Smorgasboarder_02-november-2010
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SURF IS FREE... LIKE MAGS SHOULD BE<br />
HOME: SOUTH COAST MAGIC P64<br />
DEBATE:<br />
SUP, UP AND AWAY P48<br />
WORDS: THE KANTENDER P26<br />
THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO SURF<br />
ISSUE #2 NOV/DEC <strong>2010</strong>
Photo courtesy of Dick Hoole<br />
“is what surfing is all about”<br />
www.goodtime.com.au
Since 1971<br />
Come and see Gail and<br />
the Goodtime team at<br />
the Gabba<br />
Goodtime Surf & Sail<br />
29 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane<br />
07 3391 8588<br />
WE SURF...
INSIDE<br />
26<br />
FROM SURF<br />
THUG TO CHAMP<br />
32<br />
CAPTURING THE<br />
PERFECT WAVES<br />
42<br />
THE IRON MAIDEN STAND<br />
OF SURF BUSINESS<br />
48 56<br />
UP AND<br />
BE COUNTED<br />
PASSED DOWN<br />
FROM DAD<br />
How Noosa’s Israel<br />
Kani turned negatives<br />
into positives<br />
Photographer Sean<br />
Scott gives an insight<br />
into his inspiration<br />
Gail Austin’s neversay-die<br />
attitude has<br />
kept the wins coming<br />
People with paddles...<br />
Where is this SUP<br />
thing heading?<br />
Four different fathers<br />
and sons talk about<br />
surfing and bonding<br />
ALL THE<br />
USUAL BITS<br />
THE LATEST<br />
Feedback P14<br />
News P18<br />
And Greatest P20<br />
TRAVEL<br />
Road trip: The Gong and Beyond P64<br />
Tropical itch P86<br />
Plane Trip: Muizenberg P88<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
GEAR<br />
Shaper profile: Thomas Bexon P96<br />
Latest surfboard designs P103<br />
Skateboarding P113<br />
<br />
CLOSEOUT<br />
History P117<br />
Music, Film & Books P120<br />
First Aid & Fitness P122<br />
Get learning P124<br />
People out and about P130<br />
Toasty warm on the Bass Coast<br />
Photo: Jeff Tull<br />
6 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
DETAILS<br />
& THINGS<br />
WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT<br />
<strong>Smorgasboarder</strong> is for all of us that love surfing,<br />
whether it’s to relax, unwind, get in a healthy bit of<br />
exercise or to catch up with friends and family.<br />
WHERE TO PICK US UP<br />
Quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafes within 10kms of<br />
the coast from Agnes Water to Warrnambool. We also supply<br />
select stores in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. For a full list<br />
of distributors, visit the directory in the back of the mag or at<br />
www.smorgasboarder.com.au - or get to your local surf<br />
shop and talk to some real people in the flesh. <strong>Smorgasboarder</strong><br />
is published six times a year - September/October, November/<br />
December, January/ February, March/April, May/June.<br />
CAN’T GET THERE? SUBSCRIBE<br />
If you want <strong>Smorgasboarder</strong> delivered to your door, you can<br />
become a home subscriber. The mag is still free, but Australia<br />
Post need to get paid. $18 gets you six editions. Just sign up<br />
at www.smorgasboarder.com.au and go and wait by your<br />
mailbox. It’ll arrive every two months.<br />
THANK YOU<br />
Thank you once again to all our creative contributing<br />
writers, fantastic photographers and excellent people<br />
who made this edition possible. We’d like to make special<br />
mention of Louise ‘Squirrel’ Gough and Gus Brown as well<br />
as Helen Chapman and Katie Swan for putting up with us.<br />
THE TEAM<br />
If you’re after any information on advertising, distribution,<br />
editorial, subscribing, contributing or just plain getting<br />
involved in some way, drop us a line...<br />
Mark Chapman<br />
Dave Swan<br />
mark@hugecmedia.com.au<br />
0400 875 884<br />
dave@hugecmedia.com.au<br />
0401 345 201<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
WRITING TALENT: John Hart, Dr Pete Kirkham, Nigel Potts,<br />
Craig Baird, Kent Ladkin, Hoges and Will at Island Surfboards<br />
PHOTOGRAPHIC GENIUS: Sean Scott, Mark ‘Crumpet’<br />
Taylor, Joel Coleman, Keith Hamlyn, Jules Phillips, Jeff Tull,<br />
Grant Molony, Steev S, Keith LBG, Richard Higgins, Lainey<br />
Brown, Simon Muirhead, Phil Burnham, Michael Dawes, Ray<br />
Collins, Ben Vos, Lucas Muro, Trevor Skinner, Tom Woods,<br />
Jin Han Teng, Lee Slabber, Craig Wilson, Timothy Van der<br />
Venter, Simon Allard, Jason Mercer, Terry ‘Spud’ Murphy and<br />
newcomer Lachy MacMackin.<br />
Tech specs: Mark - studio@hugecmedia.com.au<br />
Money matters: Dave - money@hugecmedia.com.au<br />
Ideas & submissions: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au<br />
Distribution: mags@hugecmedia.com.au<br />
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU<br />
smorgasboarder is published by Huge C Media Pty Ltd<br />
ABN 30944673055. All information is correct at time of going to<br />
press. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors in<br />
articles or advertisements, or unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or<br />
illustrations. The opinions and words of the authors do not necessarily<br />
represent those of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in<br />
part or whole is strictly prohibited without prior permission.<br />
8 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
We print with Pep<br />
Central and Craft<br />
Inprint Group, an<br />
environmentally aware<br />
and committed printer<br />
whose business is<br />
founded upon the<br />
principles of minimising<br />
waste and maximising<br />
recycling. Nice work.
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
9
LATEST: EDITION<br />
BACK SO SOON<br />
Cole Richards/Narrabeen<br />
Photo: Crumpet Productions<br />
I was on my favourite beach this morning. It was raining, but the sun was<br />
shining. I told my little boy that when this happened, it was called a Monkey’s<br />
Wedding. He said that it was called a sunshower. At five years old, his name for<br />
it made more sense than mine. I’ve never really understood what a Monkey’s<br />
Wedding meant anyway. Or why monkeys would get married, for that matter.<br />
Kids are smart.<br />
But we were both right, according to wikipedia - the fountain of all knowledge.<br />
It seems that my description points to my South African youth, while my boy...<br />
well, he’s true blue. This little difference in terminology made me understand<br />
why often my friends have no idea what I’m on about. Smiling and nodding<br />
doesn’t fool me, people... That said, you obviously never completely forget<br />
where you came from and our international trip is exactly that: a visit back to<br />
South African shores, exploring the chilled surrounds of Muizenberg Beach in<br />
Cape Town on page 88.<br />
With an even bigger magazine that the first, we’ve crammed in more travel,<br />
more gear, more great surfing images and plenty of love for the ocean as we talk<br />
to men, women and even families that love and live for their surfing.<br />
It’s been a wild ride...<br />
Issue two has come around so much quicker than we had ever imagined. Still<br />
reeling from all the positivity and fantastic feedback from our launch edition,<br />
we are awestruck and incredibly grateful for the positive reaction from you, the<br />
reader, as well as for the fantastic involvement of all of the businesses along the<br />
east coast that have supported us by way of advertising to make this free mag<br />
possible for you.<br />
And we’re over the moon at the ridiculously talented and steadily growing army<br />
of contributors that have chosen to be involved with the mag. <strong>Smorgasboarder</strong><br />
just couldn’t happen and wouldn’t be what it is without these skills and talents.<br />
And it’s all spreading... We’re already getting around further afield than we<br />
originally planned as we welcomed Reef2Beach surf shop up in Agnes Water /<br />
1770 as our northernmost shop to now stock smorgasboarder.<br />
The amount of online readers we’ve picked up along the way has just amazed<br />
us. In only a few short weeks, an absolute wave of people got to flicking through<br />
the online version of the magazine at www.smorgasboarder.com.au, with people<br />
from all across the globe dropping us emails to say g’day.<br />
As to our hopes for the magazine being a way for the surf community to air<br />
views, share thoughts and generally get involved? These hopes are already<br />
being realised thanks to the staggering amount of feedback, subscriptions and<br />
contributions we’ve received so far, not to mention the connections that we’ve<br />
been told about: Businesses jumping on board to support organisations featured<br />
in the first edition, stores discovering new shapers and manufacturers to stock,<br />
people generally meeting and greeting through the pages of the mag... It’s truly<br />
what it’s all about and makes us happy little campers.<br />
All we can say is a massive thank you, thank you, thank you. It makes the sleepless<br />
nights and long hours worthwhile.<br />
Keep reading, keep writing, keep clicking and keep in touch.<br />
Mark<br />
10 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
11
LADIES FIRST<br />
AT THE TENDER AGE OF 20, BUDDING FITNESS<br />
GURU AND SUPER-HOT SURFER ANGIE KOOPS<br />
LEFT THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD<br />
BEHIND, TO BE ‘BEACHED AS’ ON THE GOLD<br />
COAST. IN A FEW SHORT YEARS, SHE SEEMS<br />
TO HAVE SETTLED IN REALLY QUICKLY .<br />
PLAYING<br />
FOR<br />
KOOPS<br />
No slouch in competition surfing, Angie<br />
Koops has racked up enough trans-Tasman<br />
titles in a few short years to fill a very large<br />
chilly bin.<br />
Since her arrival in Australia, she’s collected<br />
herself a decent little flock of sponsors, with<br />
companies like Diverse Surf, Fox, Smith,<br />
On A Mission, Maxum watches, Tahitian<br />
Noni, and even hometown biggies like<br />
Mountain Dew NZ all keen to kit her out with<br />
product and put her face to their brands.<br />
Not bad for an import, eh bro? Okay, no more<br />
Kiwi jokes... Over to you Ange...<br />
“Hi I’m Ange. I was born in NZ and grew up in a<br />
little country town called Kaikoura - a unique place<br />
where the mountains reach the ocean. In winter<br />
you can snowboard and surf in the same day. You<br />
just have to make sure you build a bonfire before<br />
you hit the surf... You’ll need it to thaw out.”<br />
“I was 14 when I first started stand up surfing, my<br />
bro did it a lot when he was younger and I got my<br />
first board off him. I started bodyboarding when<br />
I was about six, just mucking around with the<br />
cousins skim-boarding and playing in the dumpers.<br />
“I’m studying at present, learning to become a<br />
fitness specialist and I also have my own remedial<br />
sport massage business.“<br />
BIGGEST SURFING INFLUENCE?<br />
In Australia would have to be my boyfriend Dru...<br />
He’s fun to surf with.<br />
BEST SURF SPOTS?<br />
I live on the beach at Palmy and I love it. I also love<br />
a spot in Bali, but I’d have to kill you if I told you...<br />
WHAT BOARD WORKS BETTER IN NEW<br />
ZEALAND? A SUX-FOOTER, OR A FUSH?<br />
Haha! None of the above... Maybe a fiieeeeve<br />
nine rounded pun tail.<br />
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE?<br />
Family<br />
12 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
photo: Shane Newman<br />
Angie enjoying some time in the<br />
Land of the Long White Rooster Tail<br />
Photo: Simon Muirhead/Simsurf<br />
BEING A PERSONAL TRAINER, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR<br />
GETTING AND STAYING SURF FIT?<br />
Fuel your body with ‘real foods’, try to stay away from the processed<br />
packaged foods and work both the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems as<br />
we use both in surfing. So for example, going for a distance run is good but<br />
you also have to do explosive work, such as sprints.<br />
WHAT’S SCARIER: TEAHUPOO OR A TRIPLE-DIAMOND BLACK<br />
SNOWBOARD RUN?<br />
Haven’t done either. I think a triple is considered suicidal? And Teahupoo,<br />
well, just watching those guys deep scares me.<br />
Thank you miss Koops. And never mind: just writing the question<br />
scared us. Next time you’re surfing the Goldie and a girl on a Diverse<br />
board rockets by? Make sure to say g’day to Angie.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
13
LATEST: FEEDBACK<br />
THE CAN<br />
IS NOW OPEN...<br />
JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION:<br />
Email all your innermost thoughts, letters, stories, photos,<br />
praise, rants to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au or send<br />
other contribution ideas, surf photography or fantastic ideas for<br />
stories to editor@smorgasboarder.com.au.<br />
Yes, it’s getting fiery... The Making Waves For<br />
Recognition Of Shaper’s Skills article in the first edition<br />
of smorgasboarder certainly hit a nerve and has people<br />
talking. Thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming!<br />
NOT HAPPY, JAN<br />
Now to start let’s get something straight set about me. I am all for shapers<br />
and do believe it’s a dying art that needs saving.<br />
Yes, board prices have only risen 20 dollars in the past 15 years. But today’s<br />
manufacturing processes have increased profit margins and boards are being<br />
made with less material not to mention being extremely fragile. Boards were<br />
made with thicker foam, more glass and had a gloss coat. Now days the<br />
standard is a thin 4 x 4 x 4 sanded, and that’s it.<br />
I believe shapers are killing their own industry, with little or no innovation in<br />
the construction process.<br />
The other problem that’s fuelling this whole debacle is pro surfers who get<br />
boards either for free on contract, or at a significantly reduced cost. These pros<br />
go through more boards per year than most mugs would go through in a lifetime.<br />
If more pros followed innovation, instead of following what the other sheep are<br />
doing we might see some MORE innovation and a total revision of the industry.<br />
I’m personally sick of being taken advantage of by shapers and pro surfers<br />
inability to innovate or try something new.<br />
James<br />
Palm Beach<br />
Not a happy customer there, James? There are plenty of shapers out there<br />
making high quality boards. We know they’re out there.<br />
And as to innovation, we’ve discovered some truly creative shapers<br />
on our travels up and down the east coast over the last year in<br />
particular - just check out the Gear section. As with any quest for<br />
quality and innovation, you just have to look that little bit harder to<br />
find the right person.<br />
WE WANT<br />
YOUR LETTERS<br />
This edition’s giveaways include copies<br />
of the excellent Isaac Paddon and the<br />
Tides CD “Where we once stood” and sets<br />
of Elofant Straps, which will keep your<br />
boards stored safely - see page 22 for<br />
more info on the straps.<br />
Send in your letters and thoughts to<br />
be in line for the freebies! Email us on<br />
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au<br />
TEACH ME, TEACH ME<br />
I’ve been trying to get a foothold into the shaping industry for ages but no<br />
one seems to be willing to help me gain the necessary skills of board making.<br />
Many shapers don’t have the funds to take on an apprentice, due to the lack of<br />
profit made on surfboards. It would be great if the government stepped in and<br />
gave support to established shapers to pass on their skills and knowledge.<br />
If you know anyone in Vicco that can teach me please let me know.<br />
Luko<br />
Recently I wanted to understand more about surfboard design and<br />
construction. I bought a heap of reading material and got some John Carper<br />
shaping and glassing DVD’s. After doing my homework I wanted to jump in<br />
with both feet and have a go at making my one. I looked for where I could<br />
have a lesson and found the only place that would give me one was in<br />
Newcastle at a University. I then found out they had stopped running the<br />
course last year. I continued to look but found nothing, wondering how other<br />
people like me learned.<br />
Based on Chris Garrett’s comments, and the fact that I have found it hard to<br />
find a place to shape and learn this very underrated skill I totally understand<br />
and support his quest to formally recognise and provide a career path for<br />
people who want to work in the surfboard manufacturing industry in Australia.<br />
I would think a good way to raise awareness of this part of the surf industry<br />
and gain further funds would be to also run courses for amateur builders like<br />
myself. I have been really amazed at how many people have been interested<br />
in what I am doing when I tell them.<br />
I have a lot to thank the surfing world for not least the constant rush I get out<br />
in the water every time I catch a wave. I look forward to the next edition of<br />
smorgasboarder and If anyone knows of courses for surfboard shaping or is<br />
willing to give me a lesson then let me know as you would easily part me from<br />
some of my hard earned cash and would bet others would follow.<br />
Ed<br />
Newcastle<br />
Gents, we feel your pain. Finding an official course is difficult as we<br />
found out many phonecalls later, but there ARE people out there. Up on<br />
the Gold Coast, Richard Harvey runs a short course, a few of the wood<br />
board guys run courses... But talk to your local shapers. If they brush<br />
you - and they shouldn’t - just remind them that they had to learn too.<br />
SATISFIED AND SMILING<br />
Hi guys,<br />
Thought I should give you some feedback about <strong>Smorgasboarder</strong>. I loved the<br />
issue, particularly the wooden board segments, and hope you continue to<br />
have a “maker focus “ in upcoming issues. Great stuff. I grabbed my copy from<br />
Byron Longboards, couldn’t believe such a quality piece was free.<br />
Russell<br />
Mudgeeraba<br />
No, no... thank you, Russ! Plenty more shapers on the way for you!<br />
14 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/<br />
<strong>Smorgasboarder</strong>-Surf-Magazine/133229320054947 (or easier, just<br />
search for smorgasboarder) We promise not to poke you.<br />
photo: Shane Newman<br />
LETTER OF THE MONTH<br />
YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD<br />
I have just returned home from an extended eight-month business trip to<br />
Victoria, surfing mainly around the Surf Coast area. The locals back home are<br />
sick of me telling them about how good it was (although very cold) and how<br />
average my home break now feels. That aside, some things were the same.<br />
Just like home, I was taken back by how accepting the locals were as long<br />
as you showed some respect, and how everyone had the time to chat about<br />
where I had come from, why I was there, board design and the like.<br />
I had taken with me my two 6’5”s Jye Byrnes Quad and Bonzer, and the<br />
pleasing thing to note was the amount of older surfers like me that had not<br />
opted for the easy way out and jumped onto a mal as soon as they hit 40. Most<br />
were still surfing short (-ish) boards that had been adapted accordingly - maybe<br />
a little bit longer or thicker, but still performance boards. And they were still<br />
surfing well.<br />
Now don’t get me wrong. I am not anti-mal; I say “ride em’ all”. Watching a<br />
highly-skilled longboarder surfing a well-trimmed log is a thing of beauty, but<br />
“straight-legging” it to the beach is just awful to watch, no matter how long<br />
the ride or how big the wave.<br />
The point is, as you get older, don’t get sucked into the everyday “you’re old<br />
so you should surf a mal because its cool” guff that we are fed from the some<br />
areas of the surf industry. If you surfed a 6’7” x 19” x 3” single-fin, twinny, or<br />
whatever, when you were 18, why not keep it up?<br />
If your shaper is worth his salt he should be able to craft something that will<br />
suit your needs and circumstances. Go do some laps in the pool. Don’t go the<br />
easy, and ultimately, dull option because someone tells you so. With surfing,<br />
quality is always better than quantity.<br />
Grant<br />
Nelson Bay<br />
Hear, hear... It’s about ‘ride whatever you want’ and whatever makes<br />
sense for the day and the conditions. But we reckon you’re just being<br />
nice to those tough Surf Coast boys so you don’t get your windows<br />
waxed again... Watch your mailbox Grant - a prize pack is on its way.<br />
NASTY LITTLE ENTRY<br />
Ali Stewart sent us this pic of a<br />
dodgy way in, all the way from Cape Town in South Africa.
