell, I would have claimed it even if I fell from the very top of the lip, Cody Maverick-style from the animation flick Surf’s Up. I’d be celebrating the mere fact I made it out alive and someone got the proof on camera. So what does the future hold? 200 ft waves? Surfing tsunamis? We ask a few in the know...
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OKAY, THERE’S SURFING AND THERE’S SURFING. This massive October swell at Nazaré was truly
something else. With a possible world record set and a life almost lost, this was one serious wave of consequence. The event was watched by countless surf fans around the world as the action unfolded live online. It begs the question, “Is this the future of surfing? Big wave ‘events’ beamed to our computer screens from far-flung corners of the globe as opposed to the WCT - World Championship Tour for pro surfers. Tim Bonython, award winning surf filmmaker and founder of the Australian Surf Movie Festival who has captured on film some of the biggest swells in the world, was one of the many viewers glued to their computer screen. He had this to say about the ‘event’. “I believe this is where surfing is headed. People get to watch, and feel like they’re a part of historical events like this, as they happen. “It was incredible; pretty dramatic to watch. You just saw these little dots going down the face. The spot at Nazaré is an underwater canyon. As waves approach the canyon they just double in size. That’s why it’s so big and spectacular. I would love to go there one day and shoot it. But hey, you can’t be everywhere.” In Tim’s opinion, the WCT won’t die altogether. He believes it will always be around because people still like to see amazing displays of surfing prowess. However, he is certain more and more public and media attention along with sponsorship dollars will gravitate towards these big wave events - not that all are events as such. Often it’s just a group of whackos tackling ridiculously humongous waves.
“What I saw last night is a really good example. People are fascinated by monster waves and I am the same. I heard there was a monster storm heading towards Europe and I thought it would be interesting to see how big it was going to get. So I logged on to Magic Seaweed (an English surf forecasting site) and they were promoting how they were going to televise the imminent ‘event’ at Nazaré. “Into the future it will possibly be how more and more people view surfing. For us mere mortals to watch a 100ft wave being ridden is a special and unique moment. It’s man versus nature, and you want to see it there and then. “All these big wave events will be beamed live and sponsored by various companies. There will be millions of eyeballs on the screen and the people who capture the event will receive the ad dollars and sponsorship to make it viable. I think that is the future.” Wayne Webster who shapes big wave guns and tow boards for many of these freaks agrees but considers the much speculated ‘Big Wave World Tour’ won’t be without its obstacles. “The surfing on the WCT is amazing but the proposed Big Wave World Tour certainly has that gravitas. When you see footage from Cloudbreak in Fiji last year (June 2012) when they called a break to the WCT contest due to the size of the waves and the surfers just went out to play... That day was memorable. And when they broadcast the last Eddie event (Eddie Aikau Memorial Big Wave Contest at Waimea Bay in Hawaii), it was massive. “I guess the one setback is just waiting for those kinds of swells. It can take two years to run one event. For a sponsor it’s great when it runs, but the wait can be tough. It will take a while to sort out what will work for everyone, I think.”
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“WE ARE ENTERING A NEW PHASE AS TO WHERE SURFING IS HEADED...”
TIM BONYTHON Earlier this year we featured an interview with Tim and his life’s work filming surfing in its many forms and in particular, epic swells. Considering our discussion on the future of surfing big waves, it was rather fitting we spoke with Tim about his latest series of films that he is set to tour the country with as part of his 11th annual Australian Surf Movie Festival.
“The series takes in three locations: Shipsterns in Tasmania, the desert coast of South Australia and one of my most favourite spots, Teahupo’o in Tahiti. We’ll be touring from January 3rd through to mid February. “The film basically captures the greatest moments the ocean has offered over the last twelve months. This year
In the first part of the film, Tim captures what has been reported to be the best day at Shipstern’s Bluff (Tasmania) in many years. Kelly mixes it up with the local boys along with Laurie Towner and Wade Goodall in perfect 15 foot waves.
“I appreciate there are some sensitivities surrounding the film, particularly the footage from South Australia but I will say this, my aim is to show off the waves that other mere mortals don’t like to surf. I don’t document surf spots surfed by many of the locals. I don’t wish to be disrespectful. I spend money and time to capture something incredibly unique. In that sense I only document places that are deemed unsurfable to the majority of the surfing population.
Some controversy surrounds the next part of the film, or the actual filming of it. Tim invited Kelly along with Californian adrenalin junkie Alex Gray and young up and comer, Russ Bierke from Ulladulla, to South Australia to surf some remote breaks on the desert coast.
“There are only a handful of guys who are capable and prepared to surf these waves ranging from 15 to 30 ft. And when they risk their lives to do it, these moments need to be captured. The surfers who tackle these waves want to see their feats documented.”
was once again nothing short of wonderful. We call the first half, ‘The Journey’. Two of our three experiences were with the King, Kelly Slater, who had two windows of opportunity to join us.”
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LATEST: DIRECTIONS Film still: Tim Bonython
“EACH TIME TEAHUPO’O CREATES MONSTER WAVES, IT BECOMES ENCODED IN OUR MINDS AS SOMETHING THAT IS BEYOND NORMAL.” “South Australia has a huge coastline. We are not giving people road maps to where these spots are. The closest city to many is hours upon hours upon hours drive and then you have to discover exactly where to go and guess what conditions it will work best in. Many of the big wave destinations aren’t even just off the coast but way out to sea. Then you have to consider the area is isolated, desolate and dangerous in relation to sea critters.”
“I came up with the name by way of how forecast swells are graded. The last big swell at Teahupo’o in 2011 was called Code Red (as the maps depicted a lot of red, which means huge seas). This year they started to name the first monster swell heading to Teahupo’o Code Purple, as there was a lot of purple in the map, which means huge seas but not as big as Code Red. “Each swell event is labelled with a code colour and that’s where we arrived at the name. Each time Teahupo’o creates monster
waves, it becomes encoded in our minds as something that is beyond normal. It’s naturally encoded in our brains as dangerous and always associated with huge barrels that could kill you in a moment.” Having watched Tim’s last flick entitled Immersion, I can tell it is encoded in my brain as one of the best surf movies I have ever seen. Suffice to say I am looking forward to his latest project. I am sure it will be a cracker and a must see on the big screen. “Coming back to the future of big wave surfing I will say this; we are entering a new phase as to where surfing is headed. The future is big in big wave surfing.
Film still: Tim Bonython
Tim revisits South Australia once more in the film to show footage of Mark Matthews, Richie Vass and Ryan Hipwood taking on an angry slab whilst getting buzzed by big sharks before moving on to Tahiti.
“The main feature of this year’s film festival is what I have called Encoded. It is part three of the Blackwater Series about Teahupo’o.
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Behind the scenes... Film still: Tim Bonython
“I LOVE CHASING THE BIG SWELL AND FILMING THE GUYS...” “We are just around the corner from a world tour that will evolve utilising the best big wave surfers and WCT surfers. It is then going to be up to people like me to document these moments. “I love chasing the big swell and filming the guys go about their business. That’s why I have been doing what I do for so long now. It is incredibly exhilarating to watch monster waves being surfed and I love capturing these events.” For more on the ASMF go to www.surfingvisions.com Part of the AMAYSIM ASMF (Australian Surf Movie Festival) presented by GoPro will include a showcase of the winners of a short film competition held in October-December 2012.
What a view Film still: Tim Bonython
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LATEST: DIRECTIONS
Wayne Webster, on directions in big wave surfing
“Look Ma, no jetski!” Camel paddles into a wave at the Cow Bombie, WA. Photo: Jamie Scott Images 72
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I LIKE
AND I CANNOT LIE
WAYNE WEBSTER With our discussion centred on big waves and the future of surfing these monsters, we thought it only fitting to turn the discussion towards big wave board design. Here we chat with Wayne Webster of Webster Surfboards who shapes sticks for loonies like Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker and Jeff ‘Camel’ Goulden. “I think the focus on surfing big waves at present is towards guns. Everyone was towing to get the biggest wave possible whereas now they are saying, ‘You know what, I don’t want to know about that. I want to use my own two arms to catch a wave.’ There is a certain respect that goes with paddling into big waves. “I have been working closely with Camel of late on some big wave guns (Camel won the 2012 Oakley Biggest Paddle in Wave for a ripper he rode at Cow Bombie in WA). He is often portrayed as this pretty eccentric character with way-out-there ideas but I have found his depth of knowledge on surfboard design amazing. “He rides bodyboards in big waves, tows, paddles in... He kind of does everything. He has tried so many different things in big surf that he has put the various theories to the test. So working with him, I have learnt a lot and yet I have only shaped him one board. That said I have probably had close to thirty different discussions with him about various aspects of surfboard design. He has approached me with different ideas he feels works and I have then related it back to what I have found has worked with other big wave surfers such as Twiggy.” With that in mind, we thought we would get down to some design specifics featured in Wayne’s boards.
VOLUME “In the past your ten-foot guns were very spear-like in their outline. They now feature as much volume as you can pack into the design to get that paddle power. So big wave boards have kind of followed what shortboards have done. They have kind of gone wider up the front and thicker and even some are a little bit flatter throughout to assist catching waves. The first thing with big waves is, you have to be able to paddle into them. So I guess that is the biggest part of where guns have changed, more volume.” NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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LATEST: DIRECTIONS
WEIGHT
FLEX
FIN SETUP
“As much weight as you can get into the board whilst maintaining flex. Generally on anything from 9ft through to 12ft we use three layers of 6oz top and bottom. We then use high-density foam to put more weight and strength into the blank.
“As I mentioned, all the boards are glassed so super strong as weight and strength are incredibly important. Initially we were doing 11ft boards with one-inch stringers and they just felt too stiff. So we have moved to a half-inch stringer and are glassing them just as strong but using an epoxy resin (epoxy resin is considered by many to be inherently stronger than polyester resin).
“Most of the guns are set up as five fins to give surfers those options to mix and match to what they feel they need on the day. There are different fin set-ups for different waves. Waimea for example, is your perfect quad setup because it is about getting to the bottom, maintaining your speed and outrunning the whitewash. Sunset is different because after the initial takeoff, it is about staying in the wave and setting that bottom turn so I think a thruster works better in that regard.”
“Burfords make all my gun blanks. The highdensity foam simply means more foam is put into the mould so it condenses making it heavier and stronger. “Aside from that I use a big stringer, plenty of resin, and filler-coat them really thick. I am generally working to achieve about a kilo per foot but sometimes make them heavier if required.”
WHY IS WEIGHT SO IMPORTANT? “Usually if you are surfing these kind of conditions it is stormy and quite windy and there is a fair bit of chop on the wave face. The weight just helps the board build momentum, both when you are paddling and getting down the face. It enables the board to fall down the wave face and plough through the chop. “It really flies in the face of the obsession with shortboards being so super light. Light boards fight the wind and are flighty. You want to keep your board in the water in these instances.”
“Whilst they are big boards, guys still want to be able to turn them and set their direction so it helps to keep a bit of flex in the board.”
MATERIALS SUCH AS CARBON FIBRE? “I don’t really use carbon patches because you never really stand in the one spot with these boards. For a guy like Twiggy, he stands right up in the middle of his board and his stance is quite wide. “Patches don’t come into play as these things are usually used to strengthen a board because it has been glassed light to make it light. We already have three layers of cloth so they are not required.”
TAIL SHAPES “Generally speaking rounded pins. Some of the bigger guns I have been doing for Twiggy, the outline is a bit straighter through the middle, which is carried through the nose and tail. So I am widening them more than usual so it assists paddle power but I also put a bit more curve in the back end so there is still something for an 11ft board to pivot off. You don’t want too much hold.”
BOTTOM CONTOUR “Slight vee through it but not too much, just enough to let a wider, chunkier board get onto its edge. With bigger waves it is all about controlling that speed. You don’t need to put in a lot of concave to make them faster.”
FUTURE DESIGN DEVELOPMENTS “Stretch in the US is starting to craft some really different boards that look like a bullet. They are quite blunt in the nose and parallel through the body. For me I like something that is not going to catch as you are going down the wave face. That is why I don’t like anything too blunt. “You know what though, I am saying that now but in a year’s time I might be doing just that. In the last two years big wave guns have changed a lot. It is all changing so fast. “When we have a good big wave season it assists design progression because you can put your theories to the test. As these guys are riding bigger and bigger waves we need to evolve the boards to suit.”
Wayne Webster guns. Photo supplied courtesy of Wayne Webster 74
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LATEST: DIRECTIONS Dicko. Photo by Nick Addison, courtesy of Bells Surfboards
BELLS SURFBOARDS A Victorian partnership plying their trade in big wave guns is Peter Bell and Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson. Bells Surfboards was formed to supply big wave enthusiasts with heavy-duty reliable surfboards to tackle spots such as Bells and waves further south that really pack a punch when the swell is on. We spoke with both Peter and Dicko about their boards. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
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Peter: My interest in big wave boards stems from the days of Pat Morgan when he was a shaper in Torquay. There was a particular day when I tried to tackle a decent Bells’ swell on a twin fin, around the time they first became popular. My mates watching from the shore still laugh at how much I got cleaned up. I soon made a straight line for Pat Morgan’s surf shop after that experience. That was the start of my interest in guns. It is something I have been interested in all the years since. Life takes you down many roads and I have finally got around to working on these boards with Dicko. Dicko and I have been surfing Bells for decades and we understand what’s required in certain conditions. There is always a lot more water moving around then you would possibly expect and the waves are bigger and thicker. Our aim is to ensure surfers don’t go out there on those days undergunned.
We are not out to set the world on fire. We are very low key, just servicing a niche market.
DESIGN ASPECTS Dicko: I shape a 7’6” for most guys, you know your Joe Average surfer who wants to have a dip at big waves. For the really serious guys I’m shaping an 8’2” and then the guys surfing further south, anything from an 8’6” to a 9’2”, and up to a 9’6”. From the 7’6”s up I like to keep the widest point a couple of inches forward of centre, up to six inches depending on the length of the board, with a thickness between 2 ¾ to 3”. I like to keep the floatation right under the chest so the guys can actually paddle the things like a little motor-boat and know they can get onto waves. The boards don’t have a super amount of rocker through the nose area for the same reasons. You don’t want to
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be pushing water. You want to be able to get down the wave face quickly. So the boards feature a nice continuous curve out to the tail. Some of them have a slight concave in the bottom running through to a vee in the tail, maybe even a double concave in the tail. With the last couple of feet of the board I get the rails as fine as I can. When you are going down the face of these waves at 100 miles an hour, you want to get the rail in the water, turn the board and really drive off the bottom using the length of that rail to get around big sections.
TAILSHAPE, FIN SET-UP Dicko: Most of them are rounded pins but as you move into the larger boards I go tighter towards a pin so that they look like double-enders for the really serious stuff. As far as fin set-ups, it depends on where they are
surfing and how they want to surf the waves. It is horses for courses really. Some prefer the traditional approach, single fins and widow makers (a glassed in single fin with two smaller side fins) or even plain thruster set ups. Then a lot of guys at the moment are into quads. They are the flavour of the month because blokes see the footage of guys paddling into Jaws on their 10’ and 12’ guns and everyone has a quad. So you have your single fin aficionados and your young guys who go, “Nah, we want four of the best sitting out the back so we can go like the clappers and pull into barrels.”
CONSTRUCTION Dicko: The one thing I insist on is glassing the boards right. Some guys will come in and ask for a standard glass job but I will steer them away from that because
quite simply, the boards aren’t strong enough and you need a little weight. Most times when you are surfing big waves, no matter where you are, it is often in stormy, windy conditions. Big waves create their own wind as well because of the speed the swells are travelling at and the sheer size of them. The last thing you want is a super light gun that gets blown off the top all the time. You want some momentum to catch the wave and get down the face without getting hung up on the lip. That’s not fun.
Peter: The boards also feature double plugs, because you can’t rely on just one in those sorts of conditions, and close to a halfinch stringer. All in all we are talking extra glass, extra plugs and a thicker stringer, which all adds up to a board that is more durable. You don’t want to pay $1400 for a serious gun, go out on your big day and it snaps in half. It is no point having a gun that looks good in a showroom but doesn’t perform on the day.
Even with the 7’6”s we’ll do a double six ounce (cloth) deck and a six bottom or sometimes a six and two ounce bottom (total of 8oz bottom) or even a six and four on the bigger boards. Sometimes we’ll even have deck patches as well. It just makes the boards solid and a little weight helps you to surf big, angry waves. NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Floating Sunglasses
GRAHAM CARSE Finally, how can we end a discussion on big waves and guns without visiting the end of the world (no offence to our New Zealand cousins, it’s simply a geographical fact, or close enough). The south coast of the South Island of New Zealand is rich in its rawness. The rugged coastline is home to extensive stretches of near vertical cliffs, giant waves and large marine inhabitants. The relentless Roaring Forties channeled between Stewart Island and the mainland act like a large conveyor belt delivering thumping, icy cold swells from Antartica right along the coastline from the Catlins to Dunedin and further north to Oamaru. In these parts you need two things to tackle the ominous, hard punching peaks, a fair amount of bravado and a Graham Carse special. His Quarry Beach big wave guns are the board of choice for locals who know what’s required in this neck of the woods. The board pictured is typical of the guns Carse has been shaping of late. He calls them a Barracuda. Now as most people know, a barracuda is a ray-finned fish known for its large size and fearsome appearance. It’s a voracious, opportunistic predator relying on surprise and short bursts of speed. Its body is long, fairly compressed, and covered with small, smooth scales. That’s a pretty good way to sum up this board really, aside from the scales. The Barracuda is designed to fly and to tackle waves of between 15 to 25 ft. Graham had this to say about the board:
• Polarised • Polarised Bi Focal • Polarised Photochromic • Polarised PC (Melanin infused) • RX Prescription
San n Jua
“It is designed as a double-ender in effect. It’s 10’1” x 20” x 3 ¼”. The nose is 10 ¼” wide, the same as the tail. It features a rolled bottom into a vee, slightly rolled under the nose. “I have been setting these up as quads of late to deliver more speed and hold in the wave face. We glass it with 30 ounces of fiberglass to get it nice and strong. Weight-wise its 6 ½ kg to enable the surfer to get down the wave face and handle the significant chop we encounter when waves around here get to that size. “The conditions for swell like this often mean howling southerlies, ice-cold, horizontal rain and totally wild, untamed swell. Believe me, in those conditions you wish for your board to be a little on the heavier side.” I still recall when I first spoke to Carse about this board he had just shaped for Jimmy earlier in the year. I still laugh at his reply when I asked him if Jimmy was a good surfer... “We’ll soon find out.”
www.barzoptics.com Showroom - Unit 11 / 4 Leda Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Ph 07 5576 4365
Classic Carse. Classic big wave guns. NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DESIGN: WORKSHOPS
SOW At first glance it appears an unusual marriage of ideas, board building and landscape architecture. When you start to understand the principles behind the merging of the two businesses however, and the synergies that exist, you start to see the forest for the trees. We recently had the great pleasure of talking with Dave Porter from TREEHOUSE LANDSCAPES & HANDSHAPES. WORDS: DAVE SWAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF TREEHOUSE
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WING SEEDS has possibly stemmed from my landscape architecture background. Perhaps I would not have come at it that way had I gone straight into just shaping surfboards.
“Rather than thinking I am a surfboard manufacturer or a landscape architect, I have looked at the two skills I have and built a business around that. It provides me with an opportunity to be really unique. I am pretty sure I am the only business in the world that has this fusion of things happening.”
“So yes, there is a little bit of landscape architecture in all of my surfboards and likewise there is a bit of surfboard design in my landscape work.
Indeed through his design, Dave has reached the perfect juncture where surfboard building and landscape architecture meet; both reflect healthy, outdoor living and an ingrained respect for the environment, or at least, that is what Dave is working towards. Fostering a greater respect for nature is of paramount importance to him. “I see Treehouse as a lifestyle brand centred around those two things. “I guess growing up with a bit of a greenie background and the fact I started studying environmental science led me down this path. I later changed my degree to landscape architecture because of the creative aspect it offered. “On the board side of things, I first started shaping when I was sixteen. Before 2006 all the boards I made were standard polyester resin and polyurethane blanks but I found I didn’t get much life out of them with them denting, snapping and so forth. “With my background it obviously raised the issue of waste but also seemed crazy to be using these pretty nasty chemicals, which I unfortunately still have to use. However, what I am trying to use nowadays is more environmentally-
Dave Porter
friendly materials and making the boards stronger while at the same time being light and responsive. “I believe they definitely surf as well if not better than your standard PU board. And that has always been my other aim, performance with an environmental consciousness.” With regards to the use of different materials we noted Dave’s preference for pine as opposed to the more commonly utilised timbers such as Paulownia, bamboo or balsa. “I found pine fantastic for a few reasons. Firstly it is lightweight, it has a really nice straight grain, so consistency wise you don’t get too much variation in it, and I am a sucker for keeping materials local. Hoop Pine is from Queensland and Northern New South Wales and is grown on plantations so it is one of the most sustainable timbers
we can use. I just figured I wanted an Australian timber in my boards rather than an Asian timber. The other timbers are good as well, this is just my point of difference.” Curious to know more about the blending of these two businesses, I asked whether landscape architecture had in any way assisted with surfboard design. “I don’t think it influences it directly but certainly the design thinking is parallel. The approach to design I learnt at Uni has helped in terms of the shape of the board and being critical with regards to what is actually needed to surf in different types of waves. “It also goes hand in hand with the sustainability aspect of surfboard construction. Thinking about where your materials come from, how to make things durable, that
“An example of that is a client who recently commissioned me to design an outdoors shower area featuring recycled old surfboards. Our vertical garden here at the showroom I constructed using stormwater pipe fibreglassed with pigments in the resins. “I also recently did a project with Sutherland Shire Council down on The Esplanade at Cronulla. We have inlaid these stainless steel surfboard outlines into the walkway. Within each, a date is featured of a particular event that started a surfboard design movement. There are panels as well being constructed with historical photos we sourced from legendary Cronulla board builder Barry Regan.” With such a strong grounding in design and environmental consciousness, I asked Dave if there was a particular clientele he was trying to reach. “I guess I am trying to appeal to people who appreciate quality surfboards that are durable and who really respect handmade products. All of my boards are shaped and built by hand.”
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“GrowING up wIth a bIt of a GrEENIE backGrouND aND thE fact I StartED StuDyING ENvIroNmENtal ScIENcE lED mE DowN thIS path.” Dave Porter
All photos contributed by Treehouse Landscapes & Handshapes 82
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Design wise we noticed a number of Dave’s shapes are quite retro-inspired.
Not only are Dave’s boards amazing but he’s based his business within a cool little precinct he has created.
“Yeah, I shape eggs, fishes and mini Simmons style boards. I am just trying to be realistic about the average everyday surfer and what our capabilities are. So to that end I am definitely trying to push user-friendly shapes that still work in rubbish conditions, which let’s face it, are the conditions we are regularly faced with.
“We have set up in what was Bulli’s (northern suburb of Wollongong) oldest running timber mill. It’s a great old shed right on the big roundabout at Bulli. We have a bunch of artists, architects and industrial designers working out of this space and from time to time will have bands playing and art exhibitions and so forth.
“I still have a few models that are designed for clean, good quality surf but the bulk of my business is making boards for average riders that work in average conditions.”
“There’s a showroom at the front, an indoor vege garden, our main shaping bay with a window through to it so people can make the connection between the boards
in the showroom and where they are made, and two other shaping bays as well. These will be used for some shaping workshops we have planned. The first one has sold out already. We’ve received an amazing response. It seems a lot of people are looking for an experience rather than just a product. “We also have another part of the business called Resin & Glass. As far as I am aware, we will be the only business offering polyester glassing along with epoxy glassing to both professional and amateur shapers.” I must say upon closer examination of Dave’s boards and the business he has set up, I am absolutely
blown away. The concept and his execution of the idea are first class. It is a remarkable feat for a bloke from Cronulla who simply started out on an amateur level building and glassing his own boards. It goes to show if you are passionate about something and have the gumption and drive, you can achieve anything. See Dave’s website for more on his amazing work in the shaping bay and the garden: treehousescapesandshapes.com
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DESIGN: BUILD IT
GETTING DOWN &
DIRTY LEA R N I N G H O W T O M A K E A S UR F B O A R D WORDS: DAVE SWAN
With a growing appreciation for handmade surfboards, more and more surfers want to gain a hands on understanding of what is involved. We can speak from personal experience. Until you build a surfboard from scratch, you really don’t have an appreciation for the skill, time and dedication that goes into making it. We can also assure you, after you have undertaken the exercise, never again will you take for granted what’s gone into it, haggle over the price of your surfboard with a shaper, or even be slightly tempted to buy the cheap, soulless no-name-from-a-containeroverseas variety. So you can understand why we’re only too pleased to see what’s unfolding before our own eyes - a massive spike in everyday surfers interested in crafting a surfboard of their own. They may not ride anything like the real deal (note to Mark whose board he made was ridiculously crap) but it’s an experience you’ll not readily forget. And if it develops a surfer’s understanding of how boards are made, and encourages them to get behind their local shaper in future, everyone is richer for the experience. Supporting the local surfboard industry is something we are extremely passionate about. So to anyone keen to have a crack at building his or her own surfboard, here’s a brief rundown on where you can do it, see it or buy a kit.
