smorgasboarder_01_2010

SURF IS FREE... LIKE MAGS SHOULD BE 

SOUNDWAVES 

A CHANCE MEETING WITH THE GOLD COAST’S ISAAC PADDON P22 

TRAVEL: EXPLORE PHILLIP ISLAND P46 

GEAR: BOARDS GALORE P75 

THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO SURF 

ISSUE #1 SEP/OCT 2010

52 september 2010

september 2010 

53

INSIDE 

76 

THE TALENTED I 

MR RILEY 

Mark Riley’s master 

craftsmanship of 

balsa surfboards 

22 

BEG 

WHALING: 

YOUR PADDON 

Why you may know 

Isaac Paddon’s voice 

but not his face 

28 

ALL THE 

USUAL BITS 

INTO THE BLUE 

We take a look at the 

war being waged in 

international waters 

THE LATEST 

P14 News 

P15 And Greatest 

TRAVEL 

P46 Road trip: Phillip Island 

P68 Plane Trip: Hermosa Beach 

GEAR 

P84 Board profiles & skateboard 

reviews 

P96 Southern Man, Ulladulla’s 

original & best 

CLOSEOUT 

P100 Art: Many Good Resins to 

see Ian Chisholm’s art 

P113 Mick Waters’ 

Filmmaker’s Five 

Late arvo surf 

Photo: Crumpet Productions 


DETAILS 

& THINGS 

WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT 

Smorgasboarder is for all of us that love surfing, 

whether it’s to relax, unwind, get in a healthy bit of 

exercise or to catch up with friends and family. 

WHERE TO PICK US UP 

Quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafes within 10kms 

of the coast from Noosa to Warrnambool. We also supply 

select stores in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. For our 

full list of distributors log onto www.smorgasboarder. 

com.au, visit our directory in the back of the mag or get 

to your local surf shop and talk to some real people in 

the flesh. Smorgasboarder is published six times a year 

- September/October, November/December, January/ 

February, March/April, May/June. 

CAN’T GET THERE? SUBSCRIBE 

If you want Smorgasboarder delivered to your door, you can 

become a home subscriber. The mag is still free, but Australia 

Post need to get paid. $18 gets you six editions. Just fill out a 

few details on www.smorgasboarder.com.au and go and 

wait by your mailbox. It’ll arrive every two months. 

Original 

The unique innovation from the worlds most 

progressive softboard manufacturer. 

Ultimate durability. The materials that we use in the constructions of these 

Gboards are one of the worlds toughest and most durable. In addition, 

the foam core we use is closed cell. Therefore if the board is punctured or 

damaged on the rocks etc. the foam won’t allow any water to be absorbed, 

using this material eliminates the costly procedure of ding repairs. 

THANK YOU 

Thank you to all our creative contributing writers, fantastic 

photographers and various good people who made this 

particular edition happen - you’ll see their names dotted 

around the mag. In particular though, a special thank you to 

Brett Bam, Ben ‘The Stig’ Vos, Gus Brown, Louise Gough, 

and Elise Donnelly for the help in making this first edition 

happen. An extremely special thank you to Helen Chapman 

for the many late nights - this would not have made it to 

the printers without you. And most of all thank you to Katie 

and Helen for your incredible patience and support in the 

months leading up to the launch. It’s done now. 

CORE TEAM 

If you’re after any information on advertising, distribution, 

editorial, subscribing or just plain getting involved, get in 

touch... 

Mark Chapman 

Dave Swan 

mark@hugecmedia.com.au 

0400 875 884 

dave@hugecmedia.com.au 

0401 345 201 

Tech specs: Mark - studio@hugemedia.com.au 

Money matters: Dave - money@hugecmedia.com.au 

Ideas & submissions: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au 

Distribution: mags@hugecmedia.com.au 

7.0 8.0 9.0 9.6 7.6 8.6 SUP 

Also available: Gsleds, Stand-Up-Paddle boards, Classics, SLSA boards 

6 september 2010 

www.gboards.com.au 

Contact your nearest surfshop for more information 

or p. 03 5261 9013 e. info@gboards.com.au 

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. 

We print with Pep 

Central and Craft 

Inprint Group, an 

environmentally aware 

and committed printer 

whose business is 

founded upon the 

principles of minimising 

waste and maximising 

recycling. Nice work.

To all our friends, family, existing and new customers... 

Thank you so much for your support. 

You have helped us rise from the ashes. 

THE NEW INDEPENDENT 

20% DISCOUNT 

Present this coupon for 

20% discount on clothing 

and accessories. 

Does not include 

surfboards or bodyboards. 

148 Junction Street, Nowra 

(opposite Coles carpark) 4421 4108 


Valid until 

1 December 2010. 

Laybys accepted and 

1 December 2010. 

7

LATEST: EDITION 

WE’RE DROPPING IN 

With the break of a new day, all along the east coast there is the 

coconut hint of fresh wax in the air along with the sound of barely 

dry neoprene and rubber being stretched over hundreds of heels in 

parking lots. There’s the quiet conversation of friends as the sunrise 

is watched through blurry eyes still adjusting to the new day. 

There’s the zip of boardbags opening, car doors closing as people do 

the surfy-run for no apparent reason. Thousands of splashes happen 

simultaneously, all the way from the Sunshine Coast in the north 

right down to Phillip Island. Some of those splashes are noticed by 

others around in the high-traffic waves of Manly, Noosa or the Gold 

Coast, while some go unheard except for the solitary surfer making 

them in one of a thousand secret spots. But alone, or in a crowd, 

each and every person in the water gets the same… A fresh taste of 

saltwater, an unridden set, a new thrill, a new opportunity to live, be 

free and experience all the ocean and life has to offer. 

Not all mornings are spectacular, nor is every session in the water 

the ultimate experience, but the constant search for that perfect 

wave - that moment of clarity - is fuel enough to keep people coming 

back again, to experience those firsts over and over again. 

A small blip in the grander scheme of surfing, life and the universe 

is our little first - the inaugural edition of smorgasboarder. As we 

all continue our respective individual journeys, we hope that this 

magazine will become an extra travelling companion for many, a 

mouthpiece for those with something to say, a platform for those 

with tales to tell and a genuine voice for the surfing community 

along the Australian east coast. This isn’t our magazine, it’s OUR 

magazine, and we hope that you will be one of the many interesting 

and interested people we will meet and include along the way. 

As we take our first step into our new and unridden wave, we’re only 

too happy to have you along for the session. 

Photo: Jules Elliott 



9

LADIES FIRST 

FAVOURITE SURF SPOTS... 

LOCALLY: I love beach breaks like 

Wurtulla, Coolum and Peregian. Nothing 

is better than walking down the beach 

at Coolum to find an empty bank, clean 

waves, no wind and a good swell. I love 

those days here on the Sunshine Coast. 

INTERNATIONALLY: Uluwatu - we stayed 

on the cliff and rode our scooters there 

everyday and ate banana pancakes after 

every surf while on Bali. 

TARA Christie 

In a world clambering for 

positive female role models, 

Primitive Surf team rider 

Tara Christie has put in the 

hard work to be exactly that 

person. 


“ There are 

no surf 

shops in 

Brisbane” 

Not true. Not true at all. 

MEET TARA CHRISTIE... 

“I was born in the infamous Brisbane city - a fair distance from the 

beach. I believe living there allowed me to never take surfing for 

granted. It’s all I wanted to do while at school. The south side 

of Brisbane was very ghetto and a lot of kids were turning 

the wrong way. I was lucky to have a dad who loved 

the coast and would religiously take us to the 

beach on holidays and weekends. That’s where 

I learnt the basics of surfing.“ 

Tara says her father is still one of the major 

influences on her surfing. 

“Not only did he buy my first board - a dingy old 

board from the trading post - but he taught me to win humbly and lose 

gracefully when it came to competitive surfing.” 

Freshly graduated from university, Tara has been a team rider for 

Brisbane surfboard manufacturer Primitive Surf for around eight years 

now and also endorses the clothing brand Moselle, who donate their 

profits to women rescued from human trafficking. 

She has recently taken over the role as President of the Sunshine 

Coast Girls Boardriders Club, who support local girls in their surfing 

development and help them achieve their goals. 

“Most women are looking for others to surf with and make new friends. 

It’s a good way for them to connect on a regular basis in a safe and 

supportive environment.” 

In fact, primitive surf 

has been supplying top 

quality surfboards and 

surfing products to the 

city hustle and bustle 

for well over 10 years 

now. 

With custom board 

shaping on site, 

primitive surf is literally 

a one-stop shop of 

everything a surfer 

needs: boards, gear, 

travel information nights 

and even elite SAS surf 

coaching. 

And, located right near 

the Brisbane airport, 

primitive surf is your 

perfect stop, whether 

you’re arriving for a 

Queensland holiday, or 

flying out on an exotic 

surf trip overseas. 

So before you head 

off to the waves, 

feel free to test out 

a surfboard from our 

extensive range. 

And if that’s not enough to keep her busy, Tara also helps out with 

Christian Surfers Coolum Beach, who organise surfing camps, 

competitions, road trips and hang-out nights for kids in the local area. 

“Every Friday night we gather at the local board riders shack and the 

grommets skate, eat pizza, play ping-pong and watch surfing DVDs.” 

Tara tells us that Christian Surfers is a not-for-profit organisation that 

aims to support youth towards making healthier life choices. 

“There are a lot of negative influences for teens and being able to 

organise events like these gives them another option in their lives.” 

601 Nudgee Rd, 

Nundah, Qld 4012 

Phone: 07 3266 1001 

Fax: 07 3266 2002 

open 7 days 

MON-FRI 8:30-5:30 

THURS 8:30-8:00 

SAT 8:30-4:00 

SUN 10:00-4:00 

www.primitivesurf.com 


11

LATEST: FEEDBACK 

NEXT EDITION, YOU WRITE THIS... 

CARABINE SURFBOARDS 

WOLLONGONG 

FOR SALE 

AFTER 41 GREAT YEARS, IT’S 

TIME TO PUT MY FEET UP AND 

GET SOME MORE SURFING IN. 

Owner retiring. Sale includes stock in shop and 

factory ready to go. With accounts. Rip Curl, 

Ocean & Earth, Peak, Creatures, Network Surf, 

Balin, Surf Hardware Int. $50,000 

For information, call Mick on (02) 4229 9462 or 0402 019 771 

With this being our brand-spanking new, bright and shiny first 

edition, it would have been more than a little tricky to have letters 

to the editor in here already. So, what we would like to do instead 

is to use this opportunity to encourage each and every one of you to 

use this forum to share inspiring stories, vent your frustration, point 

out our flaws or shower us with praise. 

Use this space and this magazine to let your voice be heard in our 

surfing community and of course, get freebies. See the giveaways 

to the right for what you can score for having your ramblings and 

personal photos committed to the letters pages of our mag. In fact, 

I’m only writing this for my free stuff. 

As you’re reading this, you’re already a part of the family so feel 

free to treat this as your home. This magazine is all about you, and 

us, the greater ‘us’ that is - our collective family of surfers and 

surf lovers. The water worshipping cousins, uncles and aunts you 

haven’t even met, yet share a common bond, albeit a little thinner 

than blood. 

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS YOU CAN JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION: 

Email all your innermost thoughts, letters, stories, photos, praise, 

rants to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au or send other 

contribution ideas, surf photography or fantastic ideas for stories to 

editor@smorgasboarder.com.au. 

Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ 

Smorgasboarder-Surf-Magazine/133229320054947 (or easier, just 

search for smorgasboarder) We promise not to poke you. 

This is only the first set rolling in and there’s plenty more swell on 

the horizon, so join us in these uncharted waters as a proud new 

part of the smorgasboarder family. 

BEST DEALS ON 

LONGBOARDS 

on the entire east coast of Australia! 

392 Harbour Drive, The Jetty Strip, Coffs Harbour NSW 

Phone: 02 6658 0223 www.thelogshack.com.au 


LETTER OF THE MONTH 

We just know you have a great story to share. Send it in and if yours 

happens to be the most riveting, entertaining or thought-provoking 

submission for the edition, be rewarded with a prize pack of what we 

happen to have handy in the giveaway drawer. Every letter published 

gets a free something-or-other anyway, so give it a crack. 

Email your thoughts to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au 

photo: Shane Newman 

YOURS 

This edition’s giveaways include copies 

of the Mick Waters movie, Little Black 

Wheels, a Surflock combination lock, a 

set of Foilz Fins and a swimsuit voucher 

worth $90 from Hive Swimwear. 

WINNING SHOT 

Just the same as letters, in every edition of smorgasboarder, the best reader 

submitted photograph wins a nifty little prize pack as a thank you for sharing. 

Because just like waves, sharing is where it’s at. We’re looking for interesting, 

abstract, quirky... So, get snapping and email your attempts at glory to us: 

letters@smorgasboarder.com.au 

Photos like this cracker landscape from Lucas Muro and the high traffic incident of 

Curl Curl’s Matt Poul from Northern Beaches lensman, Crumpet, are just ideas to 

get your creative juices flowing. Think photos of your grandad on a log in budgie 

smugglers, a surfing dog, awesome waves, your board collection... Whatever gets 

you excited will do the same for us. Maybe not the Pops one though...

SURF 

STICKERS 

WWW.INBLOOMSTICKERS.COM.AU 

CLASSIC SURFING IMAGES 

HIGH QUALITY STICKERS 

RETAILER 

ENQUIRIES WELCOME 

CALL KRIS 

02 6685 5100 

LATEST: NEWS 

INTERNATIONAL 

SHAPER OF 

THE YEAR 

A GLASS ACT 

Well known for his experimentation 

with wood boards, few would possibly 

know Tom Wegener began shaping foam 

in Australia back in 2000, developing 

models to suit the point waves of 

Noosa and later, beach breaks. 

Due to popular demand his tried and 

tested foam and fibre-glass models will 

return and be made exclusively under 

the Noosa Longboards label. A range 

of models will be available through 

Noosa Longboards from mid-September. 

It makes for the perfect opportunity to 

check out their new signature store in 

Hastings Street containing rarities such 

as a 1960s Fender flag signed by Jimi 

Hendrix, a 1963 vintage pinball machine 

and a 1961 Duke board from Hawaii. 

Visit www.noosalongboards.com.au 

for more details. 

Photo: www.fotosinnoosa.com 

For something a little different 

Southcoast Surfboards, Gato Heroi, Bing, Takayama 

and a unique range of surfing memorabilia 

5/21 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie Ph/Fax (02) 6584 1995 or 0416 226 774 

More online... 

www.sandyfeetsurf.com.au 

ISLAND STYLE TAKES AWARD 

A big win for Big Wave Complex. Not only is The Island 

Accommodation - Studio suites and flash packers super swish, 

stylish and has the best rooftop party deck, it has been voted to have 

the Best Environmentally Sustainable Design at the recent Building 

Designers Association of Victoria awards. Yet another reason to get 

island fever. See our Phillip Island travel story on page 46 for more. 


QUICKIES 

ON BOARD 20 YEARS 

RPS Boardstore celebrates 20 

years in business on September 

6. If you are in and around one 

of Melbourne’s hippest suburbs, 

Elwood, pop into the store and 

pick up some great bargains on 

surf, skate and snow gear. 

www.rpstheboardstore.com 

PLAN AHEAD 

For the well-prepared surfer, 

now is a timely reminder, the 

Manly Festival of Surfing will be 

held from November 18-21. A 

celebration of surfing music, film, 

fashion and history, the Manly 

Festival of Surfing continues 

to evolve. Spread throughout 

Manly, the festival features a 

huge range of activities that will 

entertain over 20,000 visitors 

and last year welcomed surfing 

legends, plus 6 World Champions 

past and present. Word has it, a 

major music concert will again 

take place at the stunning cliff 

top location at North Head, 

overlooking the Northern Beaches. 

For details check out 

manlyfestivalofsurfing.com.au 

SHAPING THE FUTURE 

In the face of the growing surfboard 

manufacturing market in Asia, there 

are plans to establish an Australian 

surf craft manufacturers association to 

oversee the future of the industry. 

“Hopefully we get people who do want 

to get involved,” Bek Clarke of DMS 

says. “This all about saving a dying local 

industry. Everything else in the surfing 

industry seems to be moving forward 

except us. Too many people are closing 

their factories because it is too hard to 

get workers and too much of a struggle. 

DMS, Darcy Surfboards and Chris 

Garrett Shapes have formed the basis of 

the association so far and are actively 

seeking local surfboard manufacturers 

to get involved. For more details contact 

Michelle Blauw on 07 5559 5066. 

LIVE SURF TUNES 

I you are keen to check out Isaac 

Paddon live in person (for more 

about Isaac see our story on page 

22) you can catch him in a solo 

performance on Saturday the 26th 

of September at his favourite haunt, 

the Pacific Hotel, Yamba. Isaac will 

be performing a mellow, chilled-out 

afternoon session from 2.30pm. 

www.isaacpaddon.com 

FEET FETISH 

In case you didn’t know, Sandy 

Feet is in new digs on the Cnr 

of Clarence and Murray Streets, 

Port Macquarie. Mike’s new 

store is a cracker. He’s also just 

taken delivery of some amazing 

new boards from Ian Chisholm of 

Southcoast Longboards. 


FEET UP 

And whilst we are speaking of 

feet, Mick Carabine is looking 

to put his up. After 41 years in 

the business, Mick is looking to 

take things a little more leisurely. 

His board building business in 

Wollongong is up for sale. 

For more details contact Mick on 

(02) 4229 9462. 


15

LATEST: & GREATEST 

RACK ‘EM UP 

Those lucky enough to make it to the 

Noosa Festival of Surfing in March of this 

year would have seen Solid Racks’ gear 

and appreciate their racks are without peer. 

They’re solid! Nice racks for surfboards, 

SUPs, snowboards and more. 

See www.solidracks.com for a stockist 

in your local area. 

ARTIFICAL REEF 

Reef’s new concept tent is a cracker. Given the brief: “provide quick shelter 

on the beach when you’re far from civilization” the team at LifeStyleDesign 

devised a tent made up of two parts – an adjustable canopy (left) and an 

inflatable sleep pod (below) which apparently all pack neatly into what 

doubles as an esky. Cheers to that! 

Please note: before you run out and look for it at your local shop, remember 

that ‘concept’ means it’s not yet available. But here’s hoping it is soon. 


IN THE BAG 

With names like Green Eggs, Fish 

Finger and Jelly Tip, it sounds like 

the guys at the Critical Slide Society 

are in need of a good feed. There’s 

certainly no need to feed their 

creativity, their range of board bags 

are a feast for your eyes. 

For a full range of stockists go to 

www.criticalslidesociety.com 

MUST-HAVES 

COOL IPHONE APPS FOR SURFERS 

CASPIAN SEE 

His work may not be new to Sydney-siders but to 

us the surfboard art by Caspian de Looze is some 

of the best we have seen on the east coast. Check 

out more on www.surfdecals.com 

SURFBOARDS 

Moviola Studios $2.49 

This is a great app for those people 

just getting into surfing or who want 

to know a little more about surfboards, 

what equipment to buy and how it 

works. Expertly written by former world 

surfing champion Shaun Tomson, it’s an 

easy to use application designed to help 

you choose the right equipment for your 

ability level. 

At smorgasboarder, we’re committed to 

providing our readers with a wealth of 

information about the world of surfing 

and with that in mind, here’s an app for 

one of our favourite international surf 

magazines from the UK. 

AHOY CAPTAIN! 

More proof that surf and art go hand in hand. 

These fins from the Captain Fin Co would look 

just at home on your wall as they would on 

your board. See if your local surf shop can get 

them in for you. For more information and more 

fins, visit www.captainfinco.com 

SURFER’S PATH 

Pixel Mags $1.19 

The Surfer’s Path is quite unique in the 

surf magazine world, offering a more 

eclectic view of the world of surfing. 

There’s a strong international travel 

focus, profiles of unusual characters and 

stories from all walks of life. 

The magazine also takes up a hugely 

influential stance on environmental 

issues affecting all surfers. This app 

lets you to read the mag on your phone. 

Never as good as sitting on the couch 

with the real thing, but a great way to 

keep on top of things on the move. 


17

Why 

STRAIGHTBOARD... 

...when you can 

carve like a surfer?! 

Designed for 

surfing, the 

SmoothStar 

Thruster system 

allows the front truck 

to move horizontally 

and vertically, 

transforming the 

way a skateboard 

handles... 

Improve your 

surfing and stay stoked 

between surfs! 

TURN EASIER 

You can control your 

speed by carving 

from side to side. 

LATEST: & GREATEST 

SOLAR 

POWER 

With the warmer months upon us 

it is important to be sun smart and 

slip, slop, slap. Not that you have 

to slop on sunscreen anymore! 

The season’s new sunscreens are 

non-greasy, provide 30+ protection, 

are free from nanoparticles and 

best of all, are water-resistant. 

SUN SMARTS 

But what the hell are nanoparticles, we hear you say? 

They’re nasty little particles found in some sunscreens 

and cosmetics that can clog up your skin and 

cause health problems. 

What kind of protection does 30+ sunscreen provide? 

This is the factor by which the sunscreen increases 

the time it takes you to get sunburnt. A properly 

applied coat of SPF 30 sunscreen will keep you 

burn-free for 30 times longer than normal, so if you’d 

usually get mild sunburn in 10 minutes, the SPF 30 

sunscreen will in theory keep you burn-free for five 

hours (300 minutes). 

That said, it’s a good idea to reapply sunscreen every 

two hours, because water and sweat wash away the 

coating on your skin. 

TURN TIGHTER 

than any normal 

skateboard and 

work speed into 

the board without 

pushing. 

SmoothStar is 

available in 3 sizes, 

for a different ride 

and for different 

sized riders. 

SKATEBOARDS DESIGNED FOR SURFERS 

For more information, call 0407 405 390 

or visit www.smoothstar.com.au 

SOLRX 

SPF 30+ available in a variety 

of sized tubes or pump spray. 

Chapstic also available. 

Thanks to the unique Waterblock 

System TM SolRX Advanced 

formula sunscreens are rated 

Very Water & Sweat Resistant. 

On average, water and sweat 

removes standard water resistant 

sunscreens after 40 minutes of 

activity. SolRX lasts four hours in 

and out of the water. 

ASK HUEY SUNSCREEN 

SPF 30+ , available in 100ml tubes 

Non-greasy and fast absorbing, 

you won’t feel like you have any 

sunscreen on and it won’t sting 

your eyes. 

Ask Huey sunscreen uses an 

environmentally-friendly organic 

formula which is ideal for people 

with oily and sensitive skin. 

ISLAND TRIBE 

SPF 30+ available in 50 & 100ml 

tubes or a 125ml pump spray 

Launching on November 1, the 

flagship of the new sunscreen 

range is a clear gel designed to 

provide maximum protection to 

water sports enthusiasts who 

spend large amounts of time 

in the sun and water. Island 

Tribe sunscreen is specifically 

formulated so as not to run in 

your eyes. 


Line Up in Samoa 

.. offers surf packages to suit every 

budget. Maninoa Surf Camp at 

Siumu on the south shore of Upolu 

is situated on a beautiful, private 

beach with over seven world class 

surf spots within a short boat trip 

of the camp, including the famous 

Coconuts straight out front. Your 

experienced Australian surf guide 

will ensure you take advantage of 

the island’s best breaks, surfing in 

clean, clear water with no crowds 

and no hassles. 

10 Days for 

only $1695 

• Return airfares from SYD/MEL/ 

BNE (add $150) 

• Beachfront Twin share / Fale 

Accommodation 

• Daily surf boat transfers 

• Use of all camp facilities 

• 2 meals per day (breakfast & 

dinner) 

Line Up in The Maldives 

We have developed a reputation 

in The Maldives as being one 

of the most unique Surf Travel 

companies in the region. With 

a number of different options 

to choose from including Surf 

Resorts, Surf Charters and recently 

opened Budget Surf Camps. We 

have packages to suit families, 

couples and singles with all levels 

of accommodation from cheap (our 

new surf camp at Cokes) through 

to luxurious (5 star Paradise Island 

Resort). 

Our new surf camp in the 

southern atolls of Gaafu Dhaalu, is 

considered to have the Maldives’ 

best waves and no crowds. 

Packages from 

$100 a day! 

• includes a/c rooms and meals 

Line Up Surf School is one of the 

premier coaching clinics on the 

Northern Beaches catering for 

the beginner through to people 

looking to improve their surfing. 

We also cater for corporate outings. 

Situated opposite Dee Why beach 

the school is open 7 days a week 

with private and group lessons 

running daily. 

Our coaches are all experienced 

surfers with international 

experience, working overseas in 

surf camps in countries such as 

Indonesia, Samoa, the Maldives 

and Hawaii. 

Lessons start 

from $45 

• includes board, wetsuit hire 

Line Up is a SPECIALIST SURF 

store dedicated to servicing our 

customers’ needs for everything 

from custom board orders to 

helmet-mounted camcorders and 

everything inbetween - surf travel, 

clothing, wax, sunscreen. All we do 

is surf. 

We’re home to many well 

known shapers, who have made 

all manner of boards for the 

professional surfing world’s elite, 

in our surfboard showroom. Boards 

by local Sydney shapers including 

Dave Wood, John Larder, Col 

Adams and more. 

LINE UP SURF 

12b The Strand, 

Dee Why, 

Sydney NSW 2099 

Phone: 02 9971 8624 

Samoa has surf all year round! 

Photo: Jeremy Wilmotte 

Maninoa Surf Camp, Samoa


LATEST: EVENTS 

YAMBA TO LAUNCH NEW LONGBOARD EVENT 

Ray Moran (above) is said to be the first 

person to surf Angourie, back in 1962. 

48 years later, Ray - who now lives in 

Manly - stands outside the Yamba Surf 

Club with his longboard as a visitor to 

Yamba for the festival of Comedy, Music 

and Art. At this year’s festival it was 

announced that in 2011, in conjunction 

with the Yamba Angourie Surfing Hall 

of Fame, Yamba will host the inaugural 

Tommy Walker Longboard Classic, 

named after the historical photo that 

has been making waves for the town. 

For more about Tommy Walker, see the 

History section on P101 and for more on 

the festival, see weloveyamba.com. 

SC FASHION FEST SHOWS OFF WATER-WEAR 

Girls who chase the curls now have good reason to attend this year’s Sunshine Coast 

Fashion Festival, which runs from September 6 to 11 at Quay West Resort & Spa 

Noosa. Local swimwear label, Hive, designed by mad-keen surfer and former surf 

instructor Kat Hogg, is only just one of several surf swimwear labels for the ladies 

making an appearance at the festival. To purchase tickets, book accommodation or for 

more info, visit www.sunshinecoastfashionfestival.com 

On the subject of suits, Surfaid International announced that in August their Surfing 

Suits program had been a resounding success, raising more than $30,000 for the the 

organisation.North Curl Curl Beach was the venue for the east coast event and saw 

surf legends Simon Anderson and Tom Carroll join in the fundraising efforts. Good job. 

www.surfaidinternational.org 

The Sea Shepherd 

oranisation defend those 

in the ocean that cannot 

defend themselves. If you 

feel for the cause, please 

get involved. More online: 

FROM THE 

BOARDROOM 

TO THE BOARDMEETING 

For those of us with kids, I wonder if you can remember the first time you took 

your daughter or son out for a surf. I can. It is one of the most memorable 

experiences in my life and one I will cherish forever. Now, take a minute to 

imagine what it would be like if your child was disabled, or became disabled. 

With that in mind, it is important to appreciate what we have and spare a 

thought for those less fortunate. 

That is what a dedicated group of Sunshine Coasters do each year through 

an amatuer corporate surf event called The Board Meeting. The charity event 

is held on the second weekend of November each year to raise much-needed 

funds for local disabled children. The event is in its 8th year and has already 

raised $80,000 to assist young kids realise their full potential. Funds are 

committed to providing families of disabled kids with much-needed assistance 

and equipment such as wheelchairs to assist their child’s mobility and in some 

cases, independance. 

If you live on the Sunshine Coast or are here on a ‘corporate weekend’ dig 

deep, paddle out, catch a wave, have some fun and assist this local charity 

with their worthy cause. The activities includes plenty surfing as well as a 

surfing memorabilia auction. Entry is open now and the boys would be more 

than happy to have more on board. Event details are on their website 

www.theboardmeeting.org. 

Event Venue: To be held at Kawana Beach (with alternative sites at 

Maroochydore Beach or Ann Street, Caloundra, if conditions require) 

Event Date: Competition from 6.00am Saturday, November 6, 2010. 

Entries close: Friday November 5, 2010. 

Entry cost: $500.00 for team of 4 and includes t-shirt, gift bag & drinks 

vouchers for both registration night and auction night. 

SNIPPETS FROM THE SEA... 

Last month, the Sea Shepherd vessel Golfo 

Azzurro - on an undercover operation to defend 

the pilot whales in the Faroe Islands - had its 

cover compromised, and the ship was boarded 

and searched by police. The vessel was 

released because no laws had been broken, but 

was then escorted by the Danish Navy. 

Sea Shepherd crew members were continuing 

their patrol, but this time under the watchful 

eyes and guns of the Danish Navy. 

http://www.seashepherd.org/australia/ 

If you have any news and events that should be in these pages, please feel free to 

drop us a line at editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au. 


21

Photo: Joseph Ryan 

Photo: Dan Howard, Ocean Art Photography 

LATEST: INTERVIEW 


I BEG 

YOUR 

PADDON? 

There’s something about musos who 

surf. In touch with nature and with 

egos in check, despite commercial and 

chart success flowing their way. We’re 

talking names such as Jack Johnson, 

Donovan Frankenreiter and Ben Harper 

- all as well known outside the surfing 

fraternity as they are in it. But a chance 

meeting in a surf shop has left me 

convinced we’ll one day soon rate Isaac 

Paddon right up there with the best 

of them. Even if I didn’t know who the 

hell he was at first. Well, I didn’t know 

I knew him at the time... if you know 

what I mean. WORDS DAVE SWAN 

I had stopped in at Diverse Surf on the Gold Coast to catch 

up with the singly named “Isaac” and photograph a few 

boards for the magazine. 

We got chatting, as you do, and eventually my inquiries 

turned to his surname. “Paddon,” he replied casually. It got 

me thinking: “That sounds familiar,” I said. “Why do I know 

that name?” “Oh, I play a bit of music in a band.” 

Then it hit me. It was bloody Isaac Paddon. The same Isaac 

Paddon I’d been telling my mates about. This guy I knew 

nothing about, but who was on my iPod. The same guy 

with three songs on the soundtrack of Home - one of my 

favourite Australian longboarding movies. 

Having figured it all out, I got straight into this interview. 

Fortunately, it turned out for me that Isaac is a down-to-earth, 

easy-going bloke you could easily imagine having a beer 

with. And not only is he a talented musician, he can surf too, 

although he won’t readily admit it. He’s a loving family man 

but still likes to sneak off for a quick surf trip when he can. 

And like so many of us, he hasn’t really come clean with his 

wife as to how many surfboards he actually owns. 

After a good chat, Isaac handed me a copy of his newest CD, 

which went straight into my car’s CD player. I’m happy to say 

that each new song I heard was as good as the ones I already 

knew. This cracker of a CD is now officially in my Top Ten. 


23


THE MAN 

Born in Manly in 1978, Isaac lived in Dee Why and Mona Vale until 

he was about two, when Mum Karin and dad Derek upped the family 

– including sisters Rachel and Leah – and moved to the Central 

Coast. In his first year of high school the family moved to the Gold 

Coast. Isaac has called the Gold Coast home for the last twenty years. 

“I consider myself a local now,” Isaac explains. “One of my mates, 

who was born and bred here, said you can’t consider yourself a local 

until you have spilt some blood on the rocks. I have done that at 

several breaks now so yeah, I consider myself a local.” 