LATEST: FEEDBACK<br />
INBOX OVERLOAD<br />
When we put the word out for photo submissions last edition<br />
we didn’t expect the volume of responses or such great quality<br />
images to arrive!<br />
That’s right - we got some great images from all across our<br />
coastline, so rather than just show off one good one, we<br />
figured we may as well show you a few more.<br />
We love ‘em, keep ‘em coming! Next edition again, the best<br />
reader submitted photograph will win a great prize pack as a<br />
thank you for sharing. The January edition prize is sponsored<br />
by the kind folks at On A Mission, who are putting up a<br />
special package including a board bag, deck grip and leggie!<br />
Yamba is most definitely a photographic favourite of<br />
ours with some incredible images arriving regularly,<br />
contributed by talented folk like Trevor Skinner (above)<br />
and Simon Allard (below). See more of Trevor’s stuff in<br />
the People of the lens section starting on page 36<br />
So get snapping and email your attempts at glory to us:<br />
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au<br />
Below: Jason Mercer got us this cracker<br />
from somewhere in the Illawarra. Don’t<br />
you just wish you were there?<br />
Victoria’s Jeff Tull (above)<br />
is quickly becoming a firm<br />
office favourite. Jeff has<br />
followed up on his great<br />
shots in our Phillip Island<br />
feature in September with<br />
some even more exciting<br />
ones from the Victorian<br />
coast. See more of Jeff’s<br />
photos in the People of the<br />
lens section starting on<br />
page 36, and also page 6!<br />
16 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
...AND THE WINNING SHOT<br />
We really couldn’t go past this ‘perfect day’ pic sent to us by Terry ‘Spud’ Murphy. Could<br />
you? To explain this Gold Coast beauty, he says: “Ask Where’s Wally... that gives it<br />
perspective.” Check your mailbox, Terry. There’s some prizes on the way!<br />
15-year-old Lachlan<br />
McMackin sent us<br />
these photos he had<br />
taken “with a cheap,<br />
waterproof camera”<br />
on the Sunshine Coast.<br />
Imagine what he could<br />
do with expensive<br />
gear! Above, Lachy’s<br />
mate, Ryan Forman is<br />
practicing for his future<br />
surf mag cover shot.<br />
How’s this shot? Sanctuary Cove Security Officer Steve Lazzaro<br />
out of the office and in the Green Room at Burleigh.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
17
LATEST: NEWS<br />
A reserved spot... Manly morning<br />
Photo: saltmotion<br />
BUILDING UP OUR RESERVES<br />
The new Manly-Freshwater National Surfing Reserve became the 11th official<br />
surfing reserve to be declared in Australia on September 25, <strong>2010</strong>. Manly-<br />
Freshwater joins ten other iconic surf spots including Killalea State Park,<br />
Maroubra, Lennox and Crescent Head. The four kilometre area stretches from<br />
Harbord Point to Fairy Bower including Freshwater Beach, Queenscliff, North<br />
Steyne, Manly Beaches and Shelly Beach to Fairy Bower Point.<br />
Commonly known as the birthplace of Australian surfing, the area’s rich surfing<br />
history truly justifies the declaration. As the site of Australia’s first legal daylight<br />
bathing in 19<strong>02</strong>, Manly hosted the first known body surfing contest in 1908 and<br />
hosted the first World Surfboard-riding Championship in 1964 won by ‘Midget’<br />
Farrelly and Phyllis O’Donnell. And most famous in surf folklore perhaps is the<br />
Freshwater Beach board surfing demonstration by Duke Kahanamoku in the<br />
summer of 1914-1915.<br />
All said, a reserve well deserved.<br />
DRAGONS FANCY FINE FISH<br />
Balsa board guru Mark Riley had some rugby league royalty drop in<br />
at his showroom in Miranda. First try scorer of this year’s NRL Grand<br />
Final, Mark Gasnier of the victorious St George Illawarra Dragons,<br />
came in checking out the range - with the fish taking his fancy.<br />
Mark’s here with Scott Campbell - the strength and conditioning<br />
coach for the Dragons. For more Riley, check out the first edition of<br />
smorgasboarder online, or see www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au<br />
18 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
SURF AID FOR<br />
TSUNAMI RELIEF<br />
Firstly, we’d like to give a big thumbs<br />
up to Surf Aid International for their<br />
wonderful efforts in assisting the local<br />
villages affected by the recent Mentawai<br />
tsunami. It is amazing what lengths<br />
people will go to in assisting others.<br />
Secondly, on behalf of Surf Aid<br />
International we would like to request<br />
your support to help the decimated<br />
villages of South Pagai where over 300<br />
lives have been lost. To make a donation<br />
go to www.surfaidinternational.org<br />
It’s great to see local businesses like<br />
World Surfaris and Kirra Surf actively<br />
getting behind the relief effort to raise<br />
funds at a recent film night this October.<br />
INDUSTRY GROUP<br />
GETS UNDER WAY<br />
The Australian Surf Craft Industry<br />
Association (ASCIA) - the proposed<br />
national industry voice for manufacturers,<br />
suppliers, wholesalers and retailers<br />
of surf craft - will hold a meeting on<br />
Tuesday, November 9 from 6.30 - 8.30pm<br />
upstairs at the Cooly Hotel, Coolangatta.<br />
The intention of the meeting is to develop<br />
a set of objectives for the association and<br />
what parties it will represent, along with<br />
electing a steering committee to drive<br />
the charter.<br />
To register your intention to attend RSVP<br />
by email to info@darcysurfboards.com<br />
Stuart D’Arcy shares a laugh with Chris<br />
Garrett at a recent Shaper’s Forum<br />
QUICKIES<br />
STAR SHEPHERD<br />
Not even Darth<br />
Vader would be<br />
messing with any<br />
whales if he got a look at the<br />
latest Sea Shepherd vessel, the<br />
Ocean Adventurer. The 12-yearold,<br />
115-foot, stabilised monohull<br />
fills the role of fast interceptor<br />
for the Antarctic Whale Defense<br />
Campaign, replacing the Ady Gil<br />
which was rammed and destroyed<br />
in January.<br />
Not only does it look cool, it saves<br />
whales... 528 whales in fact, are<br />
alive and swimming thanks to Sea<br />
Shepherd’s work in this year alone.<br />
Find out more, support the cause<br />
and get involved. See the website:<br />
www.seashepherd.org<br />
CARA-BEEN AND GONE<br />
Mick Carabine has sold his business<br />
and is retiring to Shoalhaven Heads.<br />
Well done Mick and all the best<br />
for the future. A great result for a<br />
champion bloke.<br />
BINGIN IN BALI<br />
Speaking of businesses for<br />
sale, Warwick Martin of Dukes<br />
Longboards fame on the Gold Coast<br />
is selling up and heading for his<br />
Bingin Villa in Bali for good. If you<br />
love surfing and surfboards, why not<br />
buy a whole shop! You couldn’t go<br />
past a shop like Dukes. Established<br />
fourteen years, the lease for the<br />
store also comes with a couple of<br />
two bedroom units, a garage and a<br />
few car parks out the back.<br />
FANCY A BISCUIT?<br />
How about a wooden one?<br />
Rumour has it Cape Boatworks in<br />
Fairy Meadow, near Wollongong,<br />
will soon have the new Grain<br />
Homegrown Surfboard Kit for the<br />
Channel Islands Wood Biscuit. Grain<br />
have partnered with Al Merrick who<br />
originally developed the board with<br />
Rob Machado. The board looks set<br />
to be available in a 5’6”, 5’8” and<br />
6’2” Biscuit.<br />
HUEY YOU GONNA CALL?<br />
www.askhuey.com.au has<br />
changed the format of their online<br />
weather and swell forecasting<br />
website. Now you can find out<br />
what’s happening around 2 million<br />
locations globally. There are 7-day<br />
swell and wind forecasts and soon<br />
to be introduced global wind and<br />
swell maps.<br />
The new<br />
Symba<br />
presents: the summer solution...<br />
Carver<br />
Surf rack<br />
+ +<br />
www.scooterstyle.com.au<br />
175 Eumundi Road, Noosaville Qld 4566 Phone: 07 5455 5249<br />
Board<br />
= FUN<br />
10% off<br />
Carver Surf Racks<br />
with this ad<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
19
LATEST: & GREATEST<br />
NOW HERE’S<br />
A REVELATION<br />
Word has it Takuya (Tappy) Yoshikawa of<br />
Revelation Surfboards in Japan, is making<br />
his way to Australia in early December<br />
to shape boards for two weeks alongside<br />
Southcoast Surfboards’ Ian Chisholm. Want<br />
to get your hands on one of these limited<br />
edition customs? To find out more, see<br />
www.southcoastlongboards.com.au<br />
Speaking of Southcoast, Ian is set to<br />
have Tyler Hatzikian’s new creation - The<br />
Magneato - in store soon. Tyler’s made<br />
some radical, radical advances in singlefin<br />
design. For more on Tyler Surfboards, see<br />
www.tylersurfboards.com<br />
Finally (he sure has been busy) Ian is now<br />
the agent for Axxe Wetsuits (shown left)<br />
from Japan. The latest suits are designed<br />
for the Spring/ Summer season for our<br />
brothers and sisters down south that don’t<br />
always get to enjoy donning boardies for<br />
the warmer months. For those unfamiliar<br />
with the brand, Axxe custom makes high<br />
performance wetsuits that are handmade<br />
specifically for your body. Choose your<br />
style, colours and materials... The quality<br />
has to be seen to be understood.<br />
A STEP BLACK IN TIME<br />
Jesse Watson of Black Apache Surfboards is set to launch<br />
his own range of extremely cool retro-influenced wetsuits - the<br />
perfect match to his boards. These custom suits - which would<br />
be just as at home on the pages of a 1970’s edition of Surfer<br />
Magazine - are made from a mix of neoprene and Japanese<br />
rubber, said to be super soft, stretchy, comfortable and of course,<br />
warm. With plenty of time to go before winter, start saving your<br />
pennies. See www.blackapachesurfboards.com.au<br />
MUST-LISTENS<br />
MUSIC THAT KEPT US SANE ON THE ROAD AND IN THE OFFICE<br />
LAST MINUTE BUDGET CUTBACKS<br />
Got a travel itch? www.gosea.com.au is a new surf travel website that is basically the wotif.com of water<br />
sports. Travel operators from the surf, dive and sailing field list their vacancies at the best rates available. If you<br />
are flexible enough to book your surf trip within 60 days of departure, you could save yourself some big bucks.<br />
There’s nothing better than getting a good deal at the last minute.<br />
JOHN BUTLER TRIO<br />
APRIL UPRISING<br />
JARRAH RECORDS<br />
A much rockier release than the<br />
Trio’s previous rootsy offerings.<br />
Take that, naysayers. Infectious<br />
tunes and truly meaningful lyrics<br />
when you can understand him.<br />
www.johnbutlertrio.com<br />
ALO<br />
MAN OF THE WORLD<br />
BRUSHFIRE RECORDS<br />
Start with a truly incredible group<br />
of musos with ridiculously catchy<br />
songs and tons of talent, add<br />
in Jack Johnson magic and you<br />
have the perfect soundtrack to<br />
everything. www.alomusic.com<br />
THE LONELY ISLAND<br />
INCREDIBAD<br />
UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC RECORDS<br />
Childish, crude and stupid, this is<br />
true medicine for staying awake<br />
two days straight. Jack Black’s<br />
Saxman will be a classic that has<br />
us in tears for the next ten years.<br />
www.thelonelyisland.com<br />
20 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
*<br />
MUST-READS<br />
GREAT PUBLICATIONS WE ENJOY<br />
GET A GRIP<br />
We do like the sound of a local company<br />
making some cool new custom and very special<br />
signature deck grips for some top companies. Around<br />
since the early ‘90’s, Crosslink Traction in Byron Bay<br />
are funking up your footrest with these homegrown<br />
tail pads using a unique process that lets them embed<br />
full colour logos and designs. But it’s not just for your<br />
shortboard... They also do grips for SUPs, kneeboards,<br />
mals, retros and more. Fancy your own personal<br />
touch? They can do you a custom. For more,<br />
see www.deckgrips.com<br />
*Score yourself a super-cool<br />
smorgasboarder deck grip from Crosslink<br />
Traction. See page 120 for more.<br />
KURUNGABAA<br />
Available for $15 at kurungabaa.net<br />
Most definitely not what you would<br />
expect from a surf-related publication,<br />
Kurungabaa is a not-for-profit volunteer<br />
publication, published bi-annually by a<br />
collective group of dedicated writers<br />
and artists. The journal is a collection of<br />
poetry, fiction and other ocean-inspired<br />
writing printed with a colour, card cover<br />
and mostly black and white internal<br />
pages. It’s a huge read, not to be<br />
attempted in one sitting. This is no surf<br />
mag, but rather a deep and reflective<br />
document that you’ll be able to read on<br />
and off for years to come. At $30 per<br />
year for something thought-provoking<br />
it’s definitely worth supporting.<br />
For more information and to subscribe<br />
visit www.kurungabaa.net<br />
INFLATABLE FUN BAGS FOR SURFERS<br />
Are you like us, wondering what the hell PaddleAir actually is? Well,<br />
technically speaking, PaddleAir is an adjustable inflation chamber that is<br />
integrated into a rashie.<br />
Why do that? If paddling your board hurts like hell, particularly on your<br />
sternum, PaddleAir elevates you off the board. It can also relieve paddle pain<br />
and assist you with stronger strokes. It even sounds like fun. The new model<br />
is out now and has a more concealed system than the original. Interested?<br />
Contact Sput Keevers at www.byronbaylongboards.com.au for more info.<br />
FOAM MAGAZINE<br />
Available for $3 in Vic surf shops<br />
WAXING LYRICAL<br />
We recently tried Stomp Surf Wax and we’re sold.<br />
Wanting to know more, we were very interested to find out<br />
the guy behind Stomp has a long history in the wax industry.<br />
He knows his wax... www.burleighwaxco.com.au<br />
If you prefer the all-natural experience, there’s an alternative<br />
for you in Treehugger Wax. Made from beeswax and natural<br />
resins, it’s an eco-friendly way to stick to your board.<br />
More at www.surfinggreen.com.au<br />
In 2009 and at only 17, James Jacobi<br />
left school to launch his own surf<br />
magazine, FOAM. The landscape format<br />
mag presents a different perspective<br />
on Victorian surfing and is produced<br />
in dramatic black and white, complete<br />
with moody photography by Ocean<br />
Grove snapper Ed Sloane and a talented<br />
handful of contributors. For more, see:<br />
www.foammag.com.au and to see more<br />
imagery by Ed - in colour even - visit his<br />
website at sloanephotos.blogspot.com<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
21
The mosT amazing<br />
range of Longboards,<br />
reTro and<br />
shorTboard brands on<br />
The easT CoasT<br />
LATEST: & GREATEST<br />
STORE FOR LESS<br />
BUDGET BOARD STORAGE SOLUTIONS<br />
Surfboard’s aren’t cheap, but thankfully, keeping your precious craft stored neatly out of harms way<br />
needn’t break the bank. There are plenty of fantastic storage solutions - racks, straps, shelves, grips,<br />
clips - enough options out there to suit most needs and budgets. We’ve looked at two entry-level<br />
storage ideas to keep your boards off the floor and leave a few dollars in your pocket.<br />
ELOFANT STRAPS<br />
This simple system of velcro straps holds two boards, is easy to install and use, and is yours from<br />
under $30. Not really a system you’d use as a display in your lounge for that 70’s singlefin you bought<br />
for far too much at that vintage surfboard auction after a few too many beers, but most definitely a<br />
simple setup for the garage for easy access and safe storage. It can hold surfboards, snowboards,<br />
wakeboards, kiteboards... Anything up to around 15kg. See www.elofant.com for more info.<br />
including<br />
mandala, mackie, Van straalen, Takayama, neal<br />
Purchase jnr, bing, Zed, formular energy, gato<br />
heroi, mctavish, firewire, Chilli, Js, al merrick, Lost,<br />
dahlberg, stacey, Insight, fibre flex, Webber, 7s,<br />
Clear, Xanadu, aloha...<br />
40 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 9389 5477<br />
www.surfculture.com.au<br />
www.sixounceboardstore.com.au<br />
SURF N’ RAK<br />
If you prefer the idea of a steel rack, Surf N’ Rak has a range of wall mounted racks that start at $29<br />
for a single rack, up to $180 for a 6-tier setup. A good in-betweener is the 3-tier version, the SR3,<br />
which goes for $95. With a load capacity of 15kg per support, it’s safe, easy to use and provides quick<br />
access to your boards. And for those of you with bigger toys to store, there’s a new range of SUP racks<br />
to check out as well. For more info, and the rest of the range, see www.surfnrak.com.au<br />
22<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
The more things<br />
change, the more<br />
they stay the same<br />
36 years on, surfers still surf<br />
and Southern Man Surf still<br />
stands strong as Ulladulla’s<br />
original and best surf shop.<br />
Stocking the best range of surf, skate<br />
and bodyboards as well as leading<br />
surf brands such as Vern Jackson<br />
Surfboards, Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy,<br />
Rusty and Quiksilver, you can expect<br />
the same great service and advice the<br />
surf community has enjoyed since 1974.<br />
Sponsored rider<br />
Scott ‘Whippy’ Denis<br />
(photo: Simon Punch)<br />
For personal service and a great range of surfboards<br />
and accessories, skateboards, bodyboards, clothing<br />
and much more, visit Southern Man Surf in Ulladulla on<br />
your next surf trip to the South Coast of NSW.<br />
138 Princes Highway, Ulladulla, NSW 2539<br />
www.southernman.com.au
24 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
NEW SINGLE AND NEW SHOWS FOR THE GIRLS<br />
With a new single in hand entitled My Mind Is An Echo Chamber, Sydney’s The<br />
Beautiful Girls hit the road this December and January for shows along the coast.<br />
The tour kicks off on Friday, December 10 at the Mona Vale Hotel in Sydney and<br />
continues in the new year with shows in Wollongong, Bateau Bay, Yamba, Byron Bay,<br />
Coolangatta, Brisbane, Caloundra, Ferntree Gully, Melbourne, Frankston and Barwon<br />
Heads. See www.thebeautifulgirls.com for dates in your area.<br />
POSITIVE<br />
PROGRAM<br />
Keen to get involved?<br />
Visit www.desert2surf.org to<br />
learn more about partnership and<br />
volunteer opportunities, and how<br />
you can support this empowering<br />
and inspiring initiative.<br />
Desert2Surf is a not-for-profit organisation,<br />
established in 2008 to build the capacity<br />
of indigenous youth living in remote and<br />
disadvantaged communities through outdoor<br />
activities like surfing.<br />
Using the power of surfing as a catalyst<br />
to engage, inspire and empower young<br />
indigenous people, a group of dedicated and<br />
passionate people help youth aged 12-15 to<br />
participate in challenging and fun outdoor<br />
activities like tackling the waves - something<br />
many of these kids have never laid eyes on, let<br />
alone experienced.<br />
Desert2Surf trips facilitate development<br />
of leadership and personal skills, provide<br />
cultural exchange opportunities, and directly<br />
assist indigenous youth through advocacy and<br />
community representation.<br />
See our next edition for Desert2Surf tales<br />
of stand up paddleboarding with freshwater<br />
crocs, and how you can get your hands on a<br />
uniquely designed indigenous surfboard direct<br />
from the Northern Territory.<br />
SURF CELEBRATION TIME AT KIRRA<br />
November is most definitely surf festival month, with the first cab off<br />
the rank Kirra Surfstock Festival - a non-profit community project that<br />
celebrates surf culture while raising awareness of coastal management.<br />
Now in its second year, the family friendly event will feature a number of<br />
beach lifestyle events ranging from surfing to bikini parades, from beach<br />
soccer to music - which will include amongst others Band of Frequencies<br />
and one of our favourites, Isaac Paddon and the Tides.<br />
The festival runs from November 12 -14 and activities include two days of<br />
markets, an attempt on the Guinness World Record for the most number<br />
of surfers riding one wave, various surfing competition events and much<br />
more. Best of all, and close to our hearts, of course... it’s free! There is<br />
no charge for the community to enjoy the live music, markets and all the<br />
other activities the Kirra Surfstock Festival has to offer.<br />
For more information, visit www.kirrasurfstock.com.au<br />
A MANLY LOOK BACK AT BELLS<br />
Kirra heiroglyphics<br />
Photo: Michael Dawes<br />
LATEST: COMMUNITY<br />
On the subject of surf festivals, the Manly Festival of Surfing <strong>2010</strong> kicks off<br />
on November 18. With a promised four days of surf, surf, surf the festival<br />
organisers are squeezing in shortboards, longboards, stand up paddleboards,<br />
kombis, music, art, film, and fashion.<br />
As part of the festival, saltmotion gallery and Byron Bay surf identity Rusty Miller<br />
have teamed up to exhibit previously unseen photographs from the 1970 Bells<br />
World Championship and the migration of surfers to the Byron Bay region.<br />
This will be an exhibition worth visiting. For more, see www.saltmotion.com<br />
When: 18-21 November. Opening Night Thursday, November 18, 6-9pm<br />
Where: saltmotion, Market Place, Manly (opposite Manly Library)<br />
What: Turning point: Trimming Lifestyles<br />
Contact: <strong>02</strong> 9976 6518 or gallery@saltmotion.com<br />
Rebecca Dennis<br />
from Minyerri NT<br />
surfing with Sunny<br />
Oliver-Bennetts<br />
of Desert2Surf in<br />
background.<br />
Photo: Deb Oliver<br />
One of the photos on display: Wayne Parkes with a Morris 1100 and some racy<br />
S-decks at the 1970 World Surfing Contest, Bells Beach, Victoria<br />
If you have any news and events that should be in these pages, please feel<br />
free to drop us a line at editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
25
LATEST: INTERVIEW<br />
THE<br />
KANTENDER<br />
NOOSA’S ISRAEL KANI... FROM THE BOARD TO THE BOXING RING<br />
An angry and explosive young local at Noosa’s points,<br />
Israel Kani’s early years saw his life heading down a<br />
destructive path of violence and partying, where getting<br />
into fistfights in the surf was just a normal part of any<br />
session. Fortunately, a small gem of advice from a fellow<br />
surfer helped him channel his aggression and turn his life<br />
around to excel as one of Australia’s top boxers.<br />
WORDS BY MARK CHAPMAN<br />
Photo: Supplied
“FIVE FOOT SHEET-GLASS SHORIES AT SUNSHINE, JUST CLEAN AND<br />
BARRELLING WITH ALL MY MATES OUT THERE. THE PAYOUTS ARE THICK AND<br />
FAST AND THE GIRLS ARE ON THE BEACH. THAT’S A PRETTY GOOD DAY.”<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
27
LATEST: INTERVIEW<br />
“A CLIP OVER<br />
THE EAR... A<br />
PUNCH ON THE<br />
CHIN AND IN YOU<br />
GO, SON.”<br />
Photo: Supplied<br />
When you first meet Israel Kani, it’s not<br />
what you would expect from a hard-nut<br />
boxing champ with numerous belts to<br />
his name which include an Australian<br />
National Title. With a wide grin and<br />
plenty stories to tell, he’s anything but<br />
unfriendly or intimidating. And despite<br />
his record of KOs and the fact that I<br />
would pity anyone that finds themselves<br />
on the receiving end of a swift smack<br />
to the chops from him, these days you<br />
would have to be in the ring to get a<br />
belting from him, as the years of meeting<br />
out vigilante justice in the surf and<br />
parking lots of Noosa have long since<br />
been left behind.<br />
Now a doting Dad of two – Tikana-<br />
Lea and Sienna – Israel was born on<br />
the Central Coast of NSW and first<br />
discovered a love for the ocean on a<br />
foam surfboard in the waves of Terrigal<br />
main beach at 8 years old.<br />
“My parents would go to church and<br />
afterwards I’d go down and ride my<br />
foamy. I had a cousin that kneeboarded<br />
at the time, but me and a few mates<br />
really got into surfing. It was good.”<br />
He practiced his skills around magic<br />
spots like Shelly Beach, Avoca and<br />
Wamberal, but a trip to Queensland in<br />
his teens introduced him to what would<br />
become his future home.<br />
“When we first came here on holiday,<br />
the points at Noosa were pumping. I<br />
came over the hill to First Point, saw it<br />
and thought ‘No way...’ and fell in love<br />
with the place straight away. A couple of<br />
months later, we were living here and I<br />
was surfing the points on a regular basis.”<br />
But the new breaks also came with<br />
crowds and plenty of excuses for conflict.<br />
“The points used to break all the time.<br />
We got good waves all the time. I‘d finish<br />
school and would surf Tea Tree till dark. We<br />
were the ratbags out there, the full locals,<br />
telling people to go in … bad attitude.<br />