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BOARD BUILDING COURSES SURFBOARD SHAPERS WORKSHOP Richard Harvey’s setup at Miami on the Gold Coast is one of the original shapers workshops. It is where Mark and I first learnt to shape a surfboard. Richard’s calm temperament and 45+ years experience is invaluable. It was without doubt one of the most enjoyable experiences we have undertaken since starting Smorgasboarder. Richard’s course is a complete one-on-one experience that focuses primarily on the all-important design of your surfboard and shaping the blank. 10 hours of tuition, broken into 5 x 2 hour modules, includes learning how to use the shaping bay to your advantage, the tools of the trade, making templates, blank selection, understanding the concepts of design (plan shape, rocker, bottom profile etc), rough shaping, fine tuning and finish shaping your blank. Group workshops are also available and are conducted around Australia, but are limited at present due to the enormous interest in the one-on-one tuition classes. www.surfboardshapersworkshop.com.au
COLAB The home of Beck Surfboards and Gas Fins also run surfboard making workshops. With everything you need to build a board from start to finish in house, Colab is a one-stop shop for aspiring board builders on the Sunshine Coast.
AL COLK DIY SURFBOARD WORKSHOPS Al’s 3- day workshops take you through the process, from shaping your own board right through to glassing, sanding, finishing and even basic airbrushing techniques and artwork. At the end of the course you ‘graduate’ with a new surfboard ready to test out in the waves. Al started shaping back in 1968 and has worked for some of the best in the business including Oke, Island, Fullcircle, Offshore, Klemm Bell, Watercooled, Strapper, Piping Hot and had his own label back in the ‘70s called Starship. He’s shaped custom boards with none other than Paddy Morgan and Wayne Lynch and in the ‘90s started Tube Time Surfboards, which he still shapes under to this day. www.tubetime.com.au
TREEHOUSE LANDSCAPES & HANDSHAPES
PAULOWNIA SURFBOARD SUPPLIES Not only are these guys one of the largest suppliers of Paulownia for hollow wooden boards, chambered timber boards and alaias, Dave Evans also regularly conducts 3-hour alaia board building courses at their Mordialloc premises. www.paulowniasurfboardsupplies.com
LEIGH STEVEN The Tasmanian master craftsman now based in Torquay is conducting one-on-one handshaping lessons. With 50 years handshaping experience you can be assured you will be learning from one of the best in the business. Each lesson is four hours and you will not only shape a surfboard that’s ready to glass, you will also learn how to use all the tools of the trade. M: 0409 489 637
Dave Porter has just recently opened to the public his premises in the old timber mill in Bulli, Wollongong NSW. Aside from the main shaping bay with viewing window where customers can see Dave at work, the two subsequent bays will be used to conduct handshaping workshops. Amateur shapers will also be able to get their creations glassed with polyester or epoxy resin in the Resin & Glass studio within the same complex. www.treehousescapesandshapes.com
P: (07) 5493 3539
TREE TO SEA GEOFF MOASE PAULOWNIA TIMBER SALES Alaia and handplane workshops conducted at Burleigh by Geoff Moase, a passionate surfer with 30 years experience in finish-carpentry/ cabinetry. Geoff shapes his own line of mighty fine hollow wood construction surfboards, alaias and handplanes under the name of Dovetail Designs. www.paulowniatimbersales.com.au www.dovetailsurfboards.com
Rob and Gary run these immensely popular wooden board-building courses down on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, with most booked out for months in advance. The workshops, pioneered by Rich Blundell, will have you completely build your own hollow wooden surfboard at the completion of the 3-day course. Participants can create anything from 5’4” fish through to a 9’1” retro pig and thanks to the build method, the boards do not need to be glassed upon completion. They are ready to surf as is. www.treetosea.com.au
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PHOTO: CHAR
Great surfing spots Melanesian hospitality
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FOR MORE INFORMATION & RESERVATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGISTERED SURF TRAVEL AGENTS: AUSTRALIA & USA WORLD SURFARIS pty ltd
PO Box 180, Mooloolaba QLD 4558, Australia phone. (617) 5444 4011 fax. (617) 5444 4911 free call. 1800611 163 (Australia Only) email. info@worldsurfaris.com web. www.worldsurfaris.com DOLPHIN ENTERPRISES LTD +675 325 6500 email. craig@mvgoldendawn.com web. www.mvgoldendawn.com phone.
PNG JAPAN LIMITED (JAPAN) phone. (675) 323 1321 / 323 2103 fax. (675) 327 1828 email. pngjapan.pom001@gmail.com web. www.png-japan.co.jp
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Suite 38/42 - 46 Wattie Rd Brookvale, NSW Australia phone. 1300 00 Wave phone. +61 2 9939 0809 fax. +61 2 9939 8390 email. info@theperfectwave.com.au web. wwwtheperfectwave.com.au
321 Sheridan Street, Cairns Nth, QLD 4870, Australia phone. 1300 36 88 553 phone. (+617) 4080 4080 fax. +61 (0)7 4080 4077 email. adventures@pngholidays. com.au web. www.pngholidays.com.au
REGISTERED LAND AND SEA BASED OPERATORS:
TUPIRA SURF CLUB, ULINGAN BAY MADANG PROVINCE tupira.surfpng@gmail.com web. www.tupirasurfclub.com
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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.
| NOV/DEC 86 2013 SMORGASBOARDER Empowering Communities Since 1989
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s
S:
D,
E
GETTING DOWN &
Hanging with Richard Harvey with some freshly shaped blanks
BOARD BUILDING COURSES C O N T I N U E D
DIRTY LE ARN I N G HO W TO M AK E A SURFB OARD
SHAPING
DEMONSTRATIONS
THE SURFBOARD STUDIO
CLARK SURFBOARDS
JACK KNIGHT
This place has taken the board-building concept the whole hog! There are several places where you can learn to shape a surfboard blank, but not too many that teach you the whole process from start to finish and give you access to purchase everything you need on the spot. Opening in March/April 2014 this new Melbournebased business will teach you the complete ins and outs of surfboard design and manufacture.
Over in Hackham, an outer southern suburb of Adelaide, Leighton Clark is a board builder with over 30 years experience manufacturing surfboards, having formerly shaped under the name Lipstix then Cut Loose to the present day Clark Surfboards.
The surfboard artisan with 50 years experience in the craft regularly runs Friday night handshaping demonstrations. Jack and the boys create a chilled atmosphere with some tunes and beers where those interested can come along, sit back, relax and see them go about their business.
The Surfboard Studio is a purpose built space for instruction on all aspects of shaping (including Shaper3D design software), glassing, sanding, resin tinting, airbrushing, fin and plug installation – all the tricks of the trade. A number of different courses will be conducted along with occasional masterclasses in surfboard design from worldrenowned Australian and overseas shapers. There will also be demonstration classes in various aspects of surfboard manufacture. We’re informed each of the instructors has between 15 and 30 years experience in surfboard manufacture. Further to the various courses and workshops, aspiring shapers will also be able to rent space at the studio by way of a membership program that will also entitle them to various deals and invitations to the master classes. And if that wasn’t enough, the operation will also stock an extensive range of shaping supplies from blanks to resin and shaping tools. www.thesurfboardstudio.com.au
Now Leighton is conducting full board building workshops, offering the complete experience of making a surfboard from shaping through to glassing, sanding, finishing... the works. Best of all, the ‘learning process’ can be structured accordingly. Says Leighton, “You can take as long as you need. You can be very hands on or just watch the various processes. We work around a time frame that suits both parties. Sometimes that takes a few weeks to a couple of months.” M: 0422 443 789
SEASONS SURFBOARDS We love this one - a chance to have a surfing holiday and shape a surfboard at the same time. Bryan ‘BJ’ Smith of Seasons Surfboards in Taranaki on New Zealand’s North Island has been making boards for over 40 years, and is now inviting people to share in his passion. Guests get to undertake a 7-day surf trip where BJ not only walks you through the process of shaping, glassing, sanding and finishing your own surfboard but will also fill in time taking you to surf famous breaks in the region.
www.jackknightsurfboards.com.au
TOM WEGENER Named 2009 Shaper of the Year, Tom’s infectious passion for sharing all that he knows about surfboard, alaia and bellyboard design knows no bounds. He readily invites customers to come out to the “Creation Plantation” and see him shape a board. As Tom explains, “It takes many hours because I often spend most of the time discussing each element of the board and how it will affect the way it will ride the wave.” www.tomwegenersurfboards.com
XMAS TIP & GIFT IDEA
‘Collect memories, not just things’ the wise ones say, and what a great Christmas gift a surfboard shaping course is. Santa’s listening.
Email: seasons@xtra.co.nz NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DIY SURFBOARD KITS MARK RILEY We’ve had a long association with Mark Riley. He’s an absolute perfectionist who runs a very professional operation. Not only does he shape his own beautiful balsa surfboards - both classic solid balsa longboards and balsa-skinned, recycled EPS foam-core flyers. He stocks everything you need to make your own from instructional DVDs and Ebooks to surfboard blanks of every description - solid balsa blanks, preshaped solid balsa blanks, preshaped balsa and recycled EPS foam core blanks and balsa alaia blanks. There’s also fin blanks, balsa nose and tail blocks, balsa sticks, sheets and complete shaping kits for solid balsa boards and balsa skin/foam core models. shop.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
SURFING GREEN We shaped our alaias with Dave and Nic and can testify to the fact they are great people to deal with, plus they write our Green column in each edition of Smorgasboarder. Surfing Green stock a range of environmentally-friendly surfboard supplies from instructional dvds to recycled EPS foam blanks, timber blanks, fin sets and surfboard building kits from alaias to chambered solid Paulownia surfboards. Rib and spar kits are also available for everything from a fish right through to longboards and even a paddleboard. www.surfinggreen.com.au Nice_Rack_Advert_88x118_OL.indd 1
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GOING IT ALONE...
THE SURFER’S TEXTBOOK Howard Jennar’s bible of all things related to board building is a fantastic resource for those who want to get stuck in at home from scratch. With over 400 pages of advice, plans, techniques and explanations, this is an invaluable resource for any aspiring board builders. It’s also a perfect Christmas gift for the aspiring shaper in your life... Available for $79.95 from www.surferstextbook.com.au and it’s well worth every cent. If you’re keen to read more stories on home board builders like yourself, check out any past edition of Smorgasboarder. All editions can be read on iPad or computer at www.smorgasboarder.com.au 88
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“LIGhtING IS thE kEy. It’S NumbEr oNE.” Paul’s first tip for a good shaping bay
Paul Winter. Photo: Dave Swan
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WINTER GREEN Whilst he is relatively new to the shaping scene despite his years (and by that I do not mean he is old but he’s not in his twenties) Paul Winter is quickly making a name for himself. Keen to find out what all the fuss was about I paid Paul a visit and that’s when I began dribbling. Once I had my drooling in order, we got down to an impromptu interview. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
Whilst following Jackson around New Zealand on the circuit, Paul met a gentleman by the name of Mickey Thomson (of Mickey T fame and crafter of some of the finest surfboards in the Land of the Long White Cloud – we love you Mickey). Paul picks up the story. “We were staying in a motorhome and Mickey told us to come down to Raglan. We took his advice and I had a few surfs with him there. We really hit it off and one day ended up going back to Mickey’s shop. His shaping bay adjoins the shop and when we walked through, it immediately ignited a spark. It just made me go, ‘Wow!’ Thirty-five years ago I was doing something similar. I thought, ‘Man, this is what I really want to do again.’ “So before we went over to NZ the next year I asked Mickey if he could get a blank sorted for me so I could have another go at making a board. When we got over there, Mickey had it all organised. He shaped a board beforehand and I watched and took a few notes. I am really indebted to Mickey for not only passing on so many valuable skills but for providing me with the inspiration to get back into shaping. “It was a great refresher course because I had done a few rough and rudimentary shapes back when I was a teenager, real backyard jobs
Neat? As a pin.
Paul’s kids are quite accomplished surfers. His daughter Kelly has been highly ranked in the women’s longboard circuit and son Jackson has been a finalist in various high profile shortboard, longboard and finless events including his crowning as the 2010 New Zealand Hyundi Pro Longboard Tour junior champion.
for me and a couple of mates. My original shaping bay was an old builder’s shed behind my parent’s property that had been left. I cleaned it out and got set up. It became a great hangout for me and the boys.” That initial foray into making boards kept Paul and his mates in relatively cheap boards for some time. After finishing school, he did a short stint on prawn trawlers and cray fishing in northern NSW before committing himself to three decades in the building industry. Paul has now come full circle to rediscover the joys of making boards. Mickey’s shaping bay in Raglan was the catalyst for his life change. “It was perfect. Everything you would want to shape a board and do a good job of it. You probably recognise I have a similar setup here. Mickey just doesn’t have the fancy floor (laughs). That’s the benefit of being a former builder.” The floor Paul refers to is floating pine floor raised off the concrete slab. It provides a great deal more give and puts less stress on the knees when spending long days
shaping blanks. It also looks a lot darn easier to sweep and keep clean. “From the day I took the first step back into the shaping bay I really didn’t know what was going to happen going forward but I thought to myself, ‘This feels good.’” Paul’s boards from traditional logs to retro inspired shapes are all individually handshaped to order. You can tell a great deal of care is taken with the finer details from the bottom contours, foil and fin placement. His focus is definitely on quality rather than quantity. To my eye the plan shapes have a tremendous amount of appeal and the resin work and polish immaculate. Even the board decals have a real artistic flair. I was intrigued by the name and had to ask. “Fuyu is actually Japanese. Mickey’s wife Sunny came up with it. ‘Fuyu’ means ‘winter’ in Japanese. I couldn’t use my actual name in English as a shaper in Newcastle had it registered. My wife Libby designed the logo.”
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“IT ALSO FEELS A LITTLE MORE RELAXING AND WARMER THAN BLUE.” Paul on his choice of shaping bay colour
At this point of the conversation my attention turns back to Paul’s shaping bay. I am a tidy freak but this bay is like nothing I have ever seen before (aside from probably Mickey T himself). Paul gave me a rundown on his ideal setup... LIGHTING IS THE KEY. It is number one. If you haven’t got decent lighting, you can’t see what you are doing. If you have it perfect, straight away you can see the curves and concaves. And it has to be at the right height for the shaper, that’s takes a fair bit of time and effort to get it just right. LEVEL LINES on the walls assist from time to time. A GOOD SET OF SOLID STANDS that are level and don’t move an inch. Essential. SIZE COUNTS. My shaping bay is 5.1m by 2.7m. It’s a comfortable size. You have plenty of room to move around a longboard without feeling cramped.
TOOLS ALL IN THE RIGHT PLACE and handy throughout the shaping process. Being a former builder I like to have my gear in order. A GREEN SHAPING BAY as opposed to the usual blue. I got that from Mickey too. For me it is a better contrast against the white blank. It also feels a little more relaxing and warmer than blue. And finally, I don’t have an overhead extraction system just yet, but will in time. Paul’s tips on the perfect shaping bay may certainly assist any aspiring young shapers. As the age old adage goes, “A tidy house means a tidy mind.” Or maybe it should be, “A clean bay means clean lines.” Either way it looks pretty clear cut that Paul is making some real waves on the local shaping scene and with good reason. www.fuyusurfboards.com
Jackson Winter, Paul’s son. Photo supplied 92
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www.huey.com.au NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DESIGN: BACKYARDERS A great quiver for a Great Lake... Mike Roberson shows us three years worth of work Rovings for the leg rope... Gutsy for a backyard build and how cool does it look on the pint-tail?
(and garage, basement or anywhere else my wife will let me)
MIKE ROBERSON is a long-time Smorgasboarder reader and contributor, all the way over in the USA. Besides geographical distance, there is one particular thing that truly sets Mike apart from most of our other readers: his local surf break is a lake. Yes, an actual lake. And being a lake surfer, Mike’s different surf conditions and more isolated existence – from a surfing perspective anyway - have led him to try his hand at shaping his own surfboards. A good few surfcraft later, he’s developed quite the addiction to the process, and shares some of his thoughts on being an enthusiastic backyard board builder. WORDS: MIKE ROBERSON
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I BOUGHT MY FIRST SURFBOARD in 1996 from the Secret Spot Surf Shop in Nags Head, North Carolina on the Outer Banks. It was a used board, actually I think it was the cheapest board in the entire shop. It was a cool looking shortboard thruster with glassed on fins. I had two problems however: I had never surfed before, and I lived in Michigan. People surf in Michigan, but Great Lakes surfing is a little different than surfing the ocean. After several failed attempts and with no hope for success, I gave up.
I had several goals in mind when I shaped my first foam board. I wanted to build a board that was relatively inexpensive, had enough volume to catch waves easily and had a cool retro feel to it. My favorite surfer is Gerry Lopez and my favorite movie is Morning of the Earth, so, I decided to build a ‘70s style single fin with a big lightning bolt on the deck. I learned a lot and made my fair share of mistakes. It was essentially just one big experiment, but I ended up with a pretty nice board and the desire to continue shaping.
Fast forward 10 years or so and I was ready to give it another go. I found a cheap used rotomolded plastic funboard. It wasn’t exactly high performance, but I eventually learned to catch some waves. I guess I was older, wiser and more concerned about having fun and riding waves than struggling to surf a shortboard. This ultimately led to my shaping philosophy… It’s all about wave count - more waves means more fun.
Since I have no easy or cheap way to get blanks, I build my own from EPS blocks and glue in my own stringer. This allows me more flexibility in my designs. It’s hard to find a blank with the volume I want for some of my boards, but I can build one any size. I can also cut the stringer to the exact rocker and thickness I want. Then once it is glued into the foam, I just shave the foam down to the stringer and shape the rails. I order my fiberglass and epoxy supplies online and have it delivered right to my door.
Once I started feeling comfortable and catching waves on a regular basis, I was ready to upgrade. At the time, we only had one surf shop in the state and boards were quite expensive. So I got the crazy idea of making my own board. I was scared to death of working with foam and since there was no easy way to get my hands on a blank, I decided to build a hollow wooden board. I bought some plans on the internet and the supplies at a local hardware store. It was a fun winter project. The process was fairly labor intensive, but I was able to build a nice longboard. The board surfed okay, but I really just built it, I didn’t shape it. I was restricted by the plans and framework of the board. However, I did learn a lot about the glassing process. It was a great way to learn how to work with epoxy and sanding a board. With that little experience, I was ready to give actual shaping a try. I admit, I had no idea what I was doing. I did some reading online and watched a couple videos. I figured that gave me more knowledge than the first surfboard shapers. Heck, the ancient Hawaiians surfed a plank of wood, I could at least produce something as good as that, I hoped!
Other than the supplies for the actual board, there isn’t a lot of special equipment required. I built a shaping stand from scrap wood using plans I found online. You also need some space to shape (and make a mess) and basic hand tools. For my first couple boards I used a hand saw, surform, block plane, sandpaper, tape measure, square and a level to shape the board. For glassing I used scissors, razor blades, tape, mixing buckets, stir sticks, plastic squeegee and some brushes. To build your own board you need to be able to trace, measure, cut, use a saw, sanding tools, a squeegee and a paintbrush. Nothing really high tech, but learning to use the tools skillfully to transform a block of foam and fiberglass into a functional surfboard takes patience and practice. With some time and effort, you can build a decent board. As I mentioned earlier, my basic shaping philosophy is more waves means more fun. With that in mind, and the fact that I surf a freshwater lake, I build boards a little wider and thicker than boards you can buy in typical surf shop. Boards around 8 feet also tend be ideal for handling purposes, both in and out of the water. My average cost to build a board is right around $200.00 (US).
The time involved is a little harder to quantify. It really depends on how complex the board is, how much time I have to work on it and the tools used. I used to do everything by hand, but with each board I have built, I have added tools to make the process faster and easier. I would say it takes me roughly 25 hours over two or three weeks, from start to finish for a basic board. Almost half that time is spent sanding. I’ve tried something new with each board I have shaped. This allows me to improve on what I know while developing new skills. I figure the more I try, the more I will learn and the better my skills will become. It is kind of like surfing, we are always looking for the perfect wave. With shaping, I am always looking for the perfect board. Shaping your own board has a lot of great benefits. It’s a special feeling sliding down the face of a wave on a board you made with your own hands. The board is completely unique and custom with whatever dimensions you want. You develop skills that give you the confidence to make any repairs that may be needed. It provides a much deeper understanding of the various design considerations that go into a board. It kind of takes you back to the old days of the surfer shaper. Shaping your own board will also help you realise how talented real shapers are. Now, anytime I am in a surf shop I love to look at all the various boards, run my hands down the rails, feel the concaves in the bottom and eye the rocker. You just gain a greater appreciation for what professional shapers can do, which motivates me to keep improving and trying new things. I realise my boards will never be professional quality, but neither will my surfing. So why not experiment and have a little fun. When you build your own board there are no limitations. I encourage anyone that has ever considered building their own board to give it a try. I promise you will learn a lot and may even produce the best board in your quiver.
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DESIGN: BACKYARDERS
Here are the boards I have shaped thus far. Each board was inspired by things I have seen or read and in some cases out of necessity to catch more waves. The stories on shaping and the board section in Smorgasboarder Magazine have been great inspiration for designing and shaping my own boards…Thanks Guys! Mike Roberson
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5 2 1.
1. Hollow wooden longboard
4. The White Board
7. The Source (blue rails)
9’ x 22 ½”x 3”, Single fin, Feb 2010
7’6”x 22 ½” x 3 ¾”, Single fin, Dec 2011
8’ x 23”x 3 ½”, Quad fin, Nov 2012
This was the first board I built using plans from the internet. Surfs okay, but limited by the nature of the build, and I did a poor job shaping the rails. Glassed on single fin.
This is a slightly smaller version of the bolt board with thinner rails. I use this board on bigger days (this is my shortboard). I made the blank from a block of EPS foam. I tried to keep it simple. This was the first board with a fin box and the first time I used rice paper for the logo.
A culmination of what I liked about the prior boards. First quad fin set up. Similar rails to the bolt, with more volume in the tail. I used a slightly lighter foam and a resin tint look on the rails with paint pens. This is my favorite board.
2. Alaia 7’ x 18” x ¾”, no fin, May 2010
This was a cheap, easy build. Not very practical, but a cool board to have. I have tried it a couple times, but have only been able to body surf it.
3. The Bolt
5. Mako 5’2”x17 ½”x 2 5/8”, Thruster, Mar 2012
This board was built for my son. It is the only shortboard I have done. All the graphics are rice paper laminated under the glass. This was the first time I used FCS plugs and a thruster set up.
7’10” x 23 ½”x 3 ½”, Single fin, Mar 2011
This was based on an old ‘70s Gerry Lopez single fin. I built the blank out of one sheet of pink insulation foam. I did a lot of experimentation on this board. It has a resin tint bottom, with paint pen pin lines and bolt. It had a glassed on single fin that has since been replaced by a fin box. One of the best boards I own.
6. Mini Simmons (turtle fabric) 5’11 ½”x 23” x 3 1/8””, Twin fin, March 2012
Inspired by the Stumpy Duck.* This is the only stringerless board I have done. I also did my first fabric inlay. I shaped the twin fins from plywood and they are glassed on.
tears as Dave does a little * Mark wipes away a few wn for another shape-off. thro is tlet gaun victory dance. The for the background... 2011 ch See P89, issue #4 Mar
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8. Wave Tank (red tail, camo deck pad) 8’ x 28 ½”x 4 5/8”, Quad fin, Dec 2012
This is my ultimate small wave board. I use to surf a SUP on small days and I wanted something a little more agile. This is my first attempt at mini SUP and deck pad. This board sees a lot of action in the spring and summer.
9. Wood Board (wood strips) 7’10.5”x 22 ¾”x 3 1/8””, Single fin, Apr 2013
This board was inspired by Riley Surfboards and Smorgasboarder Magazine. A foam-cored board with wood rails and deck, I built the rails first, stuffed a block of foam inside them, shaped it, and then glued the decks on. Has a totally different feel than any of the other boards. It is my nicest board and gets the most attention at the beach.
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HERE’S A MINISHOWCASE of some incredible backyard projects sent in by readers. The enthusiasm and hard work is just plain inspiring. Go build a board already!
Sweet shed..
9’2” SPLINTER Mark williams A timber longboard board Mark and his son are working on for their Christmas trip.