So strong are his ties he plans to stay in Tweed Heads indefinitely, 

drawn to its chilled vibe. “I regularly surf from Kirra south,” he 

explains, “At the moment I have been going out at Snapper on a 

longboard – you get more waves out there on a longboard with the 

crowds. When that gets too hectic I head south.” 

And if he gets the yearning for new horizons, well that’s where the 

band comes in handy. “Because we are always travelling with the 

band I get to go to a lot of other spots,” he says “So providing you get 

a couple hours of sleep after a gig, you can get in a surf the next day.” 

We had to know more. 

THE MUSIC 

Describe your musical background… 

Mum is from the West Indies so we were always right into our music. 

Dad was from England and was an influence in my love of folk 

music. 

When did you start playing? 

When I was about 15 years old. I was in the school band playing 

guitar but could only manage to strum three chords. 

The Gold Coast is pretty fast paced, in the water and out. How did 

you not end up playing super-fast punk instead? 

In my earlier years I definitely had a punk phase. I was really into 

Pennywise and Bad Religion. Nowadays I still like listening to 

artists such as Neil Young, Jeff Buckley and, for modern bands, New 

Zealand reggae bands such as Cornerstone Roots and The Black 

Seeds. 

The first band I played in was called A Trip to Birdland. They didn’t 

have a singer, asked me and I said ok. We played a gig in my final 

year at Elanora High School. Even though we had rehearsed a few 

times, when we got out to play I wasn’t really ready for it. I was pretty 

nervous but . . . 

Anyhow I finished at the end of Grade 10 but kept playing with them 

for the next couple of years. 

One of the most notable musicians I have opened for is Jeff Martin 

from the Tea Party. 

In terms of gigs, what we have done at this stage is just the east coast 

from Noosa down to Sydney. We haven’t really ventured out much 

further than that. Some of our CD sales however come in from Great 

Britain, Japan and America. You do meet a lot of travelers when we 

are playing gigs, and they tell their friends about us, so when they get 

home, they spread the word. Or you get stuff like surf movies that 

help you out as well. 

What is your favourite place to play? 

Definitely Yamba (in New South Wales). Yeah, Yamba is my favourite 

place just because I like going there, whether I am playing or not. It’s 

good, especially in winter. It is nice and quiet. You can get away from 

the crowds. It is just good to get down there and have a surf. Playing in 

the band is really just an excuse to get down there for a surf trip. 

When we play Byron we usually play at the Great Northern Hotel. 

It took me two years to get my first gig there. I was just constantly 

sending in CDs and ringing up. 

When I got my very first gig there, the manager rang me and said ‘I 

have got you a gig. It is on the Saturday of the Blues Fest and it is going 

to be capacity crowd’. So he goes, ‘Be ready for it.’ I said to him ‘I am 

really sorry. I haven’t got the band that night. Can I still play the gig?’ 

He said, ‘No worries.’ And I said, ‘I promise I will do a good job.’ 

How did you handle it? Were you nervous? 

Yeah I was. I got a solo act supporting a band called Marshall & The 

Fro. I had only played a few gigs and I wasn’t used to playing in front 

of big crowds, or I was playing in noisy pubs where people didn’t 

listen anyhow. 

So the curtains open and all these people rush to the stage and I play 

the first few chords and they are just screaming and jumping. I wasn’t 

ready for it. I instantly starting sweating. But basically the crowd 

started encouraging me and amped me up to get going and from 

there I kind of got into it straight away. 

On the very last song, Marshall came up with his band. I wasn’t really 

expecting it but they just jumped up on the stage. It was just really 

good to get that first gig at the Northern with capacity crowds. 

What is the capacity there? 

Four hundred and fifty, but it seemed like there was more. It was only 

a little room. I must have left a good impression because they have 

had us back every time. We play gigs there now regularly. That first 

gig was about five years back. 

How long have you been with the band? 

We did our first serious CD in 2003. It was called Here Comes the 

Sun. Until then I was really only mucking around in beach car parks, 

playing nothing serious. We used to light a fire in a 44-gallon drum 

down at the Currumbin beachfront car park, have a few beers and 

play a few songs. You couldn’t get away with that now. That was old 

school Currumbin. 

Not long after that I had a band that was half serious, did the first 

CD and then did the second CD in 2005. From there I started getting 

really into it. My circumstances changed and I changed my whole 

band and released this last CD, which has been out about 12-18 

months now. 

Tell us your worst moment on the road with them? 

It’s a long story, but needless to say it involved my Hiace Van leaking 

oil everywhere, a faulty gear transmission that meant I could only 

drive in fourth gear, extreme flooding on the way to a gig in Urunga 

(New South Wales), breaking down on the way home, blowing out 

a tyre on the trailer towing my van back to the Goldy, having to run 

numerous red lights because I couldn’t get the car out of fourth gear 

and then being asked to go on stage early for our gig at Kirra. Need 

I say more? Buy me a beer when you next see me and I will tell you 

the full story. 

What came first - surfing or music? 

Definitely a surfer first. Like I said, the band is really just an excuse to go 

on a surf trip, although I have scaled it back now days with young kids. 

ON THE WAVES 

When did you first get into surfing? 

When I was about six, Dad pretty much just pushed me off in the 

white water when we were living down the Central Coast. After that, 

I was only really a summer time surfer because we lived about 25 

minutes from the beach, and Dad wasn’t really into surfing, but he 

would take us down in summer. I didn’t really start surfing until I 

was about 12 or 13. 

Where you more of a short or longboarder? 

I was more of a shortboarder back then. We used to go down to 

the Tugun tip and we would buy old boards – stuff that is worth 

heaps now. I remember I picked up this Mark Richards Twin Fin, 


“...the band is really 

just an excuse to go 

on a surf trip” 

which I still have now. I got it for $7. I have had it for a while now. I 

bought it when I was about 15. I picked up a few old boards like that 

and we would ride those boards too. Back then you didn’t think they 

were worth anything. You just enjoyed riding them because they were 

something different from your everyday shortboard. 

For the last 16 years I have been riding Dave’s boards (Diverse Surf 

owner/shaper Dave Verrall) and just trialling all these different models 

he makes. I just go and ask for a lend. Dave would just go out and pick 

a different model and I’d take it out and ride it. 

Photo: Jake Carroll 

Photo: Joseph Ryan 

So you ride short, long, retro… 

I ride everything. 

But in competitions you ride longboards? 

I have done a few contests in the last three years but I have only really 

been longboarding more so over the last three to four years. 

It is good if you ride all different equipment because you never miss 

out on a surf. Whether it is ankle height or too big to paddle out in, 

you still have to go anyway; you don’t miss out. So if you have a really 

big plank you can go down the beach and get a few waves. If you only 

had a short board you would miss out. 

So you never got into the shortboard contest scene? 

I think when I can go in the Masters I might (laughs) ...only a few 

more years. I think I just never really had a desire when I was younger. 

Competing in longboarding now appeals because it lets you ride a range 

of different longboards - 10ft, 9ft, super thick, super thin. You don’t have 

to ride this exact board. 

There’s no ‘You have to ride three fins, 18 ½ wide by 6’1’. There’s no set 

exact rule for it. It is all about expressing your art when you are in the 

water. Whether or not the judges like it is a different story. Everyone 

judges differently in every contest. I consider myself more of a free surfer 

anyway. I only go in a few contests every now and again. 

Where else in the world would you like to surf? 

Anywhere I can get an awesome barrel, lefts or rights. 

Anything stop you from surfing? 

Serious injury. Nah, I’d probably go anyway. 

THE QUIVER 

So how many boards do you have in your quiver? 

The ones I ride regularly, I have got four or five. Then I have a heap of 

retros I look at more than actually surf. They’re on the to-do list to fix. 

So 10 or 12 or more? 

Maybe more. 

Photo: Jesse Carroll 

Are you married? 

I have a wife, Kelly, and two boys, Tyler and Jesse. 

I can understand now why you are not admitting to how many 

boards you have! 

There are a few hidden in the roof. A few at Dad’s house. A few upstairs 

at work. That’s why it is good working here. You can just test out 

anything. Just the other day in the arvo I wanted to go straight out back 

at Tugun so I grabbed a board out of the demo room and headed out. 

What’s your favourite board? 

It is hard to say. My favourite old board is definitely my MR Twin Fin. 

It is a bigger one so it is easy to paddle and floats well. My favourite 

board I enjoy riding for the waves we have been getting at the moment 

is my Diverse 10ft Noserider. 

The one featured in our board guide? 

No, I am not allowed to ride that one yet. Dave said it is for when 

Photo: Simsurf Photography 


25

Just a real 

surf shop... 

Surfboards, 

movies, art and 

memorabilia at 

the top of the 

hill in Yamba. 

his leg gets better (Dave badly broke his ankle in a surfing accident 

overseas recently). 

We have talked about the surfboard quiver, how about the guitar/ 

music quiver? 

I have got two Maton acoustics I regularly play with. One’s really old 

and beaten up and that’s my favourite because the more beaten up and 

uglier it looks, it just seems to sound better. It’s like a good wine; it just 

gets better with age. 

The kids have scratched it and tried to jump on it. When my puppy was 

little it put scratches all over it. 

They are the two Maton acoustics I regularly take on the road with us. I 

also have a Fender Stratocaster that snapped that I am getting fixed. 

Snapped? 

I just stored it away for about two months and I opened it up and it 

was just broken. I think it was temperature - hot/cold, hot/cold and too 

much tension in it and it just broke. I didn’t wrap it into anyone’s drum 

kit. 

10 CLARENCE ST, YAMBA NSW 2464 (02) 6645 8362 

Over 45 years experience 

handcrafting quality surfboards, short & long 

Photo: Adam Greer 

THE FAMILY 

We've been at the forefront of surfing's 

evolution since 1963... BUT YOU’RE STILL THE 

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Wollongong City, NSW 2500 

Phone: 02 4229 1202 

Fax: 02 4225 2161 

HANDCRAFTED CUSTOM SURFBOARDS 

Your kids are Jesse (two), and Tyler (five). Are they into surfing yet? 

Basically, from day one, I have had them in the water. Before they could 

even stand I had them on the front of my longboard. We’ve been going 

out from Rainbow through to Snapper on the small days. As soon as 

they could stand up I would go out and surf tandem with them. 

I will get up first, still holding on to them, pick them up in front of me, 

and they will go just ‘Daddy, daddy, don’t let go of me. Don’t let go’. 

When it is nice and clean through there it is absolutely perfect. When 

you have got your kid on the front of your board you get, like, kid 

sympathy. You get more waves. People are like ‘Oh let him go, he has 

got a kid’. You just come cruising through. 

In a surfing sense, what does the world need more or less of? 

People just need to chill out in the water. You are out there to relax and 

unwind. It’s not all about getting the most waves. Greed is sometimes 

the cause of problems. 



“..It’s good if you ride all different equipment 

because you never miss out on a surf.” 

Photo: Dan Howard, Ocean Art Photography 

And localism? 

I understand it, particularly if people are greedy, trying to take every wave as 

I said, or in the wrong spot for their ability. That said the ocean is not anyone’s 

to own. 

On your website, there is a sign stating ‘Surf is free’. 

Yeah, I just saw it at a surf trade show in Japan and thought it was pretty 

cool. Dave was heading over there and he asked us whether we wanted to 

come. I was just like, ‘Cool’. I was there to just be a representative of Diverse 

Surf with Dave. 

The time over there was great. I got a lot of chances to write songs. We would 

be on the road here and there for several hours, I would be crushed up in the 

back of the van with wet wetsuits but it gave me a chance to write. That’s when 

I get a chance to write some songs – road trips. 

DANGER, DANGER 

Your scariest moment in the surf? 

We were surfing a place called Half Moon Bay in Tasmania and I was there with 

a younger mate. We had trekked across all these farm pastures out to the surf. 

We were only surfing a shory in crystal clear waters but then there was some 

bait fish and a few small sharks, reefies or something. So I told my mate and 

decided to head in. He was like, ‘You and your sharks’ and just then these huge 

tuna started jumping towards us and I saw this massive black shadow. It was 

definitely a white pointer. My mate reckoned the dorsal fin was a couple of feet. 

Any others? 

Surfing when I was about 15. Me and my mate headed out in this huge swell. 

We decided to jump off the groyne at DBar and paddle out. We were out a fair 

way. I was furthest out but this massive wall of white water just pummeled me 

and had me a couple of metres from the rocks at Froggies (the rocks going 

around from Snapper to DBar – there is no beach and you are basically in real 

trouble if you wash up in big swell). There were incoming white water walls 

and I was paddling for my life. One I will remember. 

SIDE PROJECT 

How did you get involved with the surfing movie Home? 

I met Joseph (Ryan), the guy who put together the film, because he was 

recommended to build my website. He was building websites for a job but 

now he is actually filming for a living. He came around and built my first 

website and then we just became good mates. We started surfing and the 

next minute Joseph bought himself a camera and he just used me as a bit of a 

guinea pig trying out different effects and things. 

After that we did a few surf trips together and he brought out his first movie 

and he goes, ‘Ah, I need some music’ and I said ‘Well you can use whatever 

you want. Whatever songs I have got’. The first movie was called Moving On. 

We got an idea for the title track and we sat down together and just penned 

it out. 

A couple of years later he had an idea for another movie (Home) – an east 

coast trip surf from Noosa to Cronulla, just catching up with Australia’s best 

surfers. We hooked up with the best longboarders in each area. So again I 

recorded a few songs for the film such as the title track, Home, and a few of 

those songs made their way on to my latest album. 

AND FINALLY? 

Your favourite east coast surf break? 

Definitely Snapper. It is the best right-hand point break. 

Check out Isaac Paddon and the Tides’ most recent 

album, “Where we once stood” and for more info on 

Isaac and his music, visit www.isaacpaddon.com. 


27

LATEST: DEBATE 

Minke whales: 

Majestic, not meat. 


WORDS BY BRETT BAM 

Whales have long captured our fancy and imagination with their sinewy 

grace, their explorations deep into pockets of the ocean we can scarcely 

imagine, their familial bonds and their friendly and inquisitive natures. But 

as much as we appreciate their strength and beauty from the safety of the 

shore or a ship, we can’t ignore the fact they are at the centre of a fierce 

battle for their very survival. And Australia is on the frontline of the fight. 


29


July 19, 2010, 236 pilot whales 

slaughtered in the town of Klaksvik 

in the Danish Faroe Islands 

Photo: Peter Hammarstedt / Sea Shepherd 


I have spent a lot of time with whales and dolphins. 

I’ve been so close to the splash from their breach 

that I was drenched from head to toe. I have had 

the mist from their exhalation drift across me like a 

fine rain. Or more accurately, a fine, atomised mist. 

In the Caribbean I was in the water with a singing 

male humpback. It was a powerful moment; I could 

feel the sound vibrating in my chest and ears like 

the largest bass woofer ever made. 

In Africa I was batted aside like a fly by the flukes 

of a large female swimming underneath me. 

I have seen a mother lifting her calf to the surface 

for its first breath, with the afterbirth staining the 

water around them both and I have seen male 

humpbacks fighting over the mating rights to a 

female, terrifying in its power and ferocity. 

Within all of the countless breaches, tail slaps and 

fin slaps I have seen playful behaviour, moments of 

sweet tenderness, terrifying power and silent speed. 

These creatures are awesome. It’s an obvious word 

to reach for but, truthfully, it’s the only one I can 

use, with an emphasis on the awe. 

My experience has largely been with humpback 

whales, but I have also been up close and personal 

with Brydes (pronounce broodus) whales, southern 

right whales, and have been fortunate enough to 

catch glimpses of minke and fin whales. 

Even more than these experiences with whales, 

I have spent a tremendous amount of time 

swimming with dolphins. I have seen them off 

the Wild Coast of South Africa in super pods 

numbering in the thousands, their wake changing 

the surface of the sea in kilometer wide patches. I 

have played with them in deep water on scuba and 

on backline while they put me to shame with their 

wavecraft. 

These experiences have shaped my life and created 

a passion for cetaceans that will never fade. 

Many of you reading these words will genuinely 

be able to identify with the emotions sparked by 

encounters with these magnificent denizens of the 

deep. It is an almost universal sense of respect and 

admiration. How could it be otherwise? 

And yet it is. 

There are many societies that do not feel a great 

love for whales and dolphins. Seen rather as 

product or as objects of sport, whales and their kin 

don’t get kind consideration all around the globe. 

For many years I thought the fight for the 

protection of whales and dolphins had been won, 

that the days of killing these creatures was long 

gone. I was under the false impression that we 

had entered a time of peace and enlightenment 

where these beautiful animals were protected 

and appreciated for the natural wonder they 

create. After all, what is the International Whaling 

Commission for? 

Sadly, I was mistaken. 

As it turns out, there is a full-scale war being 

fought in international waters, and the people on 

the frontline come from every corner of the globe 

to fight the fight. This war has been raging for 

decades and every year it becomes more intense. 

Each side has a great passion for their cause, and 

each side believes with great faith they are right 

and their struggle is righteous. 

The world today will either be stepping forward into an 

era where conservation and the environment really matter, 

or it will be stepping back into the Dark Ages, where the 

people of the world think that slaughter of whales using 

grenades, electric lances and shooting them with rifles is 

something that we should accept. 

Ian Campbell, former Australian Environment Minister 

This battle is not only being fought on the high 

seas, it is also being fought in International courts 

and boardrooms by lawyers and lobbyists. 

And the fight gets a little more desperate and 

dangerous every year with the Sea Shepherd 

Conservation Society at the forefront of the 

conflict. Founder of the organisation, Captain 

Paul Watson, has even taken a shot to the chest 

for the cause. The fact he was prepared with a 

bulletproof vest is indicative of the seriousness of 

the matter, yet saving around 500 whales a year as 

Jeff Hanse, Australian Director estimates, makes it 

worth the risk. 

“Last Antarctic summer the Japanese whaling 

fleet set sail for Australian waters in the Southern 

Ocean Whale Sanctuary with a mission to kill 1035 

whales. 

“Sea Shepherd was up against spy flights being 

launched out of Australia, military vessels, 

devices and personnel and we even had our one 

of our ships deliberately rammed and sunk by the 

Japanese.” 

Jeff Hansen, Australian Director of Sea Shepherd on... 

JAPANESE WHALING VESSELS: 

‘Each year this depends, but there are normally 3 

harpoon or kill ships, 2 spotter vessels, 1 refuelling or 

supply vessel, one factory/processing vessel and one 

of two vessels with military or Japanese coast guard 

on board to give us a hard time, or tail us and report 

our position to the rest of the fleet.’ 

HUMAN FATALITIES: 

‘Never and we aim to keep it that way. The film footage 

of the ramming of the Ady Gil shows the Japanese 

whaler purposefully aiming for a collision. It’s a miracle 

no-one was killed.‘ 

AUSTRALIA’S ROLE: 

‘Australia is leading the charge in the voice for the 

whales. We are the only country having the guts to 

finally stand up to the whalers and take them to the 

international court. Australia is a classic example of 

what can be possible for the whales, as just over 30 

years ago the last whale was killed in Albany, WA. Yet 

now Australians are a passionate whale-loving nation 

with a 360-million dollar whale watching industry. 

This is what the IWC should be about, protecting and 

observing whales through a sustainable global whale 

watching industy and trying to further understand 

their complex communication and social interactions. 

If Japan should stop whaling tomorrow, Australians 

should never forget where we came from and should 

acknowledge Japan’s positive step forward.’ 

Photos: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society 


31

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“The whole operation cost us in excess of 6 million 

dollars, however we cost the whalers in excess of 

170 million dollars and most importantly saved the 

lives of 528 whales, our biggest impact on the whale 

quota to date.” 

One major point of contention for anti-whaling 

activists is the brutal method of hunting these 

creatures. They detail the use of explosive harpoons 

and 50-calibre machine guns, of creatures being 

electrified, lassoed and drowned, and bled to death. 

Images of these hunts are heart-wrenching and visual 

evidence is often restricted for the gore content it 

holds. The cruelty in the killing is one of the reasons 

protestors are so passionate about their cause, and 

their passion is intense. 

In the remote coastal village of Taiji in Wakayama 

Japan, the locals capture and kill dolphins. This 

activity was documented in award-winning 

documentary The Cove. Its graphic imagery is 

exceptionally disturbing. The film claims 23,000 

dolphins are killed in Japanese waters each year 

through netting and harpooning, while the Japanese 

government claims the figure is closer to 18,000. 

The dolphins are killed for food, and the meat is 

sold to schools across Japan for use in their school 

cafeterias. Creatures caught alive are transported to 

aquariums across the world and sold into captivity 

- something to remember the next time you see a 

dolphin performing tricks in an aquarium. 

The filmmakers have recently been struggling to 

show the film to the Japanese public. Their struggle 

has been long and dramatic and filled with violent 

protest, but they have succeeded. For the first time 

ever, the Japanese people are being educated on 

the actions their fishermen are taking. Many have 

reacted with shock and horror, condemning the killing 

and placing pressure on the government to put a stop 

to the slaughter, which fortunately seems to be a 

growing trend. 

In the Faroe Islands in the Norwegian Sea the locals 

of Faroe Islands indulge in another kind of bloody 

event. In an annual event known as grindadráp, the 

Faroese islanders come together to heard entire pods 

of pilot whales into shallow water, forcing them to 

beach themselves, where they are killed for their 

meat. These images are disturbing in the extreme 

with the sea literally running red with blood. Faroese 

children are taught this as a rite of passage and 

something to take pride in. 

The leaders of the whaling industry - Japan, Norway, 

and Iceland - continue unchecked, but not unopposed. 

Of the several organisations that carry on the fight, 

not only is Sea Shepherd in the mix but David 

Rastovich, one of the world’s best surfers, is very 

active in the cause within the organisation Surfers 

for Cetaceans. He has paddled out into the cove in 

Taiji in a peaceful protest, along with actress Hayden 

Panettiere. He has followed the humpback migration 

south by sailing a single seat sea-kayak from Byron 

Bay to Bondi beach on an epic 36-day, 700 kilometre 

journey, accompanied by fellow pro-surfer Chris Del 

Moro and whaling activist and Surfers for Cetaceans’ 

Howie Cooke. The epic trip was made in order to 

bring attention to the whaling movement and use that 

focus to persuade former Australian prime minister 

Kevin Rudd and environment minister Peter Garrett 


fish mini simmons logs pigs hulls stubbies bonzers hybrids alaias bellyboards timber boards 

www.blackapachesurfboards.blogspot.com 

Left: Dolphin slaugher in Taiji, Japan. Above left: Pilot whales slaughtered in the 

Faroe Islands. Right: Sea Shepherd supporter Dave Rastovich, co-founder of Surfers 

for Cetaceans, leads a group of surfers and activists in a prayer circle in memory of the 

dolphins slaughtered in Taiji in October ‘07. Photos: Sea Shepherd 

We owe it to our children to be better 

stewards of the environment. 

The alternative? A world without whales. 

It’s too terrible to imagine. 

Pierce Brosnan, actor 

to stand by their election promise to take Japan to the International Court for 

their part in the slaughter. 

Recently, in a ground-breaking case, the Australian government has fulfilled 

its promise and taken Japan to the International Tribunal for the Law of the 

Sea (ITLOS) to account for its actions. Anti-whaling factions everywhere 

applauded the action and Australia’s commitment to the preservation 

of cetacean species. This has been a unique and decisive move placing 

Australia in the frontline. 

Other leaders in the fight include Greenpeace and the Whale and Dolphin 

Conservation Society. But these well-meaning organisations face a very well 

funded and determined foe. The Japanese government has been accused 

of inviting third world countries to the annual IWC meetings and then 

offering large bribes by investing in their economies to secure their vote for 

commercial whaling. When faced with such a highly funded economic giant 

of a competitor, the anti-whaling protestors need a champion like Australia 

to take up the cause and bring its formidable resources to bear. 

So the next time you’re out there on a surfboard and a pod of dolphins 

swims past, or a whale breaches out on the horizon, take some time to 

be thankful that we live in a place where these creatures are protected, 

appreciated and loved, because there aren’t too many places in the world 

like Australia. 

If you would like to contribute to the cause, these organisations could 

always use donations and volunteers. For details on how to help get online: 

Surfers for Cetaceans - www.s4cglobal.org 

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society - www.wdcs.org.au 

Greenpeace - www.greenpeace.org 

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - www.seashepherd.org 

Brett Bam owns and skippers Liquid Getaway whale watching cruises. 

Visit www.liquidgetaway.com.au 


33

LATEST: LOCALS 

Charging 

the islands 

Sandy Ryan has many faces and all of them seem to be smiling. Phillip 

Island’s likeable local lad charges crazy waves at Shipsterns, surfs insanely 

inhospitable breaks in his hometown, stars in surf vids - even as an actor in 

Kookman - and holds not one, but three consecutive Victorian longboard titles. 

You would be smiling too. 

“Without 

pushing yourself 

you won’t be able to 

get the best rush 

Sandy Ryan 

“ 

You’re noted as a fearless big wave 

charger. Is there anything that scares you? 

I don’t think I warrant that title at all, and in 

terms of being scared, I certainly feel that way 

in a lot of situations when surfing heavy waves. 

But that only adds to the experience. When I 

feel scared it makes it harder to commit, but 

the other side of the coin is that the reward of 

the commitment is so much more satisfying. 

...like the feeling of overcoming or conquering a 

challenge. 

What’s the biggest wave you’ve surfed? 

The biggest waves I have surfed were in 

Tassie. I went down there with my mate, Simon 

McShane, and we weren’t expecting too much, 

but stumbled down the bush track to witness not 

only the biggest, but most mutated waves I have 

ever seen. The local lads were amazing to watch 

and had it so dialed! On the island we really lack 

any proper big wave spots, so that’s why I look to 

other places to get that chance. 

Seal Rocks... a white pointer hangout with 

a nasty way in and a nasty way out... Firstly 

do you agree that you’re a lunatic, and 

secondly have you ever had a nudge or a 

nibble (from a shark, that is)? 

Other than reef sharks, I have never seen them. 

When I surf, I am way too interested and excited 

about catching waves to worry about that. If I 

was in some of the places I have surfed on a flat 

day then I would be intimidated for sure. 

You obviously enjoy pushing the 

boundaries. What’s getting you excited 

about surfing at the moment? 

I am very fortunate to be able to surf with a lot 

of really good guys at home and abroad and I 

think that is a fantastic way to push your surfing. 

The best waves are the ones you think you won’t 

make, so without pushing yourself you won’t 

be able to get the best rush and will end up 

improving at a slower rate. I also think if you only 

surf the same board, same break and same size 

waves for a long period of time then your surfing 

may tend to feel a bit stale. 

Paddle or tow? 

I just love the excitement of paddling. It is such a 

challenge, but to get a good one is a sick feeling. 

I have towed as well and there are definitly a lot 

of times waves have no entry point and towing 

is the only option. But if I have the choice, I will 

always paddle and I think in the future a lot more 

guys will leave their skis at home. 

You and your dad (Matt Ryan of Island 

Surfboards) are obviously pretty close. 

What’s the best thing he ever taught you? 

We are really close and we both enjoy surfing 

together and have been doing that since I was 

quite young. He has taught me many things 

over the years but teaching me to surf would 

definitely be the best by far. It’s such a great gift 

to be able to pass on, and now it’s part of my job 

to teach people to surf, which is awesome. 

Photos: Jules Elliott 


Wayne Ryan 

surfing the Maldives 

in the early days 

THE LIFE 

OF RYAN 

We chat to 

Wayne Ryan of 

Line Up Surf in Dee Why 

about his dedication to 

faith and to surfing. 

For many of us the chance to surf represents an 

opportunity to relax and unwind. But to others, 

it serves a greater spiritual purpose. 

Wayne Ryan, one of the founding members of the Australian chapter of 

Christian Surfers International, has just as much fun in the water as the rest 

of us. But introducing others less fortunate to the joy of surfing seems to 

magnify his stoke. 

Wayne has always possessed an unwavering belief in God. From humble 

beginnings in the outskirts of metropolitan Sydney, his grandmother instilled 

in him a strong sense of faith. 

Wayne’s work with Christian Surfers has helped many troubled souls find 

new meaning and purpose in their life through the joys of surfing. As he 

believes, “God is not the fun police. God is simply there to help us find 

a means to enlighten our lives, to provide personal growth and belief in 

ourselves. Being more secure in yourself can be very liberating.” 

“SURFING IS A WONDROUS GIFT. SEEING A MOTHER OR 

FATHER SHARING A WAVE WITH THEIR KIDS, HOOTING 

AND HOLLERING BRINGS A SMILE TO YOUR FACE.” 

Wayne has personally witnessed kids on the streets, lying drunk in the 

gutter, turn their lives around to become successful in their careers and at 

home thanks to a new-found faith in God introduced through the Christian 

Surfers fellowship. 

“After all, I am living proof of the power of faith. I have always punched 

well above my weight and yet fortunately, here we are, 20 years later – a 

successful surf shop, one of Sydney’s most notable surf schools and a 

growing surf travel business with camps around the world. Even as contest 

director for the first Jesus Pro Am, I prayed for swell and the surf lifted from 

2-3ft in the morning to heaving 6ft-plus barrels by the afternoon. I have been 

very fortunate in my life and I know the reason why.” 

For more on Christian Surfers log on to www.christiansurfers.org.au or 

contact Wayne at his Dee Why store on (02) 9971 8624. 

Backhand at 

Dee Why point 


35

To live the 

Sunshine Coast 

lifestyle, 

from the 

Hinterland... 

www.raywhitelifestyle.com 

9/43 Maple Street, Maleny QLD 4552 

P.O Box 1010, Maleny QLD 4552 | Phone 07 5499 9966 

Fax 07 5429 6540 | Property Management 0447 447 445 

“Before you ask me the question, yes 

this is a real job and yes I feel like we 

work pretty damn hard at it. I know 

what you will be thinking, ‘How can you 

take people surfing all day in more than 

likely perfect waves and then sit down 

and have a few beers with them and 

honestly try to call that work?’ 

“Yeah I know how it looks. I will admit, 

I do have a great job and it is probably 

one of the best jobs in the world. My 

crew and I get to do something we love 

every day - simply surfing with your 

mates.” 

After surfing together and living in 

the close confines of a boat with a 

tour group for a week or more, Louis 

considers his guests to be new-found 

friends, however, he admits it’s 

not all “cakes and pies. it’s a hefty 

responsibility taking 10 people on a 

charter, some on their once-in-a-lifetime 

trip while other are on their their annual 

pilgrimage from work and wives. We 

even run all girl tours and expectations 

are always the same: perfect waves 

with no one out. 

“We get to meet some amazing people 

along the way, from all walks of life, 

and all types of professions. We get to 

share some amazing experiences with 

our guests, whether it’s laughing harder 

than you think is humanly possible or 

putting them into position to make the 

best barrel of their lives. It’s a buzz to be 

in charge of a boat and surfers’ dreams 

- finding their idea of perfect waves and 

the best day of their life. 

“That’s a pretty big call but it’s every 

surfer’s dream to have that moment 

in an empty line-up, in a tropical 

destination, set looming, swinging, 

paddling, pulling-in, silence and bang! 

All of a sudden, all at once, your heart 

beats again, you breathe and hear 

sounds once more until you fall back 

into the water drowning in your own 

smile. That’s what we try to find for 

people, that moment.. Perfection.” 

Liquid Destination operate the Nautilus 

One in the Maldives - in particular the 

remote outer atolls where the waves 

are less crowded. 

“First and foremost we are here to surf 

and we are here to surf the best waves. 

We go wherever we need to be to get 

the best waves in the Maldives. We go 

there first.” 