“We’d be out surfing Sunshine. Guys<br />
would be dropping in or hassling the<br />
young guys. I’d be the first one out there<br />
to send them in. A clip over the ear… a<br />
punch on the chin and in you go, son. I<br />
was pretty renowned for it.”<br />
As a competent surfer and a solid<br />
competitor in his 20’s, Israel - who was<br />
part of the Noosa Boardriders Club<br />
- even picked up some professional<br />
sponsors along the way including Water<br />
Pistols, Fox, Shaping Company, Balin<br />
and Mrs Palmers. Some of his favourite<br />
surfboards, he recalls, were from those<br />
early days, including his first serious<br />
surfboard from Shaping Company.<br />
“SC… Rounded square [tail]. Loved it.<br />
Snapped it three times, but I loved it so<br />
much, I kept getting it fixed. And it still<br />
went good. I loved that board, man…<br />
“My next board was a Shaping Company<br />
rounded square, six channels, deep…<br />
And I loved it. It was that good for the<br />
points, because you could get a bit of air<br />
under the channels and the tail would<br />
slide. It had heaps of drive. Single to<br />
double concave in the end, but always<br />
rounded squares.”<br />
Unfortunately, despite good<br />
performances in competitions, he<br />
explains that the surfing environment at<br />
the time wasn’t the most conducive to<br />
positive living.<br />
“We’d be in tents smoking cones. But<br />
boxing really saved me. In surfing I didn’t<br />
have to try too hard to compete, but in<br />
boxing there’s no smoking cones and<br />
getting into the ring. You’ll get yourself<br />
killed.”<br />
28 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
ON FEAR...<br />
“Just big waves man. My hat’s<br />
off to them. I would fight anyone,<br />
and I mean anyone, before taking<br />
off deep at Pipe. It’s a different<br />
sort of courage. In boxing, you<br />
get knocked out, you’re out cold,<br />
you don’t feel a thing. Getting<br />
pummelled in 15-foot Pipe is a<br />
different ballgame. That’s ballsy I<br />
reckon. Big waves are a different<br />
sort of fear I guess. You’ve got<br />
to have fear in boxing because it<br />
makes you sharp. Keeps you on<br />
edge. Fear in surfing is different.<br />
If you have that fear and you<br />
stuff up on take-off in 15-foot<br />
Pipe, you get smashed, big-time.<br />
Teahupoo… Man, my hat’s off to<br />
those guys. I wouldn’t be surfing<br />
that joint. That’s mental to me…I<br />
don’t mind the bigger stuff but<br />
that’s out of control.”<br />
Finally the big change came<br />
where the very reason for getting<br />
himself in trouble was what would<br />
set his life on course, thanks to<br />
a few words of advice after a<br />
particularly nasty day in the water.<br />
“One day at Tea Tree, I’d punched<br />
four guys and caught three waves.<br />
An old dude’s told me ‘Man, why<br />
don’t you take up boxing. You’re in<br />
the wrong sport’. “<br />
And it all made sense. After<br />
getting in from the surf, Israel<br />
found a gym in Peregian Beach<br />
and started training under Victor<br />
Pinzuk, winning his first fight at 25<br />
– a late start for a boxer. Ignoring<br />
warnings that he was too old, he<br />
turned professional at 31.<br />
“Everyone’s going ‘You’re never<br />
going to make it as a pro’ and then<br />
I ended up winning the Australian<br />
Super Middleweight title.“<br />
This achievement sits alongside a<br />
Pan-Pacific belt, two Queensland<br />
Professional titles and a host of<br />
others, but Israel is most proud of<br />
the Australian title - the pinnacle<br />
of Australian boxing.<br />
One belt that unfortunately did<br />
elude him was that of the reality<br />
television series, The Contender<br />
Australia, where he was up<br />
against 14 top Australian boxers,<br />
competing for $250,000 prize<br />
money and the opportunity to<br />
hop in the ring with The Man -<br />
Anthony Mundine. He exited the<br />
competition on a split decision<br />
that went in favour of former<br />
Australian Light Middle and<br />
Middleweight Champion Josh<br />
Clenshaw, and then ended up<br />
being unlucky once again in a<br />
wildcard return bout, bowing out<br />
to the series winner Garth Wood.<br />
“After 55 fights that was the first<br />
time I’ve ever been knocked out<br />
or stopped in a fight. But I was still<br />
pretty lucky to get to where I was<br />
anyway.”<br />
Since the series, Israel – who still<br />
maintains a surf connection in<br />
sponsors, being supported by My<br />
Brother’s Keeper - has very much<br />
turned his attention to training<br />
young up-and-coming boxers in<br />
his gym – the Noosa Box Office<br />
– located in Noosaville. And with<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
29
LATEST: INTERVIEW<br />
his focus on his new career and business,<br />
surfing competitively has been off the<br />
cards for a long time now.<br />
“For me it’s all or nothing. I know what it<br />
takes to surf well. I used to be in the water<br />
four times a day, if I got out at all… And<br />
that’s what you have to do to become good.<br />
I have to do it all the way. I couldn’t halfbox<br />
and half-surf.”<br />
“I’D PUNCHED FOUR<br />
GUYS AND CAUGHT<br />
THREE WAVES. AN<br />
OLD DUDE’S TOLD ME<br />
‘MAN, WHY DON’T<br />
YOU TAKE UP BOXING.<br />
YOU’RE IN THE<br />
WRONG SPORT”<br />
So these days, with his fighting being<br />
positively focused into a career, it’s all<br />
about relaxation when it comes to picking<br />
up the surfboard.<br />
“It’s not even so much catching a wave. It’s<br />
just being out in the water on a good sunny<br />
day. Clean water clears you head. It’s a<br />
good de-stresser…<br />
“It’s a different lifestyle and it’s awesome.<br />
I love being surfed out and I love being<br />
trained out – so sore in the shoulders and<br />
arms that you can’t move. I love going to<br />
the beach all day, you get home and you’re<br />
decked, sun-decked… it’s a good feeling.”<br />
But despite being a Noosa local, Israel<br />
tends to avoid his old stomping grounds<br />
when possible. He says it’s not worth<br />
getting injured and putting your life and<br />
career on the line, and even on the busy<br />
days, when things can get heated, he<br />
prefers to take the high road.<br />
“I love Tea Tree when it’s on but the<br />
crowds are just ridiculous. I try to avoid<br />
surfing the points now.<br />
“I had one guy coming out, dropping in on<br />
everyone and I sorta gave him an earful.<br />
He offered to put me on the beach, but one<br />
of my mates said ‘no man, don’t, don’t…<br />
‘ so he just paddled off. If you’re reading,<br />
mate, you’re lucky... You’re lucky, son”<br />
(laughs) But no, I couldn’t be bothered. I’m<br />
just having too much fun.”<br />
“I’ve got a tip for most of the old guys out<br />
there but… Look after the young guys,<br />
because the old guys are just getting older<br />
and weaker and the young guys are getting<br />
older and stronger, so you gotta watch out<br />
for them. You’re better off making friends<br />
with them now, so you get a few more<br />
waves as you get older. Hassle ‘em now<br />
and you’re not going to get any waves off<br />
‘em, and you’ll probably get a hiding in the<br />
carpark.”<br />
It’s very easy to see why he’d rather brush<br />
the conflict, with so many positive aspects<br />
to focus on at the moment, including a<br />
return to the ring.<br />
“I got a few good fights left in me. I’d like to<br />
get a couple of different belts… a couple<br />
more belts for the mantle and then get my<br />
boys and girls winning belts.”<br />
“I like training people, bringing the best<br />
out in people. I get more nervous for them<br />
fighting than when I fight.”<br />
With the Noosa Box Office Gym going<br />
from strength to strength, a loving family<br />
at home and the ocean just around the<br />
corner, the future looks like a happy place.<br />
So, will he end up one of the silver surfers<br />
hassling in the surf?<br />
“Nah, you won’t catch me doing that. I’ll be<br />
out somewhere, where there’s no-one else<br />
out or a couple of mates down the beach.<br />
There’s plenty of beach out there…”<br />
ON FAMILY<br />
“Sienna was two weeks old when I<br />
was fighting for the Australian title.<br />
My fiancée, Kristy, her uncle and dad<br />
were taking turns, round by round,<br />
to watch her in the car while I was<br />
fighting, so she was pretty much<br />
there. And then I got a knockout in<br />
the fifth round, and out with the belt,<br />
wrapped around my little bub… So<br />
yeah, family is everything.”<br />
L-R: Israel with daughters Tikana-Lea,<br />
Sienna and fiancée Kristy<br />
Photo: Supplied
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nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
31
LATEST: IMAGES<br />
20th of March <strong>2010</strong>:<br />
Category 3 Tropical Cyclone<br />
Ului is bearing down on<br />
North Queensland. To add<br />
to the intensity of it, the<br />
cyclone is also cradled by a<br />
large high-pressure system<br />
moving over New Zealand<br />
and directing huge gale force<br />
swell towards the Southern<br />
Queensland Coast.<br />
“As I had anxiously been watching these developments over the past<br />
week and deliberating where to go, I decide to pack up the cameras,<br />
throw a mattress and board into the back of the car and head north to<br />
Noosa. I arrive early afternoon to light rain and a few large waves but<br />
nothing epic just yet.<br />
“After spending that night at the caravan park, I roll out of bed at 4<br />
am to get a decent car park in Noosa for the day ahead. The car park<br />
is already busy but I am lucky enough to snag a spot and I prepare<br />
my camera gear ready to shoot the sunrise. After squinting into the<br />
darkness, trying to get some idea of what is happening through the<br />
very overcast skies, light starts to win the battle over the darkness.<br />
“Large unruly waves start to appear roaring into the Noosa headland<br />
and soon enough the rain starts again. I soon came to my realisation<br />
that the epic eight foot sunny blue-sky scenario I had in my head<br />
was not going to happen. As I walk up and down the headland, like<br />
a surf junky desperately looking for something to shoot to salvage<br />
the situation, I realise that I am still in love with the ocean and the<br />
lifestyle that it brings, from those rare precious moments I live to<br />
capture, to the unexpected, and through to all the pure beauty it<br />
brings in between.<br />
32 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
THE WEATHER WATCHER<br />
“I have based my photography around<br />
these utopian ideas I have in my head.<br />
“My passion involves watching the<br />
weather maps and forecasts, searching for<br />
those areas where Mother Nature whips<br />
up a frenzy creating large ocean swell that<br />
then travel thousands of kilometers.<br />
“I then try to meet these swells where<br />
they hit land (hopefully with sunny skies<br />
and offshore winds) and capture my idea<br />
of a coastal landscape photograph. I also<br />
enjoy capturing images of surfers, who<br />
too, have been waiting for these swells to<br />
meet them, dancing with them to the end.<br />
More often then not it doesn’t work out as<br />
I had planned, but I have found that it only<br />
reinforces my love for photography, as it is<br />
these searches that open my eyes to the<br />
beauty of the very existence around us.<br />
“I have traveled all the way to Western<br />
Australia to come home with my best image<br />
being that of a surfboard fin. I have been<br />
down at The Wreck at Byron Bay waiting<br />
for the tide and to see if the same cyclone<br />
swells produce the goods here, only to leave<br />
with one of my most treasured images of<br />
a lone girl riding her bike along the beach.<br />
My Noosa trip is only another example of<br />
this - a sunset image of The Golden Girl, and<br />
an action shot of surfers jumping into the<br />
Boiling Pot were captured on my trip.<br />
“The ocean and the surf has become more<br />
than just a lifestyle - it is life. I have always<br />
loved to share my interests with others and<br />
I think photography for me has been the<br />
best way to achieve this. The underlying<br />
surf culture in Australia along with all<br />
the scenery, we as surfers are blessed to<br />
witness, has given me enough inspiration to<br />
keep on shooting for several lifetimes.<br />
“I have been very fortunate to be able to<br />
capture images exclusively for my own<br />
galleries and have tried to create my own<br />
path by printing the images onto canvas<br />
and displaying them as photographic art.<br />
I now love nothing more than to hit the<br />
road with my young family, camping and<br />
photographing up and down the east coast<br />
of Australia.”<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
33
LATEST: IMAGES<br />
“Sasha Stocker at Burleigh Heads. This shot was a<br />
sequence that went on Coastalwatch and I had about<br />
five people claim it was them”<br />
“This was taken on one of my trips chasing the<br />
cyclone swells. The swell backed off a bit and the<br />
rain cleared for sunset and I was very happy with the<br />
golden girl image”<br />
“Taken at Byron Bay. I just got on one of the<br />
backpacker boats out to Julian Rocks and snorkelled<br />
around to get this image of a green turtle.”<br />
34 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
“Taken at Byron when I was heading down<br />
chasing a cyclone swell. The swell was<br />
a lot smaller than I had hoped and the<br />
tide was all wrong so I just went for a<br />
walk on the beach with my camera and<br />
I was stoked with the shot I got - a total<br />
random image that is timeless”<br />
Sean Scott is a passionate and talented<br />
photographer living on the Gold Coast. He has<br />
two galleries - in Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta<br />
- that display and sell his prints and he supplies<br />
his images to other quality surf art retailers<br />
further afield, such as the Water Surf Art Cafe in<br />
Coffs Harbour and the Sound Lounge in Yamba.<br />
“These are some of my favourite types of shots.<br />
I love to get into the water as it is almost as much<br />
fun as surfing. The reflections in the water are<br />
incredible to shoot”<br />
Easy-going and personable, Sean’s love for life<br />
is evident in the beautiful work he produces.<br />
Meeting him in person is as much of a pleasure<br />
as is looking through his huge collection of waterinspired<br />
photography.<br />
His eye for a well-formed wave and a beautiful<br />
surf scene, as well as his dedication to spending<br />
time in the water - even putting himself in harm’s<br />
way - just to capture that magic moment in time<br />
has firmly established him as a favourite amongst<br />
lovers of surf art and water photography.<br />
For more information and to see more of his<br />
work, visit www.seanscottphotography.com and<br />
if you’re on the Gold Coast, check out the work<br />
in person.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
35
LATEST: IMAGES<br />
“Don’t need to know where I’m going...<br />
Just need to know where I’ve been.”<br />
Photographer Jeff Tull captures a bit<br />
of Victorian spray art.<br />
Assorted waves, chilled<br />
rides and great big boards<br />
seen around Yamba, NSW.<br />
Photos by Trevor Skinner<br />
36 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
It’s fun to stay at the Y-A-M-B-A... Phil Blanch of Yamba goes disco on his morning walk. Photo by Trevor Skinner<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
37
LATEST: IMAGES<br />
“Hey! You’re the guy that took my wallet...”<br />
Coffs Harbour waterboy Johnny Craig about to<br />
speed past Tom Woods of ST IMAGES<br />
www.stimages.com.au<br />
38 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
PEOPLE<br />
OF THE<br />
LENS<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
39
LATEST: IMAGES<br />
Standing around in the sun on Sydney’s Northern beaches. Above: Jules/Oceaneye www.oceaneye.com.au<br />
Below: Joel/Saltmotion www.saltmotion.com<br />
40 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
41
NEVER OUT OF BUSINESS FOR A DAY: Not even<br />
the complete destruction of the Goodtime store<br />
fire could break the Gailforce. Photo: Supplied<br />
LATEST: PEOPLE<br />
42 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
IN IT FOR A GOOD TIME<br />
Some think she’s Wonder Woman and others think she’s an old battleaxe. Either way, Gail Austen is one woman<br />
who leaves an indelible mark on you. We talk with the enigma and surf business icon that is ‘Gailforce’.<br />
WORDS BY DAVE SWAN<br />
She has been awarded the Order of Australia for her<br />
services to youth, won the 1997 Telstra Australian<br />
Business Woman of the Year, been inducted into the<br />
Australian Businesswomen’s Network Hall of Fame,<br />
come close to winning a State surf title in her youth<br />
and even been crowned world marathon kayaking<br />
champion at the Masters Games. But it is possibly<br />
her role as the leading lady of Goodtime Surf, Skate,<br />
Sail and Kite megastore in Brisbane that has truly<br />
brought her to the attention of the surf community.<br />
BUT FIRST, LET’S CLEAR THE AIR.<br />
Is she as hard as people assume? I must confess, my<br />
initial perception was that she was. You see, in my<br />
teens, I had on several occasions tried to sell Gail a<br />
crappy secondhand surfboard for above market value.<br />
In true Gail style she promptly let me know I was<br />
dreaming, hence my earlier, yet unfair assessment.<br />
Truth be told, Gail is not mean-spirited in the least.<br />
She is determined beyond belief and has achieved so<br />
much despite adversity. She’s tough, determined and<br />
won’t put up with any bullshit. If that means she’s<br />
hard, then yes - she’s tough as nails. You don’t run a<br />
surf shop for close to forty years through all the trials<br />
and tribulations of the industry and survive if you’re<br />
a fool. And one thing is for certain, Gail Austen is<br />
nobody’s fool.<br />
THE START OF GOOD TIMES<br />
Having worked for Jackson Surfboards in Caringbah,<br />
near Cronulla, Brian Austen moved to Queensland<br />
to shape surfboards for Ray Woosley and later, Joe<br />
Larkin. Following stints with these famous shapers,<br />
Brian started his own surfboard factory in July<br />
1971 at 28 Bolton Street, Kirra, called Goodtime.<br />
His explanation for the business name was simple:<br />
“Goodtime, that’s what surfing is all about.”<br />
During this time Gail was working in the fashion<br />
industry in London and planning to travel to America<br />
to work in film production. But a trip home for<br />
Christmas changed her life forever.<br />
“I arrived back in Australia on Christmas Eve, 1972.<br />
My parents picked me up in Sydney and took me down<br />
the Gold Coast, where they were living at the time.<br />
They said, ‘We would like you to look at your brother’s<br />
factory, see what he is up to and what you think.‘ They<br />
recognised my brother needed a hand on the business<br />
side of things.<br />
“So I went around on Boxing Day and had a look at his<br />
factory. It was the most dangerous place I had been<br />
in my life. It was unhealthy. It was toxic. I thought it<br />
was dreadful! But I could see the pieces of art there. I<br />
recognised that. I had surfed as a youngster, so I knew<br />
what surfing was about.<br />
“The change from the big old boards to these short<br />
boards was amazing. We had the likes of Rabbit round<br />
there, Michael Peterson, Peter Townend. They were<br />
all working there. They were babies though, only kids.<br />
“They shaped the boards, would go for surf, have a<br />
wash, get all the stuff out of their ears, their lungs<br />
and their body and then get back to work. That’s<br />
what they did and that was fine. However, the factory<br />
needed tidying up and organising, which is what I did.<br />
“The shop my brother had opened in Coolangatta -<br />
which was just like a cigarette kiosk really - wasn’t<br />
making any money. The few surfboards he did sell<br />
were sold for far less than cost and when you looked<br />
at how many boards they actually made, it was only<br />
half to one surfboard a week… between all of them!<br />
“I said to him, ‘You’re not going to get very far doing<br />
that. But if you’re able to make more surfboards, you’ll<br />
be able to open a shop in Brisbane, where people<br />
have got money.’<br />
“Down the Gold Coast in those days, nobody had<br />
anything. You can’t operate in a marketplace where<br />
nobody has any money. I convinced Brian to go to<br />
Brisbane and find a place to set up shop. I offered to work<br />
in it for a while to help out. That’s how I got involved.”<br />
Gail eventually found her brother a shop at Breakfast<br />
Creek - a former butcher’s shop complete with<br />
stainless steel fit-out and all the old remnants<br />
including the butcher’s block and anvil.<br />
“So here I was in this butchers shop with Brian’s<br />
boards. I put a big surfboard out the front to let people<br />
know we were there. Inside I made a nice display of<br />
his boards, sat there and had nothing to do. That was<br />
no good for someone like me.<br />
So I said: ‘You can’t live by surfboards alone. You’ve<br />
got to have something else.’ Nobody in the surfing<br />
industry at that point would have considered such a<br />
thing. Surfboards were surfboards. It was a religion.<br />
“The first thing I did was to introduce skateboards. I<br />
went over to the local rollerskating factory, Gayrad in<br />
Brisbane. I bought wheels and trucks. Then I got bits<br />
of timber and my brother made fibreglass decks.<br />
“At first he was outraged. He wanted nothing to do<br />
with this surf and skateboard thing and warned me<br />
to not dare bring the skateboards down to the Gold<br />
Coast. However, combining surf and skate proved to<br />
be very, very successful.<br />
“Then a friend of Brian’s who had worked with him at<br />
Woosley’s in Newmarket, made canoes. I went and<br />
saw him and said, ‘The river’s right there, I’m on the<br />
river, I want some canoes.’ When my brother came up<br />
from the coast and saw those he was so offended, he<br />
just walked out of the store. He just couldn’t bear to<br />
see this canoe next to his surfboards. I thought, ‘Oh<br />
well, I am not offended by it. It is all part of the fun of<br />
getting out on the water.’<br />
Gail didn’t have the space to display the canoes so<br />
she hung them from the ceiling. “When people came<br />
in, they would ask where the canoe shop was. I would<br />
point up and say, ‘and the stock is out the back.’<br />
“So that was the world I was in. I would be driving<br />
between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, sorting out the<br />
factory, sorting out the shop. It was a neverending,<br />
tremendous amount of work and I was still doing this<br />
all for free.<br />
“From there it was sailboards. In around 1974<br />
Delhunty’s came to see me and I had never seen<br />
a sailboard in my life. They had made their first<br />
sailboard and couldn’t sell it to anyone. They came to<br />
me and I thought, ‘What a good idea.’<br />
“So I got a friend of mine Rosco (Ross Cook) to come<br />
over. We got out a canoe and the sailboard and off I<br />
went sailboarding down the river, while he paddled<br />
after me with the canoe. I got confronted with a ship,<br />
which was a problem, so we had to get the sailboard<br />
into the middle of the canoe and paddle like hell back<br />
to Breakfast Creek. Someone happened to be going<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
43
LATEST: PEOPLE<br />
past and took a photo of these mad people about to be run over by a ship and we<br />
ended up on the front page of the Daily Telegraph. That was the beginning of my<br />
sailboarding business and that was really how the Brisbane shop developed.<br />
“The Gold Coast of course kept that religious surfing theme for a long time. After<br />
a while Brian began to realise there was money to be made by having canoes<br />
and sailboards and skateboards and this idea of the surf shop I wanted to create,<br />
seemed to be a good idea.”<br />
CHALLENGES. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW<br />
FROM STORE TO STORE<br />
Goodtime moved from Breakfast Creek to Windsor when ownership of the building<br />
changed hands and the new owners wanted to tear it down. Despite a twelvemonth<br />
lease, Gail was forced to find new premises. The building was never torn<br />
down much to Gail’s annoyance.<br />
“I found a place on Lutwyche Road. The building was in the midst of construction,<br />
being built of besser bricks, and I thought now there’s a place they can’t mow<br />
down with a grader.” Gail spoke with the owner and asked him if she could rent it.<br />
“He was very, very cautious because I had a tiny surf shop in Breakfast Creek in a<br />
former butcher’s shop and I didn’t look like I was going to be very successful. I was<br />