IN-HOUSE SHAPING SURFBOARD MACHINE CUTTING SERVICE CUSTOM SURFBOARDS CUSTOM LAMINATING CUSTOM ARTWORK HURRICANE SURF ACCESSORIES
+ CoLAB IS THE HOME OF...
Zahlia doing quality control
The ZED SLED SHAUN WILSON “Here are the finished pics of my first ever attempt at making a board from scratch including hand shaped fins. I chose a mini Simmons as I always wanted one but couldn’t afford it. It’s named the Zed Sled after my daughter Zahlia, who helped with the shaping process.”
SURFBOARD SHAPERS: CONTACT US FOR OUR AWESOME RANGE OF PLUGS AND FINS!
10 TEXTILE AVE WARANA QLD 4575
(07) 5493 3539 98
Pup’s insane creation
THE ALlboard Phil ‘pup’ bender Surfboard, kneeboard, bellyboard... We’ve had this absolute gem in the archives for a while (sorry Pup!) “A double-ender with centrally placed, symmetrically foiled fins, designed to go both ways. For high-level aquatic acrobatics such as aerial multiple 360s, landing on the face, doing a couple more, then driving off standing or on your knees straight into a barrell roll whilst looking back into the tube.... All possible!”
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013
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Distributed by
Street SUP www.streetsup.com.au - 0466-264-232
/StreetSUP /KahunaStreetSUP
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DESIGN: BACKYARDERS Strange tide: one weird creature washed up on a Caloundra beach
Last year, the Archer family were picked by Peter White of Classic Malibu as the winners of the Shaper’s Apprentice competition in Smorgasboarder. Dad Sam, and boys Ned and Gus, got to be involved in the building of their very own out-there surfboard design, THE SQUID. We’re happy to do a bit of a follow up on how it all went down, and how the surfboard finally turned out. Sam fills us in. WORDS AND PHOTOS: SAM ARCHER
Apart from the opportunity to be a part of the shaping process which I might add was far more involved then I ever imagined - winning a competition to design and shape your own board was filled with surprises. It was a lengthy process indeed, and perhaps I thought my design was worthy of jumping the queue and The Squid Project was more important then, oh dunno, global economic chaos, Clive Palmer’s getting into parliament and even mother nature throwing up a few wild cyclones. My point is, as I was making what I thought was the best ever surfboard design with one of the best ever shapers on the earth, the world was still turning and the events of history still forming. What I did not see coming and the most valued lesson I learnt - it was the father and son bonding time that brought myself and my two sons, Ned and Gus, together on a project that we will remember for ever. So we all sat down one evening and designed a board that looked like a squid. Then, together we submitted our design to 100
Smorgasboarder and waited. While we waited, we surfed – together. Then the finalist edition... “You little ripper!” Gus screamed, “Dad, Dad we are one of the finalists.” We celebrated – together. Then one day the phone rang. I remember that day, as I was having a week where work becomes more important than family (what a dick). We got the news that the Archer boys would be apprentice shapers – together. Ned Archer
We made our appointment with Classic Malibu owner Peter White to start the Squid. Next we were travelling to and from Noosa over the course of a few months, learning, watching, asking questions and getting to know just how involved togetherness is, I mean shaping the Squid.
It started really taking some shape and Pete even put his hand up for a ride once finished. Now that’s cool. I mean this guy has shaped boards for professionals all over the world and he wants to have a surf on the Squid. Yeah baby - another moment, and another great bonus to share together. With the shaping all complete it was now time to design the ink for the squid, so it would feel at home in the water. We all had our own ideas for the design and it ended up being a mix of the three of our ideas, you could say we worked on it together. The bonding time was really getting in the way of work! It was time to collect the board. It was a pretty selfish moment this one, as I made the trip to pick the board up without the boys. I’ll be honest, I just couldn’t wait until 3.30 when they got out of school. It looked fantastic! When the boys got home and saw what we had all been working towards for the past few months, it really brought it all, well, together.
ONLY ONE THING LEFT TO FIND OUT, WILL IT SURF? You better believe it surfs. It’s very quick, turns on a 20 cent piece, and sits up nicely for all levels of experience. Even though we all have our own favourite boards and sometimes the fun to be had is on our racing mals (right Gussyboy?) we’ve managed to let the Squid loose in 2ft to 4ft surf. To be honest it’s more at home in the bigger, fuller waves so it’s the first stick we grab when the swell picks up. We are a very close family, so it’s not that we needed any excuse to bond, it’s just now we’ll always remember the time we spent creating, designing, shaping, learning and ultimately growing TOGETHER. Thanks to Peter White from Classic Malibu and to the team at Smorgasboarder. Long live togetherness and may you too find the Squid in your family.
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Ned Archer & Squid. Photo: Sam ‘in the barrel’ Archer
Sam Archer, on the experience of shaping the Squid
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DESIGN: JUNKYARDERS
back The house boat in the ! ace Hiof Joff’s
ckers orgasboarder we are su Sm at re he Y SA T US M that floats, NOW WE en it comes to anything why we wh on ati ov inn d an e for initiativ understand the ocean. So, you can carves or skims across . le like Neal Cameron love hearing from peop
We featured Neal and his super slick kneeboards and crazy-arse inventions in edition 13 September 2012, for anyone who missed it (give yourself a good uppercut now if you did). This bloke is a friggin legend. Just check out what he has been up to lately, over to you Mr Cameron. “My old mate Joff (from Tassie) and I were having a beer one day and talking about building a cheap house boat from junk. Joff intended to build it using 44
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gallon drums. Two days later my mate Scotty’s neighbour offered me an old Hobie Cat, which was really only good for landfill when I remembered Joff’s conversation. So, the fun started! “We decided to build it using re-cycled (apparently the ‘IT’ term is now “upcycling” ...which I thought was a mountain bike race) materials. It also had to fit inside Joff’s Toyota Hi-ace van... I think he next wants to build an ‘Upcycled Helicopter’ for the roof!
27/11/13 3:51 PM
THIS GUY IS LIKE THE JAMES BOND OF CRAZY-ARSE SEA INVENTIONS. The Hobie hull
Making the spreaders
“The Hobie hulls needed a few holes filled and then the build began. The original spars for the trampoline were used however they were not wide enough for what we wanted so I made fibreglass spreaders and reinforced the spar attachments. The mast was cut in half and was the perfect length for the side supports of the new floor which is constructed from a couple of fly screen doors attached by the hinges so the deck folds up.
Reinforcing the spar loactions
“Next was a bit of camouflage (I had some old orange and blue pigment sitting around) and a splash of old gloss resin. The transom for the outboard is made from two double-bed sides epoxied together.”
“The vessel is named The Rambo Worry-er Rambo ‘cos its camouflage and worryier, cos the French navy might try and sink it. Close up of our handy work
“It’s probably a bigger challenge than a ship tied up to a dock!
BOAT RULES Bring your own fishing gear and women wearing ‘sensible’ boat shoes (heels only) will be made to walk the plank!!”
Styling wheels from an old trolley
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This guy is like the James Bond of crazy-arse sea inventions. Bugger your boring Tim Robards with the perfect hair (sorry fans of Channel Ten’s The Bachelor). Get Neal Cameron on the show and spice it up a little.
A WOMAN’S OPINION IS VERY IMPORTANT... ... So Bridgette checks out the rig (while reading a back issue)
COSTS: ALL THIS FOR ONLY
$131
Hulls, screen doors, trolley and timber... FREE Aluminium and fibreglass... $45.00 Bolts and hardware... $16.00 Tent... $69.99
27/11/13 4:00 PM
DESIGN: UNSUNG HEROES
SECRETS OF THE SANDER There are often a few highly skilled people who don’t get their name on your new surfboard, but are still a very important part of its manufacture. Great sanders, for example, have a make-or-break role in ensuring that a great board design stays great all the way to the end. Jeff Morris chats to one of these unsung heroes of the surfboard - long-time sander PAUL “SURL” GOFFETT. WORDS: JEFF MORRIS, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
With a career of over 35 years and almost daily experience, Surl has been involved in the manufacture of some of Australia and the world’s best surfboards - by his own estimate approximately 70,000 boards. Brands such as McCoy, Mark Richards, Town & Country, McTavish, Mad Dog, San Juan, Local Motion, Parkes, Dare, Munro and Free Flight have all had the Surl touch at some time or other. He has also laid hands on boards for pro surfers – Mark Richards, Danny Wills, Kelly Slater, Cheyne Horan, Mick Fanning, Martin Potter , Jeremy Byles, Warto and the infamous Rob Van Iresal. In Smorgasboarder back in September 2011, Doug Unger of Town and Country named Surl as “one of the best surfboard sanders in the world” Surl has been a good friend of mine for over 40 years and I remember well when he left our home beach of Long Reef on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 1978 for Byron Bay and a more simple life at the ripe old age of 20, with his then girlfriend now wife Tanya and dog Wishbone.
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DESIGN: UNSUNG HEROES
Jeff: You left Sydney as a fully qualified electrical contractor, did you do that when you arrived in Byron? Surl: No, within two weeks of arriving there I got a job as a groundsman at the local caravan park where we were living.
I suppose the pigeon population has recovered by now... How did you get into the surfboard industry? There was a guy living in the caravan park and he told me about a job going in the local surfboard factory and said it looked a bit easier than mowing lawns. It wasn’t as hot and it was more fun. The factory was owned by a Kiwi guy by the name of Paul Bastin - he had the contract to manufacture Mark Richards Surfboards and that was in MR’s heyday. I was taught to sand and foil fins, and I’m still doing it 35 years later. Not the fins though most of them come from overseas thesedays, although there’s some guys still making fins and that’s all they do. John “Mad Dog” Morgan later bought the business, and inherited the MR label - I’m still involved in finishing his boards. What are the notable changes that you have seen from then to now? Well, in the sanding department, the process hasn’t changed that much, except for the invention of fin systems - it’s made it easier to sand, because there’s no fins to work around. You do a bit of shaping as well don’t you? I shape my own boards and I’ve shaped a few boards for friends until they see the light and go back to their regular shaper. Your boards look pretty good to me, although I can’t recall having ridden any. What’s the problem with them? Nothing really, but all I’ve learned to do is shape the kind of board that I like to ride. I don’t have the skill to do anything different. I was never looking to be a shaper really, but I do enjoy making my own boards and riding them. If they go well, it just makes it more fun to have a good surf on something that you made yourself. What do you think of the current designs based on the resurgence of the past? I’m not a real fan, because I reckon the modern surfboard is the best to ride, and I think
person with a real passion for the invention is you, and you’re the one who has to push it and make it happen, that’s not really me. The wetsuit lock might not be dead yet though! You’ve lead the life that you always wanted to lead pretty much haven’t you?
Yeah, I remember visiting you at the caravan park on a number of occasions, and was more than a little surprised to find the local pigeons as part of your diet. Yes that’s right, things were a bit tight financially, so I used to whack the pigeons with my slug gun and have them for dinner.
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Early Surl, not stressing
you’ll find a lot of guys that continued to surf constantly from our era, through all of the design evolutions, rarely ride retro boards. So for you it’s like taking the modern day car back to the days of the FJ Holden? Yeah, drop the air con., power steering, seat belts etc... Why then, do you think that there’s a move back to the retro style?
Yeah, I’ve never been a city guy, so moving here was what I really wanted to do, it was around the Morning of the Earth era and going bush seemed the thing to do. But it was never about moving to the North Coast, going on the dole, surfing all day and pulling bongs. I wanted to put down roots, start a family and get some real estate. I remember when you brought some acreage out at Rosebank and built your own house... Yes, built it out of storm damaged materials from a really bad storm that went through Byron around 1979.
Well there’s definitely a lot more foam in retro boards... And there’s a lot of interest from the current crop of more recent surfers around here to re-connect with the past or get a feeling of what it was like if you missed it. Having said that, surfing has changed a lot since the ‘70s and ‘80s. Once upon a time it was about being a good surfer, now it’s just about being a surfer and riding boards that reflect that, people don’t really care too much if they are hot or not, they just want to enjoy themselves with mates and try different things. I think it has put a lot of fun back into it for more people. It’s good to see some of that ‘too cool’ sh*t moving on. You’ve been involved in the manufacture of many different designs and innovations over 35 years - and I know that you are friendly with George Greenough - is there anyone or thing that has inspired you or who you admire as a surfboard innovator? What I have observed and admire about anyone who innovates is that they usually don’t care about what you think. They do it for themselves and you can follow or join in if you want. They do it because that’s what they wanted to do. I’ve worked with a lot of craftsmen and I think anyone who can knock out a symmetrical board is pretty clever. You have been a bit of an inventor over the years, I’m thinking of your wetsuit lock up system and wrist supported “get more fish than anyone else” spear gun. Yep, good for me personally, but no commercial successes. I’m not much of a risk taker and haven’t been prepared to stick my neck out to invest in moulds or patents and so on. What I’ve learnt with inventing things is the only
You have always maintained that when it comes to wages and career, you are at the bottom of the food chain, yet you’ve managed to raise and educate, feed and clothe three daughters, own your own home and even do ski holidays… Plus, you’ve surfed almost every day and remained fit and healthy. Must be quite satisfying for a self-confessed under-achiever? Well we consider ourselves to be very lucky, and so far everything has just sort of fallen into place. When I was younger, I would always see this guy in the surf and around town. He was always getting a good surf had a nice wife and two beach urchin children and an after hours job. The job allowed him to live the type of life I wanted. He showed me it was attainable. His name is Rod Margerson. His kids grew up to be great surfers and I now surf with his grandchild.
CLASSIC 65’way? YACHT, So you just did it your
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION, FUINE I suppose so, never really wanted a career,FOOD but SWEET by just taking a job I guess I sort of ended up BREEZES, GREAT SURF with a handy little one. I suppose my greatest stress has always been should I go left or should I go right.
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A SURF TRIP IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE SKIPPER...
Who would you trust to look after you? Tony Eltherington...
DORIS “...a legendary Australian sea salt named Doris.” as seen on 60 Minutes
(after the rescue of South African surfer Brett Archibald)
BOOK FOR CHARTERS, MENTAWAIS TO WEST PAPUA
OFF SEASON SPECIALS: THE BOAT IS CURRENTLY RUNNING OUT OF BALI FOR DAY AND WEEKLY TRIPS UNTIL MARCH
WEET
Classic 65’ yacht, luxurious accommodation, fine food, sweet breezes, great surf
WWW.TONYELTHERINGTONSURFCHARTERS.COM NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DESIGN: FOUNDERS
RESTORED
WORDS: JEFF MORRIS
Like a surfing Sherlock Holmes, Jeff Morris follows a trail of wooden board restoration to chat to NZ surfboard building pioneer Denis Quane. It was on a trip to the West Coast, that I saw a little piece of New Zealand surfing history hanging above the bar in the Star Tavern, Cape Foulwind near Tauranga Bay. We had stopped in for dinner and a drink on Saturday night, and there it was in all of it’s handmade wooden glory. “What’s the story with the board?” I asked the barmaid. “Dunno... The owner’s not in, he could tell you”. “Could I have his phone number please, wouldn’t mind speaking with him about it.” “No worries, I’ll just get it.”
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While she was organising pen and paper, a bloke sitting at the bar piped up and said Derek (the pub owner) had the board for decades - it had been lying around at various spots since he could remember. After some years of it being in the back yard, some bloke called ‘Quane’ came up from Christchurch and restored it apparently he’s the one who made it. After getting Derek’s details, I headed out the door threatening to give him a call. As it turned out, Derek had bought the board for five bucks at an auction a good few years before, and it just got left around the beach in the dunes and bush, which you can still do in parts of NZ without anyone stealing stuff
– most of the time, anyway! The board was later propped up next to the fire in the bar, then spent some quality time in the shed until a chance meeting with Denis Quane’s sister. To follow up the story with Denis himself, I headed down to Christchurch a few weeks later and gave him a call to ask if we could catch up and discuss the wooden board above the bar. Denis being the generous person that he is agreed and we duly met at Sadhana Surfboards, where he occasionally spends some time. A bit of background on Denis for those who may not know: He’s one of the founding, if not the founding father of surfboard manufacturing
in New Zealand. Denis was the guy responsible for sitting in the government office of “chief in charge for distributing import licences” at the time and was not leaving until he got a licence to import urethane foam from Australia to make surfboards in NZ. Not long after that, he started making blanks and supplying the local market in NZ under licence from Barry Bennett in Australia. Denis started shaping out of a factory in Sumner, Christchurch in the late ‘50s early ‘60s where David Poyner joined him after leaving school. After a couple of years they were doing around 35 boards a week with a staff of about eight or nine.
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The Star Tavern Denis Quane The 1950’s Quane timber board
BUT BACK TO THE BOARD, AS TOLD BY DENIS: “One night I got a call from my sister, who was having a meal at the Star Tavern and had been talking with Derek about the local surfing scene, and happened to mention that her brother made surfboards. ’What’s his name?” Derek asked. ‘Denis Quane,’ my sister answered. ‘Jeez, I’ve got one of his boards out the back, I’ll go and get it.’ “That’s when my sister called me and described the board and the stencil image that was on it. I told her that particular stencil was one that I had used around 1958/59.
“Anyhow, he said that he wanted to fix it up and said he would call me to get some info on how to go about it. “For the next year or so he would ring up every three months and ask what to do, I’d explain it then he’d ring up again and ask the same questions... In the end I said I’d pop in next time I was in Westport and go through the process in person . “We were staying in Ruby Bay for a week and decided to head back via Westport and sort this board out. When we arrived, Derek had our accommodation organised and supplied us meals and drinks at the pub.
And so, with a very heavy head the next morning we went through the board restoration process and he recorded everything on his video camera. We went up and down, then round and round and in the end I decided that we weren’t actually going anywhere, so I said ‘Listen Derek, I’ll chuck it on the roof racks, take it back to Christchurch and do it myself.’ “He said ‘Jeez Denis, I’d love to do it myself, but I’d love you to do it even more!’ ‘It took quite a while to restore because it had been sitting out in the bush for a couple of years and had quite a lot of mould in the timber grain, so I had to wire brush that out and do a lot of sanding.
Anyhow, it came up pretty good and about 6 months later I took it over and he was rapt. “We settled on a nice food, accommodation and booze package as way of payment, so it worked out really well (laughs).” The board is now a tastefully decorative bar ornament. There are so many great stories like this one in the world of surfing, and I’m glad people are taking an interest in restoring, preserving, appreciating, drawing inspiration from and still surfing on the boards that have defined our surfing history.
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo courtesy of the Reading family
DESIGN: FOUNDERS
TERNING TIDE
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
Founding father of commercial surfboard building in Tasmania, LEIGH STEVEN, is at the forefront of the resurgence of handshaped surfboards. 2014 marks 50 years shaping for Leigh Steven and he has never been busier. However, it does stand to reason. More and more surfers are coming to appreciate the true craftsmanship and ‘soul’ that exudes from a surfboard made by hand, and they don’t come any finer then Leigh’s. Best described as stunning works of art with a healthy dose of high performance, they are in short, breathtaking. Today Leigh shapes two styles of boards; cutting-edge craft under his Steven Surfboards name and retro inspired designs under Tern Surfboards, the original name he started shaping under way back in 1964. Back then however, it was spelt ‘Turn’ before Leigh changed it to be spelt like the graceful gull that lives by the sea. “With Tern we are recreating all of the great models from the ‘70s and into the early ‘80s from single fins to twinnies using original resin
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tint techniques and premium finishing. I like to think of it as getting your favorite album on vinyl remastered by the original artist. Those kinds of boards were, and still are, so fun to make and ride. “I also shape high performance, contemporary surfboards under the Steven Surfboards name. With the wealth of knowledge I have acquired riding and shaping shortboards in my youth, I have applied these principles of design into both my shortboards and longboards today. My son Joel, a very accomplished surfer, extensively tests my shortboard shapes and provides invaluable feedback. As far as the longboards go, this is what I ride these days but my aim is to still be able to go vertical. I want to surf the board top to bottom like a shortboard but just be a dam sight easier to paddle and forgiving on guys with sore knees or backs. They feature an exotic engine room; a unique blend of chined rails and concave
bottoms to deliver drive, speed and the ability to get on edge (rail) quickly. “That’s what I am known for; magical, heavilychined concaves. I like a hard edge to turn the board and go top to bottom. I believe the way we have got the board set-up with these chined rails helps you to do that.” There is no denying 50 years really is a magnificent achievement for a self-taught shaper who first tried his hand at Toothpicks under his parent’s house before graduating to making surfboards. Only when the family roast dinner starting tasting of resin did Leigh eventually move into a factory. He has never looked back since. Despite his shaping talents, Leigh has not limited himself to just surfboards. His creativity and ingenuity extends to an in-demand range of wood and high-end fibreglass handplanes.
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Photo supplied, courtesy of Leigh Steven
“I have taken my handplanes a step further by creating these new fibreglass models. I construct them the same as I would do a surfboard. It’s hard to describe how well they perform until you try one.” If that wasn’t enough, Leigh is also an accomplished artist working in acrylic and enamel on canvas to create abstract images that celebrate land and ocean scapes. He’s a three-time Glover Art Prize finalist (the richest and most renowned annual prize for landscape painting in Australia). He has also managed to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Graphic Design, been a lecturer in the same field at the University of Tasmania and been the Head of Art and Graphic Design at St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart. Today Leigh resides in what he considers his second home - Torquay. It’s a place he’s made an annual pilgrimage to each Easter
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1975, East Coast Tasmania
Leigh Steven’s son Joel at Uluwatu
DESIGN: FOUNDERS
“IT’S MY OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO AN INDUSTRY THAT HAS BEEN SO INCREDIBLY GOOD TO ME.” Leigh Steven on his handshaping courses. Photo courtesy of the Reading family
for the Bell’s contest for some 40-odd years. Whilst semi-retired, the stream of orders for his handplanes and custom surfboards certainly keeps him busy. And if that wasn’t enough, Leigh’s also conducting one-on-one handshaping courses. “It’s my opportunity to give back to an industry that has been so incredibly good to me. The interest in these courses along with demand for my surfboards and handplanes after 50 years shaping is just magnificent. I still enjoy it as much as ever and plan to do it for as long as my back holds out.” To see more of Leigh’s work check out facebook.com/pages/S-T-E-V-E-N-S-U-R-F
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Jay Phillips
Style// Ridicule
Colour// Raven
Brayden Muggins Davies
www.sineyewear.com.au
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PO0010
27/11/13 3:56 PM
Photo: Mark Chapman
DESIGN: FOUNDERS
PARADISE
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
We catch up with North Stradbroke surf community lynchpin, surfboard shaper Bob Minty, for a bit of a yarn.
Way back in issue #4, we ran a feature piece on the interesting people, places and amazing surf spots on North Stradbroke Island, situated in Moreton Bay, 30km southeast of Brisbane. At the time, we unfortunately missed the opportunity to catch up with local shaper Bob Minty. Thankfully however, we recently got a chance to talk with Bob and how he first got into shaping. Bob grew up in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Manly. His family made regular trips down to Currumbin on the Gold Coast where they stayed in the then beachside caravan park. By age sixteen Bob more or less moved there permanently. He had caught the surfing bug and subsequently learnt to shape while working with boat builder Terry Vosper.
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Aside from his boat building business, Terry was a keen surfer and built boards in his garage. In time, he taught Bob the basics. From there Bob, as he describes it, “basically wandered around making boards wherever he could.” Bob’s pursuit saw him contract glass, sand, finish and shape the occasional board with a number of quality surfboard factories. Through the years he got to work with a number of talented board builders from Dick Van Straalen to Richard Harvey and Chris Garrett. Eventually Bob shaped under his own label called Pacific Lines, which he started with Gail Birch of Kulu Swimwear fame (see our last edition on the Gold Coast for more about the Birch family). When Bob relocated to North Stradbroke Island in the early ‘80s, he soon changed to Bob Minty Surfboards. Bob has been on Straddie ever since.
It’s an idyllic part of the world with a real variety of consistent, quality waves on offer and the perfect testing ground for his high performance shortboards and longboards. There’s no shortage of burgeoning talent and his strong local following has enabled Bob to rapidly progress an exciting number of EPS and PU high performance shortboards. Bob expands on his board development. “EPS and epoxy are really coming to the fore. The foam is so light nowadays, it allows you to glass the boards so much stronger, ensuring greater durability. And they are of course fantastic for the guys doing aerials. In big conditions however, they can still be a bit flighty and floaty, and as such I also have a range of PU boards suited for larger swell.