Each surf trip is planned around the 

guests’ ability level and the emphasis 

they place on surfing uncrowded breaks. 

LIVING 

LOUIS HARRIS SHARES A BIT 

“Each trip has something new and each 

day brings a new experience on the 

boat. We have people who have cabin 

fever, cut themselves, are hung-over, 

get barrelled, get worked, break boards 

and this is all before breakfast. Some 

days last forever, other times you would 

swear you missed a couple of days. It 

all blurs into one on the boat. And that 

I suppose is the beauty of it - to get 

people lost in time and have no idea 

what time of day it is, or even what day 

of the week it is. 

No matter what, Louis and the crew 

want their guests to charge when the 

waves are on. “When the waves are 

pumping, we want our guests out there, 

as it might be gone tomorrow or not as 

good. We have a pretty strong belief 

that even if it’s a little big, you have to 

get out there and sit in the channel, 

maybe sneak into a couple. Guests 

kick themselves when they go home 

having not tried. I know that I stopped 

watching and wondering years ago. 

You have to be out there to at least give 

yourself a chance to get one.” As the 

surf guide, Louis always tries to take the 


HE LIVES ON THE 

SUNSHINE COAST 

AND WORKS IN THE 

MALDIVES. CAN LIFE 

GET ANY BETTER? 

lead and get out there no matter what 

the conditions. “You want to get people 

excited, get them pumped.” 

Louis’ job is not without its challenges 

though. He strongly believes his role 

is more than just that of surf guide. It 

is important to have an understanding 

of people in general, whether they are 

guests, the crew or local Maldivians. 

“You have to be the type of person 

who is genuinely interested in all 

conversations. You have to deal with all 

soccer or the Nautilus One Challenge... 

“It must be said - we are lucky that 

the Maldives has such consistent surf. 

You can surf all day, and it’s pretty 

much offshore all year round. These 

world class waves have something for 

everyone. 

“We run trips for longboarders, 

shortboarders, girls’ trips, you name it. 

I’ve even got something coming for the 

chargers, which will be a hit-and-run 

style mission, flying people in and out 

THE DREAM 

ABOUT HIS LIFE AS A SURF GUIDE IN THE MALDIVES 

...to the beach 

Speak to 

the experts. 

Buying, Investing & Property Letting 

the stuff behind the scenes on the boat 

with the crew. You have to make it all 

look so easy. It would really affect the 

dynamics on the boat if the surf guides 

were stressing about fixing a broken 

air-conditioning unit. 

“We are constantly making decisions on 

where to go, what waves to surf, where 

would be good right now, where will be 

good in an hour and where will we stay 

the night.” 

Louis confesses although to have had 

some shockers in terms of surf trips. 

“The awesome ones by far out way the 

couple of bad ones,with shitty weather 

and waves. There isn’t much we can do 

when it’s driving rain and 40-knot winds. 

When the weather is poor, I feel for the 

guests. It takes a lot to get a leave pass 

from the missus or time off work, not 

to mention the cost and the sacrifices 

made to pay for the trip. 

“It’s hard to keep people happy when it’s 

like that but we have a few tricks up our 

sleeves and provide some pretty good 

entertainment. Keeping the mood up is 

our specialty, whether it be poker, table 

for the peak of the swell. It’s only for the 

people who want the big, heavy stuff” 

In addition to his role of surf guide, 

Louis and his team at Liquid Destination 

put together a personalised surf 

photography and video package for 

each one of their guests. 

“A big part of what we do is to take 

surf shots of our guests and make a 

full movie of the surf trip. It’s probably 

the hardest part of the job. We film and 

shoot photos from land and water. Each 

trip we have thousands of photos to go 

through and hours of footage to edit. I 

think it’s worth it though. It’s such a cool 

thing for our guests to look back on and 

maybe show their kids in ten or twenty 

years time - them surfing the Maldives 

all those years ago.” 

Louis is the owner/operator of Liquid 

Destination. His experience is second to none 

in surfing the Maldives. 

www.liquiddestination.com 

www.raywhitelifestyle.com 

Ground Floor, 9 Nicklin Way, Minyama QLD 4575 

Email info@raywhitelifestyle.com | Phone 07 5458 5777 

Fax 07 5458 5788 | Property Management 0447 447 445 


37

LATEST: IMAGES 


GOOD MORNING, MANLY 

“I’m an early morning person.” 

Every day - rain or shine - Manly 

photographer Joel Coleman delivers 

a series of stunning scenes, fresh 

from the morning along the beautiful 

Northern Beaches of Sydney, to 

thousands of subscribers to the 

saltmotion daily email list. 

We stopped by the saltmotion gallery 

for a cup of coffee and a chance to 

talk to Joel about his work. 

WORDS MARK CHAPMAN, PHOTOS JOEL COLEMAN 


39

Those of you who already subscribe to 

the saltmotion daily email will be familiar 

with Joel’s rich water landscapes, surfing 

images and often random photos of 

interesting scenes and people performing 

their various morning rituals on the beach. 

What is now a huge mailing list of fans 

from near and far started in 2007 as 

a weekly mailout of some interesting 

photographs to a small group of friends. 

“That mailing list might have been 15 

people, max.” says Joel. “And it was all of 

those 15 people, because those were my 

friends and it was just something to do.” 

While Joel had taken note that other 

photographers were sending their pics for 

exposure to websites such as Swellnet 

and Coastalwatch, he didn’t think of 

himself as a professional at the time and 

just continued on his own path. However, 

only a year later, he decided to push his 

photography to the next level. Jumping in 

full-time, he set up a small website and got 

more disciplined about his work sending 

out an update every Monday, which 

ultimately set the wheels in (salt)motion. 

Joel started surfing in his teenage years 

around Bondi and Tamarama, where he 

went to school. At the same time, he took 

up photography as an art subject in school 

and loved it straight away. 

“Almost instantly my mates were like - 

Let’s get photos of us surfing!” 

With surfing as his first subject matter, 

he was very fortunate to end up landing a 

job in the dive industry where he learned 

about water housings and how to work 

with cameras in the wet. Weekends 

spent in the dive shop gave him access to 

equipment such as underwater housings 

not many teens would be able to afford. 

“This put me where he is today,” he says. By 

age 15 I was photographing in the water. 

But it’s a big step going from snapping 

some photos in the water to running a 

gallery in Manly, which is exactly what 

Joel and his partner Sherie decided to do. 

“If you want to make a living as a 

photographer, there are a lot of avenues 

to go down. Whichever you choose, 

you have to commit 100%, or you’ll 

find yourself in a day-job that you hate, 

wanting to take photos on weekends, and 

wanting to surf as well. Then you don’t 

take photos and just get frustrated. So, I 

had the plan to go down the gallery route. 

“I did an exhibition, which was successful 

and gave me a confidence boost to know 

that if I hang my stuff on the walls, people 

will actually buy it. And that’s a big thing, 

because until you do it, you don’t know.” 

The chosen premises at Market Place 

Manly, just off the Corso and a few steps 

to the beach, couldn’t be a more perfect 

venue to display the images of the ocean. 

“We are a gallery - which does showcase 

my work - but we’re more than that. We 

encourage a lot of interaction between 

our subscribers. The local people on the 

list can come down to the cafe, chew the 

fat, have a coffee… Saturday mornings 

here are great. People go for a surf, 

then stop by and just hang out with us. 

And that’s kinda really what we want to 

encourage, and we love it.” 

A trip to the saltmotion gallery is 

worthwhile. Seeing the surf images and 

ocean art landscapes from the daily email 

on high-quality metallic and acrylic prints 

is nothing short of amazing. If people are 

drawn in from the website, Joel wants 

them to bowled over by the photo in the 

flesh - and most would be. 

If this small sample of Joel’s gets you 

excited, make a definite point of visiting 

saltmotion next time you’re in Manly, and 

for a daily dose of images, subscribe to 

the email list at www.saltmotion.com 


“THE NORTHERN BEACHES ARE 

JUST NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL 

AND I GET TO PHOTOGRAPH 

SUNRISES FROM THE TOP OF A 

CLIFF... THAT’S PRETTY DAMN 

GOOD.” JOEL COLEMAN, SALTMOTION 


41


PEOPLE 

OF THE 

LENS 

Jordie Brown, effortless, August 2010. Photo: Scotty Wintle 


43

PEOPLE 

OF THE 

LENS 

Luke Berry Photo: Crumpet Productions 

44

TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP 


It’s hardly an unknown surf destination, 

but Phillip Island’s reputation as a swell 

magnet is understated, particularly 

when compared to the much-publicised 

Victorian Surf Coast. WORDS DAVE SWAN 



47


Photo: Ian Pacey 

WELCOME TO 

PHILLIP ISLAND 



The island’s beaches, reefs and points 

face in several directions. No matter 

what the wind is doing, there will 

be action somewhere. If the winds 

are onshore at one spot, they will 

be offshore at another. Waves range 

from nice little ones for beginners to 

absolute monsters that would freak 

out the most hardened surfer. 

No matter where you go, there will 

be surf somewhere. In fact, Phillip 

Island could arguably lay claim to the 

most consistent surf, all year round, of 

almost any east coast surf destination. 

Think that’s a pretty big statement? 

Well its fai to say my time on the 

island changed my perspective forever. 

Back in 1999, I had lived in the 

Victorian capital for about three years. 

With a wife from Melbourne and the 

good fortune of a family beach shack 

in Lorne, I never saw the need to 

venture south-east when looking for 

a surf. After all, didn’t the Surf Coast 

have the best waves in the state? 

Truth be told, I only ventured over to 

Phillip Island once during my time 

in Melbourne - on a late winter 

afternoon when it was overcast. 

Hardly a fair appraisal of what the 

place had to offer. 

It wasn’t until February this year that I 

finally made my way back, helping to 

promote the Noosa Festival of Surfing. 

And it was there and then I was blown 

away by the island’s waves, its natural 

beauty, the cool little towns such as 

San Remo and Cowes, the size of the 

surf community and the shapers who 

call the island home. 

Let me say again, Phillip Island is 

not some little surfing backwater. It 

deserves its place as one of the most 

prominent surf destinations on the 

east coast. And it is for this reason 

we have chosen to feature it as the 

Road Trip in the launch edition of 

smorgasboarder – your new free east 

coast surf magazine. 


49


WHERE IS PHILLIP ISLAND EXACTLY? 

The island is about 140km south-east of 

Melbourne. Its northern coastline is in 

the calm of Westernport Bay. Its western 

shoreline faces the Mornington Peninsula 

and the south coast faces the open ocean 

of Bass Strait. It is the south and southwest 

coast that deliver some of Australia’s 

best surf and scenic coastline. 

A SURFING ICON 

If you have ever doubted Phillip Island’s 

surf credentials, you might consider the 

following: For the past three years the 

team from local business Island Surfboards 

has won the Toll/Ipec Industry Challenge 

The big bridge between San Remo, on the 

mainland, and Newhaven, on Phillip Island, 

is your gateway. The island itself is about 

10,000 hectares, 26 kilometres long and 

9km wide. The coastline stretches 101km, 

with more than half of it delivering a 

steady stream of waves. 

Before heading over to the island, pop in at 

the Westernport for a beer. It’s a cracking 

pub with a boat-shaped bar. 

in which four of Victoria’s biggest surf 

industry companies battle it out in a tagteam 

event. Island won out over the major 

surf companies from the more recognised 

Surf Coast. 

Photo: Jason Stevens Photography 


51


Graeme & Brenda Howard 

A surf shop with personality. 

Memorabilia, clothing, accessories and surfboards 

A BIT OF HISTORY 

148 Thompson Ave/PO Box 554, Cowes Phillip Island 3922 

Ph/Fax (03) 5995 1659 Mob 0411 701 428 

Email pip@waterfront.net.au 

Quality accommodation 

QUEST Phillip Island 

QUEST Oceanic 

Phone: 03 5952 2644 

questphillipisland@bigpond.com.au 

www.questphillipisland.com.au 

www.questoceanic.com.au 


Located in the vibrant, holiday 

township of Cowes, Quest Phillip 

Island is a short stroll to local 

shops, restaurants and beaches 

and within a short travelling 

distance to Phillip Island’s many 

attractions including the Penguin 

Parade, surf beaches and Grand 

Prix Circuit. 

Quest Oceanic features one, two 

and three bedroom, fully self 

contained apartments. 

The apartments feature quality 

furnishings and fittings, dvd 

players, stereos, full kitchen, 

laundry facilities with large 

balconies and onsite undercover 

secure parking for one car. 

The Indigenous Bunurong People were 

the first to use the resources of Phillip 

Island and the surrounding region. In 

1798 George Bass was the first white 

man to discover the island while travelling 

south from Sydney in a whale boat 

on his way to locate a passage from the 

mainland to Tasmania (Bass Strait). 

Initially known as Snapper Island it 

was later renamed Phillip Island in 

honour of Sir Arthur Phillip, a First 

Fleet captain and the first governor of 

New South Wales. 

In 1826 white man first formally occupied 

the island, which had been used 

informally by sealers for some decades 

previously. 

In 1842 the McHaffie brothers 

purchased a pastoral lease over the 

island for 10 pounds. They burnt scrub 

and cleared pastures for cattle and 

introduced species such as deer, 

rabbit and kangaroo. 

FAST FACTS 

Climate: Temperatures range from 

17C to 35C depending on the season. 

Population: There are about 7000 

permanent residents with the 

population expanding to more than 

50,000 in summer. 

Tourism: Phillip Island hosts more 

than 3.5 million visitors every year. 

Property: The median house price at 

Cowes is $317,500. The median unit 

price is $234,000. At the other end of 

the island, across the bridge at San 

Remo on the mainland, the median 

house price is $396,000 and the 

median unit price is $315,000. 

Main crust: Phillip Island Nature 

Parks is the largest employer. 

Nearest City: Melbourne 

Koalas were introduced to the island 

in 1880. 

Hardships in the late 1800s forced 

many small farmers from the land, 

selling to wealthier farmers. By 1882 

William Harbison and John Cleeland 

owned the majority of rural land, using 

it for cattle and sheep grazing. 

In 1926 Phillip Island hosted the first 

Australian Grand Prix and today it 

remains famous for its motoring connections. 

In 1940 the first bridge was built to 

connect the island to the mainland. 

Did you know? 

The island is known as one of the 

international motorbike circuit’s 

most breathtaking destinations, 

with panoramic ocean views and 

spectacular vantage points around 

the track. The 2010 Australian 

Motorcycle Grand Prix is October 

15-17, when bikes will hit speeds 

upwards of 320km/h. 

Visit www.gpticketshop.com 

Churchill Island is a 57-hectare 

historic working farm with daily 

demonstrations such as sheep 

shearing, cow milking, blacksmithing 

and working dogs. Drawcards include 

animals such as sheep, ducks, 

chickens and peacocks, heritage 

buildings, gardens, an animal nursery 

and licensed café. 

Visit www.penguins.org.au

THE WAVES 

“Obviously, one of the major advantages of 

living down here is that any day of the week, 

you can pretty much get a wave. 

We don’t have a major influx of people. You 

can just surf mid-week and have perfect empty 

waves to yourself. But when you’re surfing with 

other, everyone has a smile, and you have a 

cold beer afterward in the car park.” 

Dan Rutherford – Full Circle Surf 

“The beauty of the place is the sea breeze, 

most wind directions you can get some part 

of the Island where there are good conditions, 

depending on the size of the swell. 

“Most waves around the island can be 

surfed on either a short or longboard with the 

exception of a couple of extreme surf spots 

which are only for the most experienced and 

capable shortboard riders.” 

Matt Ryan – Island Surfboards 

“There are so many different options to choose 

from. You can get waves every day of the year 

and it is far more consistent than the west 

coast.” 

Scott Peberdy – Outereef 

“Phillip Island’s entire coast is a surfers’ 

playground with a break for almost all 

conditions and all skill levels. 

“I find Phillip Island surfers to be super 

friendly out on the water. When there is a 

quiet patch there is always an opportunity 

for conversation and when the waves come, 

there’s seldom any kerfuffle about accidentally 

dropping in and so forth. 

“Woolis and Smiths are certainly not the 

only beaches on the island though. On a bigger, 

more swelly day the other side of the island is 

the place to be. Both Flynn’s and Cat Bay offer a 

super clean wave when there is some swell.” 

Jason Stevens - Photographer 

Tom Carroll and Scott Jackson 

“The unique ruggedness of the coastline and 

consistency of the swell has to be see to be 

believed. The beauty of the place in terms 

of the lack of development on the actual 

coastline itself further adds to the appeal. 

There are a variety of places to surf with next 

to no distance to travel and easy access. You 

can get from one side of the island to the 

other in ten to fifteen minutes. You can’t get 

that many, varied surf breaks in such a short 

distance anywhere else on the east coast.” 

Scott Jackson – Islantis Surfboards 

“The island is a place where you can find 

a quiet wave away from the maddening 

crowd. There is always somewhere to 

escape the winds and just enjoy the water. 

“We have the best of both worlds, quiet 

country lifestyle in winter and in summer 

it comes alive with the colours and heat 

of summer. When the ocean beaches are 

busy there is always the bay to get your 

saltwater fix. 

Good cafes, good food and cold beer 

is available all year round. As the Island 

is only an hour from Melbourne, we boast 

a feeling of a laidback lifestyle known as 

‘Island Time’. 

Graeme Howard – Island Surf Shack 

Graeme & Brenda, owners of 

Island Surf Shack, always up for a laugh


SURFING PHILLIP ISLAND 

Cape Woolamai - Photo: George Apostolidis/Tourism Victoria 

CAT BAY REGION 

WOOLAMAI REGION 

A number of breaks. A good summertime 

location, unique because it can be surfed 

on a sea breeze. Requires moderate to 

heavy swell, breaking over flat rock. 

01. Shelly Beach – safe for beginners 

and seldom over a metre in size. Half to 

full tide is best. SW to SE. Left point and 

centre hump on low tides. 

02. Right Point – left hand reef break. 

Requires more experience. Holds waves 

2.5 metres. Best on an incoming tide. S 

to E winds. 

03. Inside Right Point – high tide on 

smaller swells. Best at one metre. Watch 

the end suck rock. SW to SE. 

04. Flynn’s Reef – right hand reef. For 

the experienced surfer. One of the best 

and most used sites on Phillip Island. 

Consistent because of regular sand bank 

formations over rock. Generally the most 

surfed beach on Phillip Island. At its best 

on a low to moderate swell. 

Clubhouse stretch of beach is patrolled 

at weekends and school holidays. Left 

and right sand banks. 

05. Magiclands – all tides. E to SE 

winds, protected from stronger winds by 

Cape Woolamai. Best at 1 to 1.5 metres. 

06. Woolamai – NE to N wind is best, 

but holds N to NW at the Ocean Reach 

western end of the beach. Consistently 

good with many State and national titles 

held here. Can be rippy and dangerous 

at times. 

07. Forrest Caves – N to NW. 

Occasional good waves but not as 

consistent as Woolamai. Lefts or rights. 

Small to moderate swells. 


GAP ROAD 

N 

WESTERN PORT 

COWES 

RYHLL 

WESTERN PASSAGE 

VENNOR 

COWES RYHLL 

ROAD 

GROSSLAND PT 

ROAD 

RIGHT 

POINT 

SHELLY 

BEACH 

02 

01 

FLYNN’S 

REEF 

INSIDE 

RIGHT POINT 

03 

15 

SUMMERLAND 

POINT 

04 

14 

CENTRE 

CRACK 

VENTICA ACAD 

13 

12 

SUMMERLAND 

SHORE BREAK KITTYS 

MILLER BAY 

BACK BEACH ROAD 

WATTS ROAD 

IRONMAN ROAD 

11 

YCW 

BEACH 

SMITHS 

BEACH 

10 09 08 

EXPRESS 

POINT 

SURFIES 

POINT 

PHILLIP ISLAND ROAD 

07 


INFORMATION 

CENTRE 

NEWHAVEN 

SAN REMO 

SEAL ROCKS 

BASS STRAIT 

PYRAMID ROCK 

FORREST 

CAVES 

06 

EASTERN PASSAGE 

WOOLAMIA 

SURF BEACH 

05 

MAGIC 

LANDS 

SURF BEACH REGION SMITH’S BEACH REGION SUMMERLAND PENINSULA 

Flat sand beach breaks. Mostly lefts. N 

to NW occasionally. Generally the best 

on low tide. Also heavy reefs producing 

the largest surfable waves on the island. 

Experience a must. 

08. Surfies Point – right hand reef 

break, low to high tide. Moderate to 

heavy swell. NW wind and best in 

winter. Holds 3m plus. 

09. Express Point – right hand shallow 

reef break on moderate to heavy swell. Very 

hollow, very dangerous. N to NW wind. 

Safe family beach with left and right 

beach breaks. Moderate swells. 

10. Smith’s Beach – Sand banks. 

Peaks N to NW winds summer and 

winter. Patrolled in summer. Best at 

1-1.5m. Popular summer beach. Summer 

crowds. 

11. YCW Beach – NW to N wind. Good 

for bodyboarding with high tide shore 

breaks at western end and low tide 

rights at eastern end. 

Produces good waves in winter 

conditions for both novice and 

experienced riders. Often good in stormy 

periods or when the rest of the island is 

blown out. 

12. Kitty Miller Bay – right hand reef 

break on moderate to heavy swell. Half 

to high tide. 

13. Summerland Shore Break – high 

tide lefts and rights. NW to SW wind. 

Metre waves are best. 

14. Centre Crack – Half to low tide and 

NW to SW wind. Moderate to heavy 

swell. Winter surf mostly. Best at 1.5- 

2m. 

15. Summerland Point – right hand 

rocky point at high tide. Protected under 

Phelan’s Bluff. W to SW winds, 1-1.5m 

ride. 


55


• Seal Watching Cruises • Sunset Cruises 

• Private Charters 

The Esplanade, Cowes, 3922 

info@wildlifecoastcruises.com.au 

www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au 

Bookings Call 1300 763 739 

Phillip Island & Bass Coast 

Visitor Information Centres 

Visit our friendly staff and volunteers for 

information on: 

• Accommodation bookings 

• Tickets for attractions 

• Free maps & brochures 

• Local events and activities 

Look, book and pay online at: 

www.visitphillipisland.com or www.visitbasscoast.com 

Phillip Island Visitor 

Information Centre 

895 Phillip Island Tourist Road 

Newhaven 3925 

Ph: 1300 366 422 

Wonthaggi Visitor 


73 Watt Street 

Wonthaggi 3995 

Ph: 1300 854 334 

attractive by nature 

Cowes Visitor 


91-97 Thompson Avenue 

Cowes 3922 

Ph: 1300 366 422 

Inverloch Visitor 


16 A’Beckett street 

Inverloch 3996 

Ph: 1300 762 433 

Luxury self-contained apartments 

at affordable prices in Cowes, 

Phillip Island... 

p 03 5952 1351 

f 03 59523144 

e info@thewaves.com.au 

www.thewaves.com.au 

Free off-street parking | bbq | guest laundry | internet smoke free 

self-contained | spa 

FLAT DAYS 

In the unlikely event the surf is not working 

somewhere on the island, or more likely, you are 

totally exhausted from the waves and want some 

quality time with your family or friends, there is an 

endless number of activites to enjoy on the island. 

The island has a range of beach and bush tracks/ 

boardwalks. They include Conservation Hill and 

Rhyll Mangrove Boardwalk, which overlook the 

Rhyll Wetlands, and Rhyll Inlet, which offers 

excellent bird watching opportunities. 

There are animal attractions galore on the island. 

Maru Koala and Animal Park has everything from 

Tasmanian devils, crocodiles and dingoes to an 

18-hole pirate-themed mini golf course. 

If you are truly interested in sea life one of the 

best way to see our ocean’s creatures is up close 

and personal. See the southern hemisphere’s 

largest fur seal colony aboard Wildlife Coast 

Cruises luxurious 19m catamaran The Kasey Lee. 

The National Vietnam Veterans Museum has 

recently opened its new premises next to the 

Phillip Island Airport. It holds thousands of military 

artefacts and displays. 

Those with a sweet tooth can 

treat themselves at Pannys Phillip 

Island Chocolate Factory, which 

boasts a chocolate café and interactive 

Amazing World of Chocolate. 

It is certainly appears to be 

one of the island’s most visited 

attractions. 


Victorias natural 

surfing destination... 

• Spacious 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments 

from $175 per night 

• Just 5 minutes from some of the region’s 

best surfing locations 

• Stunning bay views and excellent 

resort facilities 

The penguin parade is possibly what the island 

is most famous for. The little fellas waddle up 

the beach to the safety of their homes in the 

sand dunes each night and it is a sight to behold, 

particularly if you have young children. Buy your 

ticket as part of a three-park pass, which also 

includes Churchill Island Heritage Farm, the koala 

conservation centre and nobbies centre Australia’s 

newest marine attraction. 

Mention 

this ad and 

receive a 

FREE 

breakfast 

or bar tab 

Photo: Phillip Island Nature Parks 

17 Potters Hill Road, San Remo VIC 3925 

info@silverwaterresort.com.au | 1800 033 403 

www.silverwaterresort.com.au 

25 years later... 

still flying high 

Cooper Griffin 

Indulge the need 

for speed at the 

grand prix circuit, 

which has go karts, hot laps, 

guided circuit tours, a selfdrive 

experience and a history of 

motorsport display. 

At A Maze ‘N Things the whole family can enjoy optical illusions, mazes, 

puzzles mind games and Puzzle Island while the Bunurong coastal drive 

offers endless natural beauty, from the windswept dunes of Kilcunda to 

Anderson Inlet at Inverloch. 

For more information make your way to The Phillip Island Visitor Information 

Centre at 895 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven.The centre is open every 

day of the year from 9.00am to 5.00pm and until 6.00pm during the summer 

school holidays. (1.00pm to 5.00pm Christmas) 

The centre is on the left hand side of the road, 1km over the bridge onto 

Phillip Island. Follow the i signs. There is a large parking area for cars, 

caravans, motor homes. There is also an after hours information shelter with 

information about accommodation, attractions, events and free maps. 

We’ve been around long enough to know that the 

best boards mean the best performance, from beginner to advanced, 

from softboards to SUPs. That’s why we only stock the best. 

STOCKING ALL MAJOR LABELS 

Fullcircle, JS, Firewire, Chilli, Rusty, Hayden, Emery, DHD, Santa Cruz, 

Webber, Simon Anderson, McTavish, Superbrand, Stacey, Tokoro, 

Hot Buttered, GSI, Fibreflex & much more 

www.fullcirclesurf.com.au 

4-5 Vista Place 

Cape Woolamai VIC 3925 

03 5956 7453 

115 Marine Parade 

San Remo VIC 3925 

03 5678 5873 


57


In winter you have a cosy 

fireplace and in summer, a 

massive rooftop sundeck. 

EAT, SLEEP, MEET & BE MERRY... 

THE ISLAND 

The first thing that strikes you as you 

walk into The Island Accommodation 

is how ultra-modern, clean and 

contemporary the whole complex is. 

The guys have really revolutionised 

budget accommodation. It comes as 

no surprise the complex took out the 

recent Building Designers Association 

of Victoria’s 1st prize for the Most 

Environmentally Sustainable Design at 

the 2010 awards. 

State-of-the-art facilities feature 

throughout and the complex is 

sumptuously furnished. Words cannot 

describe how plush it is for budget 

style accommodation. Consider these 

appointments: 

• Massive roof-top sun deck with 

360-degree ocean views and 

numerous balconies and decks 

including sun lounges and cafe style 

seating 

• Feel at home in the two fully 

appointed gourmet self-catering 

kitchens. 

• Open-plan dining areas with large 

and spacious chill out lounges 

boasting roaring fireplaces and airconditioning 

for summer. 

• TV lounges with 50” plasmas, highspeed 

internet café and wi-fi 

• Secure under-bed locker storage in 

multi-share rooms 

• Guest laundry, BBQ facilities, lift, 

disabled toilets and showers, onsite 

parking, swipe card security, linen, 

free onsite bikes for hire and parking 

• Laid back and friendly. 

The Island Accommodation has plenty 

of open living spaces providing ample 

space for relaxation, fun, dining and 

good times. Surfers of any age, whether 

they’re in groups, are travelling as 

a couple or family, are sure to be 

absolutely stoked with the convenience, 

affordability and comfort. 

Better still, it forms part of a larger 

complex known as the Big Wave 

Complex. It includes Islantis Surfboards, 

The Big Wave Café, Phillip Island 

Paddle and Surf School and Internet 

Café. 

ISLAND WAVE COMPLEX 

10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, NEWHAVEN 

Proximity: Close to public transport and San 

Remo’s pubs and takeaways 

Phone: 03 5956 6123 

Email: info@theislandaccommodation.com.au 

From $30 per person, per night 

Top to bottom: Fully equipped lounge; shared gourmet kitchen 

facilities; shared bathrooms; private studio suites perfect for those 

who need some privacy. 

Main picture: Massive views from the rooftop sundeck 

58 56 september 2010

QUEST OCEANIC 

146 Thompson Ave, COWES 

WESTERNPORT HOTEL 

161 Marine Pde, SAN REMO 

BRIDGE MOTEL NEWHAVEN 

31 Forest Ave, NEWHAVEN 

For surfers, their families and friends, 

Bridge Motel provides clean, airconditioned 

and comfortable rooms 

without the expense. Located in a quiet 

scenic location, the motel offers single, 

double plus both family and group 

accommodation. 

Proximity: On the waterfront and close 

to Cape Woolamai. 

Phone: 03 5956 7218 

Email: info@bridgemotel.com.au 

www.bridgemotel.com.au 

Rates starting from $76 per night 

per room 

Opened in November 2005, Quest 

Oceanic features one, two and 

three-bedroom, fully self-contained 

apartments. The apartments feature 

full kitchen, laundry facilities with large 

balconies and onsite, under-cover, 

secure parking. 

Proximity: In the heart of Cowes. 

Phone: 03 5952 2644 

Email:questphillipisland@ 

bigpond.com.au 

www.questoceanic.com.au 

SILVERWATER RESORT 

17 Potters Hill Rd, SAN REMO 

Silverwater Resort offers spacious one, 

two and three-bedroom self-contained 

apartments all with spectacular bay 

views and modern conveniences. 

Complementing the 4.5 star 

accommodation is an excellent range 

of resort facilities including indoor and 

outdoor pool, billiards and games room, 

tennis and basketball courts, restaurant 

and bar. 

Proximity: Five minutes to surf beach, 

two minutes to town 

Phone: 1800 033 403 

Email: res@silverwaterresort.com.au 


The Westernport Hotel offers 

accommodation, featuring five country 

hotel-style rooms. Rooms on offer 

include ensuite rooms to dormstyle 

accommodation – perfect for 

that unplanned stopover, or for the 

convenience of staying close to all that 

San Remo and Phillip Island have to offer. 

Rooms include fresh linen, towels and 

basic tea and coffee making facilities, 

and offer shared toilet and showering 

facilities. 

Proximity: Across the road from the 

San Remo jetty and foreshore 

Phone: 03 5678 5205 

Email: info@thewesternport.com.au 

www.thewesternport.com.au 

Bookings are essential 

QUEST PHILLIP ISLAND 

Cnr Bass Ave and Chapel St, COWES 

From $175 per night 

ISLAND PARADISE HOLIDAY 

RENTALS - PHILLIP ISLAND 

Your boutique holiday rental specialists 

on Phillip Island. Offers the surfing 

enthusiasts affordable accommodation 

at Cape Woolamai, Surf Beach and 

Smith’s Beach. 

· Waterfront properties 

· Walking distance to surf beaches 

· Fully self-contained with BBQ 

facilities. 

· Properties to suit families, couples 

and groups. 