in the surf industry, I was a woman, aged thirty and I was yet to have children.<br />
There were numerous reasons why you wouldn’t rent to me, and he didn’t want<br />
to, but in the end I talked him into it. I thought it was great because I could bring<br />
all my surfboards, skateboards, canoes and sailboards in and by that stage, I was<br />
starting to introduce hang-gliders and clothing.”<br />
Four years into her six-year lease, in November 1980, Gail was served with a writ<br />
by the Brisbane City Council. “I just wasn’t asked to leave. The council withdrew<br />
my right to trade because I was using a warehouse as a retail outlet on a busy<br />
road and causing traffic congestion. I was deemed a nuisance.”<br />
Gail’s intention this time was to buy a building. “My aim was not to be controlled<br />
by landlords and the council. That way I could control what happened to me.”<br />
The building she found in November 1981 was the Goodtime store in<br />
Woolongabba, where she still is today.<br />
FIRE<br />
Unfortunately for Gail, it was not all good times ahead. One night in November 1984,<br />
Goodtime Woolongabba burnt to the ground. It would not be fully rebuilt until the<br />
end of the following year, but Gail never went out of business. Not for a single day.<br />
“The very next day I was in business. I sold two paddles out the back out of my<br />
Land Rover. The media asked me to look downcast. I thought to myself I have to<br />
be very clear here and give a positive message. I was asked by the Channel Nine<br />
reporter at the time how I felt and I said, ‘I feel great. I will be in business out the<br />
back. It’s a big day tomorrow – opening day!’<br />
“When I saw the fire from across the road in my Land Rover I admit thinking for a<br />
minute, ‘Well, what do I do now.’ But then without any hesitation, I knew what I<br />
was going to do because this is what I do. I do business and any challenge is just<br />
another challenge. I knew it was going to be hard but then you just have to get on<br />
with it. I remembered someone then saying, ‘What are you going to do now?’ and<br />
I said, ‘Someone get me a broom and a shovel.’ “<br />
Gail slept out the back. She dragged bits of molten steel from the fire, twisted it,<br />
painted it and made stands for the various surf craft that continued to arrive from<br />
her suppliers.<br />
“I had done a lot of work with the Stubbies company through Goodtime and<br />
various contests I organised. A truck of theirs arrived with $2000 worth of goods<br />
and no bill. The note read, ‘Here’s a hand. Just sell it and make some money.’ Rip<br />
Curl never let me down either. It was probably twelve months until I could pay my<br />
bills but they stood by me.”<br />
Dart Surf Skis also continued to supply Gail, full knowing that she would be<br />
in business. Their only question at the time was, ‘Where do you want them<br />
delivered?’ Free Flight Surfboards did the exact same thing.<br />
She got a permit to continue selling on what was then deemed a demolition site<br />
providing she wore a hard-hat and boots. In true Gail style, she went out straight<br />
STEPPING STONES: From the factory (top) to the Gold Coast and Brisbane stores<br />
(middle), through to supporting local surfing events (bottom) Gail immersed<br />
herself in every part of the Goodtime business and the local surfing world.<br />
44 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
away, got what she needed and got back to business with cranes, demountable<br />
sheds and tents making up the new look Goodtime.<br />
As for security, her means of protecting her wares from local villians was to pay<br />
them a visit with her trusty shotgun at the drinking establishments around the<br />
Gabba to inform them of their plight if they dared steal from her after what she had<br />
been through.<br />
No thefts and a few months later, the Goodtime store was back again, better<br />
than ever, but not long after Gail and Brian decided to split the business, with him<br />
retaining the Gold Coast store and factory, and her the Brisbane business.<br />
THE CHARACTERS<br />
Over the years, many notable surf industry identities have made it through the<br />
doors of Goodtime, among them a few future surf company founders.<br />
“When I first met Gordon Merchant at the Gold Coast shop he was working for a<br />
company called Kream. One day he came in selling this marijuana shirt they made. I<br />
suggested he should have a beach pant as well. I provided him with some patterns<br />
for the pant I had sourced from my former business in London. Next minute, Gordon<br />
started Billabong and we became their number one account.<br />
ICONIC GOLD COAST SURF BUSINESS FOR SALE<br />
“We were also the first to stock Quiksilver in Queensland. A little while later a<br />
young man came into my shop who also had a clothing label called Quiksilver. He<br />
came in with these incredible clothes and I said to him, ‘I love your clothes but you<br />
can’t use the name Quiksilver. Someone already owns that name in Melbourne.’<br />
“I ended up phoning Allan Green (one of Quiksilver’s founders) whilst this guy<br />
was in the store. Allan agreed to pay him to re-register his name. That guy drove<br />
back to his home in Taree and on his return saw a tuna boat returning from the<br />
sea and thought ‘Hot Tuna… that’s what I will call my clothing line.<br />
“Another interesting person was Dare (Jennings) from Mambo. I used to go to<br />
Sydney a fair bit and I used to buy the Phantom t-shirts from Dare in Darlinghurst.<br />
One time I went in and he said, ‘Gail I have got these surf clothes I am designing.’ I<br />
saw them and said, ‘Mate this is a winner. Let’s have it.’ I ordered it straight away<br />
but Dare had a bit of trouble selling it to other stores in the beginning. It was at<br />
a time when that sort of clothing wasn’t really acceptable, not just in the fashion<br />
industry but in the surfing industry as well because it was taking to a different level.<br />
“So for me, the growth of the clothing side of the business, was due to the fact I<br />
had an eye for it. I wouldn’t have made any money otherwise.<br />
THE FUTURE<br />
Gail Austen is undeniably a powerhouse and one hell of an amazing woman.<br />
At the age of sixty-six she is still going strong. She is still in charge of what is<br />
reputed to be Australia’s longest running surf store. She has seen thirty-four<br />
competitors come and go, many of whom are still big in the surf industry today.<br />
So what does the future hold? This is best left said by Gail herself.<br />
“Until a year ago I worked seven days a week. I tried five days for around four<br />
months but after I had fixed everything around the home I was bored. I am back<br />
working six days a week now. The excitement of business, the fun I have and the<br />
challenges I face are stimulating and keep me young and on the ball. “<br />
THE MODERN MARKETPLACE<br />
With these 40 years of experience in mind, we were keen to get some of Gail’s<br />
insight into business and the surf industry as it stands today.<br />
GAIL ON BUSINESS<br />
“I have been ridiculed countless times in the surf industry as the iron lady who<br />
runs the supermarket of surfing, I have heard it so many times, I no longer care. I<br />
always thought to myself, ‘We only have a population of this much in South East<br />
Queensland and you want me to restrict my market to just surfboards? Never<br />
gonna happen mate! From a business perspective it is just not possible.’<br />
“Product is the most important thing you can have in any business. The product<br />
is what that customer buys, what he walks down the street with, what he uses.<br />
Everything that happens going forward relies on that product. It’s got to be good,<br />
it’s got to be serviceable, it’s got to be backed up and it has got to do what you<br />
say it’s going to do.<br />
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“Once you have product then its service and price. Price is at the end of the road.<br />
The last thing you sell is price.<br />
“When you look at the development of every aspect of this business, from surfing<br />
to skateboarding and windsurfing and so on… everything I am involved in, I<br />
personally went out and did it.<br />
“We also focus on the beginners in each of the sports. More than any other shop<br />
we welcome beginners. In many Gold Coast stores, if you didn’t know the lingo,<br />
you weren’t made to feel very welcome.”<br />
GAIL ON IMPORTS<br />
“People have to be more welcoming of competition. China is just another<br />
competitor. I have been in business all my life and competition is something I<br />
thrive on, the more competition the better.<br />
“I recognised very early in the piece what was going to happen in relation to<br />
Chinese imports. I thought I have to support a local shaper, produce an Australian<br />
made surfboard but at a price affordable for entry-level surfers. We developed<br />
a surfboard line called Boost Surfboards. It’s not necessarily profitable but it<br />
introduces kids and beginners to surfing.<br />
“Blackrock is our intermediate level and as surfers advance they buy better<br />
equipment and our margins increase. All in all, we produce an Australian<br />
product, hand shaped in a modern style that you can go back to the store if<br />
something is wrong. There is a backup service.<br />
“The reality is, I do an enormous amount of business with people who choose to<br />
buy cheap and inferior products first. China has introduced people to surfing that<br />
never before thought about it. We have to accept there is a stepping process,<br />
that as people become informed and develop their surfing skills, they will be<br />
looking for a superior product.<br />
“We have to accept we are not going to win all the wars. We won’t win all price<br />
wars. People will inevitably learn from what they buy and it is part of the education<br />
process. The worst thing you can do is rubbish the competition. Strength, durability<br />
and performance do not come cheaply. People will inevitably wake up to this fact<br />
just as they have with bikes, canoes, cars, hardware tools…”<br />
HELPING OTHERS<br />
“When I do something, I always look to see if I can help someone else. You might<br />
as well make it worthwhile. I want to see more benefit than just the person<br />
sitting in front of me. That’s why in any event I run, I will make sure a charity<br />
benefits from it. I have learnt that in life from a very young age.<br />
“A person like me will be disliked more than loved because when I run things,<br />
I run them properly. For that fact, I am bound to rub people the wrong way.<br />
Therefore I have always made a point if I am going to do something, someone’s<br />
going to get the benefit from it. It allows me to get past the BS and feel better<br />
within myself. So when someone goes crook at me for the way I ran something, I<br />
can say, well I wasn’t doing it for you, I was doing it for them.”<br />
SHINING MOMENTS<br />
Finally, we asked Gail about what she considered to be her greatest achievements.<br />
“I was instrumental in setting up a number of Brisbane’s skate parks. I<br />
recognised no one was helping set up skate parks for the kids. I was selling<br />
plenty of skateboards so I decided to do something about it.”<br />
“I created the Australian Women’s Surfing Association and went all around the<br />
country getting women to join. Women’s surfing in Australia had gone backwards<br />
since Phyllis O’Donnell was world champion and I decided to do something about<br />
it. I said to Pam Burridge, who was was only twelve at the time but an upcoming<br />
superstar, ‘When Australia has a female world champion I will retire.’ Pam went<br />
on to become the world champion and I didn’t have to run it anymore.<br />
“I started the Brisbane Surf Riders Association to counter all that ‘Brissos go home’<br />
nonsense. I recognised Brisbane surfers had to get better so they would be accepted<br />
when they ventured down to the Gold Coast. We ran our contests on Stradbroke<br />
Island, away from the crowds in those days, so we could get the standard up.<br />
“I also ran the biggest canoeing event in QLD for twenty-five years.<br />
“I did these things because I could see they were needed. That’s my nature. I am<br />
not trying to be a hero. It’s just that if I see a need for something, it’s automatic. I<br />
do something about it. That’s what I enjoy. That’s my life.”<br />
46 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
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47
DEBATE: STAND UP<br />
Photo: Michael Dawes<br />
48 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
STAND UP<br />
FOR YOUR<br />
RIGHTS<br />
Get up, stand up! Stand up for your rights!<br />
Come’on people now!<br />
Oh, if only Bob Marley knew the hardships of the<br />
world today, particularly the plight of SUPs. But are<br />
these ‘street-sweepers-of-the-sea’, as they are so<br />
affectionately referred to by their shortboard brethren,<br />
genuine members of the surf fraternity or not?<br />
WORDS BY DAVE SWAN | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DAWES<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
49
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DEBATE: STAND UP<br />
There definitely seems to be a<br />
growing acceptance of stand-up<br />
paddle surfing within mainstream<br />
surf culture. No longer is there as<br />
much of an ‘us and them’ mentality.<br />
Master watermen such as Tom<br />
Carroll, Gerry Lopez and Laird<br />
Hamilton have no doubt given the<br />
sport added credibility.<br />
We talk with a number of people<br />
within the industry about the rapid<br />
rise in popularity of SUPs along with<br />
the associated pros and cons. But<br />
first, why this harmonious acceptance<br />
of SUPs? Are they real surfers or just<br />
mopping a spill in aisle seven?<br />
PETER JAPP<br />
Eastcoast Stand Up Paddle,<br />
Barden Ridge<br />
“Well there has always been a bit of a<br />
difference between shortboarders and<br />
longboarders. Now we have the SUPs.<br />
“SUP at this stage are kinda down the food<br />
chain but that is rapidly changing with the<br />
focus on high performance. The boards have<br />
come down in size to near the 8ft mark.<br />
Now you basically have guys who were on<br />
shortboards doing stand-up.”<br />
By which Peter is no doubt referring to<br />
paddling and not comedy, but I guess that<br />
depends on the skill of the rider.<br />
JONATHAN STUBBS<br />
Bluewater Players, Noosa<br />
“Yeah, it’s totally changed. Aside from the<br />
devotees of stand-up there was perhaps<br />
a stigma initially attached to it. Certain<br />
people wouldn’t come into our store<br />
because we only did SUPs. But that’s<br />
changed for one because we don’t get<br />
swell up here on a regular basis. Plus you<br />
have guys getting a little older who aren’t<br />
getting as many waves as they used to.<br />
And once they have had a try and can see<br />
it is not that easy (doing what we do in<br />
the surf) they turn around and say, ‘I have<br />
respect for you guys now.’<br />
Full-on, hardcore surfers such as Tommy<br />
and Nick Carroll have also broken<br />
down the barriers by taking up paddles<br />
themselves and giving it a go.<br />
“BETTER STILL, YOU CAN LEARN ON FLAT<br />
WATER. YOU COULD NEVER DO THAT ON<br />
A NORMAL SURFBOARD.”<br />
LUKE MEYERS<br />
SHQ, Sandringham<br />
“These guys are making it gain acceptance.<br />
When you see Tommy Carrol in a recent shot<br />
pulling into a really nice wave, leaning on his<br />
paddle and getting barreled, I think surfers<br />
can see the performance aspect of the sport.<br />
“It is pretty hardcore surfing with such a large<br />
heavy board, taking off on some of the waves<br />
they choose to. Doing what they are doing on<br />
a wave gives it a lot of credibility.”<br />
Fair point there boys. I have seen some pretty<br />
amazing SUP surfing shots myself and I have<br />
nothing but respect for what some people are<br />
doing on a wave. Check out Haley Fiske at<br />
50 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Mavericks for those still unimpressed.<br />
So what else is fuelling the rapid rise<br />
in popularity?<br />
TULLY ST JOHN<br />
Noosa Surf Works, Noosa<br />
“I think everyone can now see the<br />
fitness benefits associated with<br />
stand-up, from kids through to the<br />
older crew. Plus it’s a new challenge<br />
for surfers who have been surfing a<br />
long time.”<br />
JONATHAN: “Paddling every day keeps<br />
you fit and helps your core strength,<br />
which in turn is great for your surfing.”<br />
PETER: “The fitness aspect of SUP<br />
is beneficial to your wellbeing plus<br />
it’s a sport that young kids, mothers,<br />
fathers and whole families can do<br />
together.”<br />
TULLY: “Those who haven’t surfed<br />
before, can feel the stoke of getting<br />
onto a wave in a pretty short amount<br />
of time. It’s opening up a new easy<br />
way to enjoy what we surfers have<br />
been enjoying for a long time.”<br />
PETER: “Better still you can learn on<br />
flat water. You could never do that on<br />
a normal surfboard. You would need a<br />
wave. With SUPs you can learn your<br />
basic skills on flat water or small chop.”<br />
I must admit a few of the guys who<br />
have taken up SUPs over the last<br />
few months have certainly dropped<br />
some kgs and have commented how<br />
much fitter they feel and stronger in<br />
the surf.<br />
So SUPing can make you ‘tooyight<br />
like a tin drum’ (apologies for my<br />
lame reference to the Austin Powers<br />
movie Goldmember) but what about<br />
the downside of such a rapid rise in<br />
popularity?<br />
SCOTT PENWARN<br />
Greenline, Mermaid Beach<br />
“It’s a matter of etiquette. I guess<br />
some people get out there, whether it<br />
be on a shortboard, longboard or SUP<br />
and try to take every wave. They’re<br />
not really considering other people.<br />
“If you do that on a SUP, you are going<br />
to cop it because you are so visible.<br />
“Regardless of what craft you are<br />
on, it’s the clown who doesn’t ‘give<br />
a rats’ and drops in or circles around<br />
everyone to snake them, who are the<br />
real problem.”<br />
LUKE: “I think we are starting to<br />
break down the barriers between<br />
SUPs and other surfers but that all<br />
comes back to respect. Where it’s<br />
working is where everyone is obeying<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
51
DEBATE: STAND UP<br />
“WHERE IT’S<br />
WORKING IS<br />
WHERE EVERYONE<br />
IS OBEYING THE<br />
RULES OF THE SURF<br />
REGARDLESS OF<br />
WHAT SURF CRAFT<br />
YOU ARE ON.”<br />
Photo: Michael Dawes<br />
52 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
the rules of the surf regardless of what surf craft<br />
you are on.<br />
“And I do think it’s about sharing when you are out<br />
there. You may come across certain breaks where<br />
you know you could catch every wave on the SUP but<br />
you want to make friends out there and have a chat.<br />
“So it is important to let a few waves go, especially<br />
when you first get out the back to show the other<br />
guys in the water you are not going to hog every<br />
wave. You have to show etiquette. “<br />
JONATHAN: “There are a lot of people out there<br />
who should spend a little bit more time on the flat<br />
water and learn some skills. When I was learning, a<br />
mate said I should do heaps of flat water paddling,<br />
so I did. I learnt my skills and didn’t downsize too<br />
quickly. I went from an 11 ft board down to a 10”2,<br />
to a 9 “8, to a 9”6 and now I am on an 8”6.”<br />
PETER: “Beginners have to find a place to learn and<br />
not just go straight out into the line-up and get in<br />
everyone’s way.”<br />
SCOTT: “SUPs in inexperienced hands in crowded<br />
line-ups are dangerous. A lot of beginners are on 11<br />
and 12 ft boards and they don’t know what they are<br />
doing. Some have never surfed in their life and go<br />
straight into the line-up.<br />
“Even on a small day it is dodgy. You go out on an 11<br />
ft board with a 10 ft leg rope and you have a pretty<br />
wide circumference where you can take people out.<br />
“It is our responsibility to educate people as they<br />
are walking out the door with these boards. What<br />
we don’t want to see is what has happened at a few<br />
Californian beaches were SUPs have designated<br />
‘no-go zones’.<br />
“They have basically been banned from certain<br />
breaks because people have not respected the rules<br />
of the surf.”<br />
With regard to educating riders, all gentlemen<br />
agree on this point and each of their respective<br />
businesses offer lessons, or are affiliated with<br />
coaches who teach the basic skills of stand-up<br />
paddling and surf etiquette.<br />
But how many hours should you clock up in still<br />
water before you tackle the surf?<br />
JONATHAN: “Everyone develops at a different rate<br />
but generally speaking, at least a month of going at<br />
least three days a week.<br />
LUKE: “People in particular need to learn how to<br />
do ‘kick turns’ in the water. Turning and paddle<br />
technique are important. You need to do all that<br />
before you think about venturing into the surf. You<br />
have to know your own ability.”<br />
Kick turns heh? So beware all you shortboarders out<br />
there, the SUPs are now learning Karate.<br />
LUKE: “From there it’s about finding suitable breaks<br />
away from crowds. Sometimes it means a lesser<br />
wave but you are not competing with heaps of other<br />
surfers and are giving yourself time to develop.”<br />
And as for the future?<br />
PETER: “Stand-up paddling is not just for the surf.<br />
You have flat water, rivers, lakes… there are guys<br />
even riding rapids overseas. With surf breaks getting<br />
so crowded more and more people are looking to get<br />
away from it all. I think In Australia we will see a lot<br />
more flat water and open ocean events.”<br />
TULLY: “The open ocean side of things is a whole<br />
other aspect to stand-up paddling. When you are<br />
a kilometre out to sea and beyond the shark nets,<br />
running the swells along the coast and using the<br />
energy of the ocean to generate some speed, there<br />
is nothing like it. You only have to see the Molokai<br />
challenge to get an appreciation for what I am<br />
talking about.”<br />
The 52 kilometre paddleboard crossing of the<br />
Molokai (Ka’iwi) Channel is considered the most<br />
brutal physical and mental challenge in the world<br />
for waterman. The race between Hawaii’s two major<br />
islands starts at Kaluakoi on the west end of Molokai<br />
island, across the Ka’iwi Channel to a finish line at<br />
Oahu’s Maunaloa Bay. The best do it in just under<br />
five hours. The Gold Coast’s Jamie Mitchell has won<br />
the race a staggering nine times straight.<br />
LARGEST<br />
SELECTION<br />
DEMOS<br />
LESSONS<br />
81 Beach Road, Sandringham VIC 3191<br />
03 9598 2867 | SHQ.COM.AU<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
53<br />
1-3 page shq.indd 1 17/10/10 10:34 PM
DEBATE: STAND UP<br />
Photo: Michael Dawes<br />
“YOU CAN PUT<br />
YOUR SIX-<br />
YEAR OLD KID<br />
ON THE FRONT<br />
OF YOUR<br />
BOARD... OR<br />
YOUR DOG”<br />
LUKE: “The flat water aspect of SUPs is really<br />
the growth area.<br />
“You look at a company like Naish and they<br />
are so heavily focused on the still water side.<br />
In Europe, they’re touring around the canals of<br />
Amsterdam and Venice.<br />
“The people like myself who are riding an<br />
8’6 SUP are pretty small in numbers within<br />
Australia. People are looking for boards they<br />
will predominantly paddle in flat water and<br />
occasionally take out into the surf.<br />
“In many ways it is a lot like windsurfing in the<br />
early eighties. One in every three households<br />
in Europe had a windsurfer and used it for<br />
predominantly still water.<br />
“Now SUPs have the potential to be bigger than<br />
windsurfing was. That will only happen if it is<br />
something the family can do, that you can put<br />
your six-year old kid on the front of your board...<br />
or your dog.” (laughs)<br />
How about future board design?<br />
JONATHAN: “The boards have evolved so<br />
much even in the last 12 months. Simon<br />
Anderson is doing his Fibre Flex board. Tully is<br />
one of the leaders in design and manufacturing<br />
and is producing some amazing boards. “<br />
SCOTT: “Yeah, Simon Anderson’s Fibre Flex and<br />
Chris Garrett’s Step-Deck SUP are ones to note.”<br />
LUKE: “There were a lot of companies on the<br />
market experimenting with different designs.<br />
“What we have found, is it’s now coming back<br />
to what works. We tend to find that about 30<br />
inches wide is a magic number. In the sense it<br />
is a good width for stability but still good for<br />
surfing performance. Anything wider tends not<br />
to have the surfing performance and narrower is<br />
more suited to surfers in the 50 to 60 kg range.<br />
That is a rough indicator.”<br />