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Photo supplied courtesy of Bob Minty Surfboards Photo courtesy of Minty Surfboards
“I spend a lot of time working on the outlines of my mals so the boards run correctly. That said, I also spend a fair bit of time on the nose, concave and tail curve.” The mere fact Bob has been shaping for some thirty-seven years from the single fin era to the introduction of twinnies and thrusters means he has a wealth of knowledge to draw upon. “On the mal side of things I have two styles - an 8’6” performance mal with quite a bit of curve and a short concave under the nose; then I have a 9-footer, which is more of a noserider. It has a longer concave, is straighter through the nose with a fair bit of tail lift so you can still turn the board quite easily. It’s perfect for those long days at Cylinder (Beach) walking the nose and travelling for miles.
If you happen to make your way to North Stradbroke Island - and you really should make the effort at least once in your life - make sure you pay Bob a visit. His iconic old-style surf store at Point Lookout is a true classic. His shaping bay is still out the back of the shop and the electric planer, square and 3ft steel ruler his mum gifted him for his 20th birthday still stand dutifully in his bay waiting for him to start his next creation.
From time to time you might even manage to catch him sanding a few boards or fixing a ding on the grass out front of the shop. Keen to know more about North Stradbroke? Check out our 4th edition online at www.smorgasboarder.com.au. It can be read on computer or iPad. To get a real-world, touchy-feely physical copy of the magazine, we still have a handful of back-issues available online from the SmorgasStore: www.smorgasboarder.com.au/shop/ Want to know more about Bob? Check out his shaper profile on page 165 or visit his website, www.bobmintysurfboards.com.au
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DESIGN: FREAK SHOW
S E I R A D N U O B E PUSHING TH
W O H S K A FRE S N I L L O C ’ T A ‘C N N E L G
bit stry, people take things a little Sometimes, within the surf indu rd boa a on mal nor than er wid inch too seriously. A quarter of an going proclaiming, “Oh that is never out k frea ple peo e hav you and ple... peo e thos of ’ Collins isn’t one to work!” Obviously Glenn ‘Cat
OFF-THIS-PLANET
PLAN SHAPES
! S N I F L A C I T S A T N A F
Dave talks to Glenn Cat about his latest family-focused project, and why he’s fallen out of favour as a board tester. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
“DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE MAY THINK. DON’T FEEL THREATENED, GET CREATIVE.” 116
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WHO
would have thought modern day surfers would be taking to waves and carving the bag out of them with a wooden ironing board that is the alaia? I suppose the key is to release from the mind any preconceived perceptions and beliefs and just simply explore. That is how surfboard design has evolved over the years, through exploration, pushing the boundaries and challenging widely held beliefs. Sometimes that involves revisiting designs of the past and putting on a new modern day spin on them. Other times it requires a complete departure from what we know to open up completely different avenues and possibilities. True progression in surfboard design has been achieved when shapers have dismissed the naysayers, ignored the sniggering and just got on with it. And that takes a lot of guts. Often the shaper has to forgo commercial common sense in pursuit of their vision.
JUST DESERTS
ENTER GLENN ‘CAT’ COLLINS...
Born in Freshwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and now based between Noosa and Agnes Water, he’s been shaping surfboards for over thirty-five years. In short, he’s a freak, a talented freak but a freak nonetheless. Knowing him, he wouldn’t be too bothered by that description either. Glenn Cat moves to the beat of his own drum. And that drum has a rythym all of its own as he shies away from conventional wisdom and thinking when it comes to surfboard design. His approach often raises a range of questions from, ‘What the …. is that?’ to ‘Does it work?’, ‘What is he on?’ and ‘Is it Art or can it actually be surfed?’ The answer to all these questions is; it’s a surfboard, yes, his own trip, sometimes, no, yes, maybe.’ Confused? Great! You’re now in the right frame of mind to take this all in. But before we bombard your senses, let’s deal with that old chestnut - the question most people ask - “But can he shape a conventional board?” Hell yes. Whether you’re a fan of boards from the late ‘70s, ‘80s or perhaps those from the ‘90s, Glenn Cat can shape them. He has created several series of boards but it is the Freak Functional he is most passionate about. He wants to push the boundaries of design so far off course that it throws people into a completely different stratosphere. Glen Cat states, “Because only then will shapers and surfers stop simply regurgitating the same old concepts of design that have been done so many times over. We have to start thinking differently if we are to truly move forward with surfboard design. The guys today really have to break the shackles of conformity. Don’t worry about what people may think. Don’t feel threatened, get creative.”
THE TRACKING DEVICE EXPERIMENT (TDE)
LEFT: As tasty as this ice lolly looks, it’s for surfing, not sucking. Simple: just paddle, pop and off you go.
BELOW: The blanks during their mutation into boards for the Phillipsons
Having test piloted many of Glenn Cat’s boards over the years he has obviously tired of using me as a lab rat (either that or he finally realised I was telling the truth when we said I was a crap surfer). Yes, he’s found a new unsuspecting family to mess with nowadays. The Phillipsons however, are far more equipped than me. Dad Rob is a former Sydney Swan’s AFL footballer and keen surfer and his daughters Olivia and Mia, aspiring young surfers now sponsored by Hive Swimwear. NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo Mark Chapman
LEFT: Dave, in his glory days, on the Gobberlygook. BELOW: Mia and Olivia Phillipson, loving their new Glenn Cat creations. BOTTOM: The bottoms of the Phillipson family’s boards during construction...
Mia: “Awesome shape and sick
We asked Glen Cat how he came upon the Phillipson family and why I had been so unceremoniously dumped as a team rider.
colours. The fins are amazing, and I love them because they’re different. This’ll be fun to ride.”
“Well bugger me,” explains Glenn Cat. “You’re about as reliable as my old Valiant. You’re always out of the water with something broken, so I threw you on the scrap heap. You’re a has-been.
Photo Peter Hogg
“But with regards to Rob, I met him about twelve years ago. He got a Jet Bottom that Erle (Pedersen, Glen Cat’s partner-incrime on many design projects) and me made. “Anyhow, Rob’s daughter saw an old article on me in a surf mag they had lying around and next thing they were ordering some boards. “The idea of the three boards I shaped is to give these people a freak show they have never seen before. And, to cut a long story short, we will just see how they go on them.” The Phillipson family recently picked up their new boards in Noosa before heading back to their home at Scotts Head. Glenn Cat describes their initial reaction. “There is always that moment as a new board is unveiled. You’re never sure what noise is going to come out of the head. The best compliment is silence, followed by a gasp and ending in a scream. “This is exactly what unfolded when the girls got their first ogle… Brilliant.”
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Olivia: “The first thing I noticed were the sick colours, then I noticed the cool shape and thought the fins were really snazzy.” Rob: “People would not understand just how good this board will perform. I know because Glenn Cat’s boards are the highest performance boards I’ve ever ridden. I can’t wait to get this in the water. Others are going to be amazed. “Whether surfing my local break or internationally, Glenn Cat’s boards have always attracted fellow surfers whose comments are nothing short of amazement. He is at one with the ocean and his gifted talent to surfing will be marked as legendary one day.
Nic (Rob’s wife): “I see
these boards as art, the surfing equivalent of a Whiteley or a Warhol. The time and effort that has gone into these boards is unbelievable. The added bonus is being able to see my family enjoy them in the surf. I can’t wait.” Us neither... In the words of King Julian from Madagascar, “Hey, freaks, I’m coming with you!” because when it comes to Glenn Cat’s out-there ideas, we’re most certainly along for the ride.
“THE IDEA OF THE THREE BOARDS I SHAPED IS TO GIVE THESE PEOPLE A FREAK SHOW THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE.” 27/11/13 6:10 AM
THE PHILLIPSONS L-R: Mia, Nic, Rob (Scooter) and Olivia. Photo by Peter Hogg NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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DESIGN: BUT IS IT ART
S H
A
P E
R
o
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Ralph Riddell is more than a surfboard shaper - he is a shaper of the mind. Get yourself a good seat and a stiff drink because this one will take you on a journey that won’t be over by the end of smoko.
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T H E
M I N D . . . WORDS: KRISTEN BOWER, PHOTO: CHRIS PROUD
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DESIGN: BUT IS IT ART Some people know of Bradley ‘Ralph’ Riddell, some people also know of his shaping abilities in the surf industry, and some may even know of his abstract surf art. But how many people know Ralph’s twisted riddles and perspective on life that play out from his mind and shine through into his art? In a world where reality becomes boring and mundane, it’s the need to live and breathe outside of the life that can make you feel boxed in. From an early age, our elders, teachers and peers tell us we can become anything - to dream big and live large. How often that happens is up to the individual yet I would have to guess that a lot of us don’t actually live and breathe the wonders and colours of life the way we really would want to. Sure, there are good lives to be had and great things to achieve, but if we were all the same humans working towards a truly common goal, the world would be an extremely dull place, void of any ideas or vision. For those who have even bothered to read this far into the bountiful adjectives projected onto these pages I must applaud your enthusiasm and initiative for pursuing something new.
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Something different, something with meaning, something meaningless to slap in the face of society or even something just to change your perspective on everyday sh*t. Quite simply put, you are not alone with your thoughts. There are people out there just as crazy as you, with ideas as seemingly mad and potentially hidden because the mere thought that voicing opinions and ideas may result in ridicule. Then there’s Ralph who takes his ideas and thoughts from his mind and channels his expressions freely without care of consequence. We all know what a thought is we each have thousands of them every single day of our life - but trying to explain a thought process through words can be a lengthy and complicated process. Ralph’s thought process is so vivid and sharp that his workshop bubbles over with colour and enthusiasm that flows through his mind. Ralph is an artist with a vision to break all the rules of the conventional. He’s an amazing shaper and can certainly restore and repair anything thrown his way, but the the general surf repair business comes across
more simply as bread and butter, which helps feed his family of five. The real passion that lies deep within, is to showcase surfing from his perspective, which potentially could shape or open up yours. Ralph has an ability to take images from your dreams that have never reached lucid reality and turn them into masterpieces for your wall or office. He has been responsible for some truly mindbending surf art that either blows your socks off or really makes you step back and think about the possibilities that lie outside the box. Trying to explain an artist’s mind can be a complex disaster, especially coming from an outside perspective. Ralph is no more strange and complex than you and I on the inside, but with his inner cogs and gears whirring overtime continually, he has no choice but to wear his ideas on the outside, free from authority, rules, caring or ridicule – totally indulging in the pleasure of doing exactly what it is he does - to fuel his creativity. If the job description of an artist is to create an impression or perspective that has its own special meaning, the creation then takes on a life of its own in
the eye of the beholder, for every eye sees a different shade and each interpretation is subject to an entire lifetime of events that has constructed the mind of the person whom is viewing said art. The sole purpose of Ralph’s artistry is to make you sit back and really think about the possibilities at what can be achieved. 9 times out of 10, artists are years ahead of their time anyway and are almost inevitably ignored for the hours of dedication put into each masterpiece. The aim of this article is to shine some light upon a lifetime dedicated to forward-thinking. It will be considered successful if just one person sits back and thinks for a split-second that what Ralph has been creating over the years may just evolve the way we think about riding a wave. It may even potentially change the direction of surfing altogether, to re-invigorate enthusiasm in the pastime not yet seen.
facebook.com/ralph.riddellsurfart
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R A L P H
R I D D E L L
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SWITCH
BUSINESS PROMOTION
DESIGN: NEW DIRECTIONS
MAKING THE
KRISTEN BOWER of INDY BOARDS on the Gold Coast, discusses the thinking behind the exciting new switch-foot surf/ wake hybrid design, the Patriot.
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Kristen Bower: better at innovative board design than he is at shaving
THERE IS CERTAINLY A NEW LIGHT ON THE WAY PEOPLE LOOK AT BOARD SHAPES AND SURFING NOWADAYS. With evolution comes innovation that stems from ideas and design, and with the design comes a perspective and clarity that builds over time, until it releases like a rubber band stretched to its maximum. All of this innovation is being propelled into surfing at an overwhelming rate and it is just so gosh darn exciting! The traditional way of surfing has had its time. The new kids on the block are on the brink of something very new and very different. The way of looking at surfing is changing, evolving with other sister board sport cultures, and this means the board designs are slowly evolving and changing with them too.
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BUSINESS PROMOTION
DESIGN: NEW DIRECTIONS
TOP: Ralph Riddell’s surfboard craftsmanship, flair for art and open-mind for creative ideas made him the perfect choice to help develop the Patriot. ABOVE: WA Wakeboarder Christian Robinson gives the Patriot a go at Snapper. LEFT: Kristen and Ralph talk design in the workshop Photos: Chris Proud
ABOVE: No flat bottoms here. Check out the Patriot’s system of channels. 126
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To surfing’s credit if it weren’t for flat onshore days, skateboarding probably wouldn’t have been invented. This 1950’s craze allowed the surfers to continue to get their groove on without any waves and with the popularity of skateboarding growing enormously, it began to draw in people from outside of surfing, feeding off itself to become an industry in its own right, completely separate to surfing. Not too far down the track, during the colder winter months, it didn’t take long for the surfers and skateboarders to start attacking the snow the same way they approached the waves or the streets. The extreme longhaired snowboarder evolved and became prevalent in the mid ‘70s with skateboarders like Tom Sims pioneering the snowy way along side the likes of Jake Burton. Many mountain resorts over the years desperately tried fighting the long haired, knuckle dragging, snow surfers (‘snurfers’ as they were known back then) on their slopes, calling it dangerous and just a passing fad, but it wasn’t long before even the mountain businesses could see the marketing potential and all caved in to the lure of the snowboarding dollar. Whilst the board sport craze gathered momentum, surfers (again leading the way) began towing behind boats and the new ‘fad’ of skurfing started on lakes and rivers all over the world. Again, over time, the board designs eventually evolved into the miniature snowboard-esque boards on water leading to what we now know as wakeboarding. These days even the older guys can watch and acknowledge the athletic prowess of uber star snowboarder, Shaun White in the half pipe and see him spin triple corks, or marvel at Tony Hawk spinning 900’s on his skateboard. These things were all never even dreamed of back in those early onshore days when the surf was flat, let alone the potential to make a living out of such an activity. The point of the history lesson is that the idea all started with a single direction surfboard. As the sports progressed, so did the people riding them and they started to think further and further outside the realms of what could be done on a ‘normal’ board. With these new crazy ideas came new crazy board designs that changed and evolved as the people riding them did. Board designs and innovative ideas from various sister board sports started flowing freely between each other and the result is exactly where we are now in this present day. Skateboards are designed to be ridden regular and switch, snowboards can most certainly be ridden both ways, wakeboards are designed and built symmetrically so they can do everything both regular and goofy. It seemed however, that whilst all these new sports were taking off, surfboards were stuck in traditional double concave thinking, still only being ridden in one direction... Until now.
Test-pilot Ryan Modini pushes the Patriot even further, bringing skateboard tricks to the party as well.
Photos: Chris Proud
Indy Boards is pushing the curve with the design of their new board ‘The Patriot’, shaped by Ralph Riddell, and it’s making heads turn in the surf right now.
DESIGN: The board culture brand, Indy, has brought its knowledge of board designs from wakeboarding over to surfing and started to blend their boards together, coming up with something to push the curve of surfing along faster than ever before. With the help of Gold Coast shaper Ralph Riddell, Indy has designed an ‘all in one’ surfboard that will make sense to many snow and wake boarders, and allow surfers to ride out switch on many tricks, in just about any swell. NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Some may remember the first Indy switch board a few issues back. After a lot of time in the water and shaping bay, Ralph has designed something to refine and improve upon the original concept. The Patriot, as it’s called, is 100% Australian made with Australian products, each board is hand crafted to within the millimetre for perfection. Sanded down with a gentle touch, glassed over every concave and channel as if it were the Mona Lisa herself, and delivered with love. Everyone has a preference as to which way they ride Indy doesn’t discriminate and just allows you to go both. As a more predominately known wakeboarding company, Indy took the opportunity to give real surfers a day out behind the boat too see how The Patriot went on the lake. This particular board is built specifically as an all rounder that will get the heavier people up whilst also accommodating the quick, nimble multi-directional freestyling of the younger riders, behind the boat and out in the surf.
Photos: Chris Proud
So with a day locked in on the lake, smack bang in the middle of one of the stormiest weeks the greater East Coast has seen, it was off to Lake Somerset with some riders in tow. After a grey start, the heavens parted and we were blessed by one of the most glorious days to grace the lake, whilst every possible weather scenario you could think of was smashing the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. With all weights and heights of riders, the 5’0” board went to work behind the boat and testers Ryan Modini and Curtis Riddell had the board dialled in on their first ride. Almost immediately both riders started trying the board out switch, getting a real feel for the performance. Ryan, a born and breed Coolangatta local, was feeling so comfortable riding switch that he started trying pop shuvits, and was getting so close to landing - if it weren’t for the impeding storm brewing directly above the lake, forcing the full time siren, he would have landed one with ease.
SWITCH
Curtis certainly showed just how fast the board can work on small waves and flew along the wake with amazing pace for a distance that was only stopped because his legs turned to jelly and he was doubled over out of breath.
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ABOVE & RIGHT: A family resemblance? Dad Ralph and son Curtis Riddell show some family surfing style on the Patriot. BELOW: First-timer Brandon Thompson had no trouble having fun.
A great day out on the lake turned into a rewarding one for boat owner, Brandon Thompson whom has never wake-surfed or surfed a day in his life. Standing over 6” and weighing in around 90kg he was up and carving in no time. As an all rounder board The Patriot nails just about every age and weight demographic riding on top of the water. Both waves big and small are no trouble to ride or paddle onto, speed is plentiful to make sections you would never dream of making, quad fin set up for whatever you’re into and channels through the board from tail to tip for switch foot living on any day that ends in ‘Y’. Check out some video of the board in action: www.facebook.com/indy.wakeboards www.indywakeboards.com
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JAYSCHMITZERPHOTO
SHELLHARBOUR SURF & SKATE PROVIDING SMILE GENERATING EQUIPMENT.
SO MANY GREAT SPECIALS IN STORE. COME IN AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF.
SHELLHARBOUR SURF & SKATE Addison Street, Shellharbour Village NSW PHONE: 02 4295 3373
Dec 06 Dec 07 Dec 08 Dec 11 Feb 14
Tim Baker Book Launch ‘Australia’s Century of Surf’ BBQ at Bunnings South Tweed Coolangatta Markets - Calendar Selling Board Exhibitions - Cheyne Horan Surfing Exhibition at the Gold Coast Convention Centre NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo: Craig Bessant
DOES IT WORK?
“You don’t need glass to show some class, Ulladulla surfer Shannon Blades better known as “Reg” ripping up D-bar. “One of the true soul surfers, when he’s not ripping it up on his softboard, he prefers to ride his DP or one of his collection of single fins” Craig Bessant
SMORGASBOARDER TRIED AND TESTED
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
EL NINO FLUID 7’
When you first surf the Fluid you immediately sense it’s a bit firmer than a regular softboard. As it is considered a ‘high performance’ softboard, it features a EPSHG core, which just adds a little rigidity to the board. It doesn’t feel floppy under foot, which enables you to build speed. Not in a million years would I put my kids, or older friends learning to surf for that matter, onto a hard, fibreglass board before they’re ready. This is a good intermediate step.
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING... 3-pack removable screw-in soft fins, 2 stringers, EPSHG core, double substrate for added strength and cushioning on impact, leash plug, various colours.
THE WRAP It kind of looks and surfs like a beginner’s version of a big wave gun in a softboard. Of all the El Nino boards we’ve tried, we probably like this one the most. It surfs well, and gives you some momentum, enabling you to really feel what it’s like to surf a wave beyond just riding down the face.
FUN KEEPS GOING
GOLD COAST PHOTOGRAPHER CRAIG BESSANT SENT US THESE FUN SHOTS OF SOUTH COAST SURFER SHANNON BLADES. Had any doubts these El Nino softboards surf ok? If last edition’s death defying rides by Gus Brown weren’t enough, here’s a great testament to an El Nino’s longevity and the fact the boards can be surfed from beginners through to good surfers. While these pics aren;t really realted to this aprticular review and this may be an older model, it’s still good to see an older softboard in great nick and doing a great job. I mean Reg over here nearly rides them as well as I do... So what about the El Nino 7’0” Fluid? Well, I would refer to this board as a ‘Gimme’. It’s a good step down board from the 8’0” Cruiser mini mal, and not quite as small as the 6’6” Flow, stating the obvious I know. But whereas the 6’6” is fine for kids who are starting to get the hang of surfing, it is a little bit small for adults who are getting the knack. The 7’0” Fluid could be surfed by kids who are developing their surfing as well as by adults. If mum and dad are learning to surf at the same time as the kids, you might hear a bit of, “That was great son, now ‘gimme’ a go.”
PRICE: $299.95 130
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DOES IT WORK? SMORGASBOARDER TRIED AND TESTED
READER PIC: Thanks Steve Meares for this great pic of son Angus learning to surf at Burleigh Heads on his new Geraghty softboard!
GETTING STARTED LEARNING TO SURF IS EASIEST WHEN YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS. WORDS: PAT QUIRK
Rhiannon poses it up
Now, I will freely admit, I’m no surf coach, but the opportunity of showing Rhiannon (age 9) and Jess (age 16) how to surf was too great to pass up.
Surfing really is an amazing experience. Just seeing someone get a great wave always gives me a kick. Even better for me, is seeing someone learning to surf get their first proper wave standing - that push on the whitewash is the first bite of the surfing bug. We recently met up with some great friends of ours who travelled from Matamata in New Zealand to Byron Bay, to share a few days of sunshine and to take on the challenge of their first ever surf.
Enter the trusty Geraghty 8 foot softboard - a great shade of safety yellow and solid enough for even me to surf without breaking it. The board worked brilliantly for the girls. Jess was able to get to her feet within a few waves and ride the board almost to dry sand. Seeing her get to her feet, and the ensuing smile, was brilliant. Rhiannon - not be outdone by her elder sibling - was on her feet by her second wave in an almost ballet pose with out-stretched arms. She rode a number of waves this way, all the way until the dry sand stopped the board.
Coach Pat gives Jess a push onto the whitewash
GERAGHTY
8’ SOFTIE PROS
At a respectable yet manageable 8 foot, this board is amazing for learners. It’s solid, but super-safe, with a good shape. The fins are forgiving, but still hold into bigger waves well.
THE WRAP Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend the Geraghty softboard for kids or teens wanting to learn to surf. Its ease of use ensured that Jess and Rhiannon had a fun and safe surf in this particular day’s very average one-foot, onshore conditions. I definitely think these Kiwi girls will want to try out surfing again sometime soon. Dad, Dwayne, decided that he couldn’t be left on the sand and had a go on the board himself. Perhaps better stick to milking cows mate. The girls outdid you!
MORE INFO Geraghty sizes range from 6’ soft surfboard to 10’3 soft SUP, with pricing from $225 with *FREE DELIVERY up to 6ft. For more, see the website: www.geraghtyshapes.com or call Dean or Lynette Geraghty on 042 2442 044, or 041 6442 042
*Free delivery on boards up to 6ft, between the Sunshine Coast and Sydney. Get in touch for rates elsewhere. NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GEAR: TESTS Photo: Mark Chapman
DOES IT WORK? SMORGASBOARDER TRIED AND TESTED
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
HIGH TIDE LOG
A rounded pin, fire-engine red noserider, with a nude pixie decal on her bottom (of the board, that is)... Shaped specially for the Count of Carve (that’s what I call myself in case you are guessing). What’s not to like about this board? Did I mention the big 10-inch mother of a fin?
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING... LENGTH:........................9’1” WIDTH: ..........................23” THICKNESS: ....................3” NOSE: .............................19” TAIL:................................16” FIN: .........10” pivot, glassed in STRINGER: ...... 1” Paulownia
THE WRAP Jordie Brown has absolutely outdone himself again. I love it, and can’t wait to surf it again, and soon. Begone, ye wicked Gods of Clumsiness! I shall ride again...
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ONE LAST WAVE...
THE LAST HURRAH, BEFORE CLUMSINESS TOOK ME DOWN, AGAIN Yep, you are witnessing photo evidence of the last wave I caught this year. And yep, it’s because I broke another part of my body. My left foot this time - just a couple of days after this photo was taken. Thank goodness my last wave was on my fresh Jordie noserider. Far from any old log washed up on a hightide (tud-dum, thank you) this beauty handles beautifully. I am a sucker for a big single fin, rounded pin longboard. I just really enjoyed the way this board surfed... Relaxing, like a Sunday morning. Stroll up the deck and then do my usual stumble back onto the tail before a stylish drop knee turn. The visual image I have of myself surfing is all class, even if it makes others laugh raucously. The Swandog Log (I expect this may become a popular model) features a single concave in the nose through to a rolled vee bottom, 50/50 rails and one awesome Paulownia stringer that not even my mate Helmet could snap with his big melon. (Pat ‘Helmet’ Quirk, who cracked my other longboard - see photos of him wiping out at www.smorgasboarder. com.au as ongoing retribution for his evil deeds.) Not that Helmet will be coming within several of metres of this board.
THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS What makes Hightide Surfboards particularly special is the artwork adorning each one. I guess the artwork here is comparing how graceful I am on a surfboard to the great Muhammad Ali. Float like a butterfly...
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013
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Nov2013_sofboard-test.indd 133 Ad_Nov13.indd 1 MT139 Smorgasboarder_Full Page
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BUSINESS PROMOTION
CLOSEOUT: BUSINESS
The Blackwells have a unique vision for fashion. As JayCeKay, mum Corrie and daughters Karlie and Jasmin, design and manufacture beach-focused clothing and accessories on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
SEEING The signature star and classic 4-panel design
STARS
Classy, colorful and as comfortable as anything you could hope for, JayCeKay clothing is all made from the fabric chenille - which is, for interest sake, the French word for caterpillar. It’s100% cotton, and with not one caterpillar harmed in the process, Jasmin describes the fabric as a tactile delight. “It’s memorable. Almost everyone’s grandparents, or someone in the house, had a chenille bedspread. It’s 100% cotton, and looks like a towel. The fabric has character.”
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“WE HAVE BIG PLANS FOR AN AMAZING SUMMER OF DESIGNS...” The JayCeKay journey began about 17 years ago, when Corrie started making pants for friends at home as a hobby. Although she had never had any formal training in clothing manufacture or design, Corrie had always been artistic. She had been extremely successful in china painting, making clothes and costumes and had also been an owner of a craft and giftware shop. When more people showed an interest in the product, she decided to sell them at markets, which lead to Corrie establishing the clothing label Gingerbelle with her friend, Jane. With their signature star and four-panel design, the popularity of the chenille clothing designs grew and grew. Before too long, people were arriving at the warehouse to get shorts to fill kids’ Christmas list requests. “I think that this took us back a bit and it was like: ‘Wow, people know our product and they really, really want it... Wow.’” When Corrie’s own mother became ill in 2009 however, she and Jane decided to sell the Gingerbelle brand they had created, but the Blackwell girls would have none of that, not wanting to see their mother’s life’s work go to someone else. “We had always wanted to get in there and have a go,” says Karlie. “I suppose, like most little girls, we just wanted to be just like our Mum. Jasmin and I bought Jane out and intended to do the same with Mum, but instead of giving her money to leave we bought fabric. This was the debut of our new colours and lines.” The girls rebranded with the name JayCeKay – Jasmin, Corrie and Karlie – and a few short years later business is booming even more! “It started at the markets, but we have now expanded into gift, surf and boutique stores including our own outlet in Caloundra, on Bulcock Street. “Wally’s Water Gallery at Marcoola, and Think Pinq in Mooloolaba stock us, and we are
ABOVE: Vintage pillows and throws: each piece is unique and individually designed from vintage chenille bedspreads.
The littlies love them
currently in the process of making our store presence spread, getting lots more stockists on board, not to mention our on-line business is constantly growing.” Beyond only pure fashion wear, JayCeKay also produce surf lifesaving, swimming and other team clothing on custom order, so it’s not only the timeless design that attracts the clientele. The girls reckon once you have a pair of these shorts, it’s their comfort, practicality, colours and tactile nature of chenille that makes you feel you need another pair. And the practicality of the pants (they can just be thrown into the washing machine and do not need ironing) proves a definite beachy bonus.
These longs have you looking classy and feeling comfy all at the same time. Resort Long Pants $69.95
“We also have products which evolve with the current fashion styles, such as our men’s slim fits, our ladies resort longs and girl’s tie shorts. “At this stage, we have big plans for an amazing summer of designs and practicality again with wonderful colours and ultimate comfort.” The greatest comfort the girls have however, is that they get to work together with each other in a business they love. “I think it just comes back to being passionate about what you do, and having an amazing support network in terms of our family and extended family.”
Guys get to the comfort of the shorts as well. Shorts $44.95
Check out the great range of JayCeKay clothing on the website at www.jaycekay.com.au or even better, drop in to the Caloundra store or factory shop in Moffat Beach, or visit one of the stockists to feel the chenille for yourself.
CHRISTMAS OFFER JayCeKay are giving you free standard postage until Christmas. Simply if you type in the word postage in the coupon section at the checkout on www.jaycekay.com.au.
And the little tough guys get comfy too... Shorts $28.95 NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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BUSINESS PROMOTION
CLOSEOUT: BUSINESS
Sparky - the man behind Rainbow Sandals - still as hands on as day one.
STANDING TIME THE TEST OF
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
The key to success is a good quality, solid product that is durable. Sounds pretty simple but so often people stray from this formula in pursuit of ‘greater returns’ and ‘more economical materials’. It is then, so often, that everything goes pear-shaped. So much of the cheap crap that circulates throughout our world today is thanks to our gifted gods of economics. One man who did set out to build a quality product that lasts and still does, is Jay ‘Sparky’ Longley. He has stayed true to his original goal and success has followed. The company he built off the humble sandle, or thong as we know them, now produces 2.5 million of them worldwide each year. Sparky gives us a little insight into his company, Rainbow Sandals, and how it all began.
“THAT WAS MY AIM, TO JUST MAKE ONE THING WELL.” 136
“Everything I touched when I was young would break. I was always fixing stuff. I set out to make something in the world that would last longer than three months. That was my aim, to just make one thing well.” Jay grew up in Corona Del Mar just south of Newport Beach between Los Angeles and San Diego. He first began to surf when he was ten years old. To this day Jay states, “Since then my life has always been surfing and looking for that swell. That’s my whole deal.”
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Votes of customer confidence line the rainbow HQ walls
When Jay was sixteen he landed his first job as a rail sander for Dale Velzy and a while later, Joe Quigg - two of California’s most legendary surfboard shapers. A stint working for a guy who made handbags followed, his introduction to leather craft. Jay sold the bags to the large American department store chains, Sears and JC Penny. He then owned a couple of ski stores but as Jay describes it, “Business was only good for three months of the year. Not so good.” At age twenty-nine with $200, Jay bought himself a sewing machine and some rubber and started his conquest: to make the world’s best sandal. The man he had lived next door to for some thirty years, Hobie Alter, the founder of Hobie Surfboards and all manner of watercraft, became his first ‘client’. Dick Metz at Hobie sold Jay’s sandals on consignment. Jay also started selling a few himself at the local Sawdust Festival art and crafts market in Laguna Beach. In 1974 he moved to San Clemente and officially started Rainbow Sandals. “Like I said, I set out to make something that wouldn’t break. I figured out how to make the glue, rubber and leather so it would last ten years and that is why I am still here. I make an item that is like Levis. Levis jeans are a functional item that became fashionable because they last so long. I am like the Levis of the sandal business. “Our sandals are made for functionality first not fashion. People buy our sandals as they wear well, feel good and last a long time. But because they are a quality make, we are not the cheapest. We are selling sandals worldwide to Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. Even in China people are paying $55 USD for
a pair. We don’t have to discount to move them because people have come to know the quality. And because they are made well, they stay out of landfill.” This leads us to another aspect of Rainbow Sandals that is as equally impressive as their success, the company’s commitment to those less fortunate. “Right now I have all the money I need. What I like doing is helping others in need. It is a good thing to do because a lot of people need help. “We encourage customers to return their sandals after they are trashed and we resand them and give them to the homeless or orphanages where they can be reused. They still have some use in them and we give them to the people who need it.” Not only is Jay benevolent, he never stops. The man known as ‘Sparky’, because he’s a livewire, and who once apparently as a child chewed through a leather dog leash his mum used to “tie him up with to stop him racing around,” leads as active a life as ever. “I am 69 now but still work seven days a week. I am up at six each morning, do my work out, walk my dog, go for a surf or a paddleboard and off to work.” As the two age old adages go, ‘There is no substitute for hard work and there is no substitute for quality.” Jay has understood this ethos from the start and still lives by it today. Rainbow Sandals are now available in Australia. For stockists go to www.rainbowsandals-au.com NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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BUSINESS PROMOTION
CLOSEOUT: BUSINESS Spiny... Photo Supplied
RELIVING
THE
MEMORIES…
...we all have them (unless your mind has been wiped by Martians or something else). Well, Brett Stammers has brought his back to life through a new business enterprise called Rare Surf Tees. WORDS: DAVE SWAN, PHOTOS SUPPLIED We revisited some of Brett’s past to get an understanding of what he has in store for the future.
“I DECIDED TO REVISIT THE GOOD OLD TIMES AND BRING ALL THE COOL OLD SURF LOGOS BACK ON A RANGE OF EXCLUSIVE T-SHIRTS.” 138
Acquiring his first surfboard at age 15, a Klemm-Bell classic, Brett was well and truly hooked on surfing. It was the early 70s when Torquay was abuzz with a burgeoning surf culture. Every Friday night, Brett and his mates Steve Ryan and John “Batesy” Whitwell would hitchhike from Cheltenham (a south-eastern suburb of Melbourne around 20kms from the CBD) down to the Surf Coast Mecca camping under the old kiosk at Torquay Point for the weekend. Simply put, they were gold old times. The best of times. Brett eventually moved to Torquay where he lived out the rest of his “misspent” youth living behind Pat Morgan’s famous surf shop. “Boobs” just down from Winki and Bells would become his local for the next forty years.
During this time the boys were regular visitors to the famed breaks of Cactus on South Australia’s desert coast. As Brett recalls, “Back in the 70s shark attacks were scaring the daylights out of everyone (funny about that, they still do). I surfed Caves and Castles with a good mate for two weeks, just three of us out, pumping 8-10 ft surf. I left to come back to Melbourne and two days later he was attacked by a Great White in the same spot. He got 300 stitches and was held together by his wetsuit. He survived and the fishermen caught the shark and presented him with the jaws.” Brett ended up owning a couple of surf shops in Williamstown for over twenty odd years but sold up five years ago to travel the world surfing. He remained passionate about the rag trade and just on a year ago hatched a plan to increase the recognition of the grassroots of the surf industry, the “foamies” (surfboard shapers).
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ABOVE: Steve and Brett... Is that John Snow? Photo Supplied
“The art on the older boards has always interested me. All of the shapers I have met have some great stories to tell and they are real individuals who never sold out to the big corporates. They prefer their own world in order to preserve surf culture and originality. With that in mind, I decided to revisit the good old times and bring all the cool old surf logos back on a range of exclusive t-shirts. “Our business called Rare Surf Tees is committed to recreating vintage designs based on the original decals of legendary board builders who were pioneers in our industry. We also showcase famous surf film and photography on our garments.” Raresurftees.com has just launched as their website, with around fifteen styles of tees featuring numerous legendary Victorian shapers and a heritage collection of tees by Albe Falzon featuring photography from the 60s and 70s including images from Crystal Voyager. In coming months many more styles will become available from the likes of Shane, Scott Dillon, Simon Anderson, Dick Van Straalen and Bob Cooper. You can also click on a full biography on each and every legend of the surf featured on the tees.
These are just some of the t-shirt designs avalaible on the the Rare Surf Tees website
“THE ART ON THE OLDER BOARDS HAS ALWAYS INTERESTED ME.”
Educate yourself whilst you purchase, and relive the good old days, all at the same time. See the website for more: www.raresurftees.com NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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ALASKAN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
MUSIC WE LIKE
B Y
THE JEZABELS
The Brink - great album artwork too
WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
L A R R Y
C O R N E T T
“Surfing with the locals takes on a whole new meaning on Kodiak Island. Killer whales and grizzlies are common, in and out of the surf.” KODIAK ALASKA SURF BREAKS
w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / i m p a c t z o n e p h o t o g r a p h y
THE BRINK
AVAILABLE IN STORE & DIGITALLY INDEPENDENTLY THROUGH MGM DISTRIBUTION JANUARY 31ST
It’s always cool to get an album to review so far ahead of release - like a toddler who ate all the chocolate without sharing... But, what I can happily share is that this new album by The Jezabels completely lives up to every expectation. Fans of the last album will appreciate the continuity, but it’s even catchier, with a bit of a pop-ish edge at times. Brilliant drumming, Kate Bush-esque vocals and great tunes, with the first single, ‘The End’ being a particular standout. Check it out on itunes and see the band’s own website for more: thejezabels.com
PATAPHYSICS
IED (IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE) AVAILABLE DIGITALLY AND IN STORE VIA MGM DISTRIBUTION
Hip hop poetry with horns and amazing musicianship. This is no throwaway release. Melbourne-based front man, vocalist and trumpet player Pat Marks, who is Pataphysics recorded, mixed and produced this - yes, he pretty much does the works on it. Amazing stuff, especially ‘Breathe In’. Highly recommended for some laid-back, quality hiphop flavour.
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Photo Baron Walto
28/11/13 7:52 PM
SURFING ADDICTION
POINTS OF VIEW
Ask any surfer if they’re addicted to the sport and the resounding response is undoubtedly ‘Yes.’ I know, because I live with an addict. The withdrawals, the mood swings, the desperation and crankiness when he doesn’t get his fix is so unbearable at times, the kids and I have actually considered investing in a wave pool out the back. Although, the kids are quickly becoming addicts as well. At least it’s a healthy addiction. Yet, with all these addicts out there the battle to protect our oceans is still being lost. Even though we’re pulled to the waves like a magnet en-masse, we surfers still don’t seem to have the desire to protect them. I recently read a study that assessed the sustainability of surfing. It was pretty depressing reading. Written by Sean Sullivan, it was based on interviews with surfers and shapers here in Australia. Sean writes, “The conclusions of the research indicate that there is only a generalised idea of the environmental effects of surfboard construction and although some surfers expressed an interest in a sustainable surfboard, this interest is not being articulated to the surf industry. As a result, despite some pockets of pro-active individuals and companies involved in the production of more eco-friendly alternative surfboards and materials, the surf industry as a whole is not currently involved in creating or producing a sustainable surfboard. Instead, the surfing community seems content to accept the status quo.” This acceptance is at odds with the passion and desperation of the addict. Can these current surf addicts not feel compassion for the next generation who are going to face a hugely changing ocean environment? The key is to get to them young. Our kids pick up rubbish on the beach without being prompted and are aware of the toxic process involved in making the average surfboard. Slowly the world is changing, and so too will the demand and supply for a more sustainable alternative for all aspects of surf craft – at least that’s what we’re hoping for.
PILSNER: LIQUID GOLD II As with all iconic beer styles, the gods smiled upon the land and the stars aligned in a specific place and time to bring us that first golden lager. The place is the town of Plzen (to us Aussies that’s pronounced Pilsen) in the Czech Republic and the time is the 1800s. The town had just built a new “Peoples Brewery” - a concept where the community collectively owned their brewery (I know, how cool is that!). As a collective, they decided to bring in the brewing talent from Munich, a brewer by the name of Josef Groll. Groll not only brought the technical expertise to brew Lager but also the yeast strain required to get the job done. Lager itself was not new - the Germans had been brewing it for a while and the style was gaining traction around Europe. The thing was, they were all dark beers. The reason they were dark was simply because the equipment used to produce malt dried it out too much and you ended up browning the kernels. It’s basically the same principal for roasting coffee - the longer and more intense the heat, the darker the colour and intensity of flavour. Groll took a leap and made the conscious decision to source and use only pale malt. This was made possible by the Brits who, thanks to improvements lead by the industrial revolution, were producing pale malt. The water in the town of Plzen is very soft (low in mineral content) so it would extract little colour from the malt resulting in a very pale golden lager. The final key ingredient was the local hops. The Saaz hop, grown in the Zatec region, has long been prized for its unique qualities - a delicate floral aroma with a slight bit of pepper on the palate. Rumour has it that the hop was so prized, anyone caught trying smuggle the root stock hop out of the country would forfeit their life. That’s taking your beer seriously! Lastly is the fermentation and maturation period of three months, this is a long time but the result is a seamless beer.
Nicola O’Reilly is the better half of the nice folks from Surfing Green, a couple passionate about providing sustainable surfing products.
Stuart Richie is the head brewer at the Byron Bay Brewery at Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay. Stu knows his beer.
surfinggreen.com.au
byronbaybrewery.com.au NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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CLOSEOUT: COACHING
TWIST
LOOK WHERE YOU ARE GOING.
Eyeballing your destination allows your body to follow. NEVER LOOK AT YOUR BOARD!
COACHING WITH CLAYTON
#2: RE-ENTRY Surfers are extremely guilty of jumping in the water and thinking they’re going to nail every move, without taking time to understand what the movement entails. The best way to do this is on dry land. It’s all about muscle memory, so try take your training out of the water too, especially on those flat or blown-out days.
THE RE-O is an easy technique to grasp. Simply imagine the board is under your hands and not your feet. Guide the board thru the turn by twisting. Just like when you’re walking, your arms and hands lead and your legs follow - so it is with surfing. Never push down with your hands as this will lift the nose and stall the board, rather use a twist. This rotation will allow you to see the target where you intend to hit. Please never push too hard on the bottom turn as this will burn off speed and stall your board. It’s better to do a gentle lean, the same way your would take a corner on a push bike. The power in the turn comes from using the twist along with the force of gravity from the falling lip to accelerate down the wave face. Relax through the turn for more speed, power and torque - the same way Parko does it. If you’re too tense you’ll cut the turn short. The more you twist and the longer you hold it, the more spray you can throw at all the surfers watching on the shoulder.
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 267 766 142
Practice this on your lawn. When you feel the flow of the full move, jump in the water and give it a go.
WIN!
Send in a question for Clayton to answer about your surfing. Best question wins a voucher for a free coaching session on the Gold Coast. Email your question to competitions@smorgasboarder.com.au
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013
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CAMP ON THE BEACH IN FRONT OF THE ICONIC LION ROCK, AT ONE OF NZ’S TOP SURF BREAKS
PIHA
DOMAIN
SURF CAMP PHONE: +64 9 8128 815 EMAIL: pihacamp@xtra.co.nz
RATES FROM $10 A NIGHT FOR TENT SITES
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est fish, The fresh reshlyservice, f st e li d n ie r eat f astries, gr baked p r o nd m e! coffee... A
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(03) 319 7040 NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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THE SURFER’S DIRECTORY
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WATER
BUY OR NASLKINYOEUR
O SURF FRIENDLY SHOP! 144
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CLOSEOUT: RELAX Better surfer then Dave and Mark
TALKING PACIFICS WORDS: DAMIAN DAVIS
October saw the 9th Pacific Pulse surfing competition, hosted by Pacific Luthern College, in small, clean waves at Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Boys and girls from local schools met to compete against each other for the team trophy. Hot Shots was the victor on the day although everyone had a great time competing in the heats and in many novelty events. A big thank you to all our sponsors and check this space for the shredders of tomorrow!
NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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GREEN
Skate comp
Surfing Green stall
Rasta chilling with the groms
The Surfrider Eco Challenge was recently held at Tickle Park in Coolum. The event is a collaboration of surfers and environmentalists with a passion for the ocean and our coastlines. There was a market featuring sustainable businesses, kite flying for the kids, a wood surfboard swap-and-ride, a skate comp, surf comp and live music from local performers. This was a fantastic, positive event with Tom Wegener, Surfing Green, Grant Newby and Surfrider Sunshine Coast all coming together to promote sustainability in surfing. Dave Rastovich also came along to help judge the wooden surfboard competition.
Surfrider stall
Grant Newby
CLOSEOUT: RELAX
COOLUM
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w size: 7mm H
Surfrider stall
Grant Newby
7mm H
THE SURFER’S DIRECTORY
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NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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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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CLOSEOUT: RELAX Luke Glover. Pic by 2bcn.images Cain Pridmore with MP replica fangtail Mark Pridmore gets more inspiration
pArKO’S GrOmFEST Kids from the Currimundi State School on the Sunshine Coast made the most of the messy surf at their the annual event to have a ot of fun. Thanks to Christina Falkstrom of Sbcn.images for the snaps!
DA bOmb
bOArD SwAp There were plenty of keen surfboard enthusiasts and collectors at the annual Da Bomb surfboard swap meet, held in the parking lot of the Da Bomb store in Maroochydore. Local collecting legends Darryl Homan and Tex were there with some great gear and interesting stories to entertain visitors. Also present was local shaper Mark Pridmore of More Surfboards.
Tony Willet, Noel Woods, Darryl Homan, Tex... Pics by Mark Pridmore NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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THE SURFER’S DIRECTORY
101 Sunpatch Parade TOMAKIN NSW 2537
www.therivermouthstore.com.au T - 02 4471 7272
Surf • SUP • PWC • Gel Coats • Kayaks • Outriggers
• Fix dings in the water water • Sticks to wet surfaces surfaces • Extremely durable • Adapts to any surface surface • Completely watertight watertight Distributed by Watershack Pty Ltd watershack.com.au • rob@watershack.com.au
Own a real surf shop...* The Plank Shop - an iconic surf business in an iconic surfing destination is for sale. Live the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
Byron Sunset Happy Hour! Monday to Friday 4-6pm Half price selected Tapas (Calamari and dips) $5 select beers & house wine, $10 Margaritas
MAKING A SURFBOARD? RESTORATION OR REPAIR?
LEARNING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY? MAKING BLANKS MAKING FINS? 416 A4, full-colour pages, over 1000 photos.
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WWW.THEPLANKSHOP.COM.AU 150
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SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013
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Wayne Parkes, Auckland NZ Prefers single fins to Ferraris. Photo Ben Vos
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THE BIGGEST
WHO’S WHO OF AUSTRALIAN & NZ SURFBOARD BUILDERS
BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Professional Victorian foam mowing by the Oke family. See Page 201 for more. 154
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WELCOME TO OUR BLANK PAGES You will come to realise very shortly however, they are indeed far from blank. We believe we may have compiled the most extensive list of active surfboard builders throughout Australia and New Zealand in publishing history. You be the judge. We regularly hear from readers how they weren’t aware of certain shapers residing here and there until they were informed in the pages of Smorgasboarder. So we thought we would share all that we know. Introduce you to the good people we meet on our travels throughout both countries delivering our magazine, broken down region by region. We’ve endeavoured to bring to you the most comprehensive directory of surfboard builders in our corner of the globe. All our local shapers in one place... The ultimate guide and perfect reference keepsake. Admittedly, we may not have them all, but these are most of the down-toearth ones we’ve met, who you can be assured of being able to engage in a decent conversation about the perfect surfboard for you. So find the shaper that suits you and your style, give them a call, visit their workshop. Experience the entire process and enjoyment of getting yourself a custom surfboard from a real person.
2013-14 SURFBOARD BUILDERS DIRECTORY SUNSHINE COAST........................156 BRISBANE TO STRADDIE ............163 GOLD COAST .................................166 TWEED TO BALLINA.....................174 MID-NORTH COAST TO NEWCASTLE ............................182 SYDNEY TO THE BORDER............184 PHILLIP ISLAND & SURROUNDS .............................192 MORNINGTON TO MELBOURNE ...........................198 SURF COAST TO SA .....................204 NEW ZEALAND .............................206
DING REPAIRS ..............................210
BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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From classic to new-school cool, the Sunshine Coast’s board building community is as diverse as the choice of surf breaks from Noosa to Caloundra down south.
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Photo Yasuma Miura NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages Mark Pridmore
Tully St John Photo: Dave Gleeson, Surf Shots Noosa
Glenn “Cat”
Steve-o
SURF 1770 NOOSA
NOOSA SURF WORKS
MORE SURFBOARDS
SHAPES BY STEVE-O
My super models are coming soon: The Outline styled from the 1977 to 1989 era. The Black Label for fans of 1990 to 1999. Something Functionally Trippy are my shapes from 2000 onwards. Don’t conform to the norm. Get into Underground Surf, open your mind orders for new boards taken now.
Spearheaded by father and son team Mike and Tully St John, Noosa Surf Works has over 45 years in the surfboard industry with an amazing team of craftsmen. Tully and Mike produce top quality surfcraft - the shortest to the longest - 100% made at Noosa Heads and shipped across the globe. Quality repairs available.
Mark Pridmore - Creating quality custom made boards. FUNction first and foremost. MORE Surfboards are now making Michael Peterson surfboards. Based on the Sunshine Coast QLD, we can deliver anywhere.
Not just art or wall hangers, but made to surf! I only use recycled or sustainable plantation timber . For superior strength and durability all boards are glassed in the finest Nuplex F.G.I. Epoxy resin. I custom make alaias, shortboards, malibus, guns and SUPs, or I can recreate your existing favourites. Workshops to build one yourself are available. Shapes by Steve-o surfboards are made to last a lifetime!