Phone: 0407 801 878 (Melissa) 

Email: holidayrentalsphillipisland@ 

bigpond.com 

www.holidayrentalsphillipisland.com.au 

The apartments feature fully equipped 

kitchens with full-size oven, dishwasher 

and microwave, separate living/dining 

area, LCD flat-screen TV, Austar, DVD 

player and reverse cycle air-conditioning/ 

heating in the lounge area. 

Quest Phillip Island features one, two 

and three-bedroom, luxury, self-contained 

apartments - the latest in contemporary 

architecture and design. 

The property is in the heart of Cowes, 

Phillip Island’s major seaside township, 

close to restaurants and recreational 

beaches. 

Proximity: In the heart of Cowes. 

Telephone: 03 5952 2644 

Email: questreception@ 

waterfront.net.au 

www.questphillipisland.com.au 

SURF AND CIRCUIT ACCOMMODATION 

113-119 Justice Rd, COWES 

Modern resort unlike any other. Eight 

fully-serviced, contained units situated 

on 2.5 acres. Adults and toddlers pool, 

tennis court, playground, outdoor/ 

undercover B.B.Q. areas 

No campsites, no caravans, no crowds, 

just relax!!! 

Proximity: 3km from town and five 

minute walk to beach 

Phone: 03 5952 1300 

Email: helen@surfandcircuit.com 

www.surfandcircuit.com 

THE WAVES 

No. 1 The Esplanade, COWES 

Waves Apartments opened in January 

2010 offering luxury accommodation 

at affordable prices. Located along the 

beachfront of Cowes, only a stroll to 

all restaurants, retail area and cafes. 

Apartments are self-contained with a 

separate sleeping area for children, two 

person spa and separate shower. 

Proximity: Across the road to the beach. 

Phone: 03 5952 1351 

Email: info@thewaves.com.au 

Fax: 03 59523144 

www.thewaves.com.au 

Rates starting from $135 

Rates starting from $200 per night 

Please contact for a quote 

TV 

gym 

laundry 

kitchen 

parking wi-fi pool refrigerator family-friendly pet-friendly spa 

bbq 


59

Come overseas 

from $30/night* 

Brand new Eco-friendly accommodation is specially 

designed for you with state of the art facilities, comfortable 

and friendly services. At The Island we know the importance 

of meeting people. The complex has been designed with this 

in mind. Open spaces provide ample space for relaxation, fun, 

dining and good times. Our vibe is friendly and relaxed. 

P: 03 5956 6123 

E: info@theislandaccommodation.com.au 

BOOK ONLINE AT 

www.theislandaccommodation.com.au 

Visit the new Big Wave Complex...

All your surf gear 

under one roof 

Islantis Surfboards opened in Newhaven, on Phillip Island, 

in the late 1970s, to provide surfers with boards and other 

hardware. In thirty years Phillip Island has changed but 

Islantis is still here. 

P: 03 5956 7553 

E: info@islantis.com.au 

The Big Wave Complex 

10 - 12 Phillip Island Tourist Road, 

Phillip Island, 3925, Victoria, Australia 

DAILY SURF REPORTS 

www.islantis.com.au 

surf shop • surf school • accommodation • cafe

Visiting Phillip Island? 

One place has you covered... 

bar bistro accommodation live music 

AHHA (Vic) Finalist 2008, 2009 - Best Entertainment Venue 

161 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925 

info@thewesternport.com.au 

Ph: 03 5678 5205 • www.thewesternport.com.au 

MEET ME 

@ THE HOTEL 

The white pub 

by the pier 


GETTING FED... 

ISLAND STYLE 

For such a relatively small area Phillip Island is amazingly well 

serviced in relation to grabbing a bite and finding somewhere to 

enjoy a drink. 

There are four local wineries, two of which are on the island. 

We, however, found our way to a superb local microbrewery 

called Rusty Water. It is a great little setup with bar and adjoining 

restaurant boasting a range of handcrafted ales. The food is 

reportedly superb - we could certainly testify to the quality of the 

beer. Try a sample paddle which includes four different types of 

amber nectar. Be prepared to fall in love with their caramelized 

banana wheat beer, dark malt toffee ale, Koala pale ale and the 

Mako .. ahhhh. And if you are keen for a bit of a night out, head 

to The Hotel - great food, friendly staff, live music and you can 

even have a boogie. 

As far as restaurants and cafes go, there are about 31 

establishments to choose from. We found the Panhandle Tex 

Mex Family Cantina and Bar great value - a perfect venue for an 

informal family and friends meal. For something a touch classier 

there’s several restaurants in the main street of Cowes including 

Sherwoods and Infused. For seafood you can’t go much better 

than Taylors, situated on the cliff tops of Bass Strait, set amongst 

a famous mutton bird rookery with some of the most outstanding 

views Phillip Island has to offer. 

The same applies to The Foreshore Bar and Restaurant at Rhyll 

- unforgettable views and exquisite food. The great views and 

great food continue at San Remo at the Watermark Restaurant, 

where you can savour the region’s best produce. Or you can 

follow the locals to the Westernport Hotel for a great meal and a 

few drinks in relaxed surrounds. 

Basically, you could wine and dine for weeks on end before you 

got tired of the variety of options available. There is certainly 

something for everyone, from couples to groups and families. 

...for dinner... 

...cocktails and drinks... 

...great coffee... 

...dancing and much more! 

Cnr Thompson Avenue and the Esplanenade, Cowes 3922 

Enquiries: 5952 2060 Pizza: 5952 2100 

www.hotelphillipisland.com 

Hit the Westenport 

for a cold beer, or 

if you fancy the 

South American 

kind, the Panhandle 

has Mexican! 


THE FORESHORE BAR AND RESTAURANT 

11 Beach Road, RHYLL, PHILLIP ISLAND 

The foreshore bar and restaurant is in the quiet little village of Rhyll. This 

unique and stylish restaurant has amazing water views for you to enjoy 

over a glass of local wine, whilst indulging yourself in our delicious menu 

comprising local produce and fresh seafood dishes 

• Great creative food, great service 

• 180-degree waterfront views 

• Warm and relaxing environment 

• Covered alfresco dining 

• Bar and lounge area 

Phone: 03 5956 9520 

Email: enquiry@theforeshore.com.au 

www.theforeshore.com.au 

Open for lunch and dinner 

HOTEL PHILLIP ISLAND 

11-13 The Esplanade, COWES 

Hotel at Phillip Island is the place where you can relax and enjoy a beer 

and pizza, have a great meal or try one of the amazing cocktails at the only 

real cocktail bar on Phillip Island. With the aim to create the ultimate in 

contemporary hotel dining, café culture and entertainment, Hotel is a must 

on any visit to Phillip Island. 

The hotel bistro is open for lunch and dinner and is the ideal place to get 

together with family and friends. The Hotel is also renowned for its pizza and 

pasta and offers the option to take away. 

Phone: 03 5952 2100 

www.hotelphillipisland.com 

Open from noon to late. 

WESTERNPORT HOTEL 

161 Marine Pde, SAN REMO 

The Westernport Hotel is Southern Victoria’s premier entertainment venue with 

live entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Within the hotel is also 

a family-friendly, 180 seat bistro style eatery. With its stunning outlook onto the 

San Remo foreshore and jetty, it is as popular with locals as it is with tourists. 

Menu offerings include a selection of fresh seafood and fresh local produce, 

including such signature items as a Westernport seafood platter and the 

renowned ‘surf ‘n’ turf.’ 

There is also a kids room to keep the kids entertained while you relax and enjoy. 

Phone: 03 5678 5205 

Email: info@thewesternport.com.au 

www.thewesternport.com.au 

Open for lunch and dinner 

SILVERWATER RESORT 

17 Potters Hill Rd, SAN REMO 

Dine indoors or outdoors, from a casual breakfast overlooking the bay 

through to tapas in the bar or dinner on the terrace. Find time to savour our 

executive chef’s exciting menu which makes the most of the region’s fresh 

produce. Watermark Restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and 

dinner. 

With a region known for seafood, beef, dairy products and vegetables our 

inspired restaurant menus incorporate these fresh, local ingredients and 

flavours. 

Phone: 03 5671 9300 


Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 


63


Photo: Simon Arnot 

HOME TO... 

Phillip Island has a number of class 

operations and some of the country’s 

most experienced shapers. Best of 

all, walk into any surf shop and you 

can have a one-on-one conversation 

with any of these shapers – they 

are approachable, personable and 

accessible. 

FULL CIRCLE SURF 

Russell Francis of Full Circle Surf 

started out with Ripcurl glassing 

and shaping in its infancy in the late 

‘60s when Torquay was spawning 

the first of its global surf companies. 

Since then he has worked in Australia 

and overseas with different surf 

companies gaining experience in 

all facets of the surfboard shaping 

industry. 

ISLAND SURFBOARDS 

Island Surfboards was founded in 

1969 and has become renowned for 

its quality handmade boards. With 

stores in Cowes and Smith’s Beach, 

Island Surfboards has become one 

of the most recognised names in 

the core Australian surfing industry. 

More than 500 surfboards a year 

are handmade from start to finish 

by experienced craftsmen, using the 

highest quality materials. 

ISLAND SURF SHACK 

If you are after something a little 

different, stick your head in and say 

g’day to Graham and Brenda. You 

won’t find more personable, salt-ofthe-earth 

people. Island Surf Shack has 

a great range of surfing memorabilia, 

gifts and clothes and has a select 

range of boards. The place has a real 

personality to it and there are fantastic 

gifts for kids to grown-ups. 

ISLANTIS SURFBOARDS 

Islantis has been around since the 

late ‘70s. Over the years it has slowly 

built up an amazing collection of 

surfing memorabilia. From old balsa 

mals to world championship winning 

twin-fins. There is a great showcase 

of surfing history on display at the 

store, as well as a very large range of 

the latest surfboards from Islantis and 

other well-known shapers. The store 

also has an extensive range of surf 

accessories and clothing. 

OUTEREEF 

Outereef specialises in producing 

high-quality performance surfboards 

shaped exactly to the dimensions 

you require. They put as much effort 

as possible into their boards, fully 

appreciating it is surfboard shaping 

that is the backbone of the business. 


Photo: Jeff Tull 

GETTING THERE... 

FROM MELBOURNE 

The trip from Melbourne will take 

about 1.5hrs and is an easy drive with 

the South Gippsland Freeway and then 

Highway getting you most of the way 

there. 

FROM SYDNEY 

The quickest route entails heading 

inland, jumping on the Hume Highway 

and going via Melbourne out to Phillip 

Island. The trip is around 9.5 hrs and just 

under 1,000km. Not a huge ask for those 

keen to savour the delights of the island. 

The alternative is the more scenic 

coastal route with possible stops along 

the way at places such as Merimbula 

and Lakes Entrance. The trip will take 

just under 13 hours’ driving time and 

cover about 1013km. 

Be careful though, while beautiful, the 

trip from Merimbula to Lakes Entrance 

is a tough one and shouldn’t be tackled 

before or after dark. The stretch of road 

is notorious for trucks and wombats. 

If you have the misfortune of hitting a 

wombat (same goes for the wombat), 

its apparently like hitting a log and they 

have the potential to roll your car. 

FROM BRISBANE 

You have a number of choices. The 

quickest and most boring is straight 

down the guts on the Newell Hwy. 

During the day the drive is monotonous. 

During the night it’s downright 

dangerous with the amount of wildlife, 

such as kangaroos. It will take you 

about 21 hours to travel the 1795km. (In 

fairness the are some nice little towns 

along the way and attractions such as 

the Dubbo Zoo. But these are possibly a 

little too far away from the ocean. 

Alternatively you can travel down the 

New England Highway, which is more 

fertile and more picturesque than the 

Newell Hwy, going via the outskirts of 

Sydney and down the Hume Highway. 

However, if you love the ocean you 

might as well make it a momentous surf 

road trip and stop at all manner of hot 

surf spots right down the east coast, 

travelling along the rapidly improving 

Pacific Highway. All up the trip will 

probably take you at least 24 hours and 

cover some 2000km but you will have 

some cracking tales to tell. 

If you really want to get out and explore 

add about half an hour to your trip 

and head further south-west of Lakes 

Entrance and take the drive via Foster 

through to Wonthaggi and then on to 

Phillip Island. It is stunning countryside. 


65

TRAVEL: EXPERIENCE 

SURFARI 

TRAVEL TIPS 

“Ditch the floaties. Stop swimming in 

the kiddie’s pool and embark on the 

international surf trip of a lifetime.” 

Going on an overseas surf trip for the 

first time is a lot like learning to swim. 

You have to take the plunge. You have 

to leave the safe confines of what you 

know, like your local ‘kiddie’s pool’, 

and swim where the big kids play. 

Sure it may seem daunting at first, 

and even a little intimidating, but 

an international surf trip is a calling 

that any self-respecting surfer has 

considered, if not already done. But 

before you go, you need to know the 

answers to what, when, who, where 

and how. 

So ‘what’? 

Huge barrels, slow walls, sharp pits 

or mellow sliders? All destinations 

offer a variety of waves but many 

international reputations are 

deserved. Plan your trip around your 

ability but don’t be afraid to push 

yourself. Research the destination 

you’re considering. The internet 

is a great resource and sites such 

as worldsurfaris.com offer a good 

insight into Indian Ocean and South 

Pacific waves. wannasurf.com and 

magicseaweed.com are also good 

sites for referencing individual waves 

and how they behave. 

When? 

Because of the earth’s axial tilt we 

get seasons. Surf is caused by huge 

oceanic storms with the best storms 

occurring in winter. Bearing this in 

mind, when to travel is entirely up to 

you, but the swell magnets turn on at 

different times of year depending on 

which hemisphere is going through 

winter. Transitional seasons see 

the best of both worlds but usually 

produce mellower swells with the 

bigger earth-shattering swells less 

likely. 

The northern hemisphere winter 

storms turn on Hawaii, Caroline 

Islands, Papua New Guinea 

and Tonga producing consistent 

waves. Australia’s winter sees the 

south-facing swell magnets like 

the Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji, New 

Caledonia, Samoa & Tahiti turn it on. 

Most of these places have swell all 

year round. It’s what happens when 

you’re exposed to large amounts of 

uninterrupted ocean. But, if you’re 

after consistency, bare ‘when’ in mind 

when planning your trip. 


Take up the challenge of an 

international surf adventure 

Photo: World Surfaris 

Who? 

Boys’ trip, romantic getaway or family 

trip? Plan around the people you’re 

going with and keep them in mind. 

Boys’ trip: What level of surfing is the 

group at? Land based or surf charter? 

If planning the annual boys or girls 

trip, then have a group BBQ and get a 

unanimous decision on what everyone 

wants and possibly elect a leader to 

deal with the travel consultant directly 

(he/ she gets the best cabin). 

Remember to ask how many spaces need 

to be paid for if you want sole use of the 

boat or surf camp. Boat charters offer 

substantial discounts on sole use trips, 

which could save the group hundreds. 

Romantic trip: Let it be just that. A 

couple of surfs daily without buggering 

off all day (unless you both surf) will 

keep you in good with your partner, and 

keep you stoked. Plan to head to a place 

that offers a wide variety of activities 

such as a resort or a luxury surf charter 

with your own cabin to keep it romantic. 

Unless your partner is hard-core, they 

won’t appreciate being on a budget boat 

with a bunch of crusty blokes. 

Photo: World Surfaris 

There are hidden treasures on offer 

that are sure to keep even the most 

high-maintenance partners happy in 

places such as The Maldives, Bali, Fiji 

and Vanuatu. 

Comfort, a range of non-surf activities 

and good food and wine should be 

the key deciding factors, coupled with 

the fact that you have a cranking reef 

pass within paddling distance of your 

accommodation. Combine the two great 

loves of your life! …… or something 

like that! 

Family Trip: Plan around the family. 

Lots of activities aside from surfing, 

facilities for younger children and 

consider the length of flights. It’s a 

holiday, so make it as stress free as 

you can. Bali, Samoa, Maldives and 

Fiji all offer resorts with care facilities 

to let you unwind and really embrace 

the family surf trip, ensuring you get a 

much-needed rest without the guilt. 

Where? 

The ultimate question and directly 

related to what, when and who, 

requires you to get stuck into some 

research. A very nifty widget called 

the Surfari suggester can be found on 

the worldsurfaris.com homepage. It 

narrows down a multitude of options to 

just a few according to your date range, 

surf ability and budget along with your 

desired form of accommodation. 

It is important to bear in mind, however, 

most destinations are reef breaks. But 

there is no need to feel intimidated. 

The reef causes waves to break 

mechanically. You can suss out the 

wave and get into its rhythm due to the 

predictable behaviour of reef-breaks. 

And it is surfing reef-breaks that will 

ultimately improve your surfing. 

How? 

Whether you’re a seasoned guru that 

pioneered Indo in front of awe-shocked 

locals, an adventurous grom, or just feel 

like ‘breaking out of the box’ to escape 

local surf frustration, you will probably 

need an expert travel consultant to 

arrange your package along with flights. 

World Surfaris employ a team of travel 

gurus to handle your travel arrangements 

with care and take out the guess the work, 

giving you the piece of mind to travel to 

strange new lands with confidence. 

Remember our top tips: 

1. Don’t travel without insurance! 

Remember Murphy’s Law, if it can 

happen, it will happen. Overseas 

care gets expensive. Insurance is a 

worthy investment. 

2. Pack light! Chances are you’re 

travelling to a tropical destination 

and you’ll end up living in board 

shorts, a t-shirt and thongs. Sun 

care is a must. Zinc, sunscreen and 

sun/rash vest are essential. 

3. Choose a good quiver! Most airlines 

will accept 2-3 boards as sporting 

goods but every airline is different. 

Make sure you check before your 

trip. Our recommended 2 board 

quiver is your standard all rounder 

& something with a bit more length 

for the bigger days. Remember a lot 

of domestic airlines have their own 

rules about baggage so internal 

flights can be a nightmare. Booking 

with an expert will probably save 

you $$$ in the long run. 

4. Pack your boards with love! 

Airports are busy places and ground 

crew can be pretty rough. Take your 

fins off if you can. Use a towel and 

some padding to hold them in place 

if you can’t. Bubble wrap is a must! 

Keep it light and try to minimise 

movement. Remember - ‘if it’s not 

tight and light, it’s not right’. 

The final question 

...Why? 

We say why not. Seriously? Just picture 

yourself there. The ‘big pool’ is calling you! 

Travel tips were provided by Grant 

Shankster of World Surfaris 

1800 611 163 

www.worldsurfaris.com 


67

TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP 

Photo: Daniel Sinton 

Photo: Chris Holland 


WELCOME TO... 

CALIFORNIA 

WORDS BY DAVE SWAN 

You come for the waves and the 

water and won’t be disappointed 

by either. But when you’re ready 

to take a break from the beach, 

there’s more to this little slice of 

paradise than just surfing 

Photo: Dan Sinton 


69


Photo: Steve Owen Photo: hermosawave.net Photo: Stacy Cochrell 

THIS IS 

HERMOSA BEACH 

The thought of a family holiday in 

California didn’t initially appeal. It 

might be a sign of my advancing 

years, but the word California 

conjured up images of TV show 

CHiPS, officers Frank Poncherello and 

Jon Baker and tight beige jodhpurs. 

I knew it had been more than 20 

years since I had visited the Golden 

State, but what seemed so cool as 

a teenager now seemed so, well, 

American. Not that I have anything 

against the Yanks; it’s just that in 

many ways Australia is like a 53rd 

state. And I wanted to go somewhere 

different. 

Boy am I glad I was overruled though. 

I had forgotten how great California 

really is. 

Santa Barbara through to San 

Francisco and further north is another 

world altogether. The countryside 

and surfing are so good it is best 

left to explore in a future edition of 

surfboarder. 

From Los Angeles south to San Diego, 

‘So Cal’ is a surfing mecca with an 

endless array of cool towns and some 

of California’s most revered shapers. 

LA is a big city … a bloody big 

city full of contrasts; the hills of 

Hollywood, the mix of characters who 

Photo: Steve Owen 


FAMOUS LOCALS 

BING SURFBOARDS 

walk the boulevard, the mansions of 

Beverley Hills, the body builders and 

beach babes of Venice Beach, the 

magic that is Disneyland, the tough 

streets of South-Central, and the 

coastline from Santa Monica down to 

South Bay. 

Sure it can be dangerous at times, 

and there are things you should 

avoid, like my wrong turn that lead 

us into gangbanger heartland, smack 

bang in the middle of south-central 

Los Angeles. But overall it is an 

amazing city to visit, particularly if 

you get a chance to make your way to 

Hermosa Beach. 

“HERMOSA IS 

ACTUALLY A 

SMALL, BEAUTIFUL 

SUBURB, 20 

MINUTES SOUTH OF 

LAX AND DIRECTLY 

ON THE OCEAN” 

While it is often labelled a ‘beach 

city’, Hermosa is actually a small, 

beautiful suburb 20 minutes south 

of LAX and directly on the ocean. 

The beach is expansive, from street 

to water, and the famous California 

sidewalk known as The Strand 

stretches for almost 42km. 

As soon as you see The Strand the 

urge strikes to grab a skateboard or 

bike and scoot off. So that’s exactly 

what we did. My eldest daughter 

took off on the bicycle equivalent of 

a chopper, my wife and son shared 

a two-seater pushie, and my other 

daughter and I did the same. 

The Strand is honestly the best 

way to explore your surrounds, 

marvel at the beachfront mansions, 

occasionally (occasionally) ogle the 

beach-volleyball players (without 

crashing) and, of course, check out 

the surf. 

With young kids, you always keep an 

ever-watchful eye on the surrounds 

but at Hermosa I could relax. It had 

an incredibly laidback vibe. Pardon 

the cliche but the feeling was one of 

‘cool man’. 

After our bike ride we checked out 

a few surf shops in Pier Ave and 

stopped by Waterman’s Safe House 

for Surfers, which is proof that when 

Americans do something well, they 

do it incredibly well. The décor 

includes a bench seat out the front 

made of Sector Nine skateboards, 

Volcom-themed tables inside, 

bamboo chairs branded with the 

Waterman insignia, surf memorabilia 

and photos, and even thatched 

bamboo menus. Waterman’s is quite 

possibly the best surf-themed bar and 

restaurant I have come across. It was 

all class and the food was equally as 

impressive, just like the beer. 

With the family fed and the kids tired 

after their bike ride and day in the 

great outdoors, it was back to our 

luxurious Beach House Hotel corner 

suite for some quiet time - and a 

chance for me to sneak off for a wave 

out front. 

Photo: Dan Sinton 

Long-time local Bing Copeland played a 

key role in the evolution of the surfing 

industry, from starting work with the 

legendary Dale Velzy at 13 through to the 

1960s, when he first began shaping his own 

boards commercially. Since those days Bing 

Surfboards has become one of the longestrunning 

and most progressive names in the 

business. Now based in Gardenia, just 12km 

from Hermosa Beach, Bing’s work is carried 

on by the extremely talented Matt Calvani, 

who has worked for some of California’s 

best shapers, including Hap Jacobs, Dennis 

Jarvis of Spyder Surfboards, Phil Becker 

of Becker Surfboards and, of course, Bing 

Copeland and Mike Eaton. 

The brand is available in Australia through 

California Surf Imports, 

www.californiasurfimports.com. 

East coast stockists include Six Ounce Board 

Store, Bondi; Heritage Surf, Manly; Deus Ex 

Machina, Camperdown; Sandy Feet, Port 

Macquarie; The Log Shack, Coffs Harbour 

TYLER SURFBOARDS 

Since his appearance in the 2007 surfing 

documentary One California Day, Tyler 

Hatzikian has been the California shaper on 

everyone’s lips. A resident of El Segundo, 

just 6.5km north of Hermosa, his boards 

are exquisite, whether you are after a 

noserider, a performance longboard, or 

retro or modern shortboard. The range is 

unbelievable, as is his glassing jobs; check 

out The Ridler and start salivating. Even 

better, the boards are now available in 

Australia through Southcoast Longboards, 

www.southcoastlongboards.com.au 

71



Photo: Robert Masys 

SURF BREAKS 

HERMOSA BEACH’S LAID-BACK 

ATMOSPHERE CONTINUES OUT 

IN THE WATER. 

“HERMOSA BEACH 

ITSELF GENERATES 

YOUR TYPICAL 

BEACH BREAK 

SET-UP WITH PEAKS 

LEFT AND RIGHT. “ 

Whilst not the hottest of So-Cal’s (Southern California) 

surf spots it has a variety of good waves for the advanced 

through to the beginner. 

Hermosa Beach itself generates your typical beach break 

set-up with peaks left and right. 16th Street has wellshaped 

waves over sandbars offshore of the storm drain. 

Hermosa Pier has descent peaks peeling off both sides 

of the pier. 

Waves can be hollow and fast when smaller summer 

south-west swells combine with easterlies in the 

morning. The area holds swells up to about 6ft. Winter 

swells work as well but can tend to be too juicy for the 

banks to handle with sets closing out quickly. 

Further north up the road, Manhattan Beach generally 

has superior breaks to Hermosa and is the first spot in the 

South bay to see south swells. The area can hold swells 

up to 10 ft. The Rendondo Breakwater just south of 

Hermosa Pier is the pick of the spots and the premier LA 

big wave destination handling swells 20ft+. 

CONDITIONS 

Bottom: sand 

Break: left and right, best in peaky swell 

Level: generally beginner to intermediate 

Best conditions: low to medium tide, E/SE winds 

Best when: September through November 

Board: short or long, more often long 

Water temps: 15 in summer,10 in winter. 

Crowd factor: spread out, low key vibe, but is a city 

break and can get crowded 

Hazards: Negotiating close-outs, water pollution 

following heavy rains 

Photo: Steve Owen 





FAST FACTS 

Hermosa Beach is in the South Bay region 

of greater Los Angeles and is bordered 

by the other Beach Cities - Manhattan 

Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to 

the south. 

The city itself extends only 15 blocks from 

east to west and 40 blocks from north to 

south. The Pacific Coast Highway runs 

down the middle. 

Average temperatures are 24 degrees 

in the summer through to 13 degrees in 

the winter. Gentle westerly sea breezes 

take the edge off what can be high 

summertime temperatures in Los Angeles 

and elsewhere in the county. 

These same breezes help keep the famous 

LA smog away 360 days of the year. 

Hermosa Beach pier is at the end of Pier 

Avenue, the community’s main shopping, 

eating and partying areas. 

The area is home to sun worshippers 

and beach-loving athletes alike, from 

surfers through to beach volleyballers. 

Check out beautiful people exercising 

throughout the day. 

Properties within a short walk of the 

ocean routinely sell for well over $AU1.7 

million. Those with direct, unhindered 

views routinely ask in excess of $2.3mi. 

Homes on The Strand frequently sell for 

$3.5–11.5m. 

TOWN 

MUST DO 

Surf. The obvious 

Cruise The Strand. Hermosa Cyclery, next to the Beach House 

Hotel, opens seven days a week; from 9am-6pm in summer and 9am- 

5pm in winter. Rent a cruiser from $8 and a tandem from $15 p/h. 

A FIIK skateboard would go nuts here. Check out page 93. 

Waterman’s Safe House for Surfers. 22 Pier Ave. Surf-themed 

restaurant/bar with surf memorabilia and fantastic food. 

Spyder Surf. Part of the scene since 1983. For several years now, 

a Spyder Surf Fest has been held in April to celebrate surf culture 

Californian style. For your chance to attend the festival, see the inside 

back page of this edition. 

Disneyland. 1313 S. Disneyland Dve, Anaheim. The world’s best 

theme park is only a 30-45 minute drive. But truth be told, there’s 

nothing else remotely like it in the world. Just as much fun for 

parents as for the kids. 

TRAVEL TIPS 

Flights 

Qantas flies direct from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne into 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Sydney to LA takes about 

thirteen-and-a-half hours. Check out other airlines for their routes. 

Documents 

As with all overseas trips, you need a passport. But Australian 

nationals can now travel without a visa through the United States 

Visa Waiver program, under which you must apply in advance for an 

electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel 

Authorisation). For details talk to your travel agent or visit www. 

qantas.com.au or www.esta.us/ 

Baggage limits 

Each Qantas passenger is allowed two pieces of baggage, provided 

they do not exceed 23kg each. No single piece can exceed 32kg per 

passenger. Providing your surfboard does not exceed 9ft or 32kg they 

can be included in your free baggage allowance. Additional baggage 

is charged. 

The most amazing 

range of Longboards, 

Retro and 

Shortboard brands on 

the East Coast 

including 

Mandala, Mackie, Van Straalen, Takayama, Neal 

Purchase jnr, Bing, Zed, Formular Energy, Gato 

Heroi, Mctavish, Firewire, Chilli, JS, Al Merrick, Lost, 

Dahlberg, Stacey, Insight, Fibre Flex, Webber, 7S, 

Clear, Xanadu, Aloha... 

40 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 

Phone: 02 9389 5477 

www.surfculture.com.au 

www.sixounceboardstore.com.au 


73


“IF YOU ARE GOING TO 

SPEND THE MONEY 

TO GET TO HERMOSA 

BEACH, YOU MIGHT AS 

WELL STAY AT THE BEST. 

WHERE TO STAY 

The Beach House Hotel is the only place 

to stay in Hermosa. Right on The Strand 

and right on the beach, it’s also right in 

the heart of the action. 

LA Magazine calls the luxury hotel 

one of the 100 sexiest people, places 

or things to do in the area. And its 

location couldn’t be more perfect – just 

20 minutes from LAX airport, nestled 

in Hermosa’s sunny heart. Smack bang 

between Manhattan and Redondo 

beaches it’s just a 30-45 minute 

drive from major drawcards such as 

Disneyland, Universal Studios, Beverly 

Hills and Rodeo Drive. 

The hotel boasts 96 lofts and suites, 

which evoke the feel of staying in a 

private beach house with separate 

bedroom and living spaces, fireplaces, 

wet bars and full sink, microwaves, 

refrigerators, goosedown comforters, 

Frette linens and robes, high-definition 

flatscreen TVs, a five-disc CD player and 

iPod docking station. To sneak in a little 

business with pleasure, each room has 

two-line phones with voicemail that are 

fax and modem ready, as well as free 

wireless internet access. 

After a day on the waves, settle on the 

balcony to relax with a drink as the sun 

sets over the Pacific. Watch local surfers 

– and the occasional volleyballer – do 

their thing. 

The urban oasis also offers an extensive 

array of decadent spa therapies while 

inroom massages are just the trick to 

ease aching muscles. 

Take it from us, if you are going to spend 

the money to get to Hermosa Beach, you 

might as well stay at the best. 

BEACH HOUSE HOTEL 

1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach 

Proximity: On the beach, in town 

Phone: (310) 374-3001 

Email: info@beach-house.com 

www.beach-house.com 

(USD) $209 - $489 per room, per night 


KNOW YOUR BOARD 

LIGHTER DOESN’T 

MAKE IT BETTER 

WITH GUEST SHAPER, JORDIE BROWN OF HIGH TIDE SURFBOARDS 

Words cant describe what it’s like to take the drop on a heavy board, drive through a bottom turn and slingshot yourself 

down the line on a nice, clean 4ft peeler. Only a surfer knows what it like experiencing that intense feeling of momentum 

and glide when your flying across an open face, locked in a high speed trim with the lip feathering just in front of you. 

Through the 80’s and 90’s, the art of making and riding heavier boards took a back seat to lighter, finer and more 

progressive shapes in the name of performance, but I’ve always had of a love affair with riding original, old boards and it 

has definitely had a huge influence on my own shaping. 

Over the last couple of years I’ve been revisiting a lot of the old-fashioned methods of surfboard construction, using 

solid timber stringers combined with weightier trimmed lap glass-jobs and through this I’ve found a whole new world of 

possibilities on the face of a wave. 