54 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
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Finally, at this point I must confess I have not yet ventured to the ‘dark side’.<br />
I am alone in the office for not having tried it.<br />
I have nothing against SUPs, even despite my name-calling throughout this article.<br />
I don’t really mean it, they are purely friendly terms of endearment, like referring to<br />
longboarders as long-planker-wankers or alaias as the ironing-boards of the ocean<br />
- and I ride both anyway.<br />
The fact is, I just haven’t had the opportunity yet. But I am as keen as. The<br />
various appeals of stand-up mentioned in this article, resonate with me.<br />
<strong>Smorgasboarder</strong> is about our love for all manner of surf craft. I love longboards,<br />
shortboards, fishes, alaias… you name it, I’m happy to ride it - different boards<br />
for different conditions. Stand up is just another good reason to get wet.<br />
Long live the janitors-of-the-sea.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
55
LATEST: PEOPLE<br />
Mark Pridmore pushing son Cain onto waves Photo: Supplied<br />
PASS THE TORCH<br />
We’ve been led to believe by stereotype that parents are supposed to get old and<br />
out of touch with their kids, complaining how life was better back in their day,<br />
while teenagers in heavy eyeliner (or guyliner) sulk and disconnect themselves from<br />
anything to do with family life, staying locked up in their room, smoking cigarettes<br />
and listening to satanic heavy metal...<br />
There’s a funny thing about stereotypes though - they fortunately and most certainly<br />
don’t have to be true to life. While some family units may well follow this sitcomlike<br />
path, families with a close connection to the water often seem to do the exact<br />
opposite and form even deeper and more meaningful bonds in the surf.<br />
We talk to four very different fathers and sons about their relationships and find out<br />
how surfing together has influenced their lives.<br />
56 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
“I GET MORE STOKED<br />
WHEN I SEE CAIN GET A<br />
GOOD WAVE THEN I DO,<br />
THAT’S FOR SURE.”<br />
Photo: J.Bitton<br />
MARK & CAIN PRIDMORE<br />
Yamba-based surfboard manufacturer, Mark Pridmore<br />
seems to have passed on his love of surfcraft to the<br />
next generation, with his son Cain getting involved<br />
with the family business from an early age.<br />
Dad started it...<br />
I started shaping when I was about 15, (now 37) but<br />
it was an ‘on again, off again’ thing. I would reshape<br />
foam from old boards and any bits of old foam or<br />
shitty blanks I could get. I’d learn and have fun riding<br />
them. I was also spraying these and skateboard<br />
decks for myself and mates, which led to a job<br />
spraying boards at Wave-Zone Surfboards, who also<br />
sponsored me at the time.<br />
These days, I’m working on my own label - More<br />
Surfboards - and still doing some of the sprays. But<br />
my son Cain (12) is doing a lot of the artwork and<br />
colours on my shapes now. It started when I saw a<br />
few of his sketches about 2½ years ago and thought<br />
that he should put some of that onto one of my<br />
boards. It’s just grown from there.<br />
Art wins awards<br />
Cain recently won the school aged division of a<br />
surfboard art exhibition held by the Gold Coast Surf<br />
World - a really cool event brought together shapers<br />
and artists, a real celebration of creativity and<br />
surfboards.<br />
Are the kids avid surfers?<br />
Yeah, they love the beach and enjoy the waves. I<br />
think it has to be one of the best things: to be able<br />
to share the fun of surfing with your kids. I get more<br />
stoked when I see Cain get a good wave then I do,<br />
thats for sure.<br />
Future plans for Cain’s artwork<br />
Cain can do whatever he wants with his artwork,<br />
I am just supplying him with some opportunities<br />
and hopefully skills for the future. He has plenty of<br />
ability and the more he does, the more that ability<br />
can blossom.<br />
Is he keen to also get involved in shaping?<br />
Cain has shaped 3 or 4 boards with my help, but he<br />
is becoming more and more competent. He has a<br />
good knowledge of design. I doubt there’d be too<br />
many 12-year-olds who know as much.<br />
The reaction so far<br />
Some guys have been requesting Cain do their<br />
artwork, others are wary of a young kid being let<br />
loose with paints and posca pens on their new sled.<br />
And other customers genuinely don’t believe me<br />
when I say my son did that spray, until I show ‘em<br />
some pics.<br />
Kids are so capable and they learn so quickly - just<br />
gotta give ‘em the chance. They have a different<br />
perspective on things and haven’t been corrupted<br />
and polluted by marketing and image. It’s more<br />
innocent and just fun... which suits surfing and what<br />
I am all about.<br />
Above: Cain and sister Sirrah (7) with the start of the ‘Pool<br />
table fish’ that won Cain his art award.<br />
Below: Proud dad with Cain’s artwork on More Surfboards<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
57
LATEST: PEOPLE<br />
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: DYLAN & JOHN SHARING WAVES AND STYLE IN BALI<br />
58 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
Almost twins: Dylan (left) and John (right)
Trading as Paulownia Surfboard SuPPlieS<br />
Our buoyant, lightweight timber<br />
floats all around the world.<br />
JOHN & DYLAN REID<br />
Now at home on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the South African-born Reid<br />
boys spend plenty of bonding time in the water along the NSW coastline and<br />
overseas. We got both sides of the story on surfing and spending time together.<br />
Who got you into surfing, and was there any family influence?<br />
John: My mates got me into surfing at Nahoon Reef in East London, South Africa<br />
but no family influence – only bought my first surfboard at 18 years of age.<br />
Dylan: My whole family were born and bred on the coast, so it was only natural<br />
for surfing to fall into the picture. My dad got me into surf lessons with a friend of<br />
ours we called “Lazy Leonard”. He taught me all the ins and outs of surfing.<br />
Do you remember the first time Dylan was on a surfboard?<br />
John: Yip. He was seven years old. I spent hours pushing him onto waves. As<br />
I’m sure many fathers find out, if they fall off at that stage it’s all your fault for<br />
pushing them onto the wrong wave. I’m still pushing him but now it’s out of bed.<br />
Dylan: I initially started out body-boarding at a really young age until dad decided<br />
to send me to surf lessons at seven, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I remember Dad<br />
pushing me onto waves at St Francis Bay for hours and hours.<br />
Do you two get to surf together much; who’s teaching who the tricks?<br />
John: Yes. Mainly weekends, and all holidays are spent at Crescent Head. Tricks?<br />
No one can teach a 17 year old anything, let alone tricks!<br />
Dylan: Dad and I surf together regularly on the weekend, but I am often driving<br />
up the coast with my mate Willis, looking for a good break.<br />
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but you can teach a new dog old<br />
tricks, which is very true, because the old dog is still yet to learn how to duck<br />
dive. Dad is often seen turning turtle on his shortboard!<br />
Do you think that surfing together has strengthened your relationship?<br />
John: Yes, it’s something we are always planning or discussing. Early mornings<br />
are the best, although it is always a battle to get Dylan out of bed.<br />
Dylan: Surfing has somewhat strengthened our relationship, but more so, I think<br />
that it has created a new source of competition and rivalry.<br />
Do you see it as something you’ll continue doing?<br />
John: Yes, and I’m counting, I have 16 summers left until I turn 70 so if I do drop<br />
in on Dylan it’s because I’m running out of time and waves!<br />
Dylan: I think surfing is something I will continually be doing throughout my life<br />
until I become an old sun-bleached prune, but until then I will be enjoying every<br />
second of it.<br />
What is the most special thing about your time together surfing?<br />
John: When Dylan finally admits it was worth getting up early, and then<br />
breakfast and coffee after a good surf.<br />
Dylan: The most special time together surfing with my dad would probably have<br />
to be that moment when I know I’ve just made it under a clean out set and look<br />
back to see my dad turning turtle and copping the grunt of the wave on the head.<br />
Karma always seems to come back and bite me though.<br />
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nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
59
A surf shop with personality.<br />
Memorabilia, clothing, accessories and surfboards.<br />
Photo: Grant Molony<br />
Graeme & Brenda Howard<br />
148 Thompson Ave/PO Box 554, Cowes Phillip Island 3922<br />
Ph/Fax (03) 5995 1659 Mob 0411 701 428<br />
Email pip@waterfront.net.au<br />
For something a little different<br />
Southcoast Surfboards, Gato Heroi, Bing, Dick Van Straalen<br />
and a unique range of surfing memorabilia<br />
RUSS & ZANE MOLONY<br />
One of four brothers, Russ Molony of North Entrance on the NSW Central Coast<br />
is a carpenter by trade and a part time WQS surfer. Having become addicted<br />
to surfing at five years of age, he never looked back. Now he’s enjoying the<br />
opportunity to pass it all on to his five-year-old boy, Zane.<br />
Early days...<br />
My older brothers surfed, so they got me out there on my blue foamy and<br />
pushed me into a few. There was a big crew of grommets that all learned on<br />
the same wave. The Cove at Bateau Bay was learner’s heaven. Equipment<br />
these days for learner’s is so much easier and faster. Great news for beginners.<br />
I went in my first competition when I was 14 in a schoolboys event. I recently<br />
returned home from the European leg of the WQS where I equalled my best pro<br />
result - 5 th place in the 5 Star Relentless Boardmasters in Newquay England. It<br />
still doesn’t compare to coming home and getting pumping waves though. The<br />
last couple of weeks have been all time!<br />
Zane’s introduction to surfing<br />
5/21 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie Ph/Fax (<strong>02</strong>) 6584 1995 or 0416 226 774<br />
More online...<br />
www.sandyfeetsurf.com.au<br />
Zane wanted to surf last summer so I got him out in front of our place. He<br />
actually got up first go and rode it for a few seconds. He surprised me in how<br />
good his balance was for a 4-year-old. He’s actually still learning to swim, so<br />
he wears a life jacket and we find a nice shallow bank. Even when it’s freezing<br />
cold he’s keen to hit the waves so I think he’s hooked. Zane has saltwater in his<br />
veins, so the future’s at his feet.<br />
Passing it on<br />
Spending quality time with Zane teaching him about life and the world is the<br />
most important part of a good father-son relationship. I cherish every second<br />
of our time together. Passing on surfing and the knowledge of the ocean is just<br />
a bonus.<br />
In Zane’s words<br />
I asked Zane if he wanted to add anything. His reply: “I surf heaps better then<br />
my Dad. Tell them that”.<br />
Russ says in parting: “I’d like to thank Rex Marechal at RMS Surfboards for<br />
shaping some sick shred sticks. Filtrate Eyewear for their cool shades and all<br />
the Molony tribe for ruling.”<br />
60 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
LATEST: PEOPLE<br />
Russ doing some close inspection of the face<br />
Photo: Grant Molony<br />
“I SURF HEAPS BETTER THEN MY DAD. TELL THEM THAT” ZANE MOLONY, 5<br />
Photo: Grant Molony<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
61
Photo: Supplied<br />
LATEST: PEOPLE<br />
“HUMILITY AND<br />
RESPECT FOR OTHER<br />
PEOPLE. AND JUST<br />
TO ENJOY LIFE”<br />
Tully St. John on the most important<br />
lesson learned from dad, Mike.<br />
62 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
MIKE & TULLY ST. JOHN<br />
Noosa Surf Works is a well known and well respected business, just as the<br />
St. John name is well respected for the surfboards they produce. In a world<br />
where the average person stays in a job for only a few years, finding someone<br />
continuing on in a family business, and building on the family name and<br />
legacy is truly a rarity.<br />
It all started back in the early 50’s, when Mike’s interest in surfing was ignited<br />
by his father’s water time on a huge cedar board, which led to him becoming<br />
one of the local surf kids in Sydney’s eastern beaches.<br />
“We lived on the beach. It was just part of our lifestyle. It was different in<br />
those days. There wasn’t any surf school, boardriders club or competitions,<br />
nothing like that. Surfing was just something we did in between playing<br />
cricket, football and swimming.”<br />
“We were active kids and surfing was just something that a few people<br />
did. We all knew each other around the area. Us kids used to drag the 16 ft<br />
toothpicks from the surf clubs. When the guys were at work Monday to Friday,<br />
we used to wag school and go down the surf club.”<br />
Being in that environment, it was inevitable one of the mates had to try their<br />
hand at working on the boards.<br />
“For us kids to carry a balsa board around, from Tamarama to Bondi, was a<br />
long, long way, so as the boards started falling apart we would strip them<br />
down, cut them down and reglass them smaller…”<br />
From the early beginnings, Mike found himself following a career in the<br />
surfboard industry, working for various shapers and finally founding his own<br />
business. With the arrival of son, Tully, the stage was set for introducing the<br />
craft and the business to the next generation, despite any reservations Mike<br />
may have had.<br />
“I’ve been around it since I was born, basically.” Tully tells us. “Swept floors,<br />
mucked around in the factory, just waiting for dad to finish work when I was a<br />
little kid. I just watched how the boards got made from early on.”<br />
“When I was about 12 years old I first did some work on a surfboard. It wasn’t<br />
really something I was interested in. It was just what Dad had done.”<br />
But despite learning the ropes in board repair as a teenager, Tully decided<br />
to look outside of the family business, doing an apprenticeship as a chef<br />
from the age of 15. After completing the apprenticeship, Tully got back into<br />
surfboards.<br />
“But you can’t say I encouraged you. Quite the opposite in fact”, says Mike. “I<br />
didn’t want him to do that at all. I thought it’d be a good idea to do something<br />
else. Anything else.”<br />
But who listens to their parent at 18? “Being a young surfer, I always had a<br />
burning ambition to shape a board for myself one day.”<br />
His time as a chef, however, is not something he regrets doing. “That taught<br />
me what it would take to become a good craftsman. To take it step by step<br />
and not just try and jump to the conclusion before you’d learned the basics<br />
and gone back to traditional methods that had been used. It also taught me<br />
organisation and people skills which has helped me in business today.”<br />
“I reckon I did 10 years before I even considered myself to be anywhere near<br />
qualified to shape boards. I did everything from glassing, sanding, finning of<br />
boards, restorations on old boards to get my eye in, and then endless hours of<br />
just watching other shapers hand shaping boards to get a good basis.”<br />
And a good basis it is, with a huge variety of shapes and designs produced by<br />
Tully at the Noosa Surf Works business.<br />
These days, the apprentice has long since become the master and the<br />
handover has allowed Mike to take a back seat. “These days Tully runs it. He’s<br />
the boss, I just do whatever he wants me to do, from vacuuming up to helping<br />
out. I’m just here at the beck and call of the boss (laughs)”<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
63
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
Photo: RAYCOLLINSPHOTO.COM<br />
64 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
THE<br />
GONG<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
OFTEN MALIGNED AS NOTHING MORE THAN AN INDUSTRIAL CITY,<br />
SUCH MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WOLLONGONG ARE QUICKLY<br />
DISPELLED WHEN EXPLORING THE STUNNING COASTLINE<br />
STRETCHING FROM STANWELL TOPS DOWN TO SEVEN MILE BEACH<br />
IN GERROA IN SEARCH OF SOME SOUTH COAST MAGIC.<br />
WORDS BY DAVE SWAN<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
65
Shellharbour Photo: Steev S www.flickr.com/eonns<br />
North Beach Photo: Supplied<br />
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
North Kiosk at North Beach Photo: DS<br />
WELCOME<br />
TO THE ILLAWARRA<br />
Ohhh... The Gong. Gotta go The Gong. The place<br />
sounds so cool. In fact, it is cool. But we are talking<br />
about more than just Wollongong. Our exploration<br />
goes all the way beyond the city and to the outer<br />
limits of the Illawarra.<br />
The region’s beautiful beaches and stunning coastal<br />
scenery have so much to offer. In terms of waves,<br />
there are countless surf spots of varying descriptions<br />
to speak of, right the way along the coast.<br />
Surfing the north around Coal Cliff you will find<br />
yourself sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean<br />
and the cliffs of the Illawarra escarpment, which<br />
drop precipitously to the sea. It is one of the most<br />
dramatic backdrops any surfer could experience.<br />
Then you have the world-class break at Sandon<br />
Point. On its day, it can easily hold 8ft to 15ft plus<br />
and is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a beast of a wave<br />
complete with freefall takeoff and grinding barrels.<br />
If you’re a big-wave maniac, there’s more action<br />
further south at Windang Island in Shellharbour .<br />
For a somewhat cruisier, mellower wave there’s<br />
the famous Killalea State Forest, home to The Farm<br />
and Mystics. And further south in Gerroa, you have<br />
arguably the best learn-to-surf wave on the east<br />
coast at Seven Mile Beach.<br />
Ahh the variety. Ahh the serenity. The Illawarra has<br />
the goods to make any surfer salivate.<br />
The beauty of this job is that you get to see some<br />
absolutely amazing places. But THIS region is just<br />
nothing short of spectacular. I don’t want to sound<br />
like a broken record but it is just incredible. Whilst<br />
here, it’s taken every ounce of strength to get<br />
through my work because all I wanted to do was<br />
pull the car over and get in for a surf. It’s absolutely<br />
stunning. If there were ever a place I would pick<br />
up and move the family from the Sunshine Coast,<br />
this quite possibly would be it. That’s how highly<br />
I rate the place. You’re an hour from Sydney; the<br />
world’s most beautiful city, you have the ocean, the<br />
highlands for hiking, you’re a stones throw from<br />
Kangaroo Valley, further south is Jervis Bay… the<br />
appeal of the place goes on and on.<br />
But truth be told, I will be the first to admit I thought<br />
the place was nothing more than an industrial town.<br />
It’s what a friend had told me many years ago and<br />
as such, I had taken it as gospel. You can imagine<br />
my shock when I eventually ventured there myself. I<br />
didn’t know what he was on about. Maybe time had<br />
changed things? One thing is for sure, in my opinion,<br />
the area is a top east coast surf spot with an endless<br />
array of natural beauty and great surf breaks.<br />
66 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
THE<br />
GONG<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
South Beach Wollongong, looking towards Port Kembla Photo: Richard Higgins www.flickr.com/photos/24364979@N00/<br />
Austinmer Pool Photo: Supplied<br />
Shellharbour morning Photo: Keith LBG<br />
“A TOP<br />
EAST COAST<br />
SURF SPOT<br />
WITH GREAT<br />
WAVES”<br />
Scarborough Hotel Photo: DS<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
67
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
Kiama sunrise Photo: Kiama Tourism<br />
Looking over seven Mile Beach Photo: DS<br />
Werri Beach Sunrise Photo: Kent Ladkin<br />
Somewhere near Windang Photo: Lainey Brown laineybrown.carbonmade.com<br />
WHERE<br />
IS THE ILLAWARRA EXACTLY?<br />
The Illawarra is a coastal region situated<br />
immediately south of Sydney and north of the<br />
Shoalhaven, known as the NSW South Coast<br />
region. It encompasses the cities of Wollongong<br />
and Shellharbour and the town of Kiama.<br />
Geography is something that defines the region.<br />
To the north, the city of Wollongong is never<br />
more than six kilometers at its widest. The city<br />
is fringed by mountains, which are the eastern<br />
edge of the Southern Highlands plateau, that are<br />
not so much high as steep, and to the east lies<br />
the Pacific Ocean.<br />
Wollongong is only 80 kilometers from Sydney<br />
and around an hour and twenty minutes drive.<br />
Further south the region widens, and the coastal<br />
plain becomes increasingly hillier.<br />
The coastline extends some 100 kilometers from<br />
the southern hills of the Royal National Park in<br />
the north to the Shoalhaven River in the south.<br />
Points and beaches face all matter of directions<br />
and as such you can usually find a wave<br />
somewhere on the coastline whether the swell<br />
direction is coming from the south round to the<br />
north-east.<br />
68 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
PIT STOPS<br />
ALONG THE WAY<br />
FROM THE NORTH<br />
OTFORD PANTRY, THE APPLE PIE SHOP<br />
22 Lady Wakehurst Drive Otford<br />
Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 8am-5pm<br />
The furthest stop north, just pass Stanwell Tops. It’s only<br />
open weekends and public holidays so if you’re lucky<br />
enough to be there on any of these days, go there. A<br />
coffee and some fresh pie… oh yes.<br />
THE SCARBOROUGH HOTEL<br />
383 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough<br />
It’s so good the town was named after it. The pub CAN<br />
actually lay claim to this fame. Wollongong’s oldest<br />
premises has been recently renovated and can possibly<br />
boast the best beer garden I have ever seen on the east<br />
coast. The views are amazing, the laid back vibe superb<br />
and it’s family friendly.<br />
THE HEADLANDS HOTEL<br />
Headland Ave, Austinmer<br />
If you like rustic old pubs, with shark teeth above the<br />
bar, positioned right on a point with views of the surf<br />
and a wood fire burning - well this one is a pearler.<br />
Although I highly recommend you have a surf before<br />
venturing into the pub. The size of the shark jaws is a<br />
little off-putting if seen prior to a surf.<br />
IN AND AROUND<br />
WOLLONGONG<br />
NORTH KIOSK<br />
1 Cliff Road North Beach, North Wollongong<br />
7am to 5pm daily<br />
The coffee is incredible, food service prompt and very<br />
affordable. A range of fresh juices and smoothies are<br />
also available. And you are RIGHT on the beach. The<br />
perfect early morning pit stop for surfers on the go.<br />
FIVE ISLANDS BREWING COMPANY<br />
The fact I have stopped here several times on recent<br />
trips to The Gong is testament to my love for this venue<br />
and my love for beer. Is there anything better than a<br />
local brew house with views over the ocean? A late arvo<br />
surf at South Beach next to the lightho use and a pint of<br />
Rust Amber Ale – that’s the best way to finish your day.<br />
GOING SOUTH<br />
OCEAN BEACH HOTEL<br />
2 Addison Street, Shellharbour<br />
A great spot to relax with a beer after a session at<br />
Cowries where you can retell your tales of taking off on<br />
hollow, barreling waves with next to no water below.<br />
The hotel’s seafood restaurant has also won countless<br />
South Coast and state best restaurant awards.<br />
SHORT BLACK<br />
88 Terralong St, Kiama<br />
As far as Kiama goes, I haven’t tried anything else bar<br />
Short Black for breakfast and coffee. When something is<br />
this good, you fear taking the chance on anything else.<br />
Over 45 years experience<br />
handcrafting quality surfboards, short & long<br />
We've been at the forefront of surfing's<br />
evolution since 1963... BUT YOU’RE STILL THE<br />
MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN OUR BUSINESS<br />
From short through<br />
to long, we have the<br />
perfect board for<br />
your quiver, or can<br />
custom make it to<br />
your requirements<br />
Free<br />
Delivery<br />
in mailand<br />
Australia<br />
SURFBOARDS<br />
FACTORY SHOWROOM<br />
24 Flinders St<br />
North Wollongong, NSW 2500<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4228 8878<br />
Fax: <strong>02</strong> 4229 7594<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