P: 07 5455 4444 W: www.undergroundsurf.com.au Like us on Facebook
P: +61 7 5474 4567 E: info@nooasurfworks.com.au W: www.noosasurfworks.com.au
P: 0405 475 026 E: mark@moresurfboards.com W: www.MOREsurfboards.com
P: 0421 522 503
Thomas Bexon
woodensurfboardsshapesbysteveo@gmail.com
woodensurfboardsshapesbysteveo.com.au
Timber loving for Wegener boards
THOMAS SURFBOARDS
WEGENER SURFBOARDS
Specialising in custom made surfboards, built all on site in Noosa heads, ridden and tested by some of the best both here and abroad, high quality, high function, no compromise on quality.
Named 2009 Shaper Of The Year by Surfing Magazine, Tom Wegener has been making surfboards from a Cooroy shed for 12 years now.
by Tom Wegener
by Thomas Bexon
Tom’s factory has no toxic materials and creates almost no waste. The wood chips and sawdust are mulched into his garden and orchard. 175 Noosa Eumundi Rd, Noosaville, QLD P: 0412 131 491 W: thomassurfboards.com
Tom’s focus is on the Alaia and Surfie surfboards now, but he can still make any of the boards he has made in the past. He still makes limited numbers of hollow wood noseriders and certain foam shapes.
“Join the Belly Board Revolution! They are the best way to learn how to surf or to stay stoked if you have surfed for decades.”
tomwegenersurfboards.com
DID YOU KNOW? Noosa’s Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia. 158
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Classic Malibu team rider Nic Jones Photo: Andrew Carruthers
Peter White Peter White has been making surfboards for the past 45 years and founded Classic Malibu in 1987 after moving to Noosa Heads. At the time Classic Malibu were the only manufacturer of longboards in Noosa. Now, nearly three decades on, the name is recognised around the world for expertly crafted traditional and progressive long-boards and short-boards.
You can find us on the corner of Eumundi Rd and Gibson Rd, Noosaville QLD P: 07 5474 3122 E: info@classicmalibu.com W: www.classicmalibu.com
CLASSIC MALIBU
by Peter White
Classic Malibu has been at the heart of longboarding in Noosa for decades, and are the only company to have sponsored the Noosa Festival of Surfing since inception. However, they’re not content to sit on their laurels, churning out the same old boards... NEVER! Continually evolving, Classic Malibu has diversified across the board from spoons to logs, fishes to high performance, lightweight longboards to their latest venture: “eco friendly” boards using abaca - the “natural carbon fibre” and bamboo, all made in-house. If it’s not in stock it doesn’t mean you can’t have it. At the factory in Noosaville, you can talk to Peter face-to-face to get the board you want. Manufacturing is all in-house, beginning to end, and Peter prides himself on the quality of glassing and finishing on each and every board.
THE NOOSA LOG 9’1- 9’10” Just one of the many functional and beautiful designs from the Classic Malibu shaping bay
DID YOU KNOW? At age 12 Peter White shaped his first board from a lump of polystyrene. Unfortunately he glassed it with polyester resin and it promptly disappeared. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages *FREE shirt and cap with every order.
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Paul
Matt Williams
FUYU
THE FACTORY
by Paul Winter
After doing my apprenticeship and shaping for Tom Wegener for 6 years I decided to take over The Factory Surfboards in Moffat Beach. After really mastering the finless, noseriding and general longboard shaping, I wanted to learn more about shortboards and performance through Paul Carson.
by Matt Williams
SURFBOARDS Fuyu Surfboards is one of the proud few grass roots companies still resisting the massproduction trend and producing completely handcrafted boards. Our focus is upon quality rather than quantity.
MATT WILLIAMS
While mixing finless bottom contours and rail templates with performance designs and traditions, I have found that our surfboards really do work.
All our surfboards are constructed from the best available materials to ensure a long-lasting quality product. Each board is individually hand-shaped to order.
Here at The Factory Surfboards we want to put you on a surfboard that works for you, not just the pros. From custom surfboards to glass jobs, ding repairs to professional restorations, factory surfboards are here for you and your surfing needs.
Glassing is premium quality using tints, pigments and cut laps. Come in and talk to your shaper.
FUYU SURFBOARDS
Jackson
“We want to put you on a surfboard that works well for you not just the pros.”
M: 0418 884 242 P: 07 5447 5810 mail@fuyusurfboards.com www.fuyusurfboards.com
THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS 15 Allen Street, Caloundra, QLD P: 07 5492 5838
williams.h.m@hotmail.com thefactorysurfboards.com.au
DID YOU KNOW? The Pa & Ma Bendall Memorial Surf Contest, held at Moffat Beach in Caloundra, is the second oldest surfing competition in Australia, after Bells. 160
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Joel in his shed
Dean Geraghty
GERAGHTY CUSTOM SHAPES
by Dean Geraghty
“Since I was 14 years old my life has been dedicated to surfing!” At age 17, during Dean’s competitive career, he started to develop a keen interest in shaping. Multiple championship wins afforded him knowledge of performance surfing and functional shapes. After 14,500+ boards, his knowledge is now available to you, from the comfort of your home. Let Dean design your next board online for you over Skype and watch your board take shape in front of your eyes, as done for his team riders and clients around the world.
BECK SURFBOARDS by Joel Beck
GERAGHTY CUSTOM SHAPES P: +61 (0)42 2442 044
E: deang@geraghtyshapes.com
W: geraghtyshapes.com
DESIGN ONLINE...
SKYPE DEAN: Dean Geraghty Shapes
A man who is constantly covered in shaping dust, Joel Beck never sits still. If he’s not shaping, sanding, spraying, drawing on boards, he’s glassing up everything from high performance shorties to high-class long boards with freelap hispter tints. Having paid his dues in the industry from the ripe old age of 15, Joel can proudly say he has 20 years of board buidling and design experience, and now heads up his very own label from his new business home at Co-Lab in Warana. Beck Surfboards are in constant demand. Drop in to the showroom to view the lastest models, like him on FB to keep a lookout for the soon to re-launch website!
SURFBOARDS BY JOEL BECK M: +61 406 521 571 P: 07 5493 3539 beckboards@gmail.com
W: UNDER CONSTRUCTION Joel in his shack. Photos: Luke Middleton
facebook.com/ beckboards
finplugcover.com™ neatly covers over unused fin plugs on surfboards and water craft.
find out more online facebook.com/finplugcover finplugcover.com
DID YOU KNOW? According to Dave, Moffat Beach rivals Mavericks for sheer size. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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IS...
JOEL BECK
Photo by Luke Middleton
HIGH-PERFORMANCE FINS & ACCESSORIES Get in touch to try GASfins yourself. Quality and performance without the price tag. 0417 980 524 • gasfins@gmail.com PROUDLY USED BY SURFBOARD MANUFACTURERS ALL DOWN THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA AND INTERNATIONALLY.
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SHAPERS... CALL US!
28/11/13 11:49 PM
Central to all that the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast has to offer, with a bit of island style to boot.
Photo Ryan Wakefield RYD
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The Blank Pages
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Goodtime Team Rider Luke
GOODTIME
TIM TAM
HOT DOG This little nugget of a shortboard suits small to medium surf - an essential in everyone’s quiver. Its short, wide outline combined with a single concave allows riders to make the most out of everyday conditions. The shorter outline allows it to fit in the pocket of a small wave, and the width with the single concave gives fast acceleration and room for error during maneuvres.
The stubby TIM TAM is designed to excel in small sloppy surf.
SURFBOARDS
To be ridden up to 6 inches shorter than your height, yet it feels a foot longer. Will suit waves under head high, due to increased thickness and flat rocker. Dino, our shaper, has found it works both as a thruster and quad, hence why it comes with the 4 + 1 fin option.
Goodtime prides itself on making quality surfboards and has done so since 1971. Whether it’s a classic shape, a performance thruster, a simple fish tail or mini mal, we shape it.
Sizes: 5’4”, 5’6”, 5’8”, 5’10”, 6’0”, 6’2”, 6’4” Luke rides a 5’6 x 20” x 2 ½”
Sizes: 5’6”, 5’7”, 5’8”, 5’9”, 5’10”, 6’0”, 6’2” Luke is 80kg,188cm (6’2”) and rides a 5’9”x 20”x 2 ½”
We began with one thought - that having a Goodtime is “what surfing is all about.” Forty-three years later we’re still having a goodtime surfing!
WASABI Our competition model, designed to be ridden hard and fast in waist high to a little overhead. A similar outline to our HOT DOG but stretched out - the width slightly forward under the chest for catching waves with ease, and increased tail rocker for control in bigger waves. Hands down, one of our team’s favorite boards. Sizes: 5’10”, 6’0”, 6’2”, 6’4”, 6’6” Luke rides a 6’0” x 19”x 2 3/8”
NINJA STICK The one shortboard that almost does it all. Perfect for the intermediate to expert surfer in knee to head high surf. The single to double concave gives lift and drive. Perfect for the more gutless conditions like most of our QLD beach breaks. Sizes: 5’8”, 5’10”, 6’0”, 6’2”, 6’4” Luke rides a 6’0”
These are our latest proven surfboard designs by Goodtime shaper Dean “Dino” Tziolis.
29 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba, Brisbane Car-park: Rear of the store, off Gibbon St,Woolloongabba. P: 07 3391 8588 E: info@goodtime.com.au W: www.goodtime.com.au
DID YOU KNOW? To our knowledge, Goodtime is the longest running surf store in Australia - 43 years 164
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Michael Watkins Photo: Craig Bessant
NEE PRO KNEEBOARDS
by Michael Watkins
Discover what it’s like to ride deep inside the barrel... With Nee Pro Kneeboards you’re investing in a customised board to suit your exact surfing style and improve your capabilities. Michael takes time with every client to discuss your board and to watch you surf. He’ll then sculpt your ideas into a board as individual as you, or shape you a more traditional style board according to your requirements. Nee Pro boards also available with custom art spray paints by Brett at surfboardsprays.com.
Photo: Minty Surfboards
NEEPRO KNEEBOARDS Brisbane, QLD P: 0415 234 806
mgmlandscapes@iinet.net.au W: neepro.blogspot.com.au NEE-PRO-Kneeboard-Surfing
BOB MINTY SURFBOARDS by Bob Minty
The Minty surf store at Point Lookout, Straddie
Ryan Wakefield
QUOTE, NAME Paul
COD SURFBOARDS A meticulous perfectionist with a penchant for channel bottoms, Paul’s boards are handcrafted, start to finish. His attention to the finest detail sets him apart - customised boards are Paul’s passion. He enjoys spending the time with each customer to understand what they want out of their custom surfboard.
P: 0415 722 891 E: paul@codsurfing.com.au W: www.codsurfing.com.au
DID YOU KNOW?
RYD SURFBOARDS Ryd Surfboards is located on the southside of Brisbane, shipping Australia-wide, specialising in custom and promotional surfboards. With no overheads we can keep our prices very competitive. Check out www.rydsurfboards.com and get a free quote today on a new 100% Australian-made custom surfboard.
P: 0433 517 579 E: rydsurfboards@hotmail.com
W: www.rydsurfboards.com Search Ryd Surfboards on Facebook
Bob’s thirty-seven years shaping means he’s seen and shaped it all - from seventies single fins to twin fins and early thrusters, through to today’s modern EPS and epoxy high performance boards.
*Custom orders incur no additional cost.
Whatever your skill level, Bob Minty Surfboards has a surfboard to suit you. We also offer a range of surfboard rentals, from softboards to mini mals, and prompt ding repairs. Visit North Straddie in person and see our latest range, or take us up on free shipping for customs anywhere along the East Coast of Australia.
9 Mooloomba Rd Point Lookout QLD 4183
For board hire during holiday periods please book in advance via email.
bob@bobmintysurfboards.com
P: (07) 3409 8334
bobmintysurfboards.com.au
North Stradbroke Island is the second-largest sand island in the world. Neighbouring Fraser Island is the largest. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo Craig Bessant
The surfing capital of Australia, this magical strip of coastline in Queensland is home to more quality board builders than you can poke a 6’ stick at.
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Photo Chris Proud NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages Richard Harvey
Steve Del Rosso
Al Colk
Not Goran
KOMA SURFBOARDS
BALSA GOLD COAST
CLEARWATER
TUBE TIME SURFBOARDS
“When it comes to restorations, customs and ding repairs, come see me at the northern end of the Gold Coast. Big boys boards in particular are my speciality. “At the moment I’m working on some cool new coffin-shaped performance quads that paddle like a mal but DEAD-set rip! Ha, ha” Goran Peko
Suppliers of quality balsa logs to the surfboard industry. The factory on the Gold Coast carries longer lengths up to 3m suitable for longboards, stringers and big wave boards, as well as 2.5m and 2m lengths for other surfboard sizes. Our quality, lightweight balsa is square on all 4 faces, kiln dried, twist, pith and knot free with no pin holes from borers.
Clearwater are internationally renowned manufacturers of custom surfboards, designed and created by surfers, for surfers. Our reputation is of the greatest importance to us. Our service is based around quality design and craftsmanship, personal attention and a long-lasting product at a fair price.
With over 45 years experience in the surfing industry, and having surfed many waves around the world, my passion continues: designing and shaping boards that help each surfer realise their full potential in the surf, while having fun. I make surfboards to suit all levels and have the understanding and knowledge of design to make a board work for you. Alan Colk
4/39 Bailey Crescent, Southport P: 0402 863 763
Unit 3/10 Pacific Ave, Miami P: 0414 557 624 W: www.balsagoldcoast.com
M: 0408 425 368
P: 08 9524 8636 W: www.cwsurfboards.com
al.tubetime@gmail.com
W: tubetime.com.au
Clayton Nienaber
Stewart Maxwell
David Verrall
Geoff Moase
MAXIMUM SURF
CLAYTON SURFBOARDS
SURFBOARDS BY DIVERSE
DOVETAIL SURFBOARDS
You can’t be restricted by models. As I say, “Free range is better than battery hens.” I like working with people one on one, to specifically shape a custom board to suit their surfing, whether it be a lightweight mal or a performance shortboard, to everything in-between. All boards made in house from start to finish.
Shaper, surf coach to the stars, and professional competitive surfer himself, Clayton Nienaber has had the opportunity to consider surfboard design from all perspectives. This means short, long, skinny, fat or wide, every Clayton surfboard is designed and built for pure surfing performance, whatever your style.
Find the joy of surfing. If you can ride it we make it. From New Amazing technology like Dynocore™ that raises the bar of durability in performance boards, Eco Advantages like Corktop™ deck boards or modern renditions of vintage style made fresh for your pleasure. Customs are for customers, That’s you...
Geoff Moase creates quality crafted timber boards: balsa and Paulownia-skinned EPS-core longboards and shortboards, alaias, handplanes, hollow boards, corporate and art pieces. Geoff is also a supplier of premium Australian Paulownia, balsa and western red cedar.
Contact Clayton for personal surf coaching
P: 0400 338 098 E: maximumsurf@bigpond.com W: www.maximumsurfboards.com.au
P: +61 420 267 766
E: claytonsurf@hotmail.com
W: www.claytonsurf.com.au
E: dave.verrall@gmail.com P: +61 419 246 595 in Australia P: +62 812 37368771 in Bali
8B Alex Fisher Drv, Burleigh Heads P: 0411676854 W: www.dovetailsurfboards.com W: www.paulowniatimbersales.com
DID YOU KNOW? The Gold Coast is said to boast the second largest resident surfing population in the whole of Australia. 168
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TAKEDA
SURFBOARDS by Yoshi Takeda
“I was born in Japan and moved to the Gold Coast when I was 23 to start making surfboards... and I’ve been here ever since.” YOSHI TAKEDA
5F/31 Rudman Pde Burleigh Heads QLD M: 0433 179836 W: www.takeda.com.au
DID YOU KNOW?
Full custom quality surfboards from Gold Coast Australia. Yoshi is hard at work living his dream. He grew up in Japan on the North Island of Hokkaido, surfing the freezing waters off his island and skiing the perfect powdery slopes of Niseko. In his early 20’s Yoshi left his job doing ding repairs for the Gold Coast. He worked his way up from sweeping the shaping bay floors to glassing boards at lightning speed and has now been hand shaping his own boards for six years, enjoying his dream of creating beautiful artistic longboards, fishes, shortboards and various other TAKEDA creations. His dream is alive and kicking!
KILLER EGG 5’8” x 19 ¼” x 2 7/8”
SEA HAWK TYPE-II 5’6” x 20 ¼” x 2 5/8”
KILLER EGG GEN II 5’6” x 19” x 2 3/8”
All round hi-perfomance shape for beginner to pro. available for EPS/PU
All rounder fish shape evolved from my classic twin fin model. Quad fin set up for more stability and manoeuvrability
Next generation of Killer Egg. This is very first prototype. Check this one out in my new 2014 model range.
Hokkaido, where Yoshi grew up, is not only world-renowned for its frosty surf and snow, but also its famous frosty beverage, Sapporo beer. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Mt Woodgee in-store staff are trained in surfboard design, so you get the best surfboard. Demos, hire boards and repairs also available.
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
THE MT WOODGEE TALENT...
WAYNE MCKEWEN is an outstanding competitive surfer, accumulating several Queensland titles before becoming Australian Champion in 1980. In the same year he came 2nd in the World Titles behind Tom Curren. Wayne shapes and designs for ASP contender and 2007 Triple Crown champion - the hard-charging Bede Durbidge. His abilities to analyse design, and to individually customise his shaping with creativity and precision; make Wayne highly sought out by professional surfers the world over.
Surfer: Lincoln Taylor. Photo courtesy of Mt Woodgee
MT WOODGEE Mt Woodgee is one of Australia’s leading surfboard manufacturers, building custom Surfboards since 1976. Thirty-seven odd years on, we believe the item fundamental to what we are all about – the surfboard – will continue to underpin our credibility into the future.
THREE STORES! 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
We at Mt Woodgee understand that a surfer ‘has a relationship’ with their surfboard rather than ‘owning it like an object’. We are determined not to participate in the ‘sales-pitch’ being directed at surfers in favour of mass produced surfboards that are easy and cheap to make; but are counter to individual expression – the very core of surfing culture.
P: (07) 5535 0288 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta P: (07) 5536 5937 2 Stuart Road, Currumbin (Factory Showroom) P: (07) 5598 2188
Mt Woodgee will continue to innovate and refine surfboard design. Surfboards with unique bottom curves, made from the best materials, shaped and finished by the world’s best surfboard craftsmen will always be available to anyone in the world.
W: www.mtwoodgee.com.au facebook.com/mtwoodgee
“Individual Surfboards for Individual Surfers”.
IAN BRYNE has been with Mt Woodgee for 33 years and his thousands of boards are acclaimed in Australia and internationally as being amongst the fastest and most manoeuvrable in the world. Ian is a former champion competitor whose history as a big wave charger matches his well-deserved reputation as a master shaper. Many of the world’s best professional surfers seek out his advice and interpretive experience - his shapes are integral to many a touring quiver. Ian crafts boards for ASP Hall of Famer and legendary power surfer Gary ‘Kong’ Elkerton.
GIL GLOVER is a genuine immortal of the Gold Coast shaping fraternity. With well over four decades of hand-shaping experience, Gil has personally seen the evolution and refinement of the modern surfboard from the intimacy of the shaping bay. Notably, Gil shaped for Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew during the 70s and 80s and was instrumental in the development of Rabbit’s 1978 World Title winning quiver.
DID YOU KNOW? Mt Woodgee is named after the farmhouse in the Gold Coast hinterland where Nick Anagnostou shaped his first surfboards in the early ‘70s. 170
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Richard Harvey
JACK KNIGHT SURFBOARDS & HARVEST by the Knights
HARVEY BIO-KINETIC EQUIPMENT by Richard Harvey
Home of the 100% individually handshaped surfboard, with generations of surfboard shaping experience under one roof.
Richard Harvey has shaped thousands of boards for surfers of all abilities and achieved competition success at the highest levels. His shaping experience of over 45 years offers a wide variety of hand-shaped surfboard designs. The accumulated knowledge of surfboard design and extensive experience from surfing waves of all sizes around the world has been focused toward handcrafting custom surfboards since 1968, with meticilious attention to detail and quality construction, all handcrafted in Australia. Creative original artwork can individualise your board.
If you’re like us - passionate about true surfboard craftsmanship - come in and see us at our Miami workshop. Be involved in the process - we hold live handshaping workshops where you can sit back, have a beer and see us go about our work. We shape performance shortboards, through to our signature channel bottoms, single fins, bonzers, quads and twinnies.
JACK KNIGHT/ HARVEST SURFBOARDS Christine Avenue, Miami P: 07 5576 5914 info@jackknightsurfboards.com.au
jackknightsurfboards.com.au
Unit 3/10 Pacific Ave, Miami, Gold Coast QLD P: 0414 557 624 w: www.harveysurf.com
Dick Van Straalen
Mike Bilton
BILTON CUSTOM SURFBOARDS
CLASSIC WATERMAN
At Bilton Custom Surfboards, we aren’t afraid to test out innovative or crazy shapes, ideas and experiment with new materials.
Dick Van Straalen has a passion for creating surfboards. Everything from the mad Wasp to sleek balsa guns - all totally hand made.
Whether you’re just starting out or at a competitive level, we can create a board as individual as you are, to help you find that ‘magic board’ - the one that helps you be a better surfer.
Visit our Facebook page - Classic Waterman to see what we mean. Alternately, speak to the likeminded and passionate surfers who work at the stores that stock our boards.
by Dick Van Straalen
by Mike Bilton
Our showroom is open to the public, so feel free to call Mike to organise a demo or just swing past & check out whats new. DID YOU KNOW?
BILTON CUSTOM SURFBOARDS Unit 2/8 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads P: 07 5607 0211 E: mike@biltonsurf.com W: www.biltonsurf.com
We pride ourselves in quality materials and workmanship, designed and made on the Gold Coast. Happy Surfing.
Find us at these stores: The Boardroom Gold Coast Ho’okupu Byron Bay Saltwaterwine Port Macquarie Adrift The Entrance Alpine Beach Erina Shop Next Door Manly
DVS Factory 7/3 Ramly Dr, Burleigh Hds M: 0409 262 729 classicwaterman
The number of surf visits per year to South Stradbroke Island total around 64,000 by 11,500 surfers. Tattoos are apparently compulsory on all Gold Coast beaches. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Kristen Bower (right) and Ralph Riddell (left)
BLACK APACHE SURFBOARDS by Jesse Watson Learning about how your board works will improve your surfing, guaranteed. You learn to look for whats “right” for you in boards and are able to hit the nail on the head more often when it comes time for a new sled. You don’t have to spend your life trying to find a board that went as good as that board you had back in the day. You learn to find boards with similar features and your surfing progresses. You ask questions, you learn...You move forward.
“...combining elements of the past and elements of the future to create something not quite as good as either..” JESSE WATSON
INDY BOARDS ‘THE PATRIOT’ by Kristen Bower & Ralph Riddell
Quite possibly the world’s most versatile surfboard, The Patriot is a multi purpose, multi-directional, wake surfing board and surfboard in one, for anyone from 5 to 50 years old, big or small, from 5 to 100kgs. Surfboard shaping wizard, Ralph Riddell has spent two years in the shaping bay to come up with something that will perform when wake surfing behind a boat, as well as paddling into waves out in the surf. His creation is something that will not only get the 100kg dads out behind the boat, but also give the kids ( *people like myself, 33 years old, 70kg and 5’10” ) something to take to the beach as well.
A good shaper should be asking you questions and getting you involved. Finding out whats in your quiver already, where you surf, what kinds of waves you surf, how often you surf, what you like about your boards, what you dont like about your boards, what are you struggling with, what are you good at, how do you want your surfing to be and feel... If you’re not asking yourself these questions and your shaper or local shop jockey isn’t either, alarm bells should be ringing...
Ralph has spent countless hours perfecting the angles to get the most speed and agility out of this piece of foam without losing its buoyancy. The square nose and tail shape, with channels running all the way through, allow you to ride the board switch and, combined with a quad fin system, you can choose your own fin placement and performance to suit the rider. P: 0410 419 791 E: blackapache@me.com
blackapachesurfboards.com instagram.com/blackapache Black Apache Surfboards
100% Australian products, hand shaped and designed, The Patriot retails at $780 + delivery and rivals any top shelf board for build quality and value.
For more on The Patriot, see the story on P124
P: 0406 530 433
indywakeboards@gmail.com
www.indywakeboards.com
DID YOU KNOW? In 2002 Gold Coast surfer, Damon Harvey rode the longest wave ever from Snapper Rocks to Kirra Groyne - a distance of around 2 kms taking close to 4 minutes. 172
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You...
SURFBOARD SHAPERS WORSHOP
Purchase from a professional wooden surfboard builder and professional tradesman with over 30 years in the woodcraft industry. All our crafted products are made by us and we do not on-sell products made by others.