I think the whole ‘lighter is better’ thing its one of the most common misconceptions in the surfboard design today! 

Whether it be long or short, a bit of extra resin, glass and volume in your next board wont hurt. 

The most exiting movement in surfing over the last 10 years has been the revival of wider, thicker and heavier retro-based 

surfcraft. We’re extremely lucky here in Australia to have a real depth of talented local craftsman putting their own unique 

spin on some old concepts. So go check out what your local shaper has to offer. Theres no one better to get you on the 

right stick for where you surf. 

Try some heavier boards out in the water and see how they work for your style of surfing, and don’t be afraid to give some 

older boards a go too. Who knows, your new favorite board could even be laying underneath the house, covered inch-deep 

in dust just crying out for a some love. 

Jordie Brown is the man behind High Tide Surfboards in Skenes Creek, Victoria. See more at www.hightidesurfboards.com 

INSIDE... 

THE BALSA MASTER P76 

TRASH TO TREASURE P94 

BRAND NEW BOARDS P84 

All the latest designs in shortboards, longboards and more 

from shapers along the East Coast 

NOSE DESIGNS 

POINTED NOSE: Used for performance 

boards, allows for curvier rails, assists 

with big drops and steep waves. Also 

good for duck-diving. 

ROUNDED POINT NOSE: Less responsive but 

allows for extra volume in the nose for 

more floatation. 

ROUND NOSE: Used on Mals, assists stability 

and glide across the water surface. 

FOIL: This represents the distribution of 

foam or thickness across the board from 

the nose to the tail. Impacts floatation, 

the ease of paddling, and overall board 

performance. 

RAIL SHAPE (SHAPE NOSE TO TAIL) 

CURVED RAILS: Boards with curved rails 

allow for responsive direction change and 

acceleration from turns (eg shortboards, 

fish and eggs). 

STRAIGHT RAILS: Provide speed and direction 

and sacrifice responsively. Mals and guns 

utilise straighter rails. 

RAIL PROFILE 

DOWN RAILS: The edge of the board is on 

the underneath. The rest of the board 

eases over to the deck. 

ROLLED RAILS: Down rails, which are slightly 

rolled under. 

SOFT RAILS: Have a round radius of at least 2cm 

HARD RAILS: Have a smaller, sharp edge. 

TAIL SHAPES 

PIN TAIL: Suited for traction, control and 

speed. Used for big surf Guns. 

ROUND TAIL: All-rounder, control, speed, and 

manoeuvrability. 

SQUASH TAIL: Common on short-boards, 

more responsiveness than the round tail. 

SWALLOW TAIL: Wider tail providing speed 

in slow section, good for small waves, 

Used for Fish. 

SQUARE TAIL: Adds stability and allows 

for pivotal turns. Commonly used with 

longboards. 

ROCKER: The bend from tail to nose. 

Less rocker provide more surface tension 

and allows for speed ease in getting on 

waves. Large rocker loosens up the board 

and allows for responsive turning and 

surviving nasty drops. 

THE DECK 

DOME DECK: Allows for volume in middle 

while maintaining thinner rail profiles for 

turns and manoeuvrability. 

FLAT DECK: Provides for thicker rails and 

increased flotation. 

STEP DECK: Allows for move volume and 

strength and paddle power. 

UNDERNEATH THE BOARD 

FLAT: A flat underside assists with planing 

on the water surface. 

CONCAVE: The broad scoop through the 

middle of the underside channels water 

to the fins for speed. 

DOUBLE CONCAVE: Commonly used is single 

concave at front and double towards the 

back allows for looseness. 

CHANNELS: Grooves used to channel water 

across the underside of the board for speed 


75

GEAR: SHAPER 

RILEY 

THE TALENTED MISTER 

Mark Riley is a pretty matter of fact character that doesn’t 

suffer fools. His personality is reflected in his craftsmanship 

of quality balsa surfboards – a no nonsense approach to 

producing strong, durable, quality surfboards that work, 

plain and simple. 

Riley’s boards are stunning on the outside, but we asked 

Mark about the inside - the basic elements of his surfboard 

design and construction that set them apart from the rest. 

WORDS: DAVE SWAN PHOTOS: MARK CHAPMAN, HOLGER STRIPF, GUS BROWN, BEN VOS 


Setting the tone for Mark Riley’s entire operation and a direct 

reflection on his absolute attention to every detail, all Riley surfboards 

are 100% hand-shaped and glassed in Australia – no exceptions. 

Mark’s boards are made from the finest balsa available. Boards can be 

constructed of solid balsa, like the replica boards of the 50’s and 60’s, 

or with a foam core. These boards are still incredibly strong but are a 

lot lighter, delivering more of a high performance surfboard. 

The balsa is sourced from sustainable, eco-friendly farms in Ecuador. 

With deforestation of pristine forests proving to be one of the world’s 

biggest problems for our eco system, Mark was keen to ensure he is 

using a renewable resource that would not have a negative impact on 

the environment. Further to this commitment, Mark now grows balsa 

trees near Cooktown in northern Queensland. Better still, because 

the balsa substrate is stronger than a regular polyurethane blank, his 

boards require less resin, further enhancing their green credentials. 


77

GEAR: SHAPER 

EPS CORE BOARDS 

Mark’s performance boards are made with a foam core. 

The type of foam used is a recycled EPS foam which 

makes a great surfboard and is more environmentally 

friendly than a standard PU surfboard. EPS foam does 

not share the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) or 

dangerous isocyanates found in polyurethane. 

However, because the foam is recycled it is not bonded 

as well as virgin EPS, so it requires a veneer over it 

as the lamination is what delivers the strength. This 

method makes the perfect inner core for a surfboard. A 

balsa skin is then effectively glued to the EPS foam core. 

Balsa is the preferred material because it is the lightest 

and easiest to work with and sand compared to other 

woods and resin sticks to it better than other woods. 

Blanks are then made in a process called regranulation. 

Clean scrap pieces of EPS like used packing foam from 

new TVs and fridges are put through regranulators and 

pumped into the shape mould and heated. Once the 

blanks are ejected from the mould they are shuttled 

into large gas oven drying rooms. They are stored in the 

ovens for a set period of time at a set temperature until 

removed and stored until required. 

The unique combination of balsa and EPS foam delivers 

great flex and flotation characteristics, making Riley 

boards responsive as well as durable. 

SOLID BALSA BOARDS 

Mark’s solid balsa boards are constructed of either first 

or second grade balsa. The grade of balsa used depends 

on the rider, what they are after and how much they 

want to spend. Second grade balsa is a bit heavier, 

darker and has more knots featured in the wood. Some 

people prefer this more rustic look while others prefer a 

lighter cleaner appearance. 

Other woods are incorporated into the construction 

such as South American Red Cedar which is used in all 

stringers because the polyester resin used sticks better 

to it than Western Red Cedar. 

When asked about using alternative woods, such as 

Paulownia, Mark explains his preference is to work 

with balsa. “Paulownia is more expensive and heavier 

than balsa. That said, Paulownia is harder than balsa. 

You can even use both types of wood in the one board 

if you desire but you have to consider the weight of the 

finished board. I personally recommend using balsa. 

It’s lighter, softer, easier to work with, cheaper, better 

looking, has better adhesive properties to fiberglass, 

is faster growing, has more history and greater market 

acceptance as a classic material for building wooden 

surfboards. 

Mark is also direct in his assessment of hollowing balsa 

boards to lighten them. “There are a lot of risks for not 

a big advantage of hollowing out a board. The air inside 


“100% HAND- 

SHAPED AND 

GLASSED IN 

AUSTRALIA 

– NO 

EXCEPTIONS.” 

the chamber can heat up if you leave the board on the 

beach or in the car and eventually it will expand and 

pull the board apart. I would definitely not recommend 

hollowing a board out.“ 

A MATTER OF 

PREFERENCE 

Riley’s foam core boards are lighter and more suitable 

for today’s performance surfing. However, if you are 

into the retro, cruisy feel, you should consider a solid 

board. The price is essentially the same. Each method 

of construction takes around 30 hours to make a board 

from scratch. 

It’s interesting to note, all Riley boards come with a 

12-month guarantee. Basically, if you snap it, Mark 

will replace it. With that said, no Riley surfboard 

has apparently been snapped in the last 10 years. It 

sounds like a challenge for a few of our surfing mates 

who seem to have a fascination with trips to the ding 

repair shop. 

The reason for the guarantee? Mark is confident 

his boards are without doubt the highest quality 

available. He goes on to explain why his boards are so 

affordable compared to other balsa boards that cost 

sometimes in excess of $4000 USD. “The reason my 

boards are so attractively priced is four-fold. We grow 

and import our own balsa wood from Ecuador. 

“The trees are fast growing and we only harvest the 

largest trees. Plus, the balsa is imported by ship, not 

air and we have continually refined and improved 

the operation since its inception in 1996.” 

If you are considering a Riley surfboard, Mark 

has a range of demo boards that can be shipped 

anywhere in Australia for a small charge and a 

nominal rental fee of $50 per week, deducted from 

the price on purchase. 

DO IT YOURSELF 

For people who want to gain the experience of building 

a balsa board themselves, Mark has developed a range 

of DIY kits for people of varying levels of experience. 

There are complete balsa surfboard shaping sets for 

solid or foam core surfboards and for those daunted by 

the task of complete assembly, the balsa blanks allow 

one to just sand down a finished shape, do the glassing 

and claim the glory. 

To make sure you don’t lose your way through the 

board-building process, the solid kits come with a 

instructional DVD and there is an e-book that you can 

download from the web site, or for the tecnhophobes, 

Mark even has printed copies to mail out. 

The foam core kit however is strictly for those in the 

know and as such, doesn’t come with instructions. 

If you don’t already have experience with glue-up 

techniques, vacuum bagging and the required tools, no 

DVD or e-book is going to help you. And balsa makes 

for expensive firewood. 


79

GEAR: SHAPER 

FOR THE KIDS 

Being a father himself, Mark is passionate 

about passing on his love of surfing and 

surfboards to the next generation. 

We were fortunate enough to go along 

with Mark when he visited the Year 2 class 

of Yowie Bay Public School to present a 

surfboard-making demonstration for the 

8-year olds. Wide-eyed and attentive, the 

kids got to see and feel a finished surfboard, 

feel the weight of a piece of balsa wood and 

hear all about what goes into the making of a 

surfboard – from the raw wood right through 

to glassing. Best of all, the day ended with 

the kids being able to make their very own 

mini balsa wood Malibu to take home. 

With their surfboards all sanded and 

stamped, it was plain to see that surfing had 

them excited, and how much they had all 

enjoyed the experience. In years to come, I’m 

sure that there will be more than one of them 

that will be able to look back and remember 

this as the day their love for surfing first 

began. And who knows… there may even be 

a budding shaper among them. 

And with the success of the event evident, 

Mark says that he hopes to be able to present 

more of these workshops in the future, which 

is only good news for the kids out there. 

BEYOND BOARDS 

For those of us keen to know what the 

tide is doing when planning our next 

surf, Mark makes individually handcrafted 

time and tide clocks which are 

miniature replicas of his surfboards 

and board racks are hand-crafted to fit 

any shape board from short to long. 

“THAT’S THE BEAUTY 

OF WORKING WITH 

Every piece is different. 

WOOD” Every piece unique. 

FINS 

Mark makes a full range of fins to meet 

each individual surfer’s requirements - 

raked longboard and stabiliser fin sets, 

twin fin keel sets, thrusters, quads, 

D Fins and single-fin traditional retro 

styles. Surfers can choose between 

glassed-in fins or fin-boxes. 



81

GEAR: SHAPER 

All boards are... 

• 12 month warranty - you snap it - we replace it 

• Micro-tagged to prevent theft 

THE ALLROUNDER 

THE PERFORMER 

The Performer combines the best of both worlds - a recycled 

EPS foam core and 2-3mm balsawood skin. With a weight 

of only 7-8 kg and an emphasis on manoeuvrability and 

maximum speed, the Performer is designed and shaped 

for today's high performance longboarding. The Performer 

comes with a single box fin and two smaller stabiliser fins. 

Custom orders are welcome 

Specifications 

Length:9'0'' - 9'4'' 

Width: 22 1/4'' - 23' 

Thickness: 2 1/2'' - 3''' 

Type of surfer suited for: intermediate 

Type of waves suited for: 1' to 8' 

Approx. weight of board: 7-8kg 

Type of construction: foam core modern longboard 

Type of stringer: triple - 30mm apart 

Bottom: Vee 

Tail shape: rounded square 

Rails: nose: 70/30 centre: 80/20 tail 90/10 

The Allrounder is an EPS foam-core 

performance MiniMal. It is the 

only board that features our newly 

designed 1/8’’ cedar rail stringers 

for added stiffness on smaller 

waves. This type of board is suited 

to most riders – perfect for small to 

medium sized conditions and great 

for all ages. 


Length: 7’0’’ - 8’6’’ 

Width: 20 1/2’’ - 23’’ 

Thickness: 2 1/2’’ -3’’ 

Type of surfer suited for: beginner 

to experienced 

Type of waves suited for: 1 ft 

to 6 ft 

Approx. weight of board: 3.5 kg 

Type of construction: EPS foam 

core 

Type of Stringer: Riley cedar rail 

stringers & centre stringer 

Bottom: Vee 

Tail shape: square 

Rails: hard 80/20 

THE ROAD TEST 

GUS BROWN AND BEN VOS 

My expectation is that a wooden board would be incredibly heavy, but 

due to its foam and balsa construction - even at at 9’3 - the Performer 

is actually very light, yet it’s also rock-solid, with a great finish. The 

materials also appear to give it that bit of extra flotation, which makes 

paddling easy. 

Test conditions were small but the board responded well, easily catching 

the weak swell on offer. The Performer also responded well to turns. Even 

though we were only gliding along ripples, the board was stable enough 

to provide plenty of opportunity for riding up near the nose. 

This is definitely a wooden board not just designed for the wall, but a 

good all-round ‘performer’ that is definitely easy to surf. I’m sure it would 

handle some quality surf and cope well with a much faster wave. 


THE CLASSIC 

The Riley Classic is a solid Malibu inspired by these 

boards of the 50’s and 60’s which the Australians, 

Americans and Hawaiians rode at the small point 

breaks of Noosa, Malibu and Waikiki. This is a great 

board for hot-dogging and reminiscing about those good 

ol’ days. The Classic should definitely be ridden but 

nonetheless it looks great on office walls, restaurants, 

homes and shops, creating a heritage look. 


Length: 9’0’’ - 12’ 

Width: 22 1/2’’ - 23’’ 

Thickness: 2 1/2’’ - 3’ 

Type of surfer suited for: mature 

Type of waves suited for: 1-4 ft 

Approx. weight of board: 12-15kg 

Type of construction: solid balsawood 

Type of stringer: triple cedar stringer 

Bottom shape: flat 

Tail shape: square 

Rails: 50-50 

THE LIMB 

The Limb is a balsa skinned EPS foam core 

shortboard. The recycled EPS foam and the absence 

of a stringer create a significant reduction in weight 

bringing the Stick to around 3kg with great memory 

and flex. This is a great board for beach breaks 

from 2 to 8 foot waves, the Riley Limb has a set 

thrusters fins – but boxes are optional at no extra 

cost. The Riley balsa coloured fin system allows for 

changing fin setups and lets you choose between fin 

size, rake, angles, material, and more. 


Length: 5’10’’ - 6’8’’ 

Width: 18 1/2’’-20’’ 

Thickness: 2 1/2’’ -3’’ 

Type of surfer suited for: advanced to experienced 

Type of waves suited for: 2 ft to 8 ft 

Approx. weight of board: 3 kg 

Type of construction: Recycled EPS foam core 

Type of stringer: none 

Bottom shape: Vee scoop in the tail to concave 

centre and concave nose 

Tail shape: rounded square 

Rails: 80/20 

Logo: Computer cut cedar balsa giving it the natural 

look and feel. 

Tail Blocks: Thinner tail block 

Volume: Slightly more thickness and volume than 

the stick 

Fins: Stick on 4 ½” wood combo thruster 

THE STICK 

The Stick is a balsa skinned EPS foam core shortboard. 

The recycled EPS foam and the absence of a 

stringer create a significant reduction in weight bringing 

the Stick to around 3kg. For summer and its small 

waves, the Riley Stick is also available as a quad. 

This quad is way faster than your standard thruster or 

even twin fin and much more responsive. 


Length: 5’2’’ - 6’8’’ 

Width: 18 1/2’’-20’’ 

Thickness: 2 1/2’’ -3’’ 


Type of waves suited for: 1/2 ft to 9 ft 

Approx. weight of board: 3 kg 

Type of construction: EPS foam core 

Type of stringer: none 

Bottom shape: Vee scoop in the tail to concave 

centre and concave nose 

Tail shape: swallow 

Rails: 80/20 

THE MACKEREL 

This is the modern version of the retro fish. It has a 

little less volume with a rolled deck giving it better 

and tighter turns. This has a quad fin box set up 

that can be used as a twin also. The cedar stringers 

separate the stained balsa strips to represents the 

Striped Mackerel 


Length: 5’10’’ - 6’4’’ 

Width: 20’’ - 22’’ 

Thickness: 2 1/2 - 3’’ 


Type of waves suited for: 1/2 ft to 5 ft 

Approx. weight of board: 4.6 kg 

Type of construction: EPS foam core 

Type of stringer: Cedar parallel stringers 

Bottom shape: Vee from nose to centre and flat 

at the tail 

Tail shape: swallow 

Rails: Vee at front & centre and flat at tail 


83

GEAR: SHORTBOARDS 

Did you know? 

*A former WCT 

competitor, 

Glyndon Ringrose 

of Island 

Surfboards, was 

one of the only 

surfers on the 

tour who was 

riding boards he 

shaped himself. 

Turbo Fish 

by Island EVO 

by Island 

Shaper: Glyndyn Ringrose 

Dimensions: 

6’7”x21 ¼”x2 5/8” 

(Also from 5’6” to 7’6”) 

Ideal conditions: 

1-5ft everyday average 

conditions 

Ability level: Fun for all 

Suits: Shaped to suit 

customer, any size. 

Description: 

Fuller nose, swallow tail, 

double concave and flatter 

rocker 

Construction: PU, 

glassed in a combination 

of 6oz and 4oz to customer 

requirement. 

Fins: Thruster or Quad, 

FCS or Futures 

Shaper comment: 

Fun board for your 

average conditions that 

anyone can ride and have 

fun. Ordered by everyone 

from our team riders, to 

dads wanting to surf with 

the kids. 


147 Thompson Ave, 

Cowes, Phillip Island VIC 

Ph: 03 5952 2578 

E: cowes@ 

islandsurfboards.com.au 


Shaper: Greg Hogan 

Dimensions: 

7’0”x 20 ½”x 2 ¾” 

(Also 6’6” to 7’11”) 

Ideal conditions: All 

round 

Ability level: 

Beginner to advanced. 

Suits: Surfers of all levels 

who want comfort and ease 

Description: Rounded 

pintail, full concave into 

slight double, slight V 

through nose to feed 

Construction: PU, 

glassed in a combination 

of 6oz and 4oz to customer 

requirement 

Fins: Thruster, FCS or 

Futures 


Shaped for comfort and 

ease of surfing, paddle 

power maximised 

without compromising 

manoeuvrability. Shaped for 

surfers going up or down 

in board size and also guys 

travelling overseas. A board 

for all conditions, possibly 

the most universal shape 

on offer. 


147 Thompson Ave, 

Cowes, Phillip Island VIC 

Ph: 03 5952 2578 

E: cowes@ 



Scimitar 

by Primitive Surf 

Shaper: Craig Rees 

Dimensions: 5’7’’ - 6’8’’ 

Above 6’1’’ x 19 ¼’’ x 2 ¼’’ 


Intermediate and up 

Suits: Different sizes 

Description: The latest 

addition to the Primitive 

range. A blend of two old 

favourites, the Punt and 

Performance Shortboard, 

the Scimitar has a wider 

planshape married with a 

performance rocker giving 

you the ease of riding 

a wider board that you 

can still trust when its 

over 4ft. 

Construction: PU foam 

with polyester resin, 

Vacuum bagged with 

Carbon/Kevlar. 

Fins: Thruster or quad 

Shaper comment: Most 

guys are riding this model 

2-3 inches shorter than 

their normal shortboard. 

With the aim of making a 

more durable product we 

have also been vacuum 

bagging the glass on with 

Carbon Kevlar around the 

rails. The result is a super 

strong, lightweight board 

that is much less likely to 

end up in two pieces. 

PRIMITIVE SURF 

601 Nudgee Rd, 

Nundah, Qld 4012 

Ph: 07 3266 1001 

E: info@primitivesurf.com 


Freak 

by Zak Surfboards 

Shaper: Ken Reimers 

Dimensions: 

6’4 x 21 1/2 x 2 3/4 

Ideal conditions: 2ft-5ft 


Novice to Intermediate 

Description: Designed 

as a surfboard that surfs 

like a shortboard but 

offers heaps of bouyancy. 

It has a shortboard rocker, 

single into concave with 

a chine rail to give plenty 

of release from rail to rail 

and makes it handle sucky 

beachies, not like a fish. 

Concave deck for a stable 

paddle platform which 

gives the surfer a board 

with wave count in mind. 

Construction: Polyester 

resin 6 oz bottom, 10oz 

deck 

Fins: 5 FCS plugs - ride it 

as a quad or a thruster 

Shaper comment: Super 

fun and easy to ride. Has 

plenty of release and 

loves big arc turns. A 

must for the surfer who 

wants everthing in just 

one board. 

ZAK SURFBOARDS 

307 Victoria Road 

Thornbury VIC 3071 

Ph: 03 9416 7384 

Mobile: 0438 416 738 

zak@zaksurfboards.com 

zaksurfboards.com 

Flextail 

by Bushrat 

Shaper: Jed Done 

Ideal conditions: An allrounder 

to work from 1’ to 6’. 

Ability: Int to advanced 

Suits: This custom 

was built for a young, 

experienced 80kg surfer. 

It can be made to suit any 

age, weight and style. 

Description: Performance 

flextail with a slight hip 

to promote top to bottom 

surfing. A very fast and 

carvy surfboard. Has a 

slightly rounded nose (on 

trial) to prevent carnage. 

Construction: Vinyl-ester 

S-glass bottom; polyester 

deck; stringerless PU blank; 

western red cedar rods 

in the rails on deck; thin 

carbon fibre/cedar strips on 

bottom; carbon fibre flextail. 

Fins: 4-Way Fin System Z fins 

Shaper comment: These 

flextails have a negative 

tail rocker, which increases 

down-the-line speed and 

drive. Once tail is loaded in a 

turn it flexes to suit the arc in 

which you’re travelling, then 

springs back to negative 

position at the apex of 

the turn giving the board 

continuous stored energy, 

which equals top end speed. 

BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS 

Merimbula NSW 

Ph: 0409 813 431 

E: jed@bushrat.com 

www.bushrat.com 


Delta 

by Fullcircle 

Shaper: Russell Francis 

Dimensions: 

6’ x 18 3/4” x 2 5/16” 



Intermediate to advanced 

Suits: 70-75kg 

Description: A smaller 

wave board for all round 

conditions. Flipped nose 

with a moderate rocker 

line and a medium single 

concave with smaller 

boxy rails and a widish 

thinned tail. 

Construction: Burford 

foam 4 x 6 x 4 glassing 

with carbon heel and toe 

patches. 

Fins: Thruster 


Smooth small wave board 

running a single concave 

with easy rails on entry 

and boxed square rails 

starting in front of the fins 

through to the tail, giving 

this board lots of spark. 

FULLCIRCLE SURFBOARDS 



Ph: 03 5956 7453 



Ph: 03 5678 5873 

fullcirclesurf.com.au 

Combo 

by Fullcircle 

Shaper: Russell Francis 

Dimensions: 

6’2” x 20 1/2” x 2 5/8” 



Novice to advanced 


Description: Great 

all-rounder for a variety 

of surfers. Single to 

double concave running 

through the swallow tail. 

Low rocker making for an 

easy paddler with a curvy 

planshape.The perfect 

Combo. 

Construction: Burford 

foam 4 x 6 x 4 glassing 

with carbon heel and toe 

patches. 


Shaper comment: A 

super fast and easy to 

ride board with plenty 

of paddle power with 

thinned nose and tail 

for sensitivity. Double 

concave through the tail 

giving extra drive and 

confidence. 

FULLCIRCLE SURFBOARDS 



Ph: 03 5956 7453 



Ph: 03 5678 5873 

fullcirclesurf.com.au 

Gunshot Dancer 

by Gangsta 

Shaper: Christian Chapman 

Dimensions: 

6’1 x 18 ½ x 2 ¼ 

Ideal conditions: Fast, 

hollow waves. 

Suits: 80kg surfer with 

back foot power 

Description: Fast board 

for Gold Coast points, 

with single twin through 

to front foot. 

Construction: All 

gangsta boards are 

100% hand shaped. 3ply 

stringers for strength 

Fins: FCS, but shaper 

does avise on set fins for 

performance and drive 


Special Gangsta 

fin placement for 

performance and drive to 

improve any surfer. 

GANGSTA SURFBOARDS 

Glen ‘Pugs’ Johnson 

Ph: 0438 158 993 or 

+62 81 805 534 069 (Bali) 

Mermaid Beach Store 

Shop 1/2558 Gold Coast 

Coast Hwy, Mermaid 

Beach, QLD 4218 

Ph: 07 5526 6969 

Gangsta Surf - Bali 

Poppies Lane 1 Kuta 

Bali-Indonesia 

Ph: +62 361 767 174 

The Slapper 

by Islantis 

Shaper: Grem 

Dimensions: 

6’1’’ x 20 1/8’’ x 2 5/8’’. 

Ideal conditions: 1-5ft 

beaches/reefs/pointbreaks. 

Ability: Novice to pro. 

Suits: All - available in 

custom. 

Description: A blend of 

what works in a shortboard 

and in a fish. Designed and 

created by Grem and the 

Islantis team to cater for 

the world class beach and 

reef break setups on Phillip 

Island. A performance fish 

style board with volume. 

Construction: Ocean 

Foam hardcore blanks, FGI 

resins and Airilite cloth 

Fins: 3 or 5 fin, with 5 fin 

FCS/Futures most popular. 

Change your fin setup to 

suit the conditions. Surf as 

a Twinny/Thruster or Quad. 


Currently our most 

popular model. Ease of 

paddling, accelleration and 

destroying a lip are second 

to none. Custom orders 

about 2-weeks. Demos 

available from shop. 

ISLANTIS SURFBOARDS 

10-12 Phillip Island Tourist 

Rd, Phillip Island, Vic 3925 

Ph: 03 5956 7553 

info@islantis.com.au 


DS 10 

by Diverse 

Shaper: Dave Verrall 

Dimensions: 

6’3 x 19 x 2 3/8” = 28.4L 

Ideal conditions: Good 

surf.. 2-6 foot hollow 

beach breaks & cracking 

points. 

Suits: You.. if you want 

to rip tear & shred every 

wave that comes your 

way. Traditional high 

performance thruster. 

Description: You need 

a good shortboard in 

your quiver that just goes 

insane when the surf is 

great. Fast, loose, drive 

and control - the Sprint has 

it all. Ten second tubes, 

huge hacks, tail slides or 

kerrupt flips. You can do it, 

well, so can the Sprint. 

Construction: 

Polyurethane foam, wood 

stringer & polyester 

resin.. traditional proven 

materials! 

Fins: Fin Solutions thruster 

setup. Stronger than the 

average 2 plug system, 

take FCS replacements. 

Shaper comment: If you 

want to win contests, come 

and see me! 

DIVERSE SURFBOARDS 

476 Gold Coast Hwy, 

Tugun, QLD 4224 

Ph: 07 5598 4848 

dave@diversesurf.com.au 

diversesurf.com.au 

Diverse is serious 

about customdressing 

their 

surfboards. See 

diversesurf.com.au/art/ 

for more 


85

GEAR: RETRO 

Tip: If you buy a 

Garrett, make sure the 

Phantom slips you a copy 

of Phanzine... 

Wonglepong 

by Chris Garrett 

Shaper: Chris Garrett 

Dimensions: 

5’8’’ x 19 1/4”x 2 3/8” 


beachies and points 

Suits: Beginner to pro, 

depending on the size of 

the board 

Description: Flat entry 

with a generous tail lift, 

single concave feeding into 

two deepish concaves and 

a vee releasing out through 

the tail. Rolled deck with 

medium rails that spiral 

and foil out through the 

tail to give great sensitivity 

and hold in the turns. Fast 

takeoff and tons of fun in 

average to good surf. 

Construction: This one is 

PU and polyester resin but 

I have done plenty in EPS 

with Kevlar rails and epoxy. 

Fins: Thruster or quad 

Shaper comment: Most 

people tend to be scared 

to go smaller… Don’t be 

too shy …This one has 

a ton of float and will 

paddle and surf better 

than your normal board. 

CHRIS GARRETT/ 

PHANTOM SURFBOARDS 

Ph: 0424 450 690 

E: blabla@ 

chrisgarrettshapes.com.au 


Mini Simmons 

by Black Apache Surfboards 

Shaper: Jesse Watson 

Dimensions: 5’0 - 6’0. 

Above: 5’6” x 21” x 2 5/8” 

Ideal conditions: 2ft 

mushburgers to 5ft points 


Novice to advanced 


Description: Becoming 

a very popular board 

with those in the know, 

including Dane Reynolds, 

Dan Malloy, Andrew 

Kidman, Chris Del Moro. 

A great fish alternative. 

Combines high lines off the 

top, big arcs and amazing 

speed capabilities. 

Construction: 4+4oz deck, 

4oz bottom, double blue 

pigment with banded nose 

in full gloss and polish. 

Fins: Custom, hand made 

glass-ons. 

Shaper comment: If I 

could only have one board 

in my quiver it would be 

the simmons. Making and 

promoting them as long as 

anyone in Australia, its the 

fastest, most fun board, in 

everything from 2ft mush 

to 5ft point breaks. Try one 

you wont be disappointed. 

black apache surfboards 

BLACK APACHE 

SURFBOARDS 

Ph: 0410 419 791 

E: blackapachesurfboards@ 

live.com.au 

blackapachesurfboards. 

blogspot.com 

TW 10 

by Diverse 


Dimensions: 

5’6 x 20 1/4 x 2 1/2 = 30.6 L 


Suits: Fun rides & 

everyday surfing 

Description: Amazing 

speed combined with 

incredible maneuverbility. 

Double vee and a nice 

concave jets you under 

the lip and through all the 

sections. We like to use 

handmade wooden keel 

fins for extra drive and 

strength, however this 

one has removable glass 

fins. Available in tints, 

pigments, polished and 

polyester! Cool cats who 

have purchased one often 

have a SG single fin in the 

lounge and a DS Sprint for 

a little change. 

Construction: 




materials! 

Fins: Twin Keels 

Shaper comment: Life 

is too short to grovel on a 

shortboard.. Get a fish and 

live to surf everyday. 




Ph: 07 5598 4848 



Double Ender 

by Underground 

Shaper: Tony Dempsey 

Dimensions: 

5’10 x 20 1/4 x 2 1/2 


beachies to 5ft points 


Novice to semi-pro 


Description: A modern 

replica of the single fin 

Dempsey first shaped in 

1967. Handcrafted turbo 

concave (soft concave 

going into a V in the 

tail) with a very low rocker 

principle. Mid rails, single 

fin with two forward 

mounts so you can ride 

as a single or tri-fin... 

Two surfboards in one! 

Available in 5”6 to 6”10. 

Construction: EPS foam. 