CITY SURF CENTRE<br />
231 Crown Street,<br />
Wollongong City, NSW 2500<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4229 12<strong>02</strong><br />
Fax: <strong>02</strong> 4225 2161<br />
HANDCRAFTED CUSTOM SURFBOARDS<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
69
all the BeSt SuRf GeaR and<br />
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HISTORY<br />
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1/16B addiSon St<br />
ShellharBour Village<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4295 3373<br />
The latest surf fashion, surf<br />
hardware and accessories<br />
Only 10 minutes from Wollongong!<br />
206 keira Street,<br />
wollongong<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4227 2777<br />
100 Railway St, Corrimal NSW 2518<br />
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So many great surfers and great<br />
shapers have called, and still call, The<br />
Gong and it surrounding regions home.<br />
The list of surfers through the years is<br />
like a roll call of Australia’s best, guys<br />
like Ken Middleton, Kevin Parkinson,<br />
Paul Brooks, Terry Richardson, Robbie<br />
Page, Brian Cregan and the Byrne<br />
Brothers - Phil, Dave and Chris - who<br />
really put Wollongong on the map.<br />
Then there were the ladies such as<br />
Sharon Jackson (nee Holland) and<br />
Sandy Drysden. Later on it was the<br />
likes of Sandon Point’s Chad Ryan and<br />
Jake Spooner who carried the flame.<br />
There’s Mick Lowe of Windang and<br />
big wave charger, Kate Skarratt - one<br />
of the first ladies to tackle Hawaii’s<br />
Pipeline. Today, it’s the new breed<br />
such as Gerringong’s Todd Prestage<br />
and Gerroa’s Dean Bowen and Sally<br />
Fitzgibbons. You also have talented<br />
free-surfers and big wave chargers<br />
such as Michael Hopkins and Dylan<br />
Longbottom.<br />
On the shaping side of things, John<br />
Skipp of Skipp Surfboards was pretty<br />
much the founder of Wollongong’s surf<br />
scene. First working for Cansdell and<br />
Jackson Surfboards, he set up Skipp<br />
Williams Surfboards when Jackson<br />
decided to focus purely on his Cronulla<br />
operation.<br />
As for John, he’s still going strong<br />
and through the years has employed<br />
many great shapers such as the late<br />
Kevin Parkinson and Frank Latta. Also<br />
working with Skipp were the likes of<br />
Paul Nichol, Terry Richardson, Phil<br />
and Dave Byrne, who together with<br />
brother Chris went on to establish the<br />
world renowned Byrne Surfboards.<br />
Byrne have attracted some of the<br />
most notable pro surfers through the<br />
years such as Shaun Thompson, Larry<br />
Bertleman and Tom Carroll along with<br />
up-and-coming sensation Owen Wright.<br />
So you can see, from just this very<br />
brief history, the Illawarra surf scene<br />
was, and still is, alive and kicking.<br />
LOCAL SURFBOARD BRANDS<br />
THROUGH THE YEARS<br />
• Cansdell and Jackson<br />
Surfboards founded 1958,<br />
North Wollongong<br />
• Skipp Surfboards founded 1963,<br />
Wollongong<br />
• South Coast Surfboards<br />
founded 1972, Sandon Point<br />
• Mike Davis Surfboards founded<br />
1975, Kiama<br />
• Byrne Surfboards founded<br />
1977, Wollongong<br />
• Carabine Surfboards founded<br />
1977, Wollongong<br />
• Terry Richardson Surfboards<br />
1978, Wollongong<br />
• Crooked River Surfboards<br />
founded 1978, Gerroa<br />
FAST FACTS<br />
Climate: Warm summers and<br />
mild winters mean that the area’s<br />
wide range of outdoor recreational<br />
activities can be enjoyed all<br />
year round. Maximum average<br />
temperatures range from 26C in<br />
summer to 17C in winter.<br />
Population: The Illawarra region<br />
has a population of just over 410,000.<br />
The city of Wollongong accounts<br />
for almost half of it and is in fact<br />
the tenth largest city in Australia,<br />
the third in New South Wales after<br />
Sydney and Newcastle.<br />
Nearest city: Wollongong is just 82<br />
kilometres south of Sydney<br />
www.caPeboatworks.com.au<br />
37-39 Chapman St, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519 Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4283 1115<br />
Photo: Steev S<br />
70 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Illawarra waves Photo: Kent Ladkin<br />
THE WAVES<br />
THE<br />
GONG<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
“Wollongong has a huge range of waves but I mainly<br />
surf the northern suburbs on a large north-west swell<br />
and in a northerly wind I go surf Windang Island, which<br />
is possibly one of the best quality waves we have<br />
here when it’s working on the low tide. It breaks really<br />
big on the southside. But it is hard to leave Sandon<br />
(Point) when I can just walk down the road. I have been<br />
surfing here for some forty something years. It’s a pretty<br />
challenging wave and works best in a big southerly<br />
swell. It’s probably best at double overhead and it<br />
breaks though on almost any type of swell. On a north<br />
swell, when it is big, it is nearly a full-on Hawaiian sort<br />
of wave - triple overhead, challenging and very hollow.<br />
Peggies also works in these kind of conditions, which<br />
is a fun Queensland-like wave. I can also surf the left<br />
hand side of Sandon on my funboard. It’s a fat wave.”<br />
Paul Nichol - Paul Nichol Shapes<br />
“Sandon (Point) is a reasonably good wave. It is<br />
probably the best point break in the area. Windang<br />
Island is good when the swell is on. Most of the<br />
good surf spots in this area are reef breaks. The Farm<br />
however is a good place for longboard riders and it’s a<br />
pretty spot.”<br />
Phil Byrne - Byrne Surf & Ski<br />
“Sandon Point and Woonona would be internationally<br />
known. Belambi Point is the most popular spot for mals.<br />
South Beach in Woolongong is crowded but can carry a<br />
good wave. The Farm is one of the most popular places<br />
with good reason. It’s a unique place, where in the<br />
water you can’t see human habitation.”<br />
John Skipp - Skipp Surfboards<br />
“Having surfed nearly every spot from Stanny (Stanwell<br />
Park) to Merimbula, there are so many good waves<br />
around, it would have to be one of the best stretches in<br />
Oz. There are still plenty of secret spots and ones that<br />
are still pretty untouched.<br />
“People in and out of water are unreal. In each area<br />
everyone kind of knows everyone and generally there<br />
is a good vibe. Maybe some people would argue,<br />
especially when I was in the water… hehe… but it’s<br />
all about respect. I’d never hassle the older experienced<br />
crew, therefore the younger crew shouldn’t either. I<br />
hope that attitude carries on.”<br />
Daz Longbottom - Zink Surf<br />
“We have one of the best beginner beaches around<br />
at Gerroa. The bombie off the point is pretty nuts but<br />
definitely not for the faint-hearted (we have also heard<br />
it is one of two major shark breeding grounds on the<br />
South Coast, so beware)<br />
“Then there’s Werri Beach with a point break at the<br />
southern end and the beachies further north are pretty<br />
good as well. In and around the place there are also a<br />
couple of good secret spots as well that people can find<br />
for themselves. I’m not telling you.<br />
“The area’s appealing because there are all different<br />
kinds of waves around and we also have a couple of big<br />
wave spots that hold 8 -10 ft plus.”<br />
Jade Robinson - DSN Shapes<br />
WIN 1 OF 2<br />
TANDEM<br />
SKYDIVES<br />
skydive the beach sydney<br />
are giving away to 2 lucky<br />
smorgasboader readers a<br />
mid-week tandem skydive to<br />
jump over the nsw south coast.<br />
email<br />
marketing@skydivethebeach.com<br />
and tell us your favourite<br />
south coast surf break.<br />
include your name, email<br />
and phone number for your<br />
chance to win!<br />
competition closes 3 december, <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
winners will be announced in the january edition.<br />
prizes cannot be transferred, refunded,<br />
exchanged or revalidated.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
71
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
The view form north to south Photo: Jin Han Teng<br />
THE WAVES<br />
From Wollongong heading north towards Sydney the Royal National Park<br />
has over 20 kilometers of coastline. There is plenty to explore for the<br />
adventurous surfer. The most well known spot, Garie Beach, provides<br />
consistent waves all year round breaking on sand and rock and can hold<br />
up to 10ft of swell. Best on a NE-SE swell. NW-SW winds. All tides.<br />
7<br />
8<br />
11<br />
9<br />
10<br />
12<br />
13<br />
Take Note... Not all surf spots are mentioned<br />
here. Our intention is only to provide a basic<br />
guide to known surf breaks. After all, the best<br />
part of surf travel is to get off the beaten track<br />
and find those ‘secret spots’ for yourself. Always<br />
remember to be respectful of local surfers and<br />
leave with happy memories and new friends.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7<br />
STANWELL<br />
PARK<br />
Classic beachies<br />
and classic views of<br />
Stanwell Tops from<br />
the water. Not too<br />
affected by summer<br />
winds. Good on a<br />
southerly swell. NE<br />
swell. NW winds.<br />
All tides.<br />
COAL CLIFF<br />
Great beachies in<br />
small swells. The<br />
southern end has<br />
sandbanks that can<br />
deliver big, hollow<br />
barrels breaks left.<br />
NE-SE swell. SW<br />
winds. Mid-low tide.<br />
SCARBOROUGH<br />
BEACH &<br />
WOMBARRA<br />
Scarborough is<br />
north and Wombarra<br />
south. Both work<br />
best in summer.<br />
Wombarra can be on<br />
in winter if the banks<br />
are established. NE-<br />
SE swell. SW-NW<br />
winds. All tides.<br />
COLEDALE<br />
BEACH<br />
Average at<br />
the beach, but<br />
‘Thommo’s on the<br />
point at Shark Park<br />
can be a nasty wave<br />
that will hurt you,<br />
breaking left over<br />
a rocky bottom.<br />
Prepare to have a<br />
fun paddle. Best in<br />
head high+ swell. NE<br />
swell. NW winds.<br />
Best low tide.<br />
HEADLANDS<br />
Sharkies is up<br />
from the point<br />
off the beach and<br />
Headlands is a heavy<br />
right, breaking on a<br />
bloody shallow reef<br />
bottom. A hell of a<br />
barrel and fast. Don’t<br />
visit the pub before<br />
your surf. That’s<br />
how the spot got its<br />
name. Both breaks<br />
best in mid-tide. E<br />
swell. W wind.<br />
AUSTINMER<br />
BEACH<br />
Gets crowded in<br />
summer. Little Austie<br />
to the north is a<br />
nice but small right.<br />
Further down there<br />
are good beachies.<br />
NE swell. NW- SW<br />
wind. Mid-tide best.<br />
THIRROUL<br />
Peaky beachies.<br />
Good learners beach.<br />
Gets crowded in<br />
summer. Small right<br />
at southern end.<br />
NE-SE swell. NW<br />
wind. Mid to high<br />
tide best.<br />
Sandon Point Photo: Keith LBG<br />
South Gong Photo: Steev S<br />
72 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
THE<br />
GONG<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
SANDON POINT<br />
One of The Gong’s<br />
hotspots, but if you’re not<br />
experienced, then stay well<br />
clear. Not for beginners<br />
or even mediocre surfers.<br />
All you’ll do is piss off the<br />
locals. Can get as big as<br />
8-15 ft. A monster of a<br />
wave when it’s on so pack<br />
your brown boardies. SE<br />
swell. SW wind. Mid to<br />
low tide. Class. Only small<br />
easterly swells are okay for<br />
intermediate surfers.<br />
PEGGY’S &<br />
BANZAI<br />
The northern tip of Bulli<br />
Beach. A ledge extends<br />
out to sea. Right-hander<br />
is Peggy’s. Left-hander<br />
Banzai. Some say a lesser<br />
break and more forgiving<br />
the Sandon. Others<br />
reckon on its day it is for<br />
chargers only. NE Swell.<br />
NW-SW wind. Low tide.<br />
WOONONA<br />
Good consistent beachies<br />
for all surfing standards.<br />
NE swell. NW-SW wind.<br />
Mid-low tide.<br />
BELLAMBI POINT<br />
Good bommie of the<br />
point. Can be steep and<br />
hollow. Bit of a different<br />
suburb. Lock your car,<br />
hide your valuables and<br />
no banjo jokes. SE swell.<br />
SW wind. All tides.<br />
TOWRADGI<br />
Left and right beachies.<br />
Rarely crowded. Best at<br />
low tide. NE-SE swell.<br />
NW-SW wind. All tides.<br />
NORTH &<br />
SOUTH BEACH<br />
Gets crowded but a<br />
personal favourite. Since<br />
first visiting Wollongong<br />
I’ve regularly surfed South<br />
Beach. I like it despite<br />
the fact I had the worst<br />
bluebottle experience<br />
of my life – 15 of the<br />
bastards. Very funny, until<br />
my groin swelled up like a<br />
golf ball and I could hardly<br />
move my leg. NE swell.<br />
SW wind. Mid-low tide.<br />
WINDANG<br />
ISLAND<br />
Near the mouth of Lake<br />
Illawarra so there are<br />
plenty of men in grey<br />
suits around. When it is<br />
on, is an absolute classic<br />
big wave spot. Barreling<br />
long left-hander. NE-SE<br />
swell. W wind. Mid-low<br />
tide.<br />
THe Farm Photo: Steev S<br />
THe Farm Photo: Steev S<br />
Shellharbour spray Photo: Steev S www.flickr.com/<br />
8 9 10 12 13 14<br />
11<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
73
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
THE WAVES<br />
22<br />
23<br />
21<br />
Kiama Harbour looking South to Gerringong Photo: Kiama Tourism<br />
20<br />
20<br />
15 16 17<br />
19<br />
21<br />
23<br />
COWRIES &<br />
THE POOL<br />
Stay away unless you can<br />
surf like a pro. Handles<br />
loads of swell. You get<br />
to check out the bottom<br />
when you take off – nice!<br />
Cowries is on the NE tip<br />
of the harbour. Pool is off<br />
the… pool, at the southern<br />
end. NE-SE swell. SW-W<br />
wind. All tides.<br />
THE FARM<br />
Protected from NE winds.<br />
Peaky beachies. Right<br />
point at the southern end<br />
is great. Just a magic<br />
spot. Popular longboard<br />
wave. Unfortunately is<br />
becoming quite crowded<br />
and the vibe has suffered<br />
as a consequence. SW<br />
swell. NW winds. Midhigh<br />
tides.<br />
MYSTICS<br />
Further south round<br />
the bay from The Farm.<br />
Holds plenty of swell.<br />
Numerous secret spots.<br />
Find them for yourself.<br />
Not for beginners. SE<br />
swell. NW wind. Low tide.<br />
18<br />
BONEYARD<br />
Just sounds so inviting.<br />
Isolated but beautiful.<br />
Head down the cliffs to<br />
the rocks. By now you<br />
have surely worked out<br />
it is only for really good<br />
surfers. NE-SE swell. SW<br />
wind. Mid tide.<br />
BOMBO BEACH<br />
Just north of Kiama’s<br />
town centre. Picks up a<br />
range of swell. Consistent<br />
beachies. Good for all<br />
surfers but can pack a<br />
punch from time to time.<br />
SE swell. NW-SW wind.<br />
All tides.<br />
20<br />
THE POOL &<br />
THE WEDGE<br />
Rights and lefts either<br />
side of the famous<br />
blowhole. Best when it is<br />
overhead. Serious surfers<br />
only. E swell. SW wind.<br />
All tides.<br />
WERRI BEACH<br />
South end is Werri Point.<br />
Great long right-hander.<br />
Best overhead and above.<br />
Good surfers only. Decent<br />
beachies further north. All<br />
levels. NE swell. NW-SW<br />
winds. Mid tide.<br />
22<br />
BLACK POINT<br />
North of Seven Mile<br />
Beach. The bombie can<br />
go off but for experienced<br />
surfers only. Check out<br />
your surrounds. Nice and<br />
deep around you. Fish<br />
with teeth live there.<br />
SE swell. N-NW wind.<br />
Mid to high tide.<br />
SEVEN<br />
MILE BEACH<br />
Possibly the best learner<br />
beach in the country.<br />
Beautiful gentle rolling<br />
waves and a mecca<br />
for beginners and<br />
backpackers alike. SE<br />
swell. NW winds. Midlow<br />
tide.<br />
74 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Photo: Lainey Brown<br />
Seven Mile Beach Photo: Kent Ladkin<br />
Bombo Beach Photo: Kiama Tourism<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
75
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
AFTER SURF<br />
Wollongong's Premier<br />
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adventure ComPany!<br />
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south Coast safaris <strong>02</strong> 4268 5058 | 0404 895 379<br />
76 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
When you have finished surfing, there is a load<br />
of other activities to enjoy whilst in the area.<br />
For starters, the Illawarra Escarpment that<br />
fringes Wollongong has so many hiking trails<br />
you could never do the same walk twice. And<br />
if walking is really your thing, further south<br />
near Kiama, you can undertake a magnificent<br />
two-hour hike through spectacular rainforest<br />
to Minnamurra Falls. Go early in the morning.<br />
It’s your best chance to beat the crowds and<br />
see various wildlife including lyre birds and<br />
wombats. It’s $11 entrance to the park.<br />
If a flat track is more your style, you can walk,<br />
run or cycle along Wollongong’s beaches.<br />
An extensive walk/ bike track extends 10<br />
kilometers north from the city centre to<br />
Thirroul, hugging scenic beaches all the way.<br />
The same track also extends 10 kilometers<br />
south to Lake Illawarra and Windang.<br />
To see more beautiful scenery, it’s best to<br />
explore the region by car. Grand Pacific Drive<br />
is sensational. The name says it all. The road<br />
itself stretches from the Royal National Park<br />
in the north to Shoalhaven in the south. It’s<br />
a roller-coaster ride through rainforests and<br />
past seaside villages and amazing coastline. A<br />
highlight is the Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering<br />
marvel that swerves out from the cliffs over<br />
the ocean.<br />
Be sure to also make your way to the Bulli<br />
Pass Lookout (north of Wollongong and on the<br />
main road to Sydney). Barbecues, picnic tables<br />
and kiosks are available and the lookout is<br />
free. The lookout presents an incredible view<br />
over Wollongong and its beaches.<br />
More great views can be taken in from Mount<br />
Kiera Lookout and from Stanwell Tops, a noted<br />
top hang gliding ‘hangout’ (pardon the pun).<br />
If these intoxicating views aren’t enough and<br />
you want to ‘step it up a notch’, then take a<br />
geezer from 14,000 ft. There are only a handful<br />
of places you can sky dive over the beach in<br />
the country. That’s why, if you are up to it, Sky<br />
Dive the Beach Sydney are the people to talk<br />
to in Wollongong. You only live once and the<br />
chance to see such breathtaking natural beauty<br />
from ‘above it all’ is not to be missed.<br />
Having sky-dived before, I highly recommend
Photo: Steev S<br />
Left: A top way to see the scenery with Skydive the Beach. Top left: Kiama’s<br />
famous blowhole. Top Right: Minnamurra rainforest. Insert: Hangliding is<br />
another popular way to rise above it all. Above: The Sea Cliff Bridge - an<br />
amazingly picturesque drive.<br />
it. The guys at Sky Dive the Beach<br />
run an extremely professional outfit,<br />
so you can rest assured, you are in<br />
good hands.<br />
I was all set to take the jump when<br />
I was last down in The Gong and<br />
was so excited to have a second<br />
opportunity. Unfortunately the gods<br />
of weather weren’t smiling on the<br />
day. We experienced winds over 50<br />
knots and unless I was keen to take<br />
a cheap trip to New Zealand, we<br />
had to reschedule. The guys at Sky<br />
Dive the Beach were great though.<br />
They don’t take any second chances<br />
when it comes people’s personal<br />
safety and were happy to allow me to<br />
reschedule a jump some time in the<br />
next twelve months.<br />
If the surf is flat and you’re still keen<br />
to get out on the water, Canoe and<br />
Kayak Adventures have an extensive<br />
range of guided and unguided sea<br />
kayaking adventures. Popular paddles<br />
include the Royal National Park,<br />
Headlands at Austinmer (they’ll shout<br />
you a beer or soft drink at the pub<br />
afterwards), North and South Beach<br />
and the Five Islands Wollongong.<br />
There are also half-day tours of<br />
the Minnamurra River just south of<br />
Wollongong. Many group bookings<br />
receive a complimentary lunch and<br />
start from $55 per per person.<br />
Finally, a trip to the area is not<br />
complete until you visit Kiama’s famous<br />
Blowhole. In big seas it is at its most<br />
spectacular and can spray a spout of<br />
water up to 25 meters skywards.<br />
NEARBY<br />
If you’re in the area, take the<br />
opportunity to drive a bit further<br />
south to Kangaroo Valley and the<br />
Southern Highlands.<br />
You can visit the quaint towns of<br />
Bowral and Moss Vale and see some<br />
of the most picturesque natural<br />
scenery in the country.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
77
78 56 september nov/dec <strong>2010</strong> <strong>2010</strong>
TOP STAYS<br />
THE<br />
GONG<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
There is perhaps nothing more relaxing than staying at a beachside bungalow with the family or a group<br />
of friends. You have your own space, plenty of room to store the boards and can even relax on your own<br />
deck with a beverage. The beach is walking distance and at night you have your own kitchen facilities to<br />
cook up a feed. The minute you step foot inside the park grounds your blood pressure drops.<br />
As far as holiday parks and cabins go, Kiama Coast’s five holiday parks are possibly the best. Beautifully<br />
positioned and in one of the prettiest stretches of coast on the eastern seaboard.<br />
KENDALLS ON THE BEACH<br />
HOLIDAY PARK<br />
Bonaira St, KIAMA<br />
KIAMA HARBOUR<br />
CABINS<br />
Blowhole Point, KIAMA<br />
WERRI BEACH<br />
HOLIDAY PARK<br />
Pacific Avenue, GERRINGONG<br />
SURF BEACH<br />
HOLIDAY PARK<br />
Bourrool Street, KIAMA<br />
SEVEN MILE BEACH<br />
HOLIDAY PARK<br />
200 Crooked River Rd, GERROA<br />
If absolute beachfront is what<br />
you are looking for then this<br />
is the place for you. Offering<br />
a choice of luxurious one, two<br />
or three bedroom cabins plus<br />
some of the most sought after<br />
camp sites on the east coast,<br />
this holiday park provides<br />
the ultimate fun filled family<br />
holiday or romantic weekend<br />
escape.<br />
Proximity: Right on the<br />
beachfront and minutes away<br />
from Kiama’s CBD.<br />
Patrolled beach.<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4232 1790<br />
E: kendalls@kiamacoast.com.au<br />
www.kiamacoast.com.au<br />
From $50-$320 per night<br />
This award winning holiday<br />
park offers luxurious one, two<br />
and three bedroom cabins and<br />
overlooks the Pacific Ocean and<br />
gorgeous Kiama Harbour, with<br />
a backdrop of the mountains.<br />
It is the ideal location and<br />
accommodation for those<br />
seeking an adventure filled<br />
holiday or a quiet rejuvenating<br />
getaway.<br />
Proximity: Opposite patrolled<br />
beach. Overlooks Kiama<br />
Harbour and the Pacific Ocean<br />
Telephone: <strong>02</strong> 4232 2707<br />
E: blowhole@kiamacoast.com.au<br />
www.kiamacoast.com.au<br />
From $195-$340 per night<br />
Located on a scenic beach<br />
between two rocky headlands,<br />
with rock swimming pools<br />
and a natural lagoon, Werri<br />
is an ideal spot. Surfers and<br />
bodyboarders have some of<br />
the best waves on the South<br />
Coast, while others can<br />
enjoy the new resort style<br />
pool. The park caters for all<br />
types with beachfront cabin<br />
accommodation (some with<br />
spas) as well as powered and<br />
unpowered sites.<br />
Proximity: Opposite patrolled<br />
beach and minutes from<br />
Gerringong CBD<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4234 1285<br />
E: werri@kiamacoast.com.au<br />
www.kiamacoast.com.au<br />
From $115 to $260 per night<br />
On the headland overlooking<br />
Kiama’s main beach, the<br />
holiday park is ideally located<br />
for surfers and fishing fans.<br />
The whole family can enjoy the<br />
park’s resort style swimming<br />
pools, games room and the fully<br />
equipped camp kitchen. There<br />
are a variety of accommodation<br />
choices from powered tent<br />
and caravan sites through to<br />
22 luxury cabins, each with<br />
magnificent ocean views.<br />
Proximity: Opposite patrolled<br />
beach, with restaurants and<br />
shops a short stroll away.<br />
Telephone: <strong>02</strong> 4232 1791<br />
E: surf@kiamacoast.com.au<br />
www.kiamacoast.com.au<br />
From $90 -$135 night<br />
Discover Gerroa’s only beachside<br />
holiday park - an award winning<br />
park with magnificent facilities<br />
and a range of luxury beachside<br />
accommodation. The park<br />
offers first class facilities for all<br />
budgets with cabins, surf shacks,<br />
safari tents, en-suite cabins or<br />
camping. Close to shops and<br />
clubs, the park is a water lover’s<br />
paradise offering canoeing,<br />
fishing and of course, surfing.<br />
Proximity: Opposite patrolled<br />