PREMIUM AUSTRALIAN-GROWN PAULOWNIA
• Premium Alaia blanks (using only best quality marine epoxy) • Custom Alaias by Dovetail Surfboards • Handplanes and blanks • Dressed for HWS skins • Strip planking for boats • T&G wall lining boards • Sawn Paulownia • Balsa and western-red-cedar • Alaia and Handplane shaping workshops
www.paulowniatimbersales.com.au
3/8B Alex Fisher Drv, Burleigh Heads. Call 0411 676 854
Surfer: Matty Cook. Photo: www.facebook.com/maccas.photos.7
WANT TO SHAPE YOUR OWN SURFBOARD? Learn about the tools, templates and techniques with a one-on-one experience. Guided by Richard Harvey, a shaper with over 45 years experience, the 10 hours of tuition covers, setting up a shaping bay, tools, understanding blanks, rockers, design, rough shaping, and more. www.surfboardshapersworkshop.com.au
Unit 3/10 Pacific Ave, Miami, Gold Coast QLD P: 0414 557 624
TRIED & TRUSTED
blanKS and run Family owerned55 years for ov
oUR ConSISTEnCy IS THE bEST In THE woRlD blanKS: A multitude of different lengths, rockers and weights STRInGERS: An extensive
variety of timbers of varying widths
SHaPInG ToolS: All you need to make a board from scratch
5 STEwaRT RoaD, CURRUmbIn QlD Call US on (07) 5534 3777 BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo McCoy Surf Designs
From the busy surfboard industry precincts of the Tweed and Byron Shire to the shapers workshops dotting the surrounding hinterland, there’s a shaper to cater for each individual taste and style of surfing.
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Kaylan Dahl, Photo Phantom
BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Chris Garrett Photo: Dave Swan
PHANTOM SURFBOARDS Kaylan Dahl... Brand ambassador
Surfboards to SUPs... No board to big, no board too small. No jungle too dense, no tree too tall.
P: 0424 450 690 E: phantomsurfboards@gmail.com W: chrisgarrettshapes.com.au Also available at SUNHOUSE, 41 McClean St, Coolangatta
by Chris Garrett
Hear the sound of jungle drums, Phantom come... inspired by a year living with the family in Bali, Chris’ head is overflowing with ideas and he’s back to shape your next custom. Short, long, mid, hybrids, SUPs, and glyders... As long as they’re easy to ride and your’e having fun! With over thirty years experience shaping custom boards, Chris Garrett’s boards are a testament to his own likes and dislikes... Ever-questioning and pushing design, tweaking, modifying and responding to feedback while remaining focused on fun and performance. “What my passion has always been, and still is, is making boards for people at any level who want to surf a bit better than what they do right now. I’m more of a facilitator than a shaper. I have some skill, and people have a bit of an idea of what they want to do on a wave - I just help them get there. Together we create something that helps them surf beyond their ability and that keeps them stoked! I guess I’m just a regular guy who likes to go fast and turn... And that’s what I try to put into all my boards”
SHOVEL NOSE 5’6” x 20” x 2 ½”
SWONGLEPONG 5’8” x 19 ¼” x 2 ½”
HARMONY HULL 6’4” x 21 ¾” x 2 ¾”
Surfs as fast as a quad but allows you to keep it tight in the pocket and still project long turns.
The swallowtail of the Wonglepong. Triple concave, vee out the tail - an easy paddling quad with drive.
Triplane hull nose into a vee double concave. Single box with sides. Great planing with spark in the tail.
DID YOU KNOW? Phantom does not have any superpowers, but instead relies on strength, intelligence, and a fearsome reputation of growing organic veggies to feed his soul... 176
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Simon Jones
Wayne Webster
Steve Barber
MORNING OF THE EARTH
FULL FORCE SURF
T&C SURF DESIGNS
WEBSTER SURFBOARDS
Simon Jones started in a Brookvale kneeboard factory in the ‘80s and has worked with boardbuilding’s true characters. Now through Morning of the Earth Surfboards Simon creates a range of boards that grab elements of the past and present. Boards are personally hand shaped and finished by Simon who’s focus is currently on single fins for everyday use, with the understanding that each surfer is as unique as their board should be.
Full Force surfboards are 100% Australian-made, hand crafted by Steve Barber on the Gold Coast.
Our premium product is offered as a reflection of our experience and skill in producing an awesome surfboard, a special art we have perfected since 1971. Using only the finest materials in combination with the best master shapers in the industry, T & C Surf Designs Australia create distinctive surfboards for those who demand the very best.
Our focus is on high-performance surfing, and board design for big and small waves. We use world class quality materials and offer excellent workmanship. With Wayne’s 23 years shaping experience, and by communicating closely with our customers, we aim to ensure surfers get the right board to suit their surfing and better performance.
With only the highest quality materials and a perfectionist’s eye for detail, a Full Force surfboard will be one of the best boards you’ll ever own. Full Force also specialise in the highest quality ding repairs.
P: 0438 853 925 www.morningoftheearthsurfboards.com
Now located upstairs at Shaping Co. 1/29 Machinery Drive, Tweed Heads South P: 0418 708 550 info@fullforcesurf.com.au
Made in Australia. 10 Acacia St, Arts & Industry Estate Byron Bay P: 02 6685 7485 E: psmsurf@hotmail.com W: www.tcsurf.com.au
1/13 Clark Street, Ballina, NSW P: +61 416 049 205 E: info@webstersurfboards.com.au W: www.webstersurfboards.com.au
Lee Cheyne
LEE CHEYNE DESIGNS
by Lee Cheyne
Quality construction and materials, and more than 22 years of experience has Lee known for boards that rip, and can handle a beating. Ask big boys like Dean Brady. If you’re keen to push the limits with a solid board under your feet, have a chat to one of the most down-to-earth straight-shooters in the business.
Lee Cheyne Surfboards
P: 0403 655 316
W: leecheynesurfboards.com
DID YOU KNOW? There are more Sailor Jerry-style tattoos per head of population in Byron Bay than anywhere in Australia. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Team Rider Johnny Abegg Photo: Alex Frings
MC SURF DESIGNS
Gene Cundith and MC Stubbie
by Michael Cundith
In striving for excellence to create some of the most supreme, positionable and joyous boards to ride, Simon always spends far too much time in love and labour solo producing each surfboard: shaping, spraying, airbrushing, drawing, doing water-colours, cut-laps, volan, patches,tints, pigments, glitter, inlays, roving-bridges, sanding, foiling, resin, pin-lines, panels through to gloss and polishing with wetrub designs. This is why some Skerry Surfboards end up on the wall as pieces of art waiting for the occasional salty wash off.
MC Surf Designs is owned and run by legendary surfer/shaper Michael Cundith and his beautiful wife Toshie. MC has been making magic surfboards since 1963 in California, and 1970 in Australia, where he has tested many different shapes in perfect uncrowded point waves and beach breaks.
Michael has 30 different proven models to choose from, and can hand-shape any custom board you can imagine. The factory and showroom in the Byron Bay industrial estate has many new stock boards and also secondhand boards. Surf accessories are abundant including Toshie’s fantastic Protecsun surfing hats. Ask anyone who has been to the shop and they will tell you how good the products are and how friendly the service is.
SKERRY SURFBOARDS by Simon Skerry
Above: Simon Skerry with Dick Van Straalen at the 2010 Surf World Gold Coast ‘Art of surfing’ competition where Simon won first place in the Open and Industry awards. In 2011 Simon also took out the Sculpture award.
A Beautiful outline is timeless, and that’s why all of the hand shaped Skerry Surfboards created have an essence of the ‘70s in them, yet with well-refined rails that will make you take notice of it and give you confidence, and flatter rockers for speed. MC SURF DESIGNS 3 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
All models have been ridden in 8-foot Lennox Point, which says something about them. All styles and eras of surfboards start out as a basic model then are tailor-made for each surfer.
P: 02 6685 8778 E: info@mcsurf.com.au W: www.mcsurf.com.au
Now going on two decades, Simon’s collected the best techniques of the trade. Skerry Surboards are made for ages! Surforever!!
P: 0403240452
theskerrysimon@hotmail.com
www.skerrysurfboards.com
DID YOU KNOW? Apparently it’s illegal to reside in the Byron Shire unless you are an aspiring artist, writer or thespian. The law does not apply to Scandanavian backpackers. 178
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Ralph Riddell
Mark Rabbidge
SHAPES BY RALPH RIDDELL
SHAPES BY RALPH RIDDELL M: 0412 828 848 Ralph Riddell Surf Art Limited edition art pieces: http://vimeo.com/63215563
DID YOU KNOW?
This profile is written in third person because he wouldn’t tell you otherwise. Ralph Riddell is an enigma. The more you find out about him, the more you come to realise this guy could shape just about anything on the planet with ease. His skill on the tools with fiberglass and foam is nothing short of incredible. Ralph has had a long term relationship and involvement in the surfboard industry in Australia and Hawaii and has gained tremendous knowledge of the various processes incorporated in the design, formation and construction of surfboards.
LEFT & BELOW: It’s not exclusively about the weird and wonderful... Ralph makes all high quality thrusters, single fins, twins... All the boards you know and love as customs, and he’s especially good at catering for bigger boys.
There’s highly skilled tradesmen, talented artists and surfboard master craftsmen... And then there’s Ralph. High-performance shortboards and retro surfboards precision tuned to the finest detail to meet your requirements... all 100% hand made. Limited edition art pieces that will captivate and create a sense of wonderment. Restorations and ding repairs of all kinds of watercraft.
Ralph Riddell was the proud owner and operator of the iconic Retro Groove shop in Coolangatta . BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
T E A M R I D E R // J O S H S L E E P
E D S I N N O T T // S H A P E R 2 / 8 1 c e n t e n n i a l C i r c u i t , BY R O N B AY espsurfboards.com 0404 059 321
DID YOU KNOW? To our knowledge, Goodtime is the longest running surf store in Australia - 43 years 180
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POT BELLY 5’0”- 7’1”
ALL-ROUND NUGGET 5`0”-7’1”
NEW DOUBLE ENDER 5’6”-7’6”
LAZOR ZAP 5’6”- 7’
ASTRON ZOT 5’0”-7’1”
“One of our most popular models, the Pot Belly is all fun but designed to surf as radically as you want, in a wide variety of wave types and sizes.
“This design is the first Nugget I shaped in 1994. Proven to be a versatile performer in a wide range of wave conditions from 1’-8’ all around the surfing world.
“The plan shape is still the same, but bottom rocker and thickness have been changed.
Many people disillusioned with modern equipment and its inability to function properly for them have come to me with renewed interest in my Lazor Zap design, originally created for quick, short arc, high performance surfing.
“Completely unique in all aspects, the plan shape is a beautifully balanced ellipse, which blends with the thickness balance, combining with perfect rocker curves, flowing into a Loaded Dome located under the back foot for maximum control.
“Smaller, curvy, fuller in nose plan shape, with less bottom Rocker allows it to Trim and Run freely for smooth, easy, exciting surfing.” *Boards shown here are ideal for body weight up to 100kg and are available in a wide range of dimensions.
“Thicker, wider and shorter with more volume and buoyancy than you have had before makes it easy to paddle and catch waves, easy to control, with more speed than you’ve had in years! “When it starts to barrel, you’ll be laughing.”
“A slight amount of nose rocker has been added. The thickness has been more evenly distributed giving better balance from nose to tail. “These subtle changes have improved all round performance and increased the size range now opening the design up to a much wider range of surfers and body size.”
McCoy T SHIRT
Wide range of men’s and women’s available now. Check McCoy website: www.mccoysurfboards.com for more information
“As a result I’ve redesigned the board, including all my latest design advances, giving the Lazor Zap new life and advantages as an all round performer. Features include a more balanced bottom rocker and thickness distribution, more forgiving rails with more hold; and better location of the Loaded Dome curves, which work together to make the design more user friendly and a better performer in waves up to 6’.”
“Softened bottom rail, with a 60-40 balance which runs right through the board into the tail area for greater holding qualities on hollow waves, eliminating the need to add extra fins. Works with the McCoy Gull Wing. “This board excels in hollow powerful waves.”
GEOFF McCOY DESIGNS Geoff has been shaping and designing surfboards since 1963, both high performance and recreational equipment for many of the world’s great surfers as well as for the average surfer. Geoff’s recognised ability to satisfy the requirements of all is well known throughout the surfing world. His world travels studying not only different surfing equipment but also the oceans of the world led him to develop a Natural Energy Theory, which he uses to design his boards. “Once you become aware of how natural energy works, it becomes easier to build objects that harmonise with its function” DID YOU KNOW?
10 Acacia Drv, Byron Bay NSW P: 07 6685 3227 W: mccoysurfboards.com.au
McCoy team riders over the years included world tour standouts Mark Warren, Larry Blair, Pam Burridge, Damien Hardman, Mark Richards and Cheyne Horan. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Photo Outer Island
The Blank Pages
This stretch of the Pacific Highway is rich in quality surf breaks and legends of the surf industry.
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Peter Sheely
Photo RussellPell.com
Sam Egan
SAM EGAN SURFBOARDS
SHEELY SURFBOARDS
Sam Egan fuses nearly 50 years of hand shaping with new technology and materials. Ridden by some of the world’s greatest ever surfers. A Sam Egan quiver will see you through 1ft slop to 12ft Teahupo’o and everything in-between. High performance shortboards to classic longboards, retro fish to single fins, hand shaped with mastery.
Peter Sheely makes some of the finest, handcrafted boards to come out of Newcastle. His 40+ years of plying his craft equals a wealth of experience and an artist’s touch. He exclusively does custom orders - no more than two orders at any time on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
P: 02 4969 7299 E: samegan@me.com W: www.samegan.com.au
P: 0417 264 739 or 02 4957 3161 E: peter@sheelysurfboards.com W: sheelysurfboards.com
The need to own an Outer Island surfboard as part of your personal quiver, if not as your entire quiver, is like chasing an ace in a royal flush. You don’t have a winning hand until you own one. Once you do, the addiction kicks in.
Steele Lewis
Shaper/team rider Darren Pead
JETLOK SURF I’m a 37-year-old over-sized grom who loves to surf, and design and create surfboards. If you like all things outside the square, my new range of designs for summer will suit you. Check ‘em out on Facebook and Instagram punks! I’m located on the North side of the Central Coast.
Lake Munmorah, NSW P: 0421 400 537 E: jordangustus@hotmail.com
DID YOU KNOW?
OUTER ISLAND SURFBOARDS by Mitchell Rae
PACIFIC DREAMS Steele Lewis started in the industry 20 years ago at the age of 15 with Pacific Dreams, learning all aspects of surfboard manufacture. Ten years on, he works closely with team riders Matt Hoy and Jarrod Morrell to refine current models and experiment with new designs. Call us and chat with Steele about your next custom.
9 Darby st, Newcastle, NSW P: +61 2 4926 3355 E: info@pacificdreams.com.au W: www.pacificdreams.com.au
The craftsmanship in these boards is unlike any other. Their strength so inherent, you’ll most likely be pushing up daisies long before the board. Then there’s the speed and performance. If you don’t know much about flex, prepare to become a disciple. Mitchell Rae and his apprentice Isaac Harry are the wizards that have mastered the magic.
“At Outer Island we take such pride in the strength and longevity of our boards, we know they will outlast a production-built product by four times and more...” MITCHELL RAE
Designs include supermals and noseriders through to traditional logs in a variety of construction styles with traditional glass tints, custom airbrush designs and more. More technology than a NASA moon launch, Outer Island‘s V2Flex, carbon, Texalium Kinetic Construction and full carbon fibre flextails turn the boards into F1 race machines. Or go top shelf, with signed, dated, custom chambered balsa boards with Western Red Cedar and Redwood stringers, and Mother of Pearl inlays.
OUTER ISLAND 7 Bayldon Dr, Raleigh NSW P: 02 6655 7007 info@outerislandsurfboards.com
outerislandsurfboards.com
outerisland.blogspot.com
In 2007, a 77,000-ton cargo ship, Pasha Bulker, washed up on a Newcastle surf beach and was stuck for 25 days. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 |
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Photo: Brown Dogg
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
DID YOU KNOW? 184
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Photo: Cohan Banfield
Photo: Dve Swan
Photo: Treehouse
Sydney to the Vic border, possibly on of our favourite stretches of coast in Australia. It also happens to be home to many of our favourite surfboard shapers.
BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Chris Brown
Jade, Kelly & Jess
Dan Bekis
Mick Slattery
DJB SURFBOARDS
BROWN DOGG
SFS SQUARED
DSN SURFBOARDS
Surfer/shaper Dan Bekis runs DJB Surfboards - an independent on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Featuring quality materials and finishes, Dan’s boards are 100% Australian handcrafted with an emphasis on individual style. “It may cost a little more than a cheap import, but I think people who know surfing, know the difference”.
As a family business, Chris and Josh handcraft and restore boards that celebrate the uniqueness of surfers, and the simple joy of surfing handcrafted boards. Brown Dogg specialise in custom boards - from traditional noseriders to performance longboards and fishes - so you can re-live the smooth, carving turns of a ‘70s single fin, cut radical turns on a modern quad, or relax and enjoy noseriding a log.
Custom designed and shaped SUPs to suit your weight, skill and style. Mick Slattery will design your perfect board using Autocad surfboard software. The blank is then CNC-machined to exact measurements, shaped, then glassed in the best quality products including carbon Innegra. SUP surfing has come a long way. Take the next step to push your surfing even further.
“My dad, Paul, has been in the industry since the early ‘70s and I started at 16. Twenty years later, we’re still working together and going strong - my younger brother, Tully has now joined the crew and is lovin’ it. We have a small factory on the South Coast (NSW) where we make all kinds of boards, from the young frother to old-school retro cool. We repair all kinds of surfcraft, boards to boats.” Jade Robinson
P: 0490 182 707 E: info@sfssquared.com W: www.sfssquared.com
31 Rowlins Road, Gerringong NSW P: 02 4234 1931 M: 0402 944 672 E: dsnsurfboards@gmail.com
1 Mitchell Rd, Brookvale, NSW
P: 0417 674 257
sales@djbsurfboards.com.au
W: djbsurfboards.com.au
P: 0416 455 985 Facebook page: Brown Dogg Surfboards
Dave Wood
Daren on lunch
Stephen Laws
MAKO SURFBOARDS
ENTITY SURFBOARDS
SOUL SURF DESIGNS
VELOCITY SURF PROJECT
Surfboards should be fun. If it’s hard work, you’re on the wrong board. Most of my boards are classic ‘60s and transitional single fins - Logs, Trackers and Evolution styles - to my own shapes and search for all out speed - Razerfish, Mini Simmons and the new F1. I do everything myself from logos to fins, timber tail and nose blocks, shaping and glassing.
“For over 15 years on the South Coast, all our surfboards have been made inhouse, shape to shine. Custom boards range from traditional PU to EPS epoxy and composite sandwich. We also offer resin tints, pigments and cloth inlays. “Surfing with a lot of our customers, it’s a true custom experience. Talk to the guy who designs and shapes your board!” Daren Glennan
Keeping the true soul of surfing alive, while staying one step ahead of the latest board designs to maximise your performance and enjoyment. Performance Models that are highly responsive, with speed down the line, and quick sharp turns. Log Noseriders for the ultimate glide, that are easy paddle, quick off mark and great on the nose.
Based on Sydney’s Northern beaches. Shaping 24 years. Handshaped roughly 15,000 boards. 10 years under the JC Hawaii label before starting Velocity Surf Project in 2010. Made boards for numerous WCT riders and WQS riders. Shape everything from Mals to grommet boards in PU and EPS Epoxy. I look forward to shaping yours! I do custom orders - see my website for info. Great range available at Wicks Collaroy and Sunshine Surfing Manly.
P: 0416 105 287 E: steverlaws@bigpond.com
1-2/2 Regmoore Cl, Culburra Beach NSW P: 0423 987 492 W: www.entitysurfboards.com.au
P: 0414 716 988 E: info@soulsurf.com.au W: www.soulsurf.com.au
M: 0410 528 871 E: velocitysurf@gmail.com W: velocitysurfproject.com
W: www.makosurfboards.com.au Like us on Facebook
DID YOU KNOW? Cape Solander just outside the confines of Bate Bay in Cronulla is home to ‘Ours’, what is considered to be the heaviest slab wave on Australia’s East Coast. 186
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Mark Riley
Michele Riley glasser
RILEY BALSA SURFBOARDS
by Mark Riley
“To commemorate 100 years since
the great Duke Kahanamoku visited our shores in the summer of 1914 to give a surfboard riding exhibition, where he subsequently shaped himself a board out of a solid piece of Queensland Sugar Pine, Mark has released a new model. The RIP Fish is a beauty.
156 President Ave, Miranda, NSW P: 0412 376 464 E: mark@riley.com.au W: balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
I started out making beautiful, high quality retro style ‘50s and ‘60s Malibus. On the side I tested combinations of balsa and foam on my private boards. Three years later I was convinced to have found a true alternative to polyurethane surfboards. Recycled EPS foam in combination with a 2-3mm balsa “skin” made the boards super light but also very strong. The boards felt great in the water and attracted much attention. Word of mouth spread fast and soon the order books were filled with solid Classics as well as a range of EPS core shortboards, fishes, minimals and high performance longboards. Nowadays I am still the director of Riley Classic Balsa Boards. I am the head shaper and run the whole operation of selecting the balsa wood
in Ecuador, grading, cutting, laminating, shaping and finishing all orders. As Ecuadorian balsa is renowned for its superb quality we still import containers on a regular basis. As we are constantly trying to reduce our impact on the environment we have also started growing balsa trees here in Australia. We are very proud of hand crafting all our products right here in Australia. In late 2007 Riley Balsawood Surfboards launched an instructional DVD in which I share all my balsa shaping secrets. After great response from the surfing community we soon later also released a downloadable E-book explaining in detail how a solid balsawood surfboard is made. THE RIP FISH
DID YOU KNOW? Before becoming a busy board builder, Mark Riley played halfback for the Illawarra Steelers and then the Gold Coast Seagulls in the NSWRL. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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le fins & n this io & ment t an ge ad to nus nal bo additio REE of a F ock! s board
Team Surfer: Lara Murphy, Bondi NSW Photo: Luke Wilson
FREE ash
Dave Porter
TREEHOUSE
LANDSCAPES AND HANDSHAPES
by Dave Porter
Treehouse is a way of life. We reckon the best times in life are spent outdoors. Surfing’s an adventure and a connection to the natural landscape around us. We’re dedicated to innovative, handcrafted user friendly shapes for the everyday surfer with a quality of production and durability second to none. Craftsmanship, innovation and carefully selected materials are the foundation of everything we do because we wouldn’t have it any other way.
TREEHOUSE 2 Molloy Street Bulli, NSW P: 0415 925 739 dave@treehouseshapes.com.au
www.treehouseshapes.com.au
Connect on Facebook
Over 40 years of experience goes into every Ron Wade design.
Visit the boutique showroom, 150m to the beach at Mona Vale NEAL CAMERON’S CREATIONS
by Neal Cameron
For more information and quotes, please contact us: Email sales@ronwadesurfboards.com.au Mobile 0410 443 776 (Ron direct) SKYPE: ronwade.au (After hours enquiries invited) Showroom: 23 Bassett Street, East; Mona Vale NSW 2103 Open 3-6pm Thursday-Friday, and Saturdays 9am-4pm (Other times by simply calling Ron)
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Neal Cameron started shaping things at age 15. At 17, he began watching Peter Berry to learn all about not applying any real rules to shaping. Since then, he’s shaped boards, cars, props, displays and more... Neal’s favorite shaping tool is a sander with a 36-grit disc for urethane foam and a chainsaw for styrofoam. He’s currently building spoons, asymmetricals and enjoys modifying customers boards by converting to flextails etc. “I expect to be doing this forever or until I die! Whichever comes first...” DID YOU KNOW?
Neal
NEAL CAMERON M: 0412 410 080
chameleon_neal_cameron@ yahoo.com.au facebook.com/neal.cameron
93% of kneeboarders share the same first name... Neal, Neil, Neill
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013 | BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION
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Photo: Cohan Banfield
Surfer Ben Starr Photo: Collins/Nikon
SKIPP SURFBOARDS Where it all begins...
SKIPP SURFBOARDS 24 Flinders Street, North Wollongong Wollongong, NSW P: 02 4228 8878 W: www.skippsurfboards.com.au facebook.com/skipp.surf
Skipp Surfboards are a symbol of surf culture and originality. This pioneering enterprise was founded on the South Coast by young surf enthusiast John Skipp over 50 years ago and continues to churn out a diversity of quality hand-crafted surfboards. The history of Skipp Surfboards includes a bevy of world-class surfers plus shapers like Phil Byrne, Ed Sinnott, Terry Richardson, Frank Latta and Kevin Parkinson. At the helm today you’ll find the new breed of influencers with the likes of Chad Ryan, Ben Hearn, Phil Pepper, Ben Starr and ‘The Master’ Yasu Nagami. This crew are pushing the boundaries of surf design and construction with the use
of different foam densities, stringer construction, glassing techniques, UV resins, experimental EPS and epoxy design, and CNC shaping. Buying a Skipp surfboard isn’t just your ticket to a great surfing experience, but the obtainment of a piece of surf memorabilia and timeless craftsmanship. The Skipp team will converse and collaborate with you to ensure that you get your ultimate board and start a long-term relationship with one of Australia’s original surf manufacturers. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Skippy on the factory floor telling one of his epic tales. And they’re all true of course... Believe us, you couldn’t make those tales up!