Fins: FCS & fin box 

Shaper comment: This 

surfboard is designed so 

that anyone can have fun 

on it. The width of the 

tail is designed to create 

a phenomenal amount 

of area to assist with 

cutbacks and creates 

sensational planing area 

and speed. 

UNDERGROUND SURF 

3/31 McLean St, 

Coolangatta QLD 4225 

Ph: 07 5599 1040 

kirra@undergroundsurf.com.au 

undergroundsurf.com.au 


Central Coast carve 

FEATURED BOARD 

Critical Slide Society rider Kerry 

Down lives “for the sweet smell 

of salty swells that roll into the 

many various reefs and beaches 

that are scattered along the 

Central Coast.” 

He recently acquired this 

handcrafted fish by Jesse 

Watson of Black Apache 

Surfboards and this is what he 

had to say... 

Apache Twin 

by Black Apache Surfboards 

Shaper: Jesse Watson 

Dimensions: 

5’6” x 19 ¾” x 2 ½” 


beachies to 5ft point 

madness 

Ability level: Anyone can 

ride a fish but to do it well 

takes skill and style 

Suits: Anyone looking to put 

a bit of flow into their surfing 

Description: If you 

missed out on the fish 

revolution then you must 

have had your head in the 

sand. Nowadays everyone 

has a fish in their quiver. 

It’s the board you can ride 

300 days of the year 

Construction: This one is 

a 4 + 4oz deck with a 4oz 

bottom tint and pigment 

combo and a protec finish 

to keep the weight down. 

Fins: Handmade glass on 

keels, single foiled for bite. 

Shaper comment: More 

for performance than a 

retro fish. Lightweight 

glass and modern rocker/ 

foil/rails mean you can go 

straight from shortboard to 

fish without missing a beat 

and carve it up. 

“Boy do they go good... from 

hollow little tubes to fast down 

the line walls, this board takes 

off like a bullet and lets you 

throw it around like it’s one of 

your thrusters... It’s going to be 

very hard to get off this board!” 

black apache surfboards 

BLACK APACHE 

SURFBOARDS 

Ph: 0410 419 791 

E: blackapachesurfboards@ 

live.com.au 

blackapachesurfboards. 

blogspot.com 

Surf shots by surfer/ 

photographer Jughead 


87

GEAR: ALL KINDS 

*To see how 

Andrew 

from Grown 

constructs 

his boards, 

check out 

this edition ’ s 

project 

Flow Fish 

by Grown 

Shaper: Andrew Wells 

Dimensions: 

6’4 x 21 ½ x 2 ½ 

Ideal conditions: This 

board is great for small 

conditions and even better 

in clean head high waves. 

Ability level: All 

Suits: Bigger guys or 

those wanting something 

with a bit more float. 

Description: A more 

hybrid shaped fish, with 

wide point back toward 

the middle, however still 

wide enough in the nose 

to give plenty of paddle 

power. Single to double 

concave in the base that 

gives plenty of speed. 

Construction: Hollow 

Timber 

Fins: Twin Fin or keels 

Shaper comment: A 

great all-rounder, plenty 

of float and very fast. It 

is ideal for bigger guys 

wanting to ride a shorter 

board, because its a 

hollow timber board it 

has a lot more float than a 

similar sized foam board. 

GROWN SURFBOARDS 

Lennox Head 

PO Box 801, Ballina NSW 2478 

Ph: 0407889049 

sales@grownsurfboards.com.au 

grownsurfboards.com.au 

Fish 

by Zak Surfboards 

Shaper: Ken Reimers 

Dimensions: 

6’ x 21 x 2 3/4 


summer slop 


Novice to Intermediate 

Description: The Zak 

Fish is a small wave gem 

and the volume over the 

chest makes it a dream to 

paddle. The board loves 

a big wide face and is 

loose and responsive off 

the tail, while the flat 

into V bottom with its MR 

twinfin setup into small 

trailer makes it super fun 

to ride. 

Construction: Polyester 

resin 6 oz bottom, 10oz 

deck 

Fins: MR twinfin setup 

with small trailer 

Shaper comment: The 

fish has made a massive 

comeback over the last 

few years and most likely 

because they are just 

super fun boards to ride in 

the summer. 


307 Victoria Road 

Thornbury VIC 3071 

Ph: 03 9416 7384 

Mobile: 0438 416 738 

zak@zaksurfboards.com 

zaksurfboards.com 

Super Tuna 

by Wegener The Marlin 

Shaper: Tom Wegener 

Dimensions: 

8’ x 20” x 2.5” 

Ideal conditions: Small to 

medium waves 



Suits: Adventurous spirits 

after a different glide 

Description: The 

Super Tuna is a limited 

edition board of 10 only, 

beautifully handcrafted by 

Tom Wegener. The boards 

are $2000, and there are 

8 left. 

Construction: Hollow, 

Paulownia wood with 

red cedar rails and 2mm 

plywood overlay on deck. 


ultimate introduction to 

finless surfing for the 

mature surfer. Fun and 

easy to ride in small to 

medium surf. 

TOM WEGENER 

SURFBOARDS 

108 Cooroy, QLD 4563 

Ph: 0401 257 479 

info@tomwegenersurfboards.com 

tomwegenersurfboards.com 

by Riley 

Shaper: Mark Riley 

Dimensions: 5’0’’- 6’8’’ x 

19 ½’’- 21 ½’’ x 2 ½ - 3’’ 

Ideal conditions: ½ - 5 ft 

Ability level: Advanced 

to experienced 

Description: The Marlin 

is a EPS foam core 

performance fish which 

features our unparallel 

stringers. During turns, 

these drive the energy 

to the tail of the board 

for clean, crisp, powerful 

carves. The 2 ½’’ 

thickness of the board 

under the chest area 

makes this board a great 

wave catcher. 

Construction: Balsa with 

EPS foam core 

Fins: Your choice of twin, 

keels or quad 


Marlin is as light as a 

regular polyurethane fish. 

It’s easy to paddle making 

it easy to catch waves, 

and the swallow tail really 

helps you in sharp turns. 

RILEY SURFBOARDS 

Ph: 0412 376 464 

E: mark@riley.com.au 

balsasurfboardsriley. 

com.au 

Fat Bastard 

by DSC 

Shaper: Ackers 

Dimensions: 

6.4 x 21 x 2.7/8 and 

6.7 x 22 x 3 

Ideal conditions: 1ft to 6ft 

Ability: Beg to adv 

Suits: Lightweights-heavies 

Description: DSC’s 

version of a mal/mini 

mal, originally marked as 

the “mid-life crisis”. Two 

sizes/widths. Paddles 

easily, built for guys/girls 

who want a longboard 

alternative. 

Construction: PU foam 

6oz bottom, 2x6 deck, full 

finish coat polish. This 

means resin not 2pack or 

wipe on 

Fins: Front fins plugged, rear 

fin boxed with FCS adapter 


Comes rolled in the nose 

to a shallow concave to v 

in the tail, allowing easier 

rail to rail. More refined 

than the name suggest 

- definitely for the more 

discerning surfer who 

appreciates quality. Not a 

fish, a bag full of fun. 

DSC SURFBOARDS 

Midtown Arcade, Noorooma 

Cr, Narooma, NSW, 2546 

Ph: 0424 867 962 

E: dscsufboards 

@optusnet.com.au 


GEAR:LONGBOARDS 

This is what 

James Watson 

and Woogie 

Marsh are 

both riding at 

the moment. 

Cheap Date 

by Gato Heroi 

Shaper: Robin Kegel 

(California) 

Dimensions: 

9’6 x 22 ½ x 2 ¾ 


3-4 foot 



logger 

Suits: all sizes 

Description: Heavy 

weight single-fin 

noseriding log. 

Construction: Foam and 

glass. Awesome resin tint. 

Fins: One big one 


All around outline, our 

most full template, 

complimenting a bladey 

foil and consistent rocker. 

good for most longboard 

conditions and lighter 

footed surfing. 

GATO HEROI is at 

SANDY FEET SURF CO 

5/21 Clarence Street, 

Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 

Ph: 02 6584 1995 

Mob: 0416 226 774 

mike@sandyfeetsurf.com.au 


The Big Kong 

by Watego , s DP 10 Pig 

9’4 

by Diverse Noserider 

by High Tide Step Rail /Step Deck SUP 

Shaper: Phil Myers 

Dimensions: 

10’ 23” x 3 1/2 


point breaks. 

Suits: This is our “big 

boys board” and is truly 

the all round board for the 

larger lad. 

Description: Turns, 

trims, and noserides 

unbelievably well even 

in small waves. Double 

concave under the fins. 

Round tail 19 nose 14 

1/2 tail. 

Construction: Aussie 

made fibreglass with a 6oz 

bottom and 6 x 6oz deck 

Fins: 2 + 1 setup - Fin box 

and 2 side fins 


Anyone who has 

seen legendary “big 

boy champion” John 

Keevers surf this board 

are gobsmacked by 

his surfing - and he’s 

“slightly” over 100kg 

and in the over 60 age 

division. 

BYRON BAY 

LONGBOARDS 

89 Jonson Street, 

Byron Bay NSW 2481 

Ph: 02 6685 5244 

byronbaylongboards.com.au 


Dimensions: 

9’4”X 23” X 3 1/8”= 74L 


Awesome to ride in 1-4 ft, 

great any day. 

Suits: Anyone who 

wants, has or believes 

in style. 

Description: Features a 

beautiful blend of resin 

colours that add to its 

classic appearance and 

shape. A single fin 10” box. 

A magic carpet ride... ‘The 

pig’ model at Diverse will 

allow you to nose ride like 

you’ve never nose ridden 

before! It’s what it’s all 

about. Allow your classic 

style to unfold riding the 

magic of ‘the pig’. 

Construction: 




materials! 

Fins: Choice of wooden 

D-fin or glass box fin. 

Shaper comment: Every 

one of these I shape I just 

want to keep and ride! 




Ph: 07 5598 4848 



Shaper: Jordie Brown 

Dimensions: 

9’4 x 23 ¼’’ x 19’’ x 16’’ x 3’’ 

Ideal conditions: Waist to 

shoulder high peelers 



Suits: Any surfer not 

scared of weight and 

volume. 

Description: The 

combination of subtle 

tail lift, wide Californian 

square tail, rolled vee 

bottom and full 50/50 

rails makes this noserider 

design surprisingly 

maneuverable without 

losing any stability 

trimming and on the nose. 

Construction: Heavy 

tinted glass job with 2’’ 

solid Paulownia stringer. 

Fins: Handmade glass on 

10’’ pivot fin. 


Based on the heavier oldschool, 

mid-sixties style of 

construction, this noserider 

is the perfect board for 

the surfer wanting to 

experience all the glide and 

moment of a past era. 

HIGH TIDE 

SURFBOARDS 

Skenes Creek, Vic 3233 

Ph: 0401 437 392 

hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com 

hightidesurfboards.com 

by Chris Garrett 

Shaper: Chris Garrett 

Dimensions: 

8’6’’ x 27” x 4 1/4” 


beachies and points 

Suits: Made to suit.This 

one is custom for James 

Watson. It’s pretty tuned. 

Description: Almost 

dead flat deck for superior 

paddling and stability, with 

step in rail to reduce rail 

volume for surfboard-like 

sensitivity. Bottom is vee 

into two concaves, easy 

paddling nose rocker and 

fair amount of tail lift for 

surfing more in the pocket. 

Construction: EPS foam 

and pigmented epoxy resin. 


Shaper comment: High 

performance board for 

an elite surfer. For us 

mere mortals, I’d add 

more width and length. 

I only make customs to 

suit your personal needs 

and preferences. Nothing 

is too hard or freaky… 

In fact, the weirder the 

better! 

CHRIS GARRETT/ 

PHANTOM SURFBOARDS 

Ph: 0424 450 690 

E: blabla@ 




89

GEAR: FORUM 

“Manufacturing is a core 

part of the surf industry” 

Chris Garrett 

MAKING WAVES FOR RECOGNITION OF SHAPERS’ SKILLS 

Lets face it. Nobody likes to part with 

their hard-earned cash. But most people 

understand that utilising the services 

of a tradesperson such as a plumber, 

electrician or builder comes at a price. 

Then why, when it comes to surfboard 

manufacturing, is it a different story? 

Maybe it’s because shapers are not 

formally recognised for their trade. 

Most of us know the role shapers play 

in the creation of a surfboard. But in a 

process than can take anywhere from 

six to ten hours just for a standard 

shortboard, there’s an enormous 

amount of skill that comes into play, 

from shaping to glassing. The problem 

is, there are no formal qualifications 

or training for shapers. And in an age 

where that piece of paper is the key to 

everything from pay to prestige, it’s a 

massive hindrance. Albeit one that could 

be about to change. 

Ask any surfboard manufacturer, such as 

Chris Garrett, and they will tell you the 

price of surfboards has only risen $60 to 

$80 in the last 15 years. 

It seems pretty scant when you consider 

how much the cost of other leisure and 

entertainment activities has gone up; 

items such as music, books and movies. 

“A lot of people don’t realise just what 

goes into a board,” Chris continues. 

“How many hands it goes through and 

how much skill there is involved. Again 


it comes back to the lack of formal 

respect. But the issue is at least on the 

agenda. 

One promise that came out of the 

recent federal election was a Coalition 

commitment to spend $500,000 on a 

Gold Coast pilot program on surfboard 

manufacturing. 

Bek Clarke, partner in Daniel Macdonald 

Shapes and the Curve surf shop, 

says a system of formal recognition 

for surfboard manufacturing would 

be welcomed, as would an official 

training program – such as a certificate 

cum apprenticeship over two to three 

years - to ensure industry skills are 

enhanced and passed down through the 

generations. 

“At the moment a lot of people who 

do get involved in the industry are 

pigeonholed to only really learn certain 

aspects,” she says. “So one person 

will only know how to do polishing, 

or sanding, or glassing. The actual 

craftsmen of the industry, who know 

how to do all the aspects of board 

building, they’re a dying breed. That’s 

a dying trade. So we want craftsmen 

who learn every aspect of the board 

building process which, as a surfboard 

manufacturer, you should be able to do.” 

Bek says a lot of people preferred to get 

involved in the marketing and business 

side of the trade. “Everyone wants to be 

involved with Billabong and Quiksilver. 

However, when it comes to the core of 

the industry, which is surfboards, kids 

just aren’t really interested,” she says. 

Then comes the side effect expense of 

such ad hoc, non-formal training. 

“The challenge at the moment is we 

have young guys learning the trade 

who have been at it now for a couple 

of years and are just starting to get 

on top of things, and yet we have 

been paying them around $1000 a 

week. Unfortunately along the way 

we’re paying for the mistakes they 

make, which in fairness is part of the 

learning process, but it just puts further 

pressures on a business that has next to 

no margins already. Once a mistake is 

made on a board, that’s it. 

“The other challenge we have is a lot 

of our workers at the moment are from 

overseas, so most of our workers we 

do train up to a certain point head back 

home with their skills and we’re left 

scraping for another worker to train up. 

The workers come from Japan, Brazil 

and South Africa. The only people who 

seem enticed to work in the industry 

are from overseas. It’s too hard to find 

Aussie workers. 

“There is no support to train these 

people. It would be a lot easier if you 

could get qualified workers. It is so hard 

to find workers who know what they 

are doing.” 

When quizzed about what guidelines 

are currently in place to determine 

a worker’s readiness to enter the 

board-building industry, Dan Macdonald 

says, “At this stage there are no formal 

set guidelines as to how many hours 

need to be completed to seek a certain 

qualification with regards to aspects of 

manufacturing. This needs to be worked 

out by people within the surfboard 

manufacturing industry.” 

Long-time shaper Chris Garrett finishes 

off our conversation by saying, “What 

we are ultimately striving to establish 

is a funding grant for training to further 

develop the surfboard manufacturing 

industry in Australia. We believe 

surfboard manufacturing is a core part 

of the surf industry and we should 

recognise the skills of our workers.” 

Our few months on the road promoting 

smorgasboarder magazine and 

discussing the various issues facing 

local shapers has strengthened our 

commitment to become a staunch 

advocate of the local surfboard 

manufacturing industry. We’re here to 

champion the cause of those keeping 

you in the water, and will in each issue 

keep our readers informed of industry 

developments. 

We welcome readers’ comments and 

ask all correspondence be forwarded to 

editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au

NEWS 

GET UP, STAND UP. 

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS. 

SUP surfers, for a while now, have 

been fighting for their rights and 

respect from fellow surfers of 

smaller boards. Now their landloving 

cousins have entered the fray 

in the world of skateboarding... 

Check out ‘skate paddling’ on 

youtube.com to see what we’re 

on about. 

SKATEBOARDS THAT AREN’T 

QUITE SKATEBOARDS 

If you’re a keen surfer and have 

built up a bit of a surfboard quiver 

at home, now is the time to start 

on your skateboard collection. 

After all, to be a true 

smorgasboarder, you have to have 

some boards with wheels too. 

To start off the skate section of our 

first edition with a bang, we were 

lucky enough to pick up test boards 

from SmoothStar and the Fiik 

boys. And thanks to Da Bomb Surf 

Shop, we managed to grab one of 

the new streetboardz to include in 

the review as well. 

When it came to the road tests, 

we had a ball. In fact, we struggled 

to get on with the rest of the 

magazine... But we did. 

See overleaf what we found out. 

TARP-ON-IN 

Flat as a tack... When there’s not 

a wave in sight, what can you do? 

Grab a tarp and surf it! Seems kind 

of weird to be in the ‘blue room’ but 

this is what days on end with no 

surf really does to some people. 

Check out the website for links to 

these great videos. 

www.tarpsurfing.com 


91

SKATE: ROAD TEST 

SMOOTH 

STAR 

Get the hang of it and it’s smooth cruising 

fun for big kids and even little kids. WORDS MC 

“DAD! CAN WE SKATE?!” 

This has been the question levelled at me every day since I first 

got the SmoothStar 39” Cruiser Longboard demo board home. 

Once my test co-pilot, the fearless Easy-E, got a taste for 

cruising down the bitumen with Dad at the rudder, it was all go. 

When you’re used to a standard skateboard, the SmoothStar - which goes for around 

$299 - throws you a little when you first hop on board. With it’s swivelling front truck 

Thruster system (see to the right, below) it’s incredibly loose - and I mean loose. This 

thing turns on a 5c piece. However, if like me, you’re used to ‘90s-style, tightened-upto-the-point-of-popping 

the-rubbers-out trucks which keeps the board as stiff as um... 

a board... then this is pretty weird to start off with. 

That being said, this whole longboard/carving thing has really got me more and more 

interested over the past few months and I was super-keen to try the Smoothstar out. 

While the start was a bit wobbly, once you get used to the back-foot control, a whole 

new world opens up. The SmoothStar website says the Cruiser is their equivalent 

to a min mal, for those who like to cruise and practise nice wide carving turns. This is 

all true. Rolling down a hill, you get to do super-lazy wide turns and could just carve 

forever, or as long as the hill goes anyway. It picks up plenty of speed, but it’s not 

too scary, because you have a fair bit of control due to how tight you can turn it. But 

will it help your surfing as it claims? It definitely rides more like a surfboard than a 

skateboard, so I think it definitely would. And my surfing is so bad, everything helps. 

Love it. Great ride, great fun. E agrees. 

STREET 

BOARDZ 

It’s described as the ultimate cross-training tool for 

surfers and surprisingly the claim is spot-on. I use the 

word surprised because it took a while to get my ahead 

around the mechanics of the whole thing. This thing really 

was a surfboard with wheels. WORDS DS 

You lean into turns like a surfboard. It responds like a surfboard. You 

will even find yourself trailing a hand on the road like you would on a 

wave. 

I took some getting used to because the board didn’t really handle like 

a skateboard at all. 

One is always a bit tentative with something new, and while it’s one 

thing to fall off your surfboard trying a new move, it’s another altogether 

to come off a skateboard and faceplant on the bitumen. Once I 

did get a feel for the streetboard however, I had more confidence on it 

than a normal skateboard. To confess, my skateboarding is pretty average. 

Surfing comes more naturally to me even though both disciplines 

are somewhat similar. 

streetboardz claim that once you have ridden one of their boards, you 

will feel an immediate difference the next time you go surfing. They 

were right there too. 

We tested the board in the morning and had a surf later that day. 

Lo and behold, I definitely felt smoother through my turns. 

“But why is it so”, I hear you ask in a Monty Python 

voice. Well, it is because of the unique dual coil 

spring system in the trucks which allows the board 

to simulate the rail-to-rail experience of surfing. 

It’s a fair testament to the board’s ability to 

improve your surfing when the likes of Phil McNamara mara(MickFanning’s 

Coach), Barton Lynch (former world champion surfer as well as elite 

surf coach and Australian team coach) as well as 

Martin Dunn (one 

of the world’s most elite coaches and numerous times the Australian 

team coach) all rate it as the best thing since sliced bread. 

In their words, “The streetboardz etboardz are the best surf training 

devices 

available. They take the rider back to the fundamentals of surfing. They 

provide a unique ue opportunity for both the rider and coach to work and focus 

on technique, style and overall strength in a controlled and 

managed 

environment.” nment.” Barton Lynch/ Martin Dunn. So who are we to argue? 

SPECS 

AND FEATURES 

39” LONG BOARD “CRUISER” 

• 39” x 8 ½” 

• Rides like a mini mal/longboard 

• Perfect for steep hills and carving side-to-side 

Other boards in the SmoothStar range include 

two different 36” Short Board Cruisers, the 

32” Flying Fish and the 30” Retro Rocket. 

For more info, see www.smoothstar.com 

SPECS 

AND FEATURES 

• 4 models are available 

• Streetboard: the model we tested: perfect for carving big hills 

• Dragon: suited to the competitive surfer for cross training 

• Cruiser: larger board for longboard enthusiasts 

• Pool Bomb: best suited to the skate park 

streetboardz range from $295 for the Pool 

Bomb through to $550 for the 

Streetboard. For more information, see 

www.streetboardz.net

GOING ELECTRIC 

IN THE AVENUES 

FiiK 

I think the boys at Fiik have a problem. You see anyone 

who has had a go on one of their boards can’t get off 

them. It’s probably why all the boards road tested by 

various mags have never been returned. WORDS DS 

Hell, I couldn’t get off them. I took my 

kids for a ride and I couldn’t get them 

off the boards. A few of my mates came 

around and then I couldn’t get them off 

the boards. We passed a few neighbours 

up the street returning from an afternoon 

surf, they wanted a go and then we 

couldn’t get them of the boards. 

It’s fair to say the Fiik board is 

addictive. Why drive down the road to 

check out the surf when you can Fiik 

it down? Even better if the return trip 

is uphill. Simply squeeze the trigger 

(ever so gently because these things 

go like the clappers – up to 35 kms per 

hour, reportedly) and away she goes. 

Hills certainly aren’t a problem as 

they have plenty of grunt. And if you 

have the Big Daddy model, going cross 

country won’t stop you either. They will 

traverse next to anything. 

They ride like a typical longboard 

skateboard but can do so much more. 

The boards are powered by a silent 

electronic system having evolved from 

their predecessors noisy two-stroke 

engines. To find out more about the 

Fiik and how it can be truly ridden 

by the experts, check out their clip 

featuring Owen and Tyler Wilson: 

http://youtu.be/Vsg6HcK_0FQ 

My favourite was the Street Surfer. 

Whilst the Shorty was a little more 

responsive and could turn on a dime, the 

Street Surfer could go next to anywhere 

– up gutters, over grass, you name it. 

I have got to buy one. I can just picture 

myself skating down to my favourite 

surf break to check things out with one 

of the kids on board. That’s what living 

at the beach is all about. 

SPECS 

AND FEATURES 

• Minimum 2-3 hours battery life 

• Available with lithium or standard 

battery 

• Rechargeable memory free, deep 

cycle, high output battery packs 

• Speeds up to 35km/hr 

• Wireless hand-held remote control 

• 3 speed settings 

• ABS brakes 

• There are now 7 models on offer 

• Prices are incredible considering 

what they do and range from $650 

to $950 for the standard models. 

• Green credentials – its powered, but 

environmentally friendly. Considering 

the automotive alternative, it gets a 

big thumbs up. 

More: www.fiikskateboards.com. 

The Shorty 

THE VERDICT: 

VERY DIFFERENT OPTIONS 

All really fun rides in their own respect. Skating traditionalists will 

probably find themselves more at home on a SmoothStar, while surfing, 

non-skaters might find the streetboardz a more comfortable transition. 

As for the Fiik boards... if you have cash to spend, just go and get one. 

For fun, for thrills or even quick commuting, these are just awesome. 

The Fiik Street Surfer - what childhood dreams are made of 

Street Surfer lawn burnouts

GEAR: PROJECT 

from this 

Home Grown 

Andrew Wells makes wooden 

surfboards and he makes 

them very well. For the past 

few years, his business has 

quietly grown from a personal 

board-building project to an 

established following for his 

Lennox Head NSW based 

company, Grown Surfboards. 

to this 

1. 2. 

1 Milling the palings 

2 Timber milled ready to go 

You’ll find Andrew - a trained 

environmental engineer - actively 

involved at community events such 

as the Alley Fish Fry and the Wooden 

Board Day at Currumbin. In the spirit 

of information exchange and secretsharing, 

he was just as happy to share 

a bit about one of his recent projects 

- breathing some new life into a pile 

of old fence palings by creating this 

beautiful 6-foot singlefin. 

“The reason behind using the fence palings 

for this board was because I use recycled 

timber as much as possible. It gives boards 

more personality and character. 

“I was walking my dog past a guy 

replacing his fence which had blown 

over in a storm. I started thinking it 

would be cool to try and re-use the fence 

palings to do a rustic timber looking 

board, keeping all of the nail holes, 

and so on to really give the board some 

character. 

“So I grabbed a stack of the palings 

off the guy - who looked at me very 

strangely when I told him what I was 

going to use them for -and got to work.” 

Andrews says that because the palings 

were redgum it was going to add a fair 

bit of weight to the board, which is the 

reason he chose an old singlefin design. 

“It has a fair bit of thickness through 

the board which essentially gives it 

more float in the water to counteract 


3. 4. 

5. Bottom deck on frame and 

centre stringer timber added 

3 Internal frame for the board 

4 Paulownia bottom deck being glued onto frame 

6. 7. 

9. 10. 

8. 

6 Deck boards being attached 

7 Deck on 

8 Top and bottom decks on, plan shape cut ready to 

add rails 

9 Rails on, ready for shaping 

10 Rails shaped and board sanded, ready for 

glassing 

the additional weight. I went with the 

narrow pintail as I wanted it to be a fun 

little point-riding board that would hold 

its line in the pocket nicely.” 

35 hours of work saw the board 

constructed and finished, ready for 

glassing. But it wasn’t easy going due 

to the fact that the redgum was so 

seasoned, making it hard as a rock. 

“While milling down the palings into 

boards for the deck, I managed to rip 

about four teeth off my table saw and 

proceeded to blunt every tool in my shed 

trying to shape it. It took about three 

hours to sand the deck, which coated 

everything in red dust, which in turn 

stained everything else.“ 

But in the end Andrew reckons the 

finished board was well worth the effort. 

Although he hasn’t had this one in the 

water, he compared the ride to another 

board of the same style and size: 

“It needs a bit of push in the wave to 

get it going, but once you drop in, the 

extra weight in the board gives you a 

stack of speed and momentum out of 

your bottom turn. 

“And it really locks in nice and solid in 

the pocket. I have had some of the best 

barrels on that board.” 

For more on Andrew’s work, see 

www.grownsurfboards.com.au 

The finished surfboard - glassed, 

polished and ready for the waves 

6’ x 20’ x 2.5 


95

Proud stockists of all 

leading surf brands and 

Vern Jackson Surfboards 

COUNTER CULTURE 

“A GOOD OLD SURF SHOP IN 

AN ICONIC SURF TOWN” 

Dave Cram, 1993 (photo by Slim) 

Juanita & Kent Saunders, Southern Man Surf Shop 

Brett Burcher 

Ulladulla shaper 

Vern Jackson 

combines the 

best ideas from 

the past with 

the innovative 

and progressive 

thinking to create 

some of the finest 

boards in the 

water today. 

That’s why you’ll 

find his boards in 

Southern Man Surf. 

Nitro 

This is a highperformance 

fish blending ‘70s 

outline with 21st 

century design. 

$ 690 

Fatboy 

A scaled-up 

version of the 

Nitro for big 

guys. 

$ 780 

1985 

1991 

Perry Mason, 1993, with 

Martyn Saunders (now 25) 

For personal service and a great range of surfboards and accessories, 

skateboards, bodyboards, clothing and much more, visit Southern 

Man Surf in Ulladulla on your next surf trip to the South Coast of NSW. 

138 Princes Highway, Ulladulla, NSW 2539 

www.southernman.com.au 

Kent Saunders 

presents the 1984 Surf 

Off trophy to Glen Kelly 


THE MAN 

STILL STANDS 

The iconic Southern Man Surf shop in Ulladulla on the 

picturesque New South Wales South Coast has been a 

mainstay of the surf trade along the Princes Highway and 

still stands tall after almost four decades of business. 

36 years ago there were no thrusters. 36 years ago, there was no 

formally organised surfing competition, and you might easily have surfed 

a single fin next to a knee boarder. 36 years ago, most people reading this 

mag were probably at school, in nappies or not yet even a twinkle in their 

parents’ eyes. 

And 36 years ago surfers all along the east coast, freshly hyped up from 

Morning of the Earth, were travelling and discovering new breaks and 

new experiences, while a young surfer - Dave Mathews - went into a 

new venture - the original Southern Man. 

Nan and Joe Saunders bought the store in April 1979 and by November 

that year Kent, Juanita and 6-month-old son Ben had moved to the South 

Coast to involve themselves in the business, running Southern Man while 

Nan and Joe opened a menswear shop, which is still operating and still in 

the family, run by Kent’s brother, Craig. 

The iconic Ulladulla surf shop began as a ‘surf shop and jeanery’, 

stocking brands such as Golden Breed, Hang Ten, Cream, Pipeline 

Leggies, and the good old Levis and those ‘70s fledging brands Billabong, 

Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Kuta Line and Ocean and Earth. 

Southern Man moved to its present location in 1984 and, other than a 

lot of refurbishment, hasn’t changed a lot over the years. With a loyal 

following, the store has long been a stalwart of the surf industry in the 

area and a second home to South Coast surf heroes such as Glen Kelly 

and Mark Lenton, John Giles, Steven Dair, Nathan Marks, Mark Roughly 

Graeme and Brad Parsons, Slim and current up-and-comers Brett Burcher, 

Scott ‘Whippy’ Denis, Darcy Piper, Sean and Tess Mawson and some 

great bodyboarders such as Glen Thurston, Damien Martin, Liam Glass, 

Mat McArthur and Joe Silver. 

An institution in the local surf scene, the store continues to sponsor 

countless surfers and various sporting clubs, events and charities. 

Over the years, Southern Man has always remained true to its roots, 

supporting local shapers by stocking local boards, from Skipp Surfboards, 

USC, Swift Stix, Ocean Movement and BK Surfboards in the ‘70s, ‘80s, 

‘90s to Vern Jackson Surfboards since early 2000. 

In 1980 Kent and Juanita Saunders took over as owners of Southern 

Man and, with a strong sense of family in the business, today their sons 

Tim and Martyn - who practically grew up in the store - make up the team 

along with Perry, Sam, Dani and Tash. This crew know their game and 

Juanita is still on the floor selling and organizing seven days a week. 

Although the shop has been around for more than three decades, it’s 

anything but old and stale. A recent refurbishment has delivered a clean, 

uncluttered layout in the various departments in the store – surf, skate, 

bodyboards and mens, ladies and children fashion. But Southern Man is 

still very much a surf shop at heart, to which the surfboard shed out the 

back bears witness. With the best views on the South Coast the shed is 

filled with an endless number of new and secondhand boards. Make sure 

you check out the ‘treasure chest’ next time you stop by the store. 