beach. Right between the<br />
Ocean and Crooked River and<br />
adjacent to the Seven Mile<br />
Beach National Park.<br />
Telephone: <strong>02</strong> 4234 1340<br />
E: sevenmile@kiamacoast.com.au<br />
www.kiamacoast.com.au<br />
From $85 - $285 per night<br />
TV<br />
gym<br />
laundry<br />
kitchen<br />
parking wi-fi pool refrigerator family-friendly pet-friendly spa<br />
bbq<br />
Photo: Kiama Tourism<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
79
IBIS WOLLONGONG<br />
Cnr of Church and Market Street<br />
MEDINA EXECUTIVE WOLLONGONG<br />
19 Market Street, WOLLONGONG<br />
QUEST WOLLONGONG<br />
59-61 Kembla Street, WOLLONGONG<br />
Quest Wollongong is the best located<br />
4.5 star accommodation in the Gong,<br />
available for nightly, weekly or monthly<br />
stays. Free secure onsite undercover car<br />
parking available.<br />
Proximity: 60m to Crown street,<br />
400m to the beach.<br />
Ibis Wollongong is a 3.5 star hotel<br />
located in the heart of Wollongong<br />
restaurant and business district, minutes<br />
from beautiful beaches. Winner of Best<br />
Standard Accommodation on the South<br />
Coast 2008, 2009 & <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
The air conditioned rooms include tea<br />
and coffee facilities as well as mini bar<br />
fridges, complete with flatscreen TV and<br />
internet connectivity. Special Access<br />
rooms and facilities are also available.<br />
Proximity: 10 minute walk to the beach<br />
and WIN Entertainment Centre. On the<br />
doorstep of Crown St Mall<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4223 6000<br />
E: H6377@accor.com<br />
www.accorhotels.com/6377<br />
From $119 per room per night<br />
WOLLONGONG SURF LEISURE RESORT<br />
201 Pioneer Road, FAIRY MEADOW<br />
With direct access to the patrolled<br />
beach, this three-and-a-half star<br />
Fairy Meadow beach resort offers 1,2<br />
bedroom + motel style fully selfcontained<br />
family units from $85 per<br />
night (4 persons) or large campsites<br />
from $25 per night (2 persons). Facilities<br />
include a large heated indoor pool,<br />
steam room, two spas, games room,<br />
tennis, mini golf and Austar.<br />
With 71 spacious rooms embracing the<br />
seaside setting within the contemporary<br />
and stylish Medina design.<br />
All apartments have balconies<br />
with many offering views over the<br />
Wollongong coastline and cityscape.<br />
Proximity: 450m to Wollongong beach<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4250 5000<br />
Email: mewg@medina.com.au<br />
www.medina.com.au<br />
Rate per night (average)<br />
$180 for a studio apartment<br />
$215 for one bedroom apartment<br />
$265 for one bedroom and sofa bed<br />
apartment<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4221 1500<br />
E: questwollongong@questapartments.com.au<br />
www.questwollongong.com.au<br />
From $140 per room per night.<br />
Proximity: On the beach and 5km north<br />
of the CBD<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4283 6999<br />
Email: admin@wslr.com.au<br />
www.wslr.com.au<br />
Mention this listing for 10% off<br />
From $25 per night<br />
FLINDERS MOTEL<br />
19 Flinders St, WOLLONGONG<br />
KIAMA COVE MOTEL<br />
10 Bong Bong St, KIAMA<br />
SOUTHVIEW BULLI<br />
19 Southview StreetBULLI<br />
Southview is a newly renovated bed<br />
& breakfast and self contained holiday<br />
accommodation, nestled between<br />
Sandon Point Beach and Bulli Beach.<br />
Recently rated 4.5 stars by AAA tourism<br />
it is the perfect place to unwind and<br />
perfect for the surfer and their family.<br />
SHELLHARBOUR BEACHSIDE<br />
TOURIST PARK<br />
John Street, SHELLHARBOUR<br />
Wollongong’s newest accommodation<br />
complex, the Motel is centrally<br />
located and offers a wide variety of<br />
accommodation for all situations and<br />
occasions. Flinders Motel guarantees<br />
to make your stay in Wollongong a<br />
pleasurable one, whether you are here for<br />
a holiday, business or just passing through,<br />
we can cater for family getaways, sporting<br />
events and large groups. <br />
Kiama Cove Motel is located in the<br />
heart of Kiama, overlooks Surf Beach<br />
with most rooms having ocean views,<br />
air-conditioning, king sized beds and<br />
all with complimentary continental<br />
breakfasts.<br />
Proximity: Nestled Between Sandon<br />
Point and Bulli Beach<br />
Telephone: <strong>02</strong> 4268 6303<br />
Email: info@southviewbulli.com.au<br />
www.southviewbulli.com.au<br />
From $145 per couple per night<br />
The park is located on a headland near<br />
the charming Shellharbour Village<br />
with cafes, restaurants and shops.<br />
Only a short walk to some of the area’s<br />
fantastic surf breaks. Powered sites or<br />
fully self-contained beachside cottages<br />
are available. Pets are welcome on<br />
powered sites with prior arrangement.<br />
Proximity: 3 minutes drive to the beach<br />
and close to surf stores<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4226 6566<br />
Email: info@flindersmotel.com<br />
www.flindersmotel.com<br />
Rates starting from $135<br />
Proximity: Right on Kiama Beach. Short<br />
walk to the main street of Kiama.<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4232 3000<br />
E:kiamacove@bigpond.com<br />
www.kiamacove.com.au<br />
Proximity: On waterfront. Two minute<br />
walk to the heart of Shellharbour Village<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 4295 1123<br />
E: touristpark@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au<br />
www.shellharbourtouristpark.com.au<br />
From $99-$169 per room per night<br />
Rates starting from $29 per night<br />
TV<br />
gym<br />
laundry<br />
kitchen<br />
parking wi-fi pool refrigerator family-friendly pet-friendly spa<br />
bbq<br />
80 56 september nov/dec <strong>2010</strong> <strong>2010</strong>
FIVE<br />
REASONS<br />
1. Fantastic views of Wollongong<br />
2. The best beers, from our own brewery and more<br />
3. Fabulous food. Really.<br />
4. Family friendly dining and entertainment<br />
5. Did we mention the beers?<br />
All the reasons you<br />
need to visit<br />
Wollongong’s premiere<br />
microbrewery &<br />
restaurant<br />
Five Islands Brewing Company<br />
Phone – <strong>02</strong> 422<strong>02</strong>854<br />
WIN Entertainment Centre<br />
Cnr Crown & Harbour Streets, Wollongong NSW 2500<br />
www.fiveislandsbrewery.com<br />
MONDAY<br />
Happy Hour 5pm<br />
- 7pm (FIBC local<br />
beer) + $1 Pool All<br />
Night!<br />
TUESDAY<br />
Happy Hour 5pm<br />
- 7pm (FIBC local<br />
beer) + $1 Pool All<br />
Night!<br />
WEDNESDAY<br />
Happy Hour 5pm<br />
-7pm (FIBC local<br />
beer) + Trivia<br />
6.30pm. FREE to<br />
play, Great prizes,<br />
$10 Trivia kitchen<br />
special.<br />
THURSDAY<br />
Happy Hour 5pm<br />
-7pm (FIBC local<br />
beer) + $1 Pool Local<br />
Live Bands from<br />
8pm $10 Jugs FIBC<br />
local beer, $10 Pizzas<br />
& $9 Cocktails<br />
from 5pm.<br />
FRIDAY<br />
Happy Hour 5pm<br />
-7pm (FIBC local<br />
beer) + $1 Pool,<br />
All day dining from<br />
12pm until late +<br />
Cocktail Specials<br />
from 5pm.<br />
SATURDAY<br />
All day dining from<br />
12pm until late.<br />
Cocktail Bar open<br />
from 5pm.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
SUNDAY<br />
Brunch from 9am.<br />
Summer Sunday<br />
Sessions - Live<br />
acoustic sets from<br />
1pm.<br />
81
Stay in comfort,<br />
walk to the action<br />
Pool area Photo: Southview<br />
FEEL AT HOME ON SANDON POINT<br />
Cnr Market & Church Street<br />
Wollongong<br />
Tel: <strong>02</strong> 4223 6000<br />
Fax: <strong>02</strong> 4223 6006<br />
Ibis Wollongong is located in the heart<br />
of the city, near entertainment and<br />
shopping and only a five minute walk<br />
to North Beach and Harbour.<br />
From only<br />
$129.00<br />
per night*<br />
*See rates online<br />
www.accorhotels.com/6377<br />
When in The Gong, you have to check out its most famous wave - the legendary<br />
Sandon Point. And if travelling as a couple, there is no better place to stay than<br />
Southview Bed and Breakfast.<br />
When it comes to getting away, it helps to find that special yet affordable ‘home<br />
away from home’. Southview Bed and Breakfast is just that. More to the point, it<br />
is just 200m from either Sandon or Bulli Beach - around a two-minute walk with<br />
your board.<br />
Southview has been recently renovated and consists of two separate, private<br />
fully self-contained units. It has been rated four and half stars by AAA tourism.<br />
Your choice is between a seaview or garden unit. I chose the seaview room and<br />
wasn’t disappointed.<br />
After a long day I made my way up to my room, cracked a complimentary<br />
Southview Lager, made by the blokes from Five Islands Brewery Company, which<br />
was mighty fine, then had another and already started feeling better. I phoned<br />
for some home-delivered Thai from a local restaurant, which I found within the<br />
services folder in my room. I put on the tub (there is a massive spa bath in the very<br />
large bathroom) and then chilled out to the music playing on the home stereo.<br />
“200m FROM EITHER<br />
SANDON OR BULLI BEACH”<br />
The best located 4.5 star<br />
accommodation in the Gong<br />
Why settle for anything less?<br />
After dinner I watched some local surf DVDs (part of a large collection of DVDs<br />
provided by Southview) put together by Clarrie Bouma, which featured classic<br />
footage of Sandon Point through the seasons going several years back. It was<br />
the perfect way to relax.<br />
In the morning, my bed was so unbelievably comfortable I struggled to get up.<br />
Once I saw the view from my balcony though, I was up and about to check out<br />
the local surrounds.<br />
Unfortunately, as rare as it was, the point wasn’t working at all. I seem to have a<br />
knack of bringing flat spells with me when I travel down the east coast. Anyhow,<br />
I checked out the beach, the neighbouring sea pool and walking track that winds<br />
its way alongside the coast all the way to Wollongong’s heart. This really is a<br />
magic part of the world. I will be back for sure and next time I will surf Sandon.<br />
Mention this ad to<br />
receive 10% off the<br />
quoted rate!<br />
59-61 Kembla St<br />
Wollongong<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4221 1500<br />
www.questapartments.com.au<br />
Your view Photo: Southview<br />
82 56 september nov/dec <strong>2010</strong> <strong>2010</strong>
Top and above left: The Five Islands Brewery Company.<br />
Above right: The Fireworks Cafe.<br />
This picture: The Ocean Beach Hotel<br />
THE GO FOR FOOD<br />
LOCAL FAVOURITES<br />
Chris Kelly, Fin Box<br />
• Post surf breaky you can’t beat Fireworks cafe<br />
More Street, Austinmer. Its the quaintest little<br />
eatery around these parts.<br />
• For a tradie’s lunch hit up Flemings cake shop<br />
on the south side of Thirroul. Their Pie with<br />
pea’s and sweet treats are off the hook!<br />
• The Headlands Hotel is an old school pub on the<br />
headland above Little Austinmer Beach. Great<br />
beer, good pub food and a billion dollar view.<br />
• If you have the kids in tow, try Scarborough<br />
Hotel. It has a massive lawn area overlooking<br />
the ocean where the kids can run around<br />
while you enjoy a beverage or meal in one of<br />
the huge cabanas.<br />
Paul Nichol, Paul Nichol Shapes<br />
• Beaches Hotel at Thirroul is great for live<br />
music, a couple of beers and a good feed.<br />
John Skipp, Skipp Surfboards<br />
• Ruby’s in the caravan park at Bulli Beach is<br />
very popular with the surfers<br />
Phil Byrne, Byrne Surfboards<br />
• Saffron’s at Thirroul have good hamburgers.<br />
• For the young crew the North Wollongong<br />
Hotel is the best spot. There’s a surf culture<br />
feel to the place and it is full of uni students.<br />
Phil Pepper, Skipp Surfboards<br />
• A couple of scallops and a couple of<br />
schooners at the Beach Hotel after a surf at<br />
The Farm. That’s the best. It can’t be beaten.<br />
Daz Longbottom, Zink Surf on Kiama<br />
• There are still plenty of good bakeries around.<br />
I grew up going to bakeries after a surf - none<br />
of this latte and foccaccia stuff.<br />
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
Diggies beside the North Wollongong Surf<br />
Club has beautiful food, super fresh and superb<br />
coffee. A spot I have discovered that I will go<br />
back to again and again. Too many dishes to<br />
recommend but here’s two of the best – Poached<br />
pear & ravensthorpe rumble w/ low-fat yoghurt<br />
& honey or Pumpkin panackalty – smoked bacon<br />
& potato hash w/ roasted pumpkin, topped w/<br />
poached egg, rocket and ciabatta toast.<br />
The North Wollongong pub is a great place for<br />
a super cheap feed and a few beers. Even on a<br />
Wednesday night it is packed to the rafters with<br />
loads of big screen TVs inside and even outside<br />
in the beer garden.<br />
iBistro in the Ibis Hotel Wollongong recently<br />
appointed a new executive chef by the name of<br />
Simon Everett, who was formerly a restaurant<br />
owner himself in Kiama. Well, I ate there and<br />
the food was absolutely unbelievable. Two to<br />
recommend – Garlic & chill prawns w/ baby<br />
spinach, spaghetti & chilli mayonnaise or<br />
Mustard crusted spatchcock w/ dirty rice &<br />
suicide sauce.<br />
Grand Hotel in Kiama. Great local feel and tasty<br />
homemade pizzas.<br />
The Perfect Wave Café in Gerringong. I am a<br />
little bit boring when I am out for breakfast - I<br />
love my bacon & eggs. Perfect Wave is a full-on<br />
vegetarian café – nothing with a face or heart.<br />
The food is sensational. The mushroom, poached<br />
egg and ciabatta toast I had was unbelievable,<br />
huge and filling. I didn’t need lunch later that<br />
day. The coffee’s organic but most importantly,<br />
is very good. There’s some great smoothies and<br />
juices too.<br />
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
Kent Ladkin, Natural Necessity on Gerroa<br />
• Seahaven Café has great food and coffee.<br />
Now to my favourite topic after surfing...<br />
BEER<br />
Five Islands Brewery Company’s main dish... Great beers.<br />
The Five Islands Brewing Company Bar and<br />
Restaurant is situated along the Wollongong city<br />
foreshore. The views of the ocean are spectacular.<br />
There is a huge lawn out front, so there is plenty<br />
of space for the kids to run around before settling<br />
down to a meal and a few drinks.<br />
The food ranges from burgers and light meals to<br />
homemade pizzas, chargrill steaks and seafood,<br />
then there’s the ‘favourites’ menu including lamb<br />
shanks and traditional fish’n’chips and even platters<br />
to share – namely seafood and Mexican. Oohhh.<br />
There is also a kid’s menu with all the classic fare.<br />
As far as wines go, FIBC has the most extensive<br />
wine list in the whole of Wollongong. You name it;<br />
they have more than likely got it.<br />
Then there’s the beer. Yes, liquid nectar is available<br />
in the tap and bottled variety. Choose from various<br />
Australian boutique beers, popular beers, premium<br />
and imported. BUT what you really are here to try,<br />
and MUST try, are FIBC’s very own brewed lagers<br />
and ales. My mouth salivates as I write this. Brewed<br />
locally it means these very, very special beers are<br />
super fresh, chilled and ready to drink. I have to list<br />
them all, for I have tasted them all, and I indeed<br />
love them all. I am Homer Simpson.<br />
Choose from Dapto Draught, Longboard Pale Ale,<br />
Barbeerian Wit, South Peach, Rust or Bulli Black.<br />
Or don’t choose and get a sampler tray of three<br />
different beers for $6.50. Or two to try the whole lot.<br />
But then you’ll probably want more.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
83
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP<br />
HOME TO<br />
Surf legends? Yes, they’re everywhere.<br />
One of the founding fathers of the<br />
Wollongong surf scene, John Skipp<br />
is always around for a chat if you<br />
can catch him at one of the Skipp<br />
Surfboards locations, and Phil Byrne<br />
of Byrne Surfboards can be found in<br />
Fairy Meadow. For getting a feel for the<br />
locals though, any good day at Sandon<br />
Point will see plenty respected names<br />
paddling out, like Paul Nichol of Nichol<br />
Shapes... And you never know who you’ll<br />
run into at the local pubs. Everyone here<br />
just seems to have surfing in their blood.<br />
There’s no shortage of places to go<br />
shopping, as the Gong through to Gerroa<br />
has an incredibly diverse range of surf<br />
shops - each one worth checking out<br />
while you are in area. In particular and<br />
especially for those more arty surfer<br />
types, make sure to visit the newly<br />
opened Fin Box in Thirroul. It’s one<br />
of the coolest surf shops around and<br />
owner Chris Kelly has done a superb job<br />
bringing together some of the finest and<br />
most exclusive range of threads, sleds<br />
and surf art.<br />
For sheer volume of choice, a visit<br />
to Natural Necessity Surf Shop in<br />
Gerringong is a must. It’s quite possibly<br />
the biggest surf store on the east coast.<br />
And while you’re there you can grab a<br />
coffee and a bite to eat at the Perfect<br />
Wave Cafe, which is a tourist attraction<br />
in itself.<br />
So many beautiful places to see,<br />
interesting people to meet and fantastic<br />
spots to surf for all kinds of surfers.<br />
Thinking of planning a surf trip soon?<br />
This should be it.<br />
“THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD<br />
WAVES AROUND, IT WOULD HAVE<br />
TO BE ONE OF THE BEST STRETCHES<br />
IN OZ.” DAZ LONGBOTTOM, ZINK SURF KIAMA<br />
Somewhere around Gerroa<br />
Photo: Lainey Brown laineybrown.carbonmade.com<br />
84 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
GETTING THERE<br />
THE<br />
GONG<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
The best way to get there is by car. There are no direct flights to Wollongong<br />
and unless you have an unlimited about of patience and time, put a line<br />
through rail and bus transport as well. It’s just too complex for my liking.<br />
If flying from Brisbane, Melbourne or a regional hub, fly to Sydney and then<br />
hire a car. The drive down to the heart of The Gong is about an hour and<br />
twenty minutes. If you take the drive through the Royal National Park and<br />
then on to Grand Pacific Drive, you will lose track of time anyhow (particularly<br />
if you take the time to take in some of our favourite pit-stops).<br />
DRIVE TIMES IN AND AROUND THE AREA<br />
Stanwell Tops to Wollongong city centre 32kms 20-25 mins<br />
Wollongong to Shellharbour 25kms 20-25 mins<br />
Shellharbour to Kiama 15kms 10-15 mins<br />
Kiama to Gerroa 12 kms 12 mins<br />
Stanwell Tops to Gerroa 82kms 1hr<br />
FROM BRISBANE<br />
Brisbane to Wollongong is just over<br />
1000 kilometers and around eleven and<br />
a half hours. It can be done in a day if<br />
you are a machine but is best broken up<br />
with a nights stay just north of Sydney.<br />
Follow the Pacific Highway down to<br />
Sydney and from there, after dodging<br />
the traffic, you will eventually get onto<br />
the Princes Highway that basically takes<br />
you all the way to Wollongong.<br />
On the way down, or back, make sure to<br />
stop off at the Bulli Pass Lookout. The<br />
alternative route also takes in Grand<br />
Pacific Drive which is a must.<br />
FROM MELBOURNE<br />
The drive from Melbourne is a relatively<br />
easy one. It takes around seven and<br />
half hours and covers just over 800<br />
kilometers. You could leave early<br />
morning and be there by the afternoon.<br />
Take the Hume Highway through Albury<br />
and then on through famous towns such<br />
as Gundagai, Yass and Goulburn.<br />
From there, simply head towards the<br />
southern highlands and then down<br />
towards the coast.<br />
If you add around an hour to your<br />
journey you can take in the towns of<br />
Bowral, Moss Vale and the magnificent<br />
Kangaroo Valley. It is definitely worth<br />
the extra effort and time.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
85
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TRAVEL: EXPERIENCE<br />
“IT’S EVERYONE’S DREAM<br />
TO SURF AN EXOTIC<br />
UNCROWDED DESTINATION<br />
IN THEIR LIFETIME.”<br />
LOUIS HARRIS<br />
Liquid Destinations<br />
BEST DEALS ON<br />
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86<br />
392 Harbour Drive, The Jetty Strip, Coffs Harbour NSW<br />
Phone: <strong>02</strong> 6658 <strong>02</strong>23 www.thelogshack.com.au<br />
Asher Pacey at P-Pass<br />
Photo: World Surfaris
THE APPEAL OF PERFECT, UNCROWDED WAVES, BREAKING IN IRIDESCENT CLEAR WARM WATER IS UNDENIABLE, SHARING SUCH MAGIC<br />
MOMENTS WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY - UNFORGETTABLE. WE EXAMINE THE OVERSEAS SURF TRAVEL PHENOMENA.<br />
WORDS BY DAVE SWAN<br />
Is it just me or am I the only bloody<br />
person on the planet not to have<br />
surfed a tropical island? Everyone<br />
nowadays seems to have just returned<br />
from surfing perfect waves in the<br />
Maldives or somewhere or another.<br />
So why have surfers gone troppo?<br />
SHAUN LEVINGS - World Surfaris<br />
“It’s the lure of overseas surf travel.<br />
People are getting increasingly frustrated<br />
at their local with crowds and fickle<br />
conditions. When they see exotic images<br />
of perfect Maldives and user-friendly<br />
waves in warm water, they go, ‘Get me<br />
the hell out of here.’ “<br />
LOUIS HARRIS - Liquid Destinations<br />
“Today we are asked to perform the<br />
corporate monkey dance longer and<br />
harder. It’s worth every cent to a desk<br />
bound slave to be freed from their<br />
everyday job. For those who do surf,<br />
there isn’t a lot in life that can top sitting<br />
on a boat with a bunch of mates drinking<br />
beers after a days surfing.”<br />
Hallelujah! But have the number<br />
of surfers travelling OS picked up<br />
dramatically?<br />
IAN LYONS - Atoll Travel<br />
“What’s fuelling surf travel is the sheer<br />
number of surfers and places available<br />
from boat charters to resorts and surf<br />
camps. Prior to the late eighties a lot of<br />
these destinations didn’t exist.”<br />
“Surf trips started in the early to mid<br />
seventies. By the early eighties it really<br />
became popular following movies such<br />
as Morning of the Earth. In those days,<br />
to quote Bruce Raymond, people were<br />
‘time rich and money poor’. People<br />
would travel on a shoe string and spend<br />
months in little villages.”<br />
LOUIS: “We’ve come a long way<br />
from our early pioneers who trudged<br />
through mosquito and tiger infested<br />
jungles in search of their Nirvana. The<br />
biggest problems today are broken air<br />
conditioners and warm beer. What used<br />
to be a month or maybe a year long<br />
scour of the tropics in search paradise is<br />
a set ten-day itinerary.”<br />
SHAUN: “We get a pretty diverse group<br />
of people booking holidays these days.<br />
Sure the majority are males but surfing<br />
is growing rapidly in popularity with the<br />
ladies and this is reflected in the groups<br />
we have going on surf trips.”<br />
“It’s the same with families. This market<br />
has grown substantially now there are<br />
surf resorts in the Maldives and Samoa<br />
that cater for children and partners that<br />
don’t surf.<br />
“It’s great to go to a place where you<br />
can ride the most perfect barrels of your<br />
life, afterwards go snorkeling and sailing<br />
with the family and then kick back and<br />
relax for the remainder of the day. Plus<br />
there is so much culture to take in and<br />
enjoy.”<br />
LOUIS: “For some people they do it at<br />
ten years of age with their dad or for<br />
others they wait until they are fifty or<br />
sixty. It’s everyone’s dream to surf an<br />
exotic uncrowded destination in their<br />
lifetime.”<br />
IAN: “When we started sending people<br />
to the Maldives in the early nineties the<br />
average age was thirty-five to forty. Now<br />
the average age is forty-eight.”<br />
“In the early days the older guys were in<br />
their early thirties. Nowadays you have<br />
people in the sixties going on surf trips<br />
– they’re the same people some thirty<br />
years on.<br />
“There’s no real age for giving up<br />
surfing. It’s not just a sport for the young<br />
kids. Surfing is now for six to sixties.<br />
Surfing is also very mainstream in its<br />
acceptance, whereas in the seventies it<br />
was a counterculture.”<br />
So there are no hell-men left?<br />
SHAUN: “We also run a Stealth Travel<br />
Club. Scardi (David Scard) from our Kirra<br />
Office is an astute follower of swell<br />
conditions worldwide. He prides himself<br />
on being able to call when Speedies<br />
Reef (in Grajagan Bay, East Java, known<br />
as G-Land) will be 6 foot and pumping.<br />
He can get it pretty much bang on.”<br />
“A lot of guys from the surf industry<br />