LUCILLE 5’10” x 20” x 2 ¾”
FIVE FIN FISH 5’11 x 20 ½” x 2 ½”
DID YOU KNOW? John Skipp was a pioneer in the surfing industry when he opened the first surf store in the Illawarra back in 1963. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photo: Carabine
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
CARABINE
SURF DESIGNS “Hand shaping boards is still the same as it was 20 or 30 years ago. I’m not here to reinvent the wheel, I just know how to make good surfboards. ” SHANE HORNBY
Carabine Surfboard Designs are a Wollongong institution building quality surfboards since Mick Carabine set up his own custom surfboard shop back in 1969. These days, with boards shaped by Terry ‘Snake’ Bishop and glassed by Shane Hornby, Carabine Surfboard Designs continue this fine tradition and are still the custom surfboard specialists: • • • •
36 Flinders Street Wollongong, NSW P: (02) 4229 9462
E: shane@carabinesurfboards.com.au W: www.carabinesurfboards.com.au
by Mark Riley
Short boards Fishes Mals ...and anything in between.
We use the best materials available. In fact we’re so confident of the quality of our boards that we even have a Snap Guarantee - If you snap your new board in the first three months, we will replace it for half the price of the original board.
DID YOU KNOW? Carabine Surf Designs continues Mick Carabine’s tradition of quality longboard manufacturing, adding modern performance shortboards to the menu. 190
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013 | BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION
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Mark Rabbidge
SHORT TO LONG AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN, ALL WITH THAT SPECIAL RABBIDGE FEEL...
RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN Bendalong, NSW P: 0427 767 176 or 02 4456 4038 E: sales@makrrabbidge.com W: www.markrabbidge.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Numerous world champion surfers have ridden his boards throughout the years, and he was a former top notch surfer/ shaper himself, so it goes without saying Mark
Rabbidge knows a thing or two about surfboard design and construction. You can’t buy the kind of knowledge he has acquired with a computer software package.
Mark’s mastery knows no bounds. From shortboards to double-enders, single fins to mals - not to mention his experimental craft, such as the finless finger boards - his subtle
by Mark Rabbidge nuances in design are what makes Mark’s boards go so well. His ideas are also what measurablly sets him apart from so many others, try as they may to catch up.
Mark was a close runner up for the world title in 1987 and had a top five showing over the next five years. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Eli Curry. Photo by Simon Chipper
Our home away from home. We chose to feature the Island in our first ever edition for good reason. The surf, the people and the surfcraft are all top shelf.
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Photo by Simon Chipper
The Blank Pages
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
DID YOU KNOW? To our knowledge, Goodtime is the longest running surf store in Australia - 43 years 194
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013 | BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION
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Glyndyn ‘Ringa’ Ringrose is just as much at home in the water as in the shaping bay.
Ringa
Hoges
ISLAND SURFBOARDS
Slim
Andy
Our board building team - Glydyn Ringrose, Greg Hogan, Terry Klemm, Slim Hyndman, Peter Coffey and Andy Biddington bring years of shared experience.
STORES AT: 147 Thompson Ave, Cowes P: 03 5952 2578 225 Smiths Beach Rd, Smiths Beach P: 03 5952 3443 E: cowes@islandsurfboards.com.au W: www.islandsurfboards.com.au Look for Island-Surfboards
DID YOU KNOW?
Island Surfboards are a close knit, family-run operation and the team who work there are the genuine article. They shape, they surf and have the knowledge and expertise to intimately understand, in detail, what kind of board and what dimensions will suit different styles, types and levels of surfer, and in which conditions. They can custom make a handmade surfboard to your requirements whether it be a performance shortboard, fish, mini mal, longboard or kneeboard. Their strong reputation is such because they have such an experienced team. With the factory located out the back of the Cowes store, a shaper is usually on hand to discuss your requirements, and you
can even watch your board as it is created. There is also a great range of stock boards in both our Cowes and Smiths Beach stores with knowledgeable staff to steer you in the right direction. If you are after a softboard, Island manufacture their own range of softboards expertly designed by shaper Glyndyn Ringrose utilising quality materials that result in an exceptionally well made board that is competitively priced. Island prides itself on its diversity of equipment, and caters to surfers of all standards and needs. The factory is also home to a ding repair service, as well as wholesaling all types of surfboard shaping materials.
THE VAPORIZER Greg Hogan 6’6” x 21” x 2 ¾”
HIGH PERFORMANCE Glyndyn Ringrose 6’0” x 18 7/8” x 2 ¼”
Island Surfboards shaper Glyndyn Ringrose reached 17th on the World Championship Tour during 2000. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Entropy Bio Resin
Jason Wiggers
Super Sap CLR
ISLANTIS SURFBOARDS
•
A low viscosity, low colour and UV stable clear
Islantis have been manufacturing surfboards on Phillip Island for over 30 years. Call in at Newhaven, just over the bridge onto Phillip Island and check out the boards at one of the few surf shops with their very own wave out front.
liquid epoxy resin system •
Performance grade eco resin
•
Reduced environmental impact
•
Safe and pleasant to use – low odour, low VOC’s
P: +61 3 5956 7553 E: info@islantis.com.au W: www.islantis.com.au
SAMSARA ECO SURFBOARDS Our high-performance and traditional boards are made from the latest eco-friendly, sustainable hi-tech materials. Customs are our specialty and we’re known to push the boundaries, delivering high performance craft with careful consideration to Mother Nature.
P: 0499 999 223 E: jason@samsarasurfboards.com W: www.samsarasurfboards.com
Scott Peberdy
OUTEREEF SURFBOARDS
Available in Australia from
info@surfinggreen.com.au 0412 042 811
Outereef manufactures high quality surfboards for all levels and styles of surfing - beginners to elite and everything in between. We specialise in custom shapes and have a huge range of designs. Outereef has become a hub for quality surfboards, innovative equipment, like Slide Fins and a huge range of surf accessories. Chat with experienced shaper Scott Peberdy about your next surfboard.
73 Phillip Island Road, San Remo, VIC P: 03 5678 5677 E: info@outereef.com.au
W: www.outereef.com.au
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Get back to the roots...
with paulownia
Our buoyant, lightweight timber floats all around the world. • Tom Wegener preferred alaia blanks • Alaia & Kite Boards • Long Boards • Hollow Boards • Chambered Boards
Buy the lownia Best Pau ralia ust Timber A r. has to offe SURFBOARD SUPPLIES Contact David Evans P: 03 9588 2533 E: info.sales@paulowniasurfboardsupplies.com
www.paulowniasurfboardsupplies.com
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A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Photo Tree to Sea
The Blank Pages
DID YOU KNOW? SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013 | BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION
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Photo Oke Photo Zak
If you can escape without sharing a joke, a laugh, a story or two and also not walk out with a sweet new stick under your arm, you are obviously capable of exercising way more self control than us.
BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
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DID YOU KNOW? To our knowledge, Goodtime is the longest running surf store in Australia - 43 years 200
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OKE
SURFBOARDS by the Oke family
Welcome to a place that feels just like home. In fact it is the Oke’s home, where Chok (Neil) and his sons Dan and Rory craft all manner of surfboards, from performance shortboards through to old-school mals and a range of retro shapes with an innovative new spin on them. A surfboard factory-come-surf-shop just like they used to be back in the day. In actual fact, it’s the same shop, well pretty much anyway.
CHOK’S MAL 9’1” x 22 ¾” x 3” By Neil Oke
DID YOU KNOW?
MIDLENGTH SINGLE 7’8” x 22 ¼” x 2 7/8” by Rory Oke
QUAD 5’9” x 19 1/4” x 2 3/8” by Rory Oke
There’s no pretence here the boys immediately make you feel at ease. Whether you’re there for a custom shape, a board from the showroom or need a ding repair, they’re simply there to help get you sorted. No b#llsh*t required or offered.
“We just love everybody and want them to have a nice board. People rely on our expertise and we’re happy to be charged with that responsibility.” NEIL ‘CHOK’ OKE
1/1-7 Canterbury Rd, Braeside, Victoria P: 03 9587 3553 W: www.okesurfboards.com
Oke Surfboards started in 1968. Forty-five years on, the business is going strong and the boards are still as tough as Oke. BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages Zak with a Doug Rogers board
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
Tichy
Rousa
ZAK SURFBOARDS
MAD SURFBOARDS
ROUSA SURFBOARDS
The Zak Surfboards independent store in Thornbury has been throwing their support behind local shapers for years.
Michael Anthony otherwise known by almost everyone as ‘Tichy’ has been surfing for 46 years and shaping for 35 and has even done some time under the watchful eye of Al Merrick.
Based in Ocean Grove, Rousa began the journey of a surfboard craftsman in 1970 at Klemm-Bell Surfboards in Torquay, the home of the embryonic Australian surfboard industry.
Thesedays as MAD (Michael Anthony Designs) he loves shaping simple boards that work – including one particularl magic carpet that was pulled off the racks at Rip Curl in Torquay before being served up to Kelly Slater in the Bells comp the year it was shifted to Johanna.
From the humble beginnings of ‘ding repairs’, glueing rockers into blanks, fitting stringers; pinlining and finish coating, fin design and production he eventually completed his 35 year apprenticeship and began making boards under his own name, ‘Rousa’.
Zak Koniaris
“The new school of thinking is one that has seen the rise of the little guy in a collective way,” says Zak Koniaris. “Where the past was about just having a shop at the front of the factory and selling your own boards, now there are more marketing opportunities available to smaller manufacturers, with independent shops stocking a diverse range of local surfboards and clothing. This has been an oddly organic process. And if there was a battle raging between big and small, the small are winning. Not because of intellectual or moral superiority, but because they provide a more individual and locally relevant product.” For a huge range of fantastic surfboards from local craftsmen, visit the Zak store.
307 Victoria Rd Thornbury Victoria 3071 Phone: 03 9416 7384 zak@zaksurfboards.com www.zaksurfboards.com DID YOU KNOW? 202
by Michael Anthony
You’ll find him surfing his own magic carpets around the Surf Coast, but especially at Bird Rock when its on, and at onshore Bells.
by Alan “Rousa’ Rowsell
Rousa has steered away from mass production. Together with a select team they are completely involved in the construction of every single board. Rousa personally designs, shapes, glasses, resin tints, hand finishes and install fins on every single board he makes. Nicolas Mignon sands them to perfection and Josh Dowling paints his airbrush masterpieces.
Zak Koniaris not only owns the ZAK SURFBOARDS store, but is also an accomplished shaper himself, making his first board at 13 years old.
SMORGASBOARDER | NOV/DEC 2013
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Stumpy
Doug
ZAK SURFBOARDS
Doug Rogers
Doug has been shaping for over 45 years. He estimates he has shaped around 15,000 boards but believes he is still learning. He is part of small group of elite shapers who has crafted boards for Rip Curl. His innovative designs in the ‘80s were what every hot young surfer was after.
STUMP SURFBOARDS
Today he is handshaping a select range of single fins, fishes and big guy performance hybrids for Zak Surfboards.
by Andrew ‘Stumpy’ Stump
From the moment he left home at age 16 to pursue a life of surfing and shaping surfboards on the Mornington Peninsula, Stump has been absorbed in the relationship a surfboard has with the wave. Stump’s philosophy from the outset has been on innovative design and quality construction. It has entailed an ongoing journey in the search for the optimal surfboard shape – a combination of curves made in advanced materials that subscribe to the best environmental guidelines without sacrificing quality.
Stump’s unwavering commitment to excellence begins by listening to you. Your ideas and his passion for innovation creates break-through products. Each is then vigorously tried and tested by team riders and component surfers out in the real world.
DID YOU KNOW? NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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The Blank Pages
A great surfboard truly completes the surfing experience. But how do you know where to go for your next stick? Here’s the comprehensive list of shapers you should know.
With surf on tap, it makes sense some of Australia’s most talented craftsmen call this stretch of coast home.
DID YOU KNOW? 204
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DICKSON SURFBOARDS
Shaped by local Bells surfer Darren Dickson, Pete Bell has put together from around $1,195. These include big wave boards that last with the following features: nearly ½” obeche stringer, 8 oz bottom, 2 x 6 oz deck with third deck patch and two legrope plugs. Boards are 7’6’’ to 9’6’’ with Futures fins or Glide single with 2 x Futures sides.
Open for fun, frivolity and a fair bit of board making, The Surfer’s Shed is where Darren “Dicko” Dickson, Deano and Marisa - who makes all the covers, leg ropes and does wetsuit repairs - ply their trade. Tow boards, longboards, shortboards, old school, new school... You name it, we do it, along with some of the sweetest resin work and sprays you’ve seen. 4/10 Baines Crescent, Torquay VIC P: 0437 246 848 E: dickosurf@gmail.com Look for Darren Dickson Surfboards
P: 0435 617693 W: bellssurfboards.com
HIGH TIDE SURFBOARDS by Jordie Brown
Noserider 9’4” x 23 ‘’ x 18’’ x 16’’ x 3’’
BELLS SURFBOARDS
Located in the sleepy little seaside town of Skenes Creek, High Tide Surfboards is the brain child of Victorian surfer and shaper Jordie Brown. With nine years of experience working in high-end production factories, and the knowhow gained surfing in national competitions, Jordie’s vision is to bring a youthful edge to a disappearing artform.
Leigh Steven
Leighton Clark
STEVEN SURFBOARDS
CLARK SURFBOARDS
Stunning surfboards as well as wood and fiberglass handplanes by Tasmanian master craftsman Leigh Steven, with 50 years experience. Leigh produces high performance contemporary Steven surfboards and Tern single fins, twinnies and retro shapes, featuring resin tint techniques and premium finishing.
Leighton Clark has worked in SA since the ‘80s and did the hard yards with the major board brands along the South Coast and Mid Coast.
Units 7 & 8, 9 Chapman Rd, Hackham SA P: 0422 443 789 E: leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au
P: 0409 489 637 S-T-E-V-E-N-S-U-R-F
DID YOU KNOW?
Today, Clark Surfboards are the masters of the custom order and we specialise in all techniques of construction: PU, epoxy, composite bagging and experimental laminating.
Every High Tide board is hand made, from the glue-up of the blank to the final polish. With the time involved, and an emphasis on quality over quantity, High Tide produce only one to three custom surfcraft a week. Board designs are based on heavier old-school construction using pigmented and tinted glass jobs, solid timber stringers, finish coats and polishes. High Tide boards can also feature custom artwork by Jordie or Tiphane de Fleurette.
HIGH TIDE SURFBOARDS Skenes Creek, Vic P: +61 401 437 392 E: hightidesurfboards@ hotmail.com
W: hightidesurfboards.com
Cactus is the most well known ‘secret surf spot’ in Australia but please don’t tell anyone. And don’t go there. It doesn’t exist. Really... BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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Photos Ben Vos
Amazing boards and highly skilled board builders from the land of the Long White Log To The Multi-Coloured Mini Simmons and just about everything in-between... So much choice, you’ll be lengthening your Christmas list.
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The Blank Pages NZ $2,500 includes: One self-made surfboard, pick up and drop off at New Plymouth airport or bus terminal, meals and accommodation. Bring your partner for an extra $500
Mickey T Photo: Willy Weston
BUILD A BOARD, SURF & STAY
RAGLAN LONGBOARDS
with Bryan ‘BJ’ Smith
by Mickey T
Quality... Craftsmanship... Longevity... Not just a ‘shaper’, Michael Thomson has experience in every facet of surfboard building, from foam blank production right through to the final polish,and is still... HANDS ON. Custom boards since 1976.
RAGLAN LONGBOARDS 257c Wainui Road, RD3, Raglan, New Zealand P: +64 7 825 0544 M: +64 27 4460 396
mickeytsurf@hotmail.com
SEASONS SURFBOARDS E: seasons@xtra.co.nz P: +64 2 173 2766
seasonssurfboards.co.nz
Graham Carse
W: raglanlongboards.co.nz
In the past 40 years I’ve been making surfboards, if I had a dollar for everyone who told me they would love to make their own surfboard, I’d be retired by now. So come and make both our dreams come true. Join me in the NZ surf Mecca of Taranaki for a seven-day surf trip, as I walk you through the process of shaping, glassing, sanding and finishing your own surfboard. Surf the secluded waves on your door step or visit the famous breaks in this region. Surf, fish, jetski, sight-see or simply relax your time away after the creative process of making your own board.
SADHANA SURFBOARDS
QUARRY BEACH SURFBOARDS
The idea was born in 1997 on a lifeguard chair, as a reaction to the mass-marketed, mediocre, onesize-fits-all approach to surfing at the time. Drawing on the influence of the ocean and using garages, shaping rooms and sheds around the world, a small cottage label was formed. While those backyard days are now part of our history, it’s this handmade craft philosophy that drives us still. Building upon this, we’ve extended our handcraft range into board blankets, bags and clothing. Our retail shop has a range of accessories, gifts and music all influenced by the ocean. We also offer a quality board repair service.
In 1989 Graham Carse decided Dunedin needed a shaper with an extensive knowledge of local conditions and the craft needed to master these magical places. Graham learnt shaping in the ‘70s working with fellow surfer and friend Steve Teague under the label Slick Sticks. Initially, Graham shaped from his back yard through the ‘80s, then went on to make shaping his life’s work under QB. He’s still a keen surfer, having won the Fossils title at the National Surfing Championships in 2011, and is currently ripping on a 5’7” nugget from “the quarry” itself!
by Jay Jackman
by Graham Carse
14 Tannery Way The Tannery 3 Garlands Road Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand P: +64 (0)3 389 5611
jay@sadhanasurfboards.co.nz
sadhanasurfboards.co.nz Connect on Facebook
QUARRY BEACH SURFBOARDS 75 David Street, Caversham, Dunedin NZ P: +64 3 455 7414 M: +64 27 518 8678
E: grahamcarse@xtra.co.nz
W: qbsurfboards.com
DID YOU KNOW? At the famed surf break of Raglan, it’s believed you can surf the wave for 2kms if you can connect sections from Indicators through to Whale Bay. 208
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Wayne Parkes
Mike Jolly
PIHA SURF
ASP BOARDS
WAYNE PARKES
QUANE SURFBOARDS
The man behind the moustache shapes awesome diamond back longboard quads that deliver highperformance rides you wouldn’t think possible on a big board. Indeed all of Mike’s boards - from fishes and thrusters to big boy boards deliver enough grunt to tackle the powerful breaks Piha’s become famous for.
With backgrounds in CAD modeling and composite materials, Aaron Smith and Steve Palmer have introduced high-end construction techniques to SUPs. No compromise on materials and building methods ensures super-light boards that perform like you need them too.
Arguably the godfather of NZ surfing, a top-notch surfer with plenty of national titles to his name and a pioneer of surfboard design. Wayne’s amassed a cult following and with good reason. His boards, still handshaped from start to finish, including hand-foiled fins, are considered works of art. In particular he is revered for his mastery of the round tail single-fin.
True classics don’t happen every day! It’s the result of building boards since the 1950s. Over time, the reputation of Quane Surfboards has steadliy grown to be regarded and respected for quality and craftsmanship. Today, new boards are all still hand made to be state of the art tools, designed for today’s surfers.
77 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna, NZ P: +64 9 486 1395
P: +64 (0) 274 342 004 E: info@quane.co.nz W: quane.co.nz
122 Seaview Rd, Piha New Zealand
P: +64 9-812 8723 E: pihasurf@xtra.co.nz
W: www.pihasurf.co.nz
Riding one of our new generation carbon boards for the first time is certainly an eye opening experience. 4C Settlers Cres, Ferrymead, Christchurch NZ
P: +64 3 384 2604 M: +64 21 1165 145
E: info@aspboards.co.nz W: www.aspboards.co.nz
Nick Tansley
N e w
NORTHERN BOARDS
RAZOR SURFBOARDS
Northern Boards... Supplying sweet rides since 2007. Our high quality retro boards and mals are designed and cut on our APS/AKU shaping machine, and laminated by hand. We provide custom boards, ding repairs, and a cutting and glassing service. Contact Paul (Shaper).
Nick’s been at it some 36 years initially handshaping craft under the Ocean Curves label before changing to Razor Surfboards in 1991. Today he shapes out of his shed not far from Omaha Beach. Whether you’re charging 8ft barrels or just learning to surf, Nick has the expertise to shape the board just right for what you need.
7/22 Hull Road, Mt Maunganui, NZ P: +64 021 1774 558 E: northernboards@outlook.com W: www.northernboards.com
P: +64 9 422 9728 M: +64 2 139 6833 E: razorsurf@paradise.net.nz W: www.razorsurfboards.co.nz
DID YOU KNOW? Apparently Kiwis don’t find jokes about sheep even slightly amusing.
Z e a l a n d ’ s
o n l y
ONE STOP SHOP f o r
S u r f b o a r d
M a t e r i a l s
Your source for the best quality manufacturing brands backed with knowledge and great customer service
Lake Rd & Somerset St, P: 07 846 9007 Cnr Frankton, Hamilton 3204 www.pacificsurf.co.nz
BOARD BUILDERS BUSINESS PROMOTION | NOV/DEC 2013 | SMORGASBOARDER
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SURFBOARD
Guardsg,s le d d a P Nose &pe & Leash Plu Rail Ta
DINGS
storations
Repairs & Re
New Zealand RAGLAN, NZ
RAGLAN LONGBOARDS 7 days, 10am to 5pm except winter - catch us if you can +64 7 825 0544
MIAMI
BUDGEWOI
PHILLIP ISLAND
DINO’S DING REPAIRS
BUCKO’S SURFBOARD REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS
ISLAND SURF SHOP, COWES
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 12pm 0409 727 735
BURLEIGH HEADS KAIKOURA, NZ
SURGE SURFBOARDS
Bust your board? Call us 24/7 027 428 7453
k Fins Pro Tec
Queensland AGNES WATER/1770
MT WOODGEE
1730 Gold Coast Highway (07) 5535 0288 Sun-Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat 8:30am - 5pm
CURRUMBIN
MT WOODGEE 2 Stewart Rd (07) 5598 2188 Sun-Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm
REEF 2 BEACH Mon-Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,104pm 07 4974 9072
WURTULLA
NICHOLSON SURFBOARDS REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS Mon - Fri 7-3pm, Sat 7-midday 0438 631 153 facebook.com/nicholsonsurf
MOFFAT BEACH
pair Kts
afe Re Travel S
THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm (07) 5492 5838
SOUTHPORT
KOMA
Mon-Fri 9am -5pm, Sat 9am -12pm 0402 863 763
New South Wales BYRON BAY
DR DING SURFBOARD REPAIRS
Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 2pm 0431 740 940
MC SURF DESIGNS
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm 02 6685 8778
YAMBA
PLANK SHOP 02 6645 8362
TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 12pm 0432 330 826
CRONULLA
RILEY BALSA SURFBOARDS
WOODEN BOARD REPAIRS Mon-Sat 9am-4pm 0412 376 464
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA www.surftechaustralia.com.au
7 days, 9-5pm 03 5952 2578
Mon-Fri 10am - 5.30pm Weekends by appointment 0422 304 078
South Australia
WOLLONGONG
ADELAIDE
SKIPP SURFBOARDS
Mon-Fri 9am - 5:30pm Thurs 9am - 7:30pm Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm 02 4228 8878
SHELLHARBOUR
BROWN DOGG 7 days a week - Just call 0416 455 985
JERVIS BAY
INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS Seven days, 9am - 5pm 02 4441 6756
WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS
Mon - Fri, 12.30pm - 5.30pm Sat 12.30pm - 5pm 08 8376 4914
MID COAST
THE DING KING Clark Surfboards Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm 0422 443 789
LONSDALE
MID COAST SURF
Call us for a quality repair 08 8384 5522
Victoria BELLARINE PENINSULA
ROUSA SURFBOARDS Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, 0403 693 333
THORNBURY
ZAK SURFBOARDS Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm 03 9416 7384
TORQUAY
STONKER
Seven days, 9am - 5pm 03 5261 6077
THE SURFERS SHED Seven days, 9am - 5pm 0437 246 848
BUSTED YOUR BOARD? GET IT FIXED HERE...
FIX BROKEN BOARDS? Promote your repair business for $15 an edition. Call 0401 345 201
02 4226 1322
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