Southern Man Surf shop at Ulladulla is open rain, hail or shine, seven 

days a week, week in, week out. In fact, the only day of the year it closes 

is Christmas Day. 

On your next trip to the South Coast, make sure you stop in and say 

hello at “the original and still the best” Southern Man Surf shop. 

SOUTHERN MAN SURF SHOP 

138 Princes Highway 

Ulladulla NSW 2539 

Phone: (02) 4454 0343 

mail@southernman.com.au 


Left: Scott ‘Whippy’ Denis 

(photo: Simon Punch) 


97

CLOSEOUT: FASHION 

ACTIVITY IN THE HIVE 

SURFER GIRLS GET BEACHWEAR THAT GOES WELL BEYOND SUNBATHING 

Sunshine Coast swimwear label 

Hive have taken a long, hard look at 

what girls really need in the surf to 

create a range that is both beautiful 

and functional. 

Designer Kat Hogg says the 

inspiration for the latest beachwear 

collection comes from “the desire 

to create garments complementary 

to the swimwear range that suit our 

active beach lifestyle.” 

Ocean dwellers like the blue ring 

octopus, angel fish, sea anemone, 

nautilus shell and marine eel have 

all found their way into the new 

collection alongside mermaids, 

turtles and reef swirl. 

Hive swimsuits are fully adjustable, 

so you can be as comfortable in the 

water as you should be. 

For more information on the 

swimwear, see the Hive website. 


Left: The Blue Ringed Octopus 

Right: Reefswirl in a duckdive 

WWW.HIVESWIMWEAR.COM


Not only does he have tons 

of boards, he has tons of 

cool merchandise too, from 

t-shirt to hoodies, you can 

rep Zak all year ‘round. 

www.zaksurfboards.com 

GROWN SURFBOARDS 

All natural, just like the 

boards, Grown t-shirts are 

100% organic cotton. Be a 

responsible earth warrior 

and read more at 

grownsurfboards.com.au 

NOOSA LONGBOARDS 

The iconic surf location and 

the shop to claim the name. 

Plenty of t-shirt designs 

for guys and girls. Get into 

either of their stores to 

check them out or see 

noosalongboards.com 

FIIK SKATEBOARDS 

Riding an electric 

skateboard around 

naked, you’re likely to be 

arrested. So you may as 

well get a cool shirt to 

wear while cruising. 

fiikskateboards.com 

BLOW-IN CAMOUFLAGE 

TIP # 87: AVOID BEING SPANKED BY THE LOCALS: BUY SOME GEAR FROM THE LOCAL SURF SHOP OR SHAPER, WALK SLOW AND DON’T GRIN LIKE A TOURIST. 

THE LOG SHACK 

Get around Coffs looking 

like a local in cool, retrolook 

Log Shack gear. The 

perfect partner to that 

high-gloss longboard you 

just shelled out for. 

www.thelogshack.com.au 

OUTEREEF 

Yes, they have surfboards... 

but also possibly the largest 

range of t-shirts for a surf 

shop in Australia. Pop in 

next time you’re visiting 

Phillip Island. 

www.outereef.com.au 


99

GEAR: ART 

MANY GOOD RESINS 

ART AND SOUL OF TORQUAY’S IAN CHISHOLM 

PHOTOGRAPHY HAYDN DAVIS, WORDS ANGELA KING 

Ian Chisholm is well known for the beauty, practicality and creativity of his custommade 

surfboards. Far from the world of mass production, he painstakingly shapes 

each one of them in his Southcoast Longboards factory, pouring in a healthy dose of 

heart, soul, creativity and passion. 

The end result is a work of art that would be equally at home in a gallery as any 

discerning board-collector’s quiver. So it’s no surprise to learn he also turns his artistry 

to a more traditional bent – colourful works on canvas. 

Ian, who has been custom making boards since the mid 1990s, indulges a sideline 

passion as an artist, working with leftover, non-biodegradable materials from his 

boards to create paintings that draw impressive comparisons with the likes of 

Jackson Pollock. Not only beautiful, they also help reduce his contribution to landfill. 

“Over the years I have come to enjoy expressing my love for colourful traditional 

finishes through glassing,” he explains. “Fascinated by the way the resin falls 

naturally from my boards to the glassing table, I played around with the idea to 

somehow capture the textured trails of colourful resin for others to enjoy. I came up 

with the idea to hang canvas on my glassing tables so it could catch it in its natural 

textured form. Then, I figured, why let the other materials from shaping go to waste? 

That’s when it started to come together.” 

Ian takes several weeks to complete each piece, using materials such as leftover 

resin, offcuts from the blank, shaping dust and stringer shavings and so each piece is 

wholly unique, underpinned by a creative process intimately tied to his boards. 

“...THERE ARE 

PIECES OF 

EACH OF THOSE 

BOARDS IN 

MY ART” 

“Because making surfboards is a very routine-orientated procedure and my art 

becomes sprung along with it, it all starts to feel very ritualistic,” Ian explains. “With 

my surfboards I put my hard work, blood and sweat into them while the art is a more 

relaxing, non-perfection procedure, so it all comes together and complements each 

other. While together it’s challenging mentally and physically, it also rewards and 

relaxes me. It’s a good balance.’” 

Drawing on a wide pool of inspiration, surfing culture is obviously a major influence. 

“I have always loved the beach culture of the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as the American 

hot rod scene of the same period,” he says. “I admire Tyler Hatzikian as a custom 

surfboard builder and the works of artists Salvador Dali and Jackson Pollock, as well 

as artist/filmmaker Thomas Campbell.” 

Despite the strong praise his art generates, Ian has no firm plans yet to open up his 

work to a wider audience through an exhibition. “So far I haven’t found the urge to 

push on it. I find my art is well suited to my factory showroom; it has a gallery appeal. 

It also brings a whole story together with the boards instore, because guaranteed 

there are pieces of each of those boards in my art. 

“I’m not stressed if they’re not selling like my surfboards because they take so long 

to create. My future plans are to keep doing them for my enjoyment, along with the 

surfboards. So, like my surfboards, I just hope people will appreciate and enjoy them 

as much as I do.” 

To see and read more about Ian’s artwork, or for more information on 

Southcoast Longboards, visit his website: www.southcoastlongboards.com.au 


History... 

A little bit of 

COLLECTOR’S NEWS 

MICK MOCK’S VINTAGE BOARD AUCTION 

This is always a great place to see great vintage boards and even better when 

you can get to bid on them as well. Call Mick on 0403 974 967 for more info. 

Date: Saturday 25 September 

Venue: Harbord Diggers Club, Harbord, Sydney 

IS THIS THE REAL DEAL? 

BUYING A PIECE 

OF HISTORY 

The surfing history highlight of the 

2010 Yamba Festival of Comedy Music 

and Arts was the display and auction 

of possibly Australia’s first surfing 

photos taken at Main Beach Yamba 

between 1910-13. Surfing historian 

Geoff Cater of surfresearch.com 

notes that the surfer in the photo, Tommy 

Walker, purchased his board at Waikiki 

in 1909 for $2 and these images confirm 

written accounts of his surfing skills. 

Prints of the three photos were auctioned 

as part of fundraising for the 2011 

festival, ‘Celebrating 100 years of 

Australian Surfing Photography’ which 

will include the addition of the Tommy 

Walker Longboard Classic. 

Just before going to print we came across this vintage Bear Board housed at a 

residence in Moffat Beach. Of course we qualify the word ‘vintage’ with the fact 

that obviously it could only be as old as ‘78 when the movie was made, but due 

to the big-screen significance, we figure it deserved some investigation. 

Yamba local, Raelene Clarke (above right), bought the archival quality 

framed prints at the Yamba Festival of Comedy Music and Arts at the Soul 

Surfing Exhibition. Part of the funds will also go to the Yamba Museum and 

the Australian Surf Museum at Manly. 

For more information on the plans for the 2011 festival or the Tommy 

Walker photos, see weloveyamba.com, or contact festival co-ordinator 

Debrah Novak on 02 6646 1174. 

By all accounts it appears as though it may have been used in 

the movie Big Wednesday. The decal on the board clearly shows 

the name Mike Perry, who shaped the board used by Peter 

Townend in the scene where Jack Barlow goes for his last surf 

before he heads off to Vietnam. 

Jan-Michael Vincent’s board in the movie was not dissimilar in 

appearance. However, Vincent’s board was balsa - not fibreglass 

- and was sold at the recent Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surfboard Auction on the 18th of July. Made 

of solid balsa, with the iconic Bear logo on the nose, the board sold in Hawaii was not a prop board, 

but the actual one ridden and used for filming. The board was in mint condition with only a few minor 

pressure dents and a few shatters. 

So was this a prop board used in the movie and how much is it worth? Unfortuntely, at the time of going 

to press, Tony and Evan Squirrell of North Coast Surfboards - the manufacturers of Bear Surfboards in 

Australia - had not yet had the opportunity to see the board in person and were unable to comment. 

Can you shed some light on this 

interesting find? If you know further 

information regarding the boards 

used in big Wednesday email us at 

editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au 

LEFT: Gary Busey, 

Jan-Michael Vincent 

& William Katt from 

the 1978 surf classic 

Big Wednesday 

BACK THEN IN 

SURFING HISTORY 

WORDS: PAT QUIRK 

Hard to believe but the Thruster design will be thirty years 

old this coming October, The design used on millions of 

boards worldwide was made popular by Simon Anderson 

in late 1980 and early 1981. Whilst Simon was not the first 

person to make three-finned boards his refinement of the 

design and his success riding them brought them firmly into 

the mainstream surfing world. 

The Campbell Brothers in 1970 made the Bonzer design 

incorporating one main centre fin with two smaller keel like 

fins on either side of the centre fin and Bob McTavish was 

also said to have tried three fins out as early as 1971 with 

the centre fin being larger then the two side fins. 

Simon’s Thruster design had three equal size fins as we see 

on most short boards today. However Simon built his first 

Thruster with the centre fin slightly larger then the side fins, 

upon handing the board over to his sander he asked him to 

make the centre fin smaller as it was hanging out over the 

tail of the board and he didn’t want to cut his foot on this 

overhang. This made the fins to be roughly the same size. 

The inspiration for the design came from Simon’s frustration 

in riding twin fin boards as they did not suit his surfing style. 

Good thing for us surfers that he didn’t like twin fins. 


101

CLOSEOUT: CELEBRATION 

20 

It was 20 

years ago 

today… 

It is hard to believe that we have been in business 20 years this 

September. It was on a cold winters day in 1990 , I (Andrew McCredie) 

had just returned from backpacking in Europe and Warwick (Lee) asked 

me what I was going to do now. “ How about opening a shop selling 

secondhand windsurf gear?” Why not! I’ve got nothing else to do. 


So we sat around his kitchen 

table for the next few months 

planning our grand opening. 

In September 1990 Repeat 

Performance Sailboards (RPS) 

opened in an old two storey 

shop front in Ormond Road, 

Elwood. We had very little 

money to spend on stock, only 

$1000 to buy the essential 

bits and pieces, so we put 

all our own gear and that 

of our friends in for sale on 

consignment. The plan was 

to use the commission made 

from selling the gear to buy 

more stock (not a great plan 

in hindsight). 

We couldn’t afford to pay 

ourselves so we both worked 

night jobs as well as being 

in the shop 9 to 5. I worked 

as a barman in a city night 

club and Warwick drove as 

a courier for the ambulance 

service. We would often meet 

back at the shop around 

3-4a.m. have a beer and 

crash in a make shift bedroom 

above the shop. It was a 

tough couple of years but not 

without some good times. 

On any windy day we would 

hang a sign in the window, 

shut the door and go do some 

“R&D” at the nearest beach. 

After a few years we started 

making a wage, and we 

were now branching out into 

different sports. Surfing was 

a natural progression and so 

was a relatively new sport - 

snowboarding. We both loved 

to snowboard, so what better 

way to get ourselves new toys 

to play with than to sell the 

stuff. We outgrew our original 

shop and name, so two years 

later “RPS The Board Store” 

moved to 87 Ormond Road. 

RPS has evolved as we 

have embraced other 

board sports we love to 

do. Surfing, skateboarding, 

snowboarding, kitesurfing and 

stand up paddling. We offer 

repairs, lessons, overseas 

snowboarding trips… we 

seem to do it all. But some 

things don’t change. We still 

shut the shop so we can all 

go snowboarding together. 

Whenever the swells up a 

couple of the guys will be 

running a little late for work, 

and when its windy, well its 

your turn today and mine 

tomorrow. 

After all these years we have 

seen many characters from 

all these sports come through 

the store and have had some 

damn good times with them 

all. We still regard ourselves 

as one of the last true surf 

hardware stores in Melbourne 

and pride ourselves on expert 

advice and great equipment 

to ensure our friends and 

customers stay as stoked as 

we do. 

...here’s to another 20 years! 


103

DIRECTORIES: SURF SHOPS 

SUNSHINE COAST & 

BRISBANE 

NOOSA SURF WORKS 

07 5474 4567 

1/11 Bartlett St 

Noosaville 

www.shotgunsurf.com 

www.lagunabaysurf.com 

WATERLINE 

07 5474 1010 

2/15 Venture Dr 

Noosaville 

www.zeewetsuits.com 

CLASSIC MALIBU AUSTRALIA 

07 5474 3122 

Cnr Gibson and Eumundi Rds. 

Noosaville 

www.classicmalibu.com 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 

07 5474 1222 

3 Gibson Rd 

Noosaville 

NOOSA LONGBOARDS NOOSA 

07 5447 4776 

Shop 2, 55 Hastings Street 

Noosa Heads 

www.noosalongboards.com 

GOLDEN BREED SURF NOOSA 

07 5455 3722 

15 Noosa Drive 

Noosa Heads 

www.goldenbreed.com.au 

IMPACT SURF 

07 5474 9198 

75 Noosa Drive & 1-7 Sunshine 

Beach Rd 

Noosa Heads 

BLUEWATER PLAYERS 

07 5473 5079 

Shop 3A 11 Sunshine Beach Rd 

Noosa Heads 

www.bluewaterplayers.com.au 

BACK BEACH 

07 5473 5676 

Cnr Lanyana Way and Arcadia 

Walk 

Noosa Junction 

www.backbeach.net.au 

WIPEOUT SURF & SKATE 

07 5448 0899 

3/28 Duke St 

Sunshine Beach 

PEREGIAN SURF SHOP 

07 5448 2328 

214 David Low Way 

Peregian Beach 


COOLUM SURF 

07 5351 1742 

Shop 14, 8-26 Birtwill St 

Coolum Beach 

www.alexsurfshop.com.au 

BLUE LINES 

07 5351 1986 

Shops 17 & 18 - 

1776 The Esplanade 

Coolum Beach 

WIPEOUT SURF & SKATE 

07 5450 7272 

1/938 David Low Way 

Marcoola Beach 

ON SURFARI 

07 5474 2162 

197 Gympie Terrace 

Noosaville 

www.onSurfari.com.au 

OLD WOMAN SURF SHOP 

07 5448 7025 

Santorini’ Shop 6, 15 Mudjimba 

Esp. Mudjimba 

DA BOMB 

07 5451 0620 

3/25 Plaza Pde 

Maroochydore 

www.dabombsurf.com.au 

BEACH BEAT 

07 5443 2777 

164 Alexandra Pde 

Alexandra Headlands 

www.beachbeat.com.au 

ALEX SURF 

07 5452 6276 

188 Alexandra Pde 

Alexandra Headlands 

www.alexsurf.com.au 

SUBURBAN SURF 

07 5493 7411 

224 Nicklin Way 

Warana 

www.suburbansurf.com.au 

DA BOMB 

(07) 5437 9201 

7/12 Thunderbird Dr 

Bokarina 

www.dabombsurf.com.au 

BEACH BEAT 

07 5491 8215 

Shop 2&3 4-6 Beerburrum St 

Dicky Beach 


THE FACTORY 

07 5492 5838 

15 Allen St 

Caloundra QLD 4551 

BEACH BEAT 

07 5491 4711 

119 Bulcock Rd 

Caloundra 



07 3266 1001 

601 Nudgee Rd 

Nundah 


GOODTIME 

07 3391 8588 

29 Ipswich Rd 

Wooloongabba 

www.goodtime.com.au 

GOLD COAST 

SURF FX 

07 5531 3199 

127 Ferry Road 

Southport 

www.surf-fx.com 

SURF FX 

07 5538 0008 

3191 Surfers Paradise Bvld 

Surfers Paradise 

www.surf-fx.com 

SIDEWAYS 

07 5592 3849 

3012 Surfers Blvd 

Surfers Paradise 

www.sidewaysboardsports. 

com.au 

DUKE’S LONGBOARDS 

07 5572 0477 

2578 Gold Coast Hwy 

Mermaid Beach 

www.dukeslongboards.com 

BALI RETREATS 

07 5572 0477 


Mermaid Beach 

www.baliretreats.com.au 

STUART SURF DESIGN 

07 5572 0098 


Mermaid Beach 

www.stuartsurf.com.au 

GANGSTA SURF 

07 5526 6969 

Shop 1/ 2558 Gold Coast Hwy 

Mermaid Beach 

www.gangstasurf.com 

GREENLINE 

0412 398 585 


Mermaid Beach 

www.greenlinepaddlesurf.com 

BOARD CULTURE 

07 5572 9866 


Mermaid Beach 

www.boardculture.com.au 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 

07 5526 6377 


Nobby Beach 

THE BOARDROOM 

07 5527 7877 


Miami 

MT WOODGEE 

07 5535 0288 


Burleigh Heads 

www.mtwoodgee.com.au 

MY PHOTO EXPERT 

07 5535 2763 

3/71 Township Drive 


www.myphotoexpert.com.au 

SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY 

07 5520 2774 

Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, 

Shop 10, Goodwin Tce 


seanscottphotography.com.au 

FIREWIRE SURFBOARDS 

07 5587 7700 

1/49 Currumbin Creek Rd 

Currumbin Waters 

www.firewiresurfboards.com 

DMS 

07 5559 5949 

3/56 Currumbin Creek Rd 

Currumbin Waters 

www.dmshapes.com 

SHAPERS 

07 5534 4228 

9/7 Traders Way 

Currumbin 

www.shapers.com.au 

MT WOODGEE 

07 5598 2188 

2 Stewart Rd 

Currumbin 


DIVERSE 

07 5598 4848 

476 Gold Coast Highway 

Tugan 

www.diversesurf.com.au 

DORRINGTON 

SURFBOARDS 

07 5599 4030 

16 Musgrave Street 

Kirra 

www.dorringtonsurfboards.com 

KIRRA SURF 

07 5536 3922 

Shop 6, 8 Creek St 

Bilinga 

www.kirrasurf.com.au 


07 5599 1040 

Shop 3/31 McLean St. 

Coolangatta 

www.undergroundsurf.com.au 

MT WOODGEE 

07 5536 5937 

122 Griffith St 

Coolangatta 


COOLONGATTA BOARD STORE 

07 5536 7850 

152 Griffith St, Coolangatta 

SEAN SCOTT 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

07 5599 1150 

Shop 3, 110 Marine Pde, 

Reflections Tower Two 

Coolangatta 

seanscottphotography.com.au 

BASE SURFBOARDS 

07 5536 1470 

Cnr Dutton St & Marine Pde 

Coolangatta 

www.basesurfboards.com 

SIDEWAYS 

07 5524 6699 

2/13-21 Greenway Dr 

Tweed Heads 

sidewaysboardsports.com.au 

NSW NORTH COAST 

Cabarita Surf Shop 

02 6676 3151 

16 Coast Rd 

Cabarita Beach 

OCEAN SHORES SURF 

02 6680 4570 

Shop 2, Ocean Village 

Shopping Centre 

Ocean Shores 

BRUNSWICK SURF 

02 6685 1283 

1/12 The Terrace 

Brunswick Heads 

www.brunswicksurf.com.au

Pick up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any 

of these fine businesses - out in November. 

MACTAVISH 

02 6680 8807 

91 Centenial Circuit 

Byron Bay 

www.mctavish.com.au 

MADDOG SURF CENTRES 

02 6685 6395 

91 Jonson St 

Byron Bay 

www.maddog.com.au 

MC SURF DESIGNS 

02 6685 8778 

3 Banksia Drive 

Byron Bay 

www.mcsurf.com.au 

NORTH COAST 

SURFBOARDS 

02 6685 6896 

1/29 Acacia St 

Byron Bay 

www.bearsurfboards.com.au 

MUNROE 

02 6685 6211 

29 Acacia St 

Byron Bay 

www.munroesurfboards.com.au 

BYRON BAY LONGBOARDS 

02 6685 5244 

Shop 1 - 89 Jonson St 

Byron Bay 

AFENDS 

02 6685 6322 

Shop 2 / 6 Lawson St 

Byron Bay 

UNPLUGGED 

02 6685 7441 

Shop 1/ 2 Lawson Street 

Byron Bay 

www.unpluggedbyronbay.com 

MADDOG SURF CENTRES 

02 6685 6094 

45 River St 

Ballina 

www.maddog.com.au 

THE PLANK SHOP 

02 6645 8362 

Top of the Hill 

Yamba 

SOUND LOUNGE 

02 6646 3909 

16 Yamba St 

Yamba 

NSW MID NORTH 

COAST 

COOPERS SURF CENTRES 

02 6654 0033 

56D Beach St 

Woolgoolga 

www.cooperssurf.com.au 


02 6652 5466 

Shop 34, Park Beach Plaza 

Coffs Harbour 



02 6652 6369 

Shop 56, The Palm Centre 

Coffs Harbour 


THE LOG SHACK 

02 66580223 

392 Harbour Drive, 

The Jetty Strip 

Coffs Harbour 

www.thelogshack.com.au 

WATER SURF+ART+CAFE 

Distinctively relaxed 

atmosphere, exceptional 

food, coffee and tea, great 

service, photographic 

art from Australia’s best 

photographers, exquisite 

gifts and select surfwear and 

boards. 

(02) 6651 4500 

370 Harbour Drive, Coffs 

Harbour Jetty 

www.watersurfartcafe.com 

COASTAL CURVES 

02 6568 6902 

Ridge St 

Nambucca Heads 

www.coastalcurves.com 

VALLA 

02 6568 8909 

8 Monro St, Nambucca Heads 

www.vallasurfboards.com.au 

SCOTTS HEAD SURF SHOP 

02 6569 8344 

Scotts Head NSW 2447 

www.scottsheadsurfschool. 

blogspot.com 

WAVE WEAR 

02 6566 5177 

1/15 Livingstone St 

South West Rocks 

CRESCENT HEAD 

SURF CO 

02 6566 0550 

1 Crescent Head Tavern 

Crescent Head 

INNER VISION SURF ‘N’ SKATE 

02 6583 7790 

80 William St 

Port Macquarie 

SALTWATER WINE 

02 6584 4877 

1/125 Gordon St 


www.saltwaterwine.com.au 


02 6584 1600 

Shop F5, 

Port Central Shpng Cntr 




02 6583 6960 

Shop 43, 

Settlement City Shpng Cntr 



SANDY FEET 

02 6584 1995 

5/21 Clarence Street 



JUNGLE SURF 

02 6555 8556 

4/25 Manning Street 

Tuncurry 

www.junglesurf.com.au 


02 6554 7979 

5 Wharf St 

Forster 


BOOMERANG BEACH SURF 

02 6554 0351 

Shop 4, Boomerang Drive 

Pacific Palms 

NEWCASTLE 

Surf Factory 

16 Maitland Rd 

Islington 

www.thesurffactory.com.au 

MARK RICHARDS SURFSHOP 

02 4961 3088 

755 Hunter St 

Newcastle 

www.markrichardssurfboards. 

com 

SURFHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY 

61 Hunter Street 

Newcastle 

www.surfhousephotography. 

com 

PACIFIC DREAMS SURFSHOPS 

02 4926 3355 

7 Darby St 

Newcastle 

www.pacificdreams.com.au 

BREAKAWAY SURF CO 

02 4956 6979 

Stockland Glendale, 

387 Lake Rd 

Glendale 

BREAKAWAY SURF CO 

02 4943 2699 

181 Pacific Hwy 

Charlestown 

EGANS 

02 4945 8055 


Belmont 

THE SURF SHACK 

02 4945 8965 


Belmont South 

SWANSEA SURF SHOP 

02 4971 4422 


Swansea 

www.swanseasurf.com.au 

CENTRAL COAST 

BEACHIN SURF 

02 43 96 5159 

262 Main Rd 

Toukley 

Web: www.surfinfo.com.au/ 

nsw/beachinsurf 

NINE HUNDRED SURF SKATE & 

WAKE 

02 4334 2234 

1/85 Toowoon Bay Rd 

Toowoon Bay Jetty 

BOARDERLINE SURF SKATE 

02 4332 7175 

421 The Entrance Rd 

Long Jetty 

www.boarderlinesurfskate.com 

SURFERS CHOICE 

02 4334 6532 


Long Jetty 

www.surferschoice.com.au 

BATEAU BAY SURF N SPORT 

02 4332 1157 

101a Bateau Bay Road 

Bateau Bay 

SLIMES 

02 4365 5511 

1/203 The Entrance Rd 

Erina 

ESS BOARDSTORE 


Erina 

www.essboardstore.com.au 

STS THE BOARD CENTRE 

02 4342 2555 

326 West St 

Umina 

SYDNEY NORTH 

BEACH WITHOUT SAND 

02 9974 2861 

Shop 1/24 Ocean Rd 

Palm Beach 

BEACH WITHOUT SAND 

02 9918 2763 

1a Nth Avalon Rd 

Avalon 

RAISED BY WOLVES 

02 9918 8861 

U 2/40 Old Barrenjoey Rd 

Avalon 

www.raisedbywolves.com.au 

GLASS AVENUE 

02 9997 8833 

365 Barrenjoey Rd 

Newport Beach 

www.glassavenue.com.au 

LITTLE DRAGON 

0403 974 967 

1 Bramley Lane 

Newport Beach 

DIVISION SURF 

02 9979 5334 

Cnr Bungan and Waratah Sts 

Mona Vale 

www.divisionsurf.com.au 

RAISED BY WOLVES 

02 9997 4838 

9b Waratah St, Mona Vale 

www.raisedbywolves.com.au 


105

DIRECTORIES: SURF SHOPS CONTINUED 

THE SUGARMILL SURF 

EMPORIUM NARRABEEN 

02 9913 3332 

2/1329 Pittwater Rd 

Narrabeen 

www.sugarmillsurf.com 

POWERLINEZ 

02 9913 2128 

16a Waterloo St 

Narrabeen 

www.powerlinez.com.au 

WICKS SURF CENTRE 

02 9971 0760 

1103 Pittwater Road 

Collaroy Beach 

LONG REEF SURF 

02 9982 4829 

1012 Pittwater Rd 

Collaroy 

www.longreefsurf.com.au 

WIND SURF ’N’ SNOW 

02 9971 0999 

17 Anzac Ave 

Collaroy 

Windsurfnsnow.com.au 

LINE UP SURF AUSTRALIA 

02 9971 8624 

12b The Strand 

DeeWhy 

www.lineup.com.au 

THE PERFECT WAVE 

02 9939 0890 

Suite 38, 42-46 Wattle Rd 

Brookvale 

www.theperfectwave.com.au 

BENNETT SURFBOARDS 

02 9905 5157 

180 Harbord Rd 

Brookvale 

SUNSHINE SURFING 

02 9977 4399 

89 Pittwater Rd 

Manly 

www.sunshinesurfing.com.au 

DRIPPING WET SURF CO 

02 9977 3549 

93 North Steyne 

Manly 

www.drippingwetsurf.com 

SURFECTION 

02 9977 6955 

110 The Corso 

Manly 

www.surfectionmosman.com 

HERITAGE SURF AUSTRALIA 

02 9977 7623 

24 Darley Rd, Manly 

www.heritagesurfaustralia.com 

SURFECTION 

02 9969 1011 

522 Military Rd 

Mosman 

www.surfectionmosman.com 

SUPER SWELL 

02 9144 3229 

166 Mona Vale Rd 

St Ives 

SYDNEY SOUTH 

SURFECTION 

02 9387 1413 

308 Oxford St 

Bondi Junction 

KRACK SURF & SKATE 


68 Campbell Pde 

Bondi Beach 

BONDI SURF CO/ BONDI 

UNDERGROUND 

02 9365 0870 

2/72 Campbell Pde 

Bondi Beach 

DRIPPING WET SURF CO 

02 9300 0055 

180-186 Campbell Parade 

Bondi Beach 

www.drippingwetsurf.com 

SURF CULTURE 

02 93895477 

40 Bronte Road 

Bondi Junction 

www.surfculture.com.au 

SIX OUNCE 

(02) 9389 5477 

40 Bronte Rd, 

Bondi Junction, NSW 

www.sixounceboardstore. 

com.au 

COOGEE SURF SHOP 

02 9664 1293 

222 Coogee Bay Rd 

Coogee 

CRONULLA 

TRIPLE BULL - SURFSNOWSK8 

02 9544 0354 

23 Kingsway 

Cronulla 

www.triplebullsurf.com 

JACKSON SURFBOARDS 

02 9524 2700 

57 Captain Cook Drive 

Caringbah 

www.jacksonsurfboards.com.au 

CRONULLA SURF DESIGN 

02 9544 0433 

8 Cronulla St 

Cronulla 

cronullasurfdesign.com.au 

WOOLONGONG 

SURF PIT 

02 4283 7196 

2/100 Railway St, Corrimal 

www.surfpit.com.au 

SKIPP SURFBOARDS 

02 4228 8878 

24 Flinders St, Wollongong 

www.skippsurf.com 

CARABINE SURF DESIGNS 

02 4229 9462 

36 Flinders St, Wollongong 

OVERBOARD 

02 4225 0644 

94 Flinders St 

Wollongong 

EXTREME SNOW, SKATE & SURF 

02 4226 3145 

80 Market St 

Wollongong 

BOARDOM 

02 4295 3373 

1/16b Addison St 

Shellharbour Village 

ZINK 

02 4233 1189 

136 Terralong St. 

Kiama 

www.zinksurf.com.au 

NATURAL NECESSITY SURF 

SHOP 

02 4234 1636 

115 Fern St 

Gerringong 

www.nnss.com.au 

AQUATIQUE 

02 4464 1881 

123a Queen Street 

Berry 


AQUATIQUE 

02 4421 8159 

125-127 Junction St 

Nowra 


AQUATIQUE 

02 4421 3077 

Shop 58 Stockland Mall 

Nowra 


CORE SURF STORE 

02 4421 4108 

148 Junction Street 

Nowra 

www.corestore.com.au 

AQUATIQUE 

02 4441 5530 

55 Owen St, Huskisson 


SUN & SURF SHOP 

02 4441 1938 

Shop 1, 168 Jacobs Drive 

Sussex Inlet 

AKWA SURF 

02 4454 5222 

Shop 1, Mellick’s Corner, 

Princess Highway 

Milton 

www.akwasurf.com.au 

SOUTHERN MAN SURF SHOP 

02 4454 0343 

138 Princes Hwy 

Ulladulla 


SALTWATER DREAM 

02 4472 3811 

2 Bay Central 

Batemans Bay 

OFFSHORE SURF SHOP 

02 4474 4350 

66 Vulcan St, Moruya 

www.offshoresurf.com.au 

NAROOMA SURF & SKATE 

02 4476 1422 

30 Princes Hwy 

Narooma 


0424 867 962 

Midtown Arcade 

Narooma 

RAW SURFBOARDS 

02 6494 4466 

4/28 Lamont St 

Bermagui 

MERIMBULA SURF SHOP 

02 6495 1515 

Merimbula Drive 

Merimbula 

SALTWATER DREAM 

02 6495 1600 

39 Market St 

Merimbula 

CORE SURF SKATE AN KITE 

02 6494 3374 

49 Toalla St 

Pambula Village 

www.pambulasurfshop.com.au 

MELBOURNE 


03 9416 7384 

319 Victoria Rd 

Thornbury 

www.zaksurfboards.com 

TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL 

03 9537 3222 

Shop 2, 1 St Kilda Rd 

St Kilda 

www.triggerbros.com.au 

REPEAT PERFORMANCE SURF 

(THE BOARD STORE) 

03 9525 6475 

87 Ormond Rd 

Elwood 

www.rpstheboardstore.com 

BRIGHTON SURF CO. 

03 9593 2211 

43 Church St 

Brighton 

SHQ BOARDSPORTS 

03 9598 2867 

81 Beach Road 

Sandringham 

www.shq.com.au 

MORDY SURF CENTRE 

03 9580 1716 

628 Main St 

Mordialloc 

www.mordysurf.com.au 


03 9770 2223 

7 Rossmith St 

Frankston 


PENINSULA SURF CENTRE 

03 9783 3811 

40 Wells St 

Frankston 

www.peninsulasurf.com.au 


03 5975 9608 

78 Main St 

Mornington 



03 5975 1800 

835 Nepean Hwy 

Mornington 



03 5977 2844 

Shop d23, Mornington Central, 

Barkley St 

Mornington 



DING REPAIRS 


03 5982 2433 

Shop R15 Port Phillip Plaza 

Rosebud 



03 5985 4637 

2137 Pt Nepean Hwy 

Rye 



03 5984 5670 

46 Ocean Beach Rd 

Sorrento 



03 5989 8402 

Point Leo Rd, Point Leo 


COUNTRY VIC 

SURF SHACK 

03 5155 4933 

507 Esplanade 

Lakes Entrance 

OUTEREEF 

03 5678 5677 

73 Phillip Island Rd 

San Remo 

www.outereef.com.au 

FULLCIRCLE SURF 

03 5678 5873 

115 Marine Pde, San Remo 


ISLANTIS 

03 5956 7553 

10-12 Phillip Island Rd 

Newhaven 


PHILLIP ISLAND VISITOR CENTRE 

1300 366 422 

Phillip Island Road 

Newhaven VIC 

www.visitphillipisland.com 


03 5956 7453 

4-5 Vista Pl 

Cape Woolamai 


ISLAND SURF CENTRE 

03 5952 2578 

147 Thompson Ave, Cowes 

www.islandsurfboards.com.au 

ISLAND SURF SHACK 

03 5952 1659 

148 Thompson Ave 

Cowes 

ISLAND SURF CENTRE 

03 5952 3443 

65 Smiths Beach Rd 

Phillip Island 

www.islandsurfboards.com.au 

STRAPPER SURF 

03 5222 5799 

Westfield Geelong, Malop St 

Geelong 

www.strapper.com.au 

MURFS LONGBOARDS 

03 5255 5525 

82 The Terrace 

Ocean Grove 

www.murfslongboards.com.au 

STRAPPER SURF 

03 5255 2666 

67b The Terrace 

Ocean Grove 


GREEN ROOM SURF SHOP 

03 5256 2996 

64 The Terrace, Ocean Grove 

www.greenroom.com.au 

RASTA’S EARTH & SURF SHOP 

03 5254 3255 

51 Hitchcock Ave 

Barwon Heads 

www.rastasurfboards.com.au 

TONIK SURF CENTRE 

03 5254 1470 

60/62 Hitchcock Ave 

Barwon Heads 

www.tonik.com.au 

STONKER TORQUAY 

03 5261 6077 

1a Baines Court, Torquay 

www.stonker.com.au 

SOUTH COAST SURFBOARDS 

03 5261 2670 

1C Baines Court 

Torquay 

www.southcoastlongboards. 

com.au 

BLUNT (STRAPPER) 

03 5261 7590 

Shop 2, Surf City Plaza 

Torquay 


TORQUAY SURF WORLD 

03 5261 4606 

Surf City Plaza 

Torquay 

www.surfworld.org.au 

FLICK SURFBOARDS 

03 5261 4566 

73 Beach Road, Torquay 

www.flickcorp.com.au 

BASE 

03 5261 5666 

3/108 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay 

www.basesurfboards.com 

STRAPPER 

03 5261 2312 

106 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay 


STRAPPER 

03 5261 3508 

96 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay 


TORQUAY SURFING ACADEMY 

03 5261 2022 

34A Bell St 

Torquay 

www.torquaysurf.com.au 

TIGERFISH 

03 5264 7271 

12/15 Bell St 

Torquay 

www.tigerfish.com.au 

ANGLESEA SURF CENTRE 

03 5263 1530 

111 Great Ocean Rd 

Anglesea 

www.secondhandsurfboards.com.au 

LORNE SURF SHOP 

03 5289 1673 

130 Mountjoy Pde 

Lorne 

SHARKY’S 

03 5289 2421 

Mountjoy Pde 

Lorne 

HODGY’S SURF CENTRE 

03 5237 7883 

143 Great Ocean Road 

Apollo Bay 

www.hodgys.com 

TAYLORS 

03 5562 5681 

132 Liebig Street 

Warrnambool 

WARRNAMBOOL SURF CENTRE 

03 5562 1981 

136 Koroit St 

Warrnambool 

SOUTHERN GUNS 

03 5562 0928 

176 Liebig Street 

Warrnambool 

SUNSHINE COAST 

DA BOMB 

(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm) 

07 5451 0620 - Maroochydore 

07 5437 9201 - Bokarina 

BRISBANE 


(Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:30pm, Thurs 

8:30am-8pm, Sat, 8:30-4pm, 

Sun, 10-4pm) 


TUGUN 

DIVERSE 

(M-F,8:30-5:30pm, Sat and 

Sun, 9-4pm) 

07 5598 4848 

COOLANGATTA 


(7 days, 9-5pm) 

07 5599 1040 

YAMBA 

THE PLANK SHOP 

02 6645 8362 

COFFS HARBOUR 

THE LOG SHACK 

(M-F, 10-5pm, Sat & Sun 

10-2:30pm) 

02 6658 0223 

DEE WHY 

LINE UP SURF AUSTRALIA 

(M-F,9-6pm, Sat & Sun 

8:30-6pm) 

02 9971 8624 

BONDI JUNCTION 

SIX OUNCE – 

INSIDE SURF CULTURE 

7 days , 9:30-6:30pm. 

(02) 9389 5477 

WOOLONGONG 

SKIPP SURFBOARDS 

M-F,9-5:30, Thurs 9-7:30pm, 

Sat 9-4, Sun 10-4) 

02 4228 8878 

NAROOMA 


(7 days, 9-5pm) 

0424 867 96 

THORNBURY 


(Mon-Fri,10-6pm; Sat 10-5pm) 

03 9416 7384 

TORQUAY 

STONKER TORQUAY 

(Mon – Fri, 9-5pm) 

03 5261 6077 


ISLANTIS 

(7 days , 9-5pm) 

03 5956 7553 

ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES 

(7 days, 9-5pm) 

03 5952 2578 


(7 days, 9-5pm) 

03 5956 7453 

FIX BROKEN BOARDS? 

Promote your ding repair 

business for $15 an edition. 

Call 0401 345 201 

CLASSIFIEDS 

BUSINESS FOR SALE: LIFESTYLE PACKAGE 

Work from home selling/trading surfboards, 

kayaks and surf skis. Large variety of stock 

from vintage to near new short/long boards 

+ accessories and memorabilia. 

Full range of boards/accessories to be sold 

in one transaction. 

POA for serious enquiries, picture is only 

small part of collection. 

Sunshine Coast. Contact 0403 465 083 


107

CLOSEOUT: LEARNERS 

SURF SAFE 

TEN TIPS TO STAYING OUT OF 

TROUBLE THIS SUMMER 

Surfing is now more popular than ever. Many of you will 

be taking to the waves for the first time. You’ve got your 

surfboard and you hit the waves. However, unless you 

have some basic surf safety knowledge, it’s easy to get in 

over your head. 

Nigel Potts, Director of Surfing at the Academy of Surfing 

Instructors (ASI) has given us ten tips to help you surf 

safely and ensure you have fun at the same time. 

LEARN TO 

STAND–UP 

PADDLE 

BOARD... 

LEARN TO 

SURF... 

IT’S 

EASY!!! 

Lessons, Training, Fitness, Tours, Camps, 

Equipment Sales & Hire and Bike Hire. 

JOIN THE FASTEST BOARD SPORT IN THE WORLD 

The Big Wave Complex 

10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road 

Newhaven, Phillip Island, 3925, Victoria, Australia. 

Ph +61(0) 5956 7553 

WWW.PHILLIPISLANDPADDLEANDSURFSCHOOL.COM.AU 

RAPIDLY IMPROVE YOUR SURFING ABILITY IN 

AN INTENSE, SOCIAL AND FUN ENVIRONMENT 

For more information, call 07 3266 1001 or visit 

WWW.PRIMITIVESURF.COM 


1. KNOW THE OCEAN 

As simple as it sounds, the ocean and 

waves can be unpredictable at the best 

of times. Knowing about the different 

types of waves and how waves break 

will help you determine what waves 

to catch and which ones to stay away 

from. 

2. DON’T BE WASHED AWAY 

Rips and currents are one of the major 

hazards for inexperienced surfers. They 

can carry you far out to sea or into large 

breaking waves. Make sure you can 

identify where rips and currents are 

and stay away from them. Patrolled 

beaches usually have signs on the beach 

identifying where the rips and currents 

are. Look out for them. 

3. LEARN THE LANGUAGE 

Surfing has a language all of its own. 

Experienced surfers use not only surfing 

terms, but also shouts and signals when 

out in the water. If you are out paddling 

in the water and you here a shout or 

whistle, it is probably an experienced 

surfer surfing on a wave and heading 

towards you. It means “watch out, I’m 

coming through”. 

4. HAVE SURFING AWARENESS 

Don’t be a UFO – an “Unidentified 

Floating Object”. This is the term 

commonly used by experienced surfers 

for surfers who have little surfing 

awareness. When out in the water, be 

constantly aware of all that is happening 

around you to ensure you are not an 

obstacle to other surfers and swimmers. 

5. UNDERSTAND SURFING RULES 

Just like any other sport, surfing has 

rules to ensure surfing is safe. The 

one major rule in surfing is the rule of 

“dropping in”. This is where you drop 

in on a wave another surfer has priority 

on. Make sure you understand who has 

priority on the wave so you do not take 

someone else’s wave. 

6. DON’T OVERDO IT 

Surfing requires a high level of physical 

fitness. You get a really good workout 

as you are constantly using your energy 

to paddle and catch waves. Experienced 

surfers are well-tuned fitness machines, 

having spent thousands of hours in the 

water. Make sure you do not overdo it. 

When you are tired, you may not be able 

to stay afloat if you lose your surfboard. 

When you start to get tired, go into 

shore, have a rest. Go back out when 

you are rested. 

7. STAY COOL 

If you find yourself in areas where 

experienced surfers are heading straight 

towards you, keep calm. Experienced 

surfers will have seen you and will 

adjust their line of surfing to go around 

you. Stay on your surfboard, do not 

panic or jump off your board. To do so 

can result in the experienced surfer not 

being able to adjust their line at the last 

minute not to mention being at risk from 

your loose surfboard. 

8. SURF RAGE - DON’T TAKE PART 

Surfing is a sport that is in harmony with 

nature. Surf rage generally occurs when 

inexperienced surfers break the surfing 

rules or panic and put other surfers at 

danger. So chill out, learn the rules and 

develop surf awareness and have fun. 

8. RESPECT EXPERIENCED SURFERS 

Experienced surfers have a respect and 

understanding of the ocean developed 

over many hours of surfing. The goal is 

to surf good waves, have fun and do it 

in a safe way. If a more experienced 

surfer than you offers you some advice, 

take heed. They could be offering you 

pearls of wisdom to help you perfect 

your surfing or be helping to ensure you 

surf safely and not put yourself and 

others at risk. 

10. BE SURF SAVVY 

Knowing more about the sport will 

ensure you surf safely. Check out your 

local surf shop/school and get as much 

information about surfing before you hit 

the water. 

Surfing is a great past-time that can 

be enjoyed by all. The more educated 

you are about the surfing, the more fun, 

easier to do, and safer it is. 

Photo: Ben Vos 

Academy of Surfing Instructors is (ASI) the world’s leading education and 

accreditation organisation in the surf industry, specialising in surfing, stand 

up paddle and bodyboarding. www.academyofsurfing.com 

ASI has just released 

its Learn to Surf 

Advanced Level manual 

as the follow-on from 

the beginners and 

intermediate manual. 

Topics covered include 

how to predict ideal surf conditions based on swell 

direction, tides and coast shape, tips on negotiating 

larger waves, step-by-step advanced level surfing 

manoeuvres such as fades, stalls, tail slides and much 

more to help you improve your surfing - even info on 

how to customise your board. 

The 100+ page paperback is jam-packed with fullcolour 

photos and easy-to follow instructions. Good 

learning material for those in need and great revision 

and reference for those who know. 

Learn to Surf Advanced Level is available for $27.95 

from the ASI online shop - www.academyofsurfing.com 

or from your local ASI-accredited surf school. 


109

www.liquidgetaway.com.au 

CLOSEOUT: FITNESS 

FIT TO SURF 

Surf SafariS Snorkelling tourS 

whale watChing SCeniC adventureS 

Pre Bookings essential 07 5326 1700 

Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, qld, australia 

GETTING YOU BACK ON 

BOARD 

OUR GOAL 

to have your core muscles operating 

correctly, and help you reach your physical 

goals, such as weight loss, rehabilitation 

from injury or general fitness. 

Proprioception exercises actually train 

the neuromuscular system. This type of 

exercise is often used in rehabilitation 

but can also be useful in preventing 

injury which is ideal for surfers for 

whom balance is important. 

Rather than take you on a journey of 

boring anatomy and physiology, let’s 

get right down to what it is and the 

exercises you can do. 

By using these techniques not only will 

you train the neuromuscular system you 

will improve your core stability. 

Kinesthetic awareness is the ability 

to have your brain understand where 

your body parts are in relation to 

an exercise, or if you like, make the 

adjustments required to learn balance. 

These proprioceptors are within 

muscles and they teach our bodies 

to have better balance and prevent 

injury. The brain learns how to respond 

when certain changes are taking place 

requiring balance and quick changes of 

positioning, such as in surfing. 

OK... SO WHAT EXERCISES 

CAN YOU DO? 

Try the following exercises for the 

next 8-10 weeks, with a day rest in 

between. Rest between sets for one 

minute and 30 seconds between reps. 

Use a Bosu ball or a wobble board to 

do these on. 

Whilst flexibility, strength and endurance 

is great for surfing and should not be overlooked, 

possibly more important is balance or 

proprioception. This term refers to a sense of 

joint position. 

WORDS BY JOHN HART 

1. 

Two legged squats standing 

on wobble board or Bosu ball. 

No weight at first (after you 

accomplish these add some hand 

weights.....3 sets of 15 reps) 

2. Progress to one-legged squats. 

Change legs (3 sets of 15 reps) 

3. Just to add some interest....... 

close your eyes and complete the 

exercises. 

4. Still on the bosu or wobble board, 

stand on one leg and have the 

other leg stretched out behind you 

at 90 degrees to the floor. Squat 

holding this position /then change 

legs and repeat (3 sets of 15 reps) 

5. Slow squat down (using bosu ball, 

both feet on the ball) and push up 

very fast. Repeat (3 sets 15 reps) 

6. Last one! Phew..... Jump on bosu 

ball using one leg and hold for 20 

seconds. Jump off and back on 

again using the same leg. Repeat. 

Use alternate leg. (3 sets of 15 

reps). 

These exercises are designed for 

both core and the proprioceptors 

within muscles. Don’t forget to stretch 

hamstrings and quads after you have 

finished. 

0411 854 772 

21 Albert St, Shelly Beach, 

Caloundra QLD 4551 

Photo: Ben Vos 


“Ouch! Troy writhes in pain 

and seeks comfort in a can 

of Panama Beer as Theodore, 

our guide, borrowed my 

glasses and started opening 

up the fifty three spine 

wounds with a needle. He 

also recommended having 

people urinate on his foot - 

that’s what the locals do.” 

‘Moik’ McCullough 

CLOSEOUT: FIRST AID 

Above photos: Michael McCullough - flickr.com/photos/ex_magician/ 

LITTLE PRICKS 

You know it’s a bad day when you step on a sea urchin. I’ve had two 

run-ins with these spiky fellas myself, so I reckon I’m more sympathetic to 

my urchin-victim patients than your average GP. 

WORDS BY DR PETE 

Dr Pete 

My first encounter was on a blustery 

shore-break day after work. I thought I’d 

windsurf for the 2 hrs before dark to blast 

away the day’s stresses. 

I initially thought I’d scraped my heel on 

a lump of coral, which is what it felt like. 

And then the pain started. I hobbled out 

of the chop onto the beach to inspect 

the damage. Numerous grey-black spots 

covering my heel where the spines had 

entered and lodged. It felt like my heel 

was resting in a fire... So, if you have the 

misfortune to share the urchin experience, 

here’s a few tips and tricks to stop a bad 

day from becoming a shocker. 

Don’t panic. Despite the pain, you won’t 

die (I can attest to this). The venom comes 

from structures between the spines and 

is not dangerous. The pain can be eased 

by soaking the foot in warm water and 

taking some decent over-the-counter 

painkillers. 

The temptation is to try and remove all 

the spines with a pair of tweezers, as you 

would with a splinter. This is a frustrating 

exercise because the spines are extremely 

brittle and tend to break off at the skin 

surface when you grasp them. A much 

easier solution is to apply a ‘drawing 

ointment’ to the area. My favourite is 

magnesium sulphate paste, also known 

as Magnoplasm. Apply the paste about 

5mm thick and then apply a bandage. It’s 

a joy to see the ejected spines when you 

remove the bandage 24 hrs later. 

More deeply embedded spines may 

not come out for a long while, if at 

all. Thankfully they’re simply calcium 

carbonate and will eventually be gobbled 

by macrophages, which are your immune 

systems scavenger cells. 

Oh, and just when you thought you’d got 

away without getting a needle, Tetanus 

immunisation is recommended for all 

marine animal injuries. Sorry. 

Dr. Pete Kirkham is a general 

practitioner at Nambour Medical Centre. 

www.skinclear.com.au 


111

SUNSHINE COAST: MAROOCHYDORE & BOKARINA 

TWO GREAT STORES 

& SURF MUSEUM! 

SUNSHINE COAST SURF CENTRE & MUSEUM 

The New! 

Custom boards, copies of 

your favourite board, retro 

style, repairs and accessories, 

we’ve got you covered. 

Our specialist shaper John 

Milne from HELLFISH 

has an extensive range of 

shortboards, fish, mantas, 

mini mals and longboards 

perfectly suited to our 

Sunshine Coast conditions. 

Best advice 

Affordable prices 

3/ 25 Plaza Pde, Maroochydore, QLD 4558 

7/ 12 Thunderbird Drv, Bokarina QLD 4575 

The Old... 

Take a trip down 

memory lane at our 

informative surf 

museum. We also have 

the largest number of 

vintage surfboards, 

memorabilia and 

collectibles for sale on 

the Sunshine Coast! 

WWW.DABOMBSURF.COM.AU 


Ph: 07 5451 0620 

Ph: 07 5437 9201 

FILM 

LITTLE BLACK WHEELS 

Little House Productions/ Mick Waters 

 

One could say that packing a pregnant 

wife, a young child and a dog into a 

van to do a few months of roadtripping 

around Australia - from Byron Bay to 

Western Australia - might be a little 

foolhardy. Documenting the trip is brave. 

Doing a movie about it? Well, now that’s 

just plain genius. 

Now to some LBW is not a new release. 

However, surf movies - especially 

independent ones - tend to be a bit more 

of a slow burn, and we’re sure there are 

plenty people out there who have not 

yet been introduced to it, and we know 

that introduction is well worthwhile. 

Being a huge fan of filmmaker Mick 

Waters’ last movie, I was really amped 

to see what he had done. Believe, the 

previous film with it’s honest, heartfelt 

energy and raw purity, had set quite a 

standard and I had fingers crossed that 

LBW would live up to it. Full of real 

surfers, real surfing, beautiful boards and 

believable locations, it does exactly that. 

With a similar relaxed vibe to Believe, no 

real moviemaking budget and a whole 

lot of love for surfing, Mick put together 

a collection of clips from his travels. Not 

so much a story about the trip, but rather 

a diary of moments and meetings along 

the way. And the man truly has a knack of 

finding interesting characters to feature. 

The quirky Johnny Abegg rips it up on 

brightly coloured Sea Surfboards and 

talks about vegetables. The man’s man, 

Kristian Spencer, takes on insane waves 

in WA and shows off his freshly caught 

fish. Everyone’s favourite soul surfer Dave 

Rastovich makes sliding along on an alaia 

look as easy as riding a travelator at the 

airport. The multi-talented Beau Young 

rips it up in waves and gets down with 

the kids, fingerpicking and singing songs 

about barnyard animals. Yes, the mix of 

people is as colourful and varied as the 

surfing in the movie. 

Add to this a fantastically relaxed 

soundtrack of laid-back acoustic 

numbers and you have a great way to 

spend a lazy flat day on the couch. 

Don’t expect big budget barrels. Don’t 

expect super-polished editing. This is 

down-to-earth, simple and real. And it 

really makes you want to grab your board 

- preferably something retro-ish - and 

go for a wave. At it’s heart, Little Black 

Wheels is all about love - love for family, 

love for friends and love for surfing. And 

really, what more could you ask for? 

Thanks to Little House productions, we 

have three copies of LBW to give away. 

One great movie in environmentally 

friendly brown card packaging, with 

design by Neal Purchase Jr. See Page 

13 for how to get a copy. 

MUSIC 

BLUE KING BROWN 

Worldwize Part 1: North & South 

LION HOUSE/MGM 

 

I did the right thing. I listened 

to this CD before reading the 

press release, or anything about 

the album. And that’s the way 

it should be. Music standing up 

for itself, without hype, reason 

or PR spin. 

That said, you should probably 

stop reading this, pick up a copy 

of Worldwize and experience it 

for yourself. 

Old fans of Blue King Brown 

could never be disappointed 

with this two-disc offering, and 

the BKB is sure to gather plenty 

of new fans too, as this album 

is sure to be an instant classic. 

This is true world music - you 

can hear influences from every 

corner of the globe, but you 

have no hope in hell of nailing 

down exactly where this album 

is born from, even if you tried… 

Who would think Melbourne? 

This is dub, reggae - with a hand 

from none other than reggae 

re-inventors Sly and Robbie - 

reggaeton and hip-hop with the 

sweet sounds of Natalie Pa’apa 

making this unmistakably Blue 

King Brown, and much much more 

than just background grooves. 

Disc one, Northside, brings the 

singalong tunes and disc two, 

Southside, breaks them down 

into laid-back dub versions. 

It’s like a full party in a pack: 

Northside for the dancefloor 

and Southside for the chillout 

afterwards. Boasting big name 

production and a host of different 

and interesting guest artists, 

Worldwize is an extremely 

polished and mature album well 

worth a listen. Seriously. 

With Northside on constant 

rotation in my car since day 

one, I can confidently say that 

Worldwize is a definite inclusion 

on the playlist for the next 

roadtrip, the perfect start for your 

morning drive to your local break 

and perfect background sounds 

for after-surf sundown beers.

FILMMAKER’S FIVE 

Billinudgel-based surf-movie-maker, Mick Waters of Little House 

Productions - who brought us Little Black Wheels and Believe - has 

a chat to us about his top five surf movies ever... 

“These are in no particular order and I don’t propose to be an expert 

on surf movies. These are films that I have seen which resonate with 

me for whatever reason. There are many more films that I haven’t 

seen and are great, and I hope to see them all one day soon.” 

CLOSEOUT: RELAX 

LITMUS 

THE ENDLESS 

SUMMER 

MORNING OF 

THE EARTH 

STORM 

RIDERS 

BIG 

WEDNESDAY 

HONOURABLE 

MENTIONS 

I don’t know what it is? 

I have thought about 

this many times. Is it the 

moods, the people or 

the possibilities. I know 

‘Litmus’ made me feel 

that it was okay not to 

ride a thruster like every 

other person down the 

beach. Up early, out 

late, surfing the way 

you wanted without 

the approval of others. 

Surfing wasn’t what 

the magazines had you 

believing, it was anything 

you wanted it to be. 

Highlights include: Derek 

Hynd’s stylish delivery at 

Jeffreys. Some of the best 

surfing I have ever seen. 

Big Jed Fitzgerald showing 

how truly special his 

surfing talents are... 

World class. I think it may 

run in the genes? Mark 

Sutherland’s haunting 

‘Dream’ animation piece. 

Choose the right line. 

Andrew Kidman and 

Jon Frank definitely got 

this one right and have 

inspired a generation of 

surfers and film makers. 

Bruce Brown had the right 

idea: follow the summer 

around the globe. Surfers 

are still doing this over 40 

years later. 

The Endless Summer 

showed us all a 

life possible full of 

adventure, travel, corny 

dialogue but most 

importantly the waves. 

Highlights include finding 

and surfing the infamous 

Cape St. Francis and 

watching the natives’ 

reaction to Mike Hynson 

and Robert August’s 

surfing in Ghana. 

This movie is a classic 

and there aren’t too 

many surfers and nonsurfers 

alike who haven’t 

seen it. Like Albe Falzon, 

Bruce Brown got it right 

and also most probably 

never had to work again? 

Simple Ben, simple 

message. A timeless 

portrayal of surfing 

when it was pure and 

beautiful. Surfers living 

free and taking different 

lines. Seems there was 

more individuality before 

it all got bought up and 

floated on the Stock 

Exchange? 

Highlights include 

Steve Cooney and Rusty 

Miller surfing Uluwatu 

for the first time and 

Nat Young’s roller 

coaster domination of a 

certain right hand point. 

Unbelievable! 

Albe Falzon achieved 

what many film makers - 

myself included - spend 

their whole lives trying to 

achieve: He made one of 

the best surf films ever, 

first attempt. So now he 

is still selling copies and 

gets to surf whenever his 

heart desires, a lot like 

the guys in the original 

film. Good on you, Albe. 

This is the first surf 

movie I ever saw on 

the big screen as a 

double-bill with Blazing 

Boards on School Night 

at The Sydney Opera 

House. Caught the train 

from Fairfield to Circular 

Quay and remained dropjawed 

until I went to 

bed later that night. Was 

it the movie or the fact 

I was out on a school 

night? Both, I suspect. 

Highlights included 

Thornton Fallander’s pure 

lines with minimum fuss 

at Nias, Wayne Lynch’s 

Desert dwelling - one of 

the most natural surfer’s 

of the last forty years 

letting it all hang out. 

David Lourie, Dick 

Hoole and Jack McCoy 

put this all together. 

The locations, great 

soundtrack and the 

images all made you 

want to travel and still 

does. Plus, any movie that 

starts with Riders on the 

Storm by The Doors and 

Tunnel Of Love by The 

Sunnyboys gets a nod. 

Hollywood’s only good 

attempt at a Surf movie. 

It highlights the lifestyle, 

personalities, surfing 

and challenges one 

goes through as you 

age and life gets more 

complicated. Some 

people maintain their 

love affair with the 

ocean, while others drift 

away. 

Highlights include the 

party fight scene, draft 

dodging antics and of 

course Big Wednesday. 

A great story with 

authentic characters that 

most surfers could relate 

to or know. Excellent 

and believable actors 

cast as surfers, and to 

top it off the camera 

work and surf scenes 

are first class due to 

the camera work of one 

George Greenough. I 

think I might rent this out 

on Saturday night? 

THE SEARCH 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF 

WAYNE LYNCH 

DOGTOWN AND Z BOYS 

SPROUT 

DESERT CHALLENGE 

GREEN IGUANA 

DEAR AND YONDER 

GLASS LOVE 

PUMP 

THE PRESENT 

LIQUID TIME 

INNERMOST LIMITS OF 

PURE FUN 

CRYSTAL VOYAGER 

For more about Mick, see 

littlehouseproductions. 

com.au 

Send us your comments 

and thoughts to letters@ 

smorgasboarder.com.au. 


113

CLOSEOUT: RELAX 

WOOD 

IS GOOD 

The Wooden Surfboards 

exhibition was held over the 

weekend of the 7th and 8th of 

July. Organised by Grant Newby 

this ‘splinter group’ is a non 

commercial, non competitive 

event in much the same vein 

of the Currumbin Fish Fry. In 

essence it’s a meeting of minds; 

wooden board builders, surfers 

and admirers sharing with 

one another board building 

techniques, discussing what has 

worked and what hasn’t. 

The attendance to the shapers 

forum on Saturday night was 

by all accounts nothing short 

of amazing. Over 120 people 

turned up on the night to listen 

to the three guest speakers; Tom 

Wegener, Roger Hall (wooden 

board shaper from NZ) and 

Mike Connor (wooden boards & 

ukuleles). 

Discussion revolved around how 

Paulownia had fuelled the timber 

board revolution. The difficulties 

of working with ply and the 

scarcity of balsa have paved the 

way for Paulownia which is easy 

to work with, incredibly light, 

impervious to saltwater and is 

incredibly fast growing. And 

reportedly, Australia is supposed 

to be the largest producer of 

Paulownia wood in the world. 

Photos: Gus Brown, Dave Swan, Grant Newby 

Sunday’s exhibition in the 

park was just as enthralling. 

Much dribbling over wooden 

creations was had by all. Thanks 

to Grant and all the shapers 

involved for putting on such a 

remarkable exhibition. To read 

more about the event visit www. 

woodensurfboards.blogspot.com 


LET US KNOW ABOUT 

YOUR EVENT 

If you have something on the go, 

let us know. Email us on: 

editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au

A TRIP FOR TWO TO 

HERMOSA BEACH, 

CALIFORNIA IS UP 

FOR GRABS... 

Thank you for picking up the first edition of smorgasboarder. We’re glad to have you on board 

as one of our readers. As our way of saying thank you, we’re putting up a trip for two people 

to Hermosa Beach, California this coming March - in time to attend the Spyder Surf Festival. 

NEXT EDITION 

We’ll be putting the winners up in the luxurious Beach House Hotel near the famous Hermosa 

Pier and we’ll even shell out for a lunch at the Waterman’s Safehouse for Surfers Restaurant. 

For more information and to enter, visit www.smorgasboarder.com.au for details 

WHERE TO GET THE MAG 

SMORGASBOARDER IS FREE... 

...so pick up your copy at your local surf 

shop along the east coast from Noosa to 

Warrnambool. If they don’t stock it, ask 

them why not. 

SUBSCRIBE & GET IT DELIVERED 

If you’re not fortunate enough to 

have a local surf shop with copies of 

smorgasboarder, you can subscribe to have 

it delivered to your door. The mag is still 

free, but Australia Post likes to get paid 

for delivering it. For only $18, you get six 

editions - hot off the press - delivered to 

your door. Send a cheque or money order 

to PO Box 501, Moffat Beach, QLD 4551, 

Paypal to money@hugecmedia.com.au, or 

ring 0401 345 201 to pay by credit card. 

Cheques/Money orders to be made out to 

Huge C Media PTY LTD. 

READ IT ONLINE 

Save money, save trees... The entire mag is 

there to for your reading pleasure at: 

WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU 

Photo: Amber Vandenberg 

Phillip Island sunset 

amber.vandenberg@uon.edu.au

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