call upon Scardi to make forecasts to<br />
determine whether to send surfers<br />
such as Mick Fanning or Stef Gilmore<br />
up to the Caroline Islands for a bit of a<br />
mission. So we formalised these ‘spurof–the-moment’<br />
missions. The whole<br />
idea is to form a membership of hardcore<br />
surfers. When the time is right for a<br />
given destination, we send out a stealth<br />
alert. Members get a message on their<br />
mobile that goes, ‘Cloudbreak is going to<br />
be 10 foot next Monday, we have 4 spots<br />
available, do you want to jump on?’ “<br />
So how many of these hardcore<br />
surfers are there out there, aside<br />
from those who surf overhead<br />
Moffat Beach… don’t laugh.<br />
SHAUN: “A couple of hundred. Team<br />
managers love it because if they have<br />
high profile team riders in between<br />
contests, they can get them up to Fiji or<br />
wherever and shoot them in the latest<br />
pair of boardies in 8 foot barrels.”<br />
“We also get guys who are fortunate<br />
enough to have pretty flexible work<br />
arrangements or who run their own<br />
business and are in the position to drop<br />
everything and go, ‘Yep, let’s do it.’”<br />
Families are going, groups of mates<br />
are having the time of their lives<br />
and now there’s even blokes going<br />
every couple of months at the drop<br />
of a hat.<br />
But isn’t anyone concerned about<br />
the shark factor? You know, the men<br />
in grey suits? The Noahs? Aren’t<br />
they in abundance in these far flung<br />
destinations?<br />
SHAUN: “We have never had an<br />
incident in thirteen years of sending<br />
some 3000 surfers every year to far-flung<br />
destinations. They’re too well fed.”<br />
How about if you want to go<br />
somewhere a little different to<br />
everybody else, say Norway? I have<br />
seen those guys in the American<br />
surf mags. That looks cool – real<br />
cooool in fact.<br />
SHAUN: “At this stage there’s no real<br />
interest in the extreme cold water stuff.<br />
We were promoting trips to South Africa<br />
a few years ago and had a tour from<br />
J-Bay to Cape Town surfing the Garden<br />
Route. To be honest, there just wasn’t<br />
the demand for it.”<br />
“There are intrepid dudes out there doing<br />
that stuff. You often see the Molloy<br />
brothers surfing Iceland or Vancouver<br />
Island but the ordinary Joe Blow doesn’t<br />
want to don 6mm of rubber and a hood.<br />
Not at this stage anyhow. Our real<br />
market is the tropics – warm water with<br />
beautiful mechanical reef breaks.”<br />
Soft. Sure all these OS surfers are<br />
hell-men when it comes to tackling<br />
15ft Cloudbreak but ask them to put<br />
on a bit of rubber and they go soft<br />
like a marshmallow. Time to drink a<br />
mugaccino of you know what.<br />
Right, so if cold water is off the<br />
menu, where’s the next frontier?<br />
IAN: “The Maldives are perfect for us.<br />
Around three quarters of our customers<br />
have been booking the same tour, in the<br />
same slot, year in, year out for fourteen<br />
years straight.”<br />
LOUIS: “We have a few new frontiers<br />
planned. Stay tuned.”<br />
SHAUN: “The Caroline Islands are<br />
still, I guess, what you would call a<br />
new frontier. It has really only become<br />
known for the last seven years. P-Pass is<br />
regarded by Kelly Slater and Andy Irons,<br />
as the best right-hander they have ever<br />
surfed. On its day it is just a phenomenal<br />
barrel. It’s ‘the glamour’ wave for surf<br />
photographers.”<br />
“Papua New Guinea is also relatively<br />
new. In our summer months it has<br />
become a really popular destination for<br />
Aussies as it is so close to home. We<br />
opened the Tupira Surf Club in Madang<br />
last year. It’s a classic spot that suits<br />
surfers on a budget who want to get off<br />
the beaten track. There’s a great, userfriendly<br />
right-hander directly out front of<br />
the resort.<br />
“PNG doesn’t have as many heavy<br />
hollow extreme waves as say Indo. It’s<br />
just got user-friendly waves and that is<br />
what we are finding a lot of guys and<br />
girls are looking for. They don’t want to<br />
be charging death pits, just user-friendly,<br />
uncrowded waves.”<br />
LOUIS: “One thing is for certain. The<br />
natural progression in a dedicated<br />
surfer’s life is, at some stage, to go on an<br />
overseas surf mission.”<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
87
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP<br />
88 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
A QUIET SURF<br />
WITH A FEW GOOD MATES<br />
WORDS BY MARK CHAPMAN<br />
Is this a line-up you’d be keen to paddle into? You would, if you were part of the<br />
annual world record attempt for most surfers on a single wave, staged during the<br />
Earthwave festival held at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, on the southernmost tip of<br />
Africa. But never fear... there are plenty more waves to be had the rest of the year.<br />
Photo: Lee Slabber<br />
www.leeslabber.com<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
89
Photos right: Craig Wilson<br />
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP<br />
“TOURIST KILLED<br />
BY ‘DINOSAUR<br />
SIZED’ SHARK...”<br />
This is not a headline you want to see, about the<br />
place you’re heading to, barely two weeks before<br />
boarding the plane. Fish Hoek, literally one beach<br />
away from Muizenberg in Cape Town, South Africa<br />
was the site of the first fatal shark attack in those<br />
waters in the last five years. An unfortunate ocean<br />
swimmer was taken by a white pointer so huge the<br />
word ‘dinosaur’ shot straight to Twitter, seconds<br />
after the event and was picked up immediately by<br />
news organisations around the world. But despite<br />
the macabre fascination people have for shark<br />
stories, it isn’t quite as exciting when you know<br />
that in a few days time you’ll be suited up to look<br />
like a skinny seal, hopping in for a paddle in that<br />
very same water yourself.<br />
With all the beaches closed, shark-spotters on high<br />
alert and the recent blood in the water, surfing in<br />
Cape Town didn’t seem like such a top idea there<br />
and then. But then again, you only live once. And no<br />
big fish - hungry or not - was keeping me out of the<br />
water in one of South Africa’s most fun beaches.<br />
I arrive to thankfully open beaches. We slip the<br />
wetsuits on and head out right away. Our first surf -<br />
about an hour and a half of gliding fun on mini mals<br />
- is strangely uncrowded. We find out later, talking<br />
to one of the locals, we were out under a white<br />
flag, the Shark Spotters signal for a big, hungrylooking<br />
fish swimming around your area right now.<br />
White? Probably because that’s the colour you turn<br />
if you actually come face to face with one.<br />
Day two. It’s either red flags or black flags – high<br />
shark alert or poor visibility, so who knows... But<br />
we go out anyway and are rewarded with a great<br />
day in the sun, and a few extra-long rides.<br />
By day three, any worries of sharks are long gone,<br />
washed away by the relaxing roll of the Muizenberg<br />
lines and we’re just having pure, unadulterated fun.<br />
It doesn’t get much better than this.<br />
Photo: Timothy van der Venter<br />
flickr.com/photos/anothertimothy<br />
90 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Photo: Craig Wilson<br />
Nestled on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula,<br />
Muizenberg is commonly referred to as the birthplace<br />
of surfing in South Africa, and due to its learner-friendly<br />
conditions, it’s most definitely been the birthplace of<br />
many a surfer’s love for the water.<br />
Named after one of the region’s postmasters in the<br />
1700’s – Sergeant Muys – the name roughly translates<br />
to Mouse’s Mountain. These days, the pristine stretch<br />
of beach, surrounded by these majestic mountains<br />
Cape Town is so famous for, still proudly maintains its<br />
reputation in the surfing history books.<br />
With a slow rolling wave and relaxed vibe in the water,<br />
the chilled ride is a mirror to what happens on the shore<br />
around the laidback cafes on the beach. But if you’re<br />
after big-wave-riding, heart-pounding, adrenalinpumping<br />
surf, this is most definitely not the beach you<br />
would be visiting – this is for kicking back and taking it<br />
easy. The Indian Ocean waves here are far gentler here<br />
than some other Cape Town breaks and the water is<br />
a good few degrees warmer than on the Atlantic side<br />
of the Peninsula - Muizenberg gets to around 18-20<br />
in summer while the Atlantic folk enjoy ice-cream<br />
headaches and aching feet pretty much most of the year.<br />
For these reasons and more, all kinds of people<br />
gravitate to its shore - a melting pot of colours, cultures,<br />
languages and backgrounds, locals and visitors, all<br />
brought together by surfing.<br />
Well known as an iconic longboarder’s paradise – the<br />
haunt of woody wagons and giant mals in its day -<br />
Muizenberg has also become popular with the Stand Up<br />
folk in recent times. Does this mean it’s too busy now?<br />
Not at all. The beauty of this sand-bottom beach break<br />
is that it would be incredibly hard to crowd it. With a<br />
rideable wave that extends more than a kilometre up<br />
the beach, party waves are the norm. There doesn’t<br />
really have to be any dropping in – you could easily have<br />
ten people up and riding on the same wave without the<br />
least bit of worry about fighting words or ding repairs in<br />
the near future.<br />
In fact, the area of the wave is so wide, Muizenberg<br />
has been host to a number of Guinness Book record<br />
attempts and during the 2009 Earthwave festival, set the<br />
record at 110 surfers on the same wave (a little like Tea<br />
Tree at Noosa on a big swell without some yelling ‘Oi!’)<br />
all riding for at least five seconds. <strong>2010</strong> saw a valiant<br />
attempt of 93 people, but the record remains untouched.<br />
More important than the record itself though is the way<br />
the event brings like-minded surfers together in the area.<br />
As Paul Botha of organisers Kahuna Promotions says…<br />
“a fantastic effort by Cape Town’s surfing community”<br />
as every man, woman, child and family pet make<br />
their way to the beach every year for a mix of surfing,<br />
entertainment and charitable pursuits.<br />
“MUIZENBERG IS COMMONLY<br />
REFERRED TO AS THE<br />
BIRTHPLACE OF SURFING IN<br />
SOUTH AFRICA”<br />
Local surfers line up, ready for the Earthwave Gunness Book record attempt.<br />
Photo: Lee Slabber leeslabber.com, supplid by Kahuna Promotions<br />
91
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP<br />
Photo: Craig Wilson<br />
flickr.com/photos/creative666/<br />
CONDITIONS<br />
Bottom: sand<br />
Break: slow, rolling wave<br />
Level: beginner to intermediate<br />
Best conditions: NW wind, incoming tide<br />
Best when: Anytime - on at least half the year<br />
Board: Longer and fatter boards are first choice<br />
Water temps: 20 in summer, 15 in winter.<br />
Crowd factor: Crowded at Surfer’s Corner, but<br />
plenty room down the beach<br />
Hazards: Rips and sharks<br />
Of the surfable area along the front, the most popular<br />
spot is tucked up in the corner of the bay. This is<br />
Surfer’s Corner. Although it’s still friendly and easygoing,<br />
this is definitely the busiest section, so for more<br />
space to yourself and less hassle, just paddle down a<br />
little further down where there are still plenty of waves<br />
to be had. It’s not exclusively a longboarders break. You<br />
see a bit of everything here and despite the fact that it’s<br />
not a powerful wave, you still see plenty of shortboards<br />
around enjoying it just as much.<br />
When it comes to boards and trying a few different<br />
options, Gary’s Surf School is right out front for board<br />
hire, as is the Surf Shack – a surf school and store<br />
with jovial and excited staff full of tales and keen to<br />
talk about boards, designs and what works for the<br />
conditions at their home break, which happens to be<br />
offshore in northeast to northwest winds. When the<br />
southeaster kicks in, there’s sometimes a wave that<br />
forms out further to sea, but there would be a huge<br />
paddle through plenty of whitewater to get to it. And<br />
ladies, make sure to check out Roxy’s – a surf school<br />
dedicated to getting girls started in surfing with some<br />
good gear to browse through.<br />
The bohemian village vibe of this historic seaside<br />
suburb comes complete with antique stores,<br />
secondhand bookshops, a hemp shop and Cape Town’s<br />
oldest surf store – The Corner Surf Shop in Main Road<br />
– where you can ogle over a huge range of surfboards<br />
from local shapers as well as see some historical<br />
surfing gear from the region.<br />
Some other worthwhile stops are the Lifestyle Surf<br />
Shop up front and the Stubbs Surfboards factory, a few<br />
blocks back, where you can chat to longtime Photo: locals Steve and Owen<br />
admire some great surfboard craftsmanship.<br />
Photo: Craig Wilson<br />
Photo: Timothy van der Venter<br />
92 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Photo: Shark Spotters<br />
Photo: Timothy van der Venter<br />
Locals enjoying the surf despite the big fish. Photo: MC<br />
Photo left: Shark Spotters, photo right: Craig Wilson<br />
“...A MELTING POT OF COLOURS,<br />
CULTURES, LANGUAGES AND<br />
BACKGROUNDS, LOCALS AND VISITORS,<br />
ALL BROUGHT TOGETHER BY SURFING”<br />
SHARK SPOTTERS<br />
Now let me preface this by saying, I<br />
don’t think about sharks much. I’m not<br />
usually checking underneath me or<br />
watching the horizon for any movement,<br />
but Cape Town boast the big beasties<br />
so it’s fantastic to know there’s a group<br />
of individuals high up on the mountain<br />
watching over the bay with polarized<br />
binoculars, keeping a constant lookout<br />
for the men in grey suits, or Great White<br />
suits as it turns out.<br />
In 2004, Greg Bertish kicked off the<br />
program with a few people and a few<br />
mobile phones, keeping a lookout<br />
for sharks in the area. With some<br />
fundraising in the surf community<br />
and sponsorship from local business,<br />
the program was formalized and now<br />
employs a group on a full-time basis,<br />
operating in shifts. Using a system of<br />
coloured flags, the crew on the beach<br />
let swimmers and surfers know what<br />
the spotters on the mountainside are<br />
seeing - with green being the one you<br />
want to see flying as you head in.<br />
But according to the folks at Shark<br />
Spotters, shark bites are rare. Since<br />
the 60’s, there have been less than 30<br />
attacks and only a handful of them fatal.<br />
That being said, Muizenberg does rank<br />
as the highest number of sightings –<br />
371 in the last six years - with Fishoek<br />
coming in second at 145.<br />
But Shark Spotters are far from fearmongering<br />
shark-haters and are extremely<br />
active in conservation of the creatures,<br />
stating that these apex predators are a<br />
naturally occurring species in Cape waters<br />
where they play vital roles in the health of<br />
the marine ecosystems.<br />
Great Whites are a protected species<br />
in South African waters and can’t be<br />
hunted or killed, fished or harmed. Trying<br />
any of that could land you behind bars,<br />
out of pocket around $10,000 or both.<br />
For more information, see the website<br />
www.sharkspotters.org.za<br />
Photo: Mila Zinkova<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
93
Since ‘69<br />
THE HIGHEST<br />
QUALITY, HANDMADE<br />
CUSTOM SURFBOARDS<br />
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP<br />
Evo 7’0 by Greg Hogan<br />
Turbo Fish 6’7 by Glyndyn Ringrose<br />
Photo top: Timothy van der Venter<br />
Right: Buskers at Kalkies.<br />
Above: breakfast at Knead<br />
Photos: MC<br />
With it’s narrow streets, European buildings and terraced houses,<br />
Muizenberg is a perfect holiday base to check out what else Cape Town<br />
has to offer – and it’s plenty. As a tourist destination, the region is rich<br />
with experiences, from visiting wineries, to catching a cable car up Table<br />
Mountain, watching baboons, bushwalking, checking out art, haggling<br />
with street vendor artists over knocking a few cents off the price of a wire<br />
sculpture, eating the most incredible fish and chips, fresh off the boat at<br />
Kalkies in Kalk Bay (do it – it’s awesome) and having drinks at any number of<br />
fantastic bars and clubs (Cape to Cuba is highly recommended).<br />
“GREAT COFFEE AND FANTASTIC FOOD”<br />
Sandy Ryan<br />
Photo: Jules<br />
147 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC (03) 5952 2578<br />
cowes@islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
225 Smiths Beach Rd, Smiths Beach VIC (03) 5952 3443<br />
smithsbeach@islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
ISLANDSURFBOARDS.COM.AU<br />
But you don’t have to wander far from the Muizenberg beachfront to get fed.<br />
Knead bakery along the front of Beach Road at Surfer’s Corner is a favourite<br />
after-surf stop. With great coffee and fantastic food, it’s a no brainer when<br />
it comes to breakfast time. The Café De May makes some mean crepes,<br />
with a library of surf magazines to flick through while you kick back with a<br />
quality coffee, and The Big Blue Café is certainly also worth a visit, if only to<br />
check out the classic collection of old surfboards from the 70’s and 80’s lining<br />
the ceiling and walls. If you look closely enough, you’ll see a few newer<br />
ones too, as some of the local locals use it as a place to leave their boards<br />
between surfs.<br />
That in itself epitomises the vibe here - relaxed surfing, great food and<br />
friendly people. Yes, it feels like holidays here, with the locals as colourful as<br />
the rows of brightly painted beach huts that run along the foreshore.<br />
When it comes time to head home, it’s a difficult goodbye, but I’m leaving<br />
with some great memories and enough days of fun in the surf to keep me<br />
smiling for weeks to come. I’ll be back.<br />
94 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
KNOW YOUR BOARD<br />
Floatation! Kind of important if you<br />
intend on surfing. If you’re sinking<br />
down to Davy Jones locker, perhaps<br />
you need to turn up the volume.<br />
So what the hell is volume exactly? A<br />
complex question but here are some<br />
hot tips on determining the ideal<br />
volume you may require.<br />
SIZE DOES MATTER<br />
Whether you’re a 120kg 50-year-old, or a 50kg 15-year-old,<br />
you are going to need width and length in a surfboard to<br />
help you learn to surf. The width gives buoyancy, planing<br />
area and stability. One of the major mistakes developing<br />
surfers make is to decrease that width to extremes too<br />
soon. The blame for this can be levelled at professional<br />
surfers (because they surf so well on little boards), the surf<br />
industry (for making it cool to surf on little boards), and<br />
the developing surfers themselves (for believing the hype<br />
around small boards).<br />
The biggest misconception is that you can’t turn wide<br />
boards. One only needs to take a look at guys like Joel<br />
Tudor and Dave Rastovich to see that myth completely<br />
busted. The fact is, for a developing surfer it’s not the<br />
width of a board that will help them improve their<br />
turns, but their technique. And how do you improve that<br />
technique? By catching plenty of waves. And to catch more<br />
waves you are going to need something to float you. Enter<br />
width, length and thickness into the equation. Plus, surfing<br />
is first and foremost about fun. You can’t have any fun - let<br />
alone develop your surfing - if you’re scratching around on<br />
a 6’2’’x18’’ and missing all the waves.<br />
The last 20 years or so saw the shortboard revolution,<br />
and the pros riding smaller boards in bigger waves - even<br />
Kelly Slater. But remember, you aren’t Kelly Slater! And<br />
this is where surfing differs to most other sports. If you<br />
buy yourself the latest and best tennis racquet, golf clubs<br />
WITH GUEST SHAPER,<br />
GREG HOGAN OF ISLAND SURFBOARDS<br />
or fishing reel used by the pros, it might help you improve<br />
towards that high standard, but not with surfing. You need<br />
the equipment to suit your body size, ability and experience.<br />
Remember, we don’t all wear the same size jeans!<br />
The last few decades made surfing small boards cool and<br />
it has left its legacy on a lot of surfers today. Every time I<br />
surf I see at least one guy (usually more) that needs a way<br />
bigger board than what he’s riding.<br />
Remember, the reason that guy at your local break rips<br />
so much on a small board is not because of the board,<br />
but because he has great technique. As you get better,<br />
you too can refine your boards. It doesn’t matter how cool<br />
your board looks in the car park, it’s how it performs in the<br />
water that matters!<br />
The most important thing is to be completely honest with<br />
your shaper about your ability. They are the ones who should<br />
know what is best for someone of your size and experience<br />
- if they don’t, it’s time to get a new shaper. It just takes you<br />
to swallow the ego and admit where you’re at.<br />
Your surfing will thank you for it!<br />
Greg Hogan has over 35 years shaping experience and<br />
involvement with the team at Island Surfboards. He is also a<br />
judge and coach with Surfing Australia.<br />
For more info visit www.islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
INSIDE...<br />
WHAT IS VOLUME?<br />
Not easily calculated without a<br />
comprehensive understanding of<br />
surfboard design but relates to the<br />
length, width and thickness... but also<br />
takes into consideration surface area<br />
and displacement volume. We’ll stop<br />
there before it becomes too confusing.<br />
In short, it is the key ingredient that<br />
floats you and your board.<br />
WHY LITRES ON BOARD SPECS?<br />
It’s used to measure the volume of the<br />
board. Many shapers now use this<br />
measurement along with the length,<br />
width and thickness of the board.<br />
Please note: EPS/ epoxy boards can<br />
have up to 30% more floatation but the<br />
same volume as a normal PU style board.<br />
CONSIDERATIONS<br />
SURFERS ABILITY LEVEL<br />
If you’re developing as a surfer, the<br />
wider and thicker your board, the<br />
easier it will be to surf<br />
SIZE & WEIGHT OF SURFER<br />
A bigger, heavier surfer needs a board<br />
with more buoyancy<br />
TYPE OF WAVES<br />
On a gutless small wave, most surfers<br />
can control a board with more volume.<br />
The bigger the wave gets, the surfer<br />
still needs enough volume to get onto<br />
the wave, but not too much that it<br />
sends the rider skidding across the<br />
surface of the wave without being<br />
able to dig in a rail to turn.<br />
SURFING STYLE<br />
‘Power surfers’ who are less light on<br />
their feet need more volume for when<br />
they shift their weight on the board<br />
TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH?<br />
TOO MUCH VOLUME<br />
Your board will go fast but lack control<br />
TOO LITTLE VOLUME<br />
The rider will be able to sink a rail<br />
but lack speed coming out of the turn,<br />
almost stalling on the wave. Plus the<br />
board will be bloody hard to paddle,<br />
making it a pain-in-the-arse to get out<br />
and hard to get on waves.<br />
NEW OLD SCHOOL P94<br />
DOCCO GOES DOWNHILL P116<br />
BRAND NEW BOARDS P1<strong>02</strong><br />
If it floats, it’s here... All the latest designs in shortboards, fish, eggs, longboards,<br />
SUPs and everything else from shapers along the East Coast.<br />
WHERE TO TURN UP THE VOLUME<br />
Going thicker by 1/8 will deliver up<br />
to 4 times more volume than going<br />
up an inch in length and be almost<br />
equivalent to making the board a ½<br />
inch wider. Buying a board and getting<br />
one just right for you is tricky. That’s<br />
why it’s important to talk with your<br />
local surf store board expert or your<br />
local shaper.<br />
Remember, no one surfboard design<br />
will work in all kinds of waves for all<br />
types of surfers. That’s why you need<br />
a quiver, so get building it! For some<br />
inspiration see our board profiles<br />
starting on page 103.<br />
95
GEAR: SHAPER<br />
He may be only 27<br />
years of age but<br />
he’s got a knack for<br />
creating beautiful<br />
retro boards that<br />
work. Proof to this<br />
claim: He recently<br />
won the National<br />
Log Roll at the<br />
Australian Old<br />
Mal titles on his<br />
own craft. He’s<br />
winning contests<br />
and winning over<br />
surfers who love<br />
that traditional style<br />
of surfing.<br />
96 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Against the odds, Thomas<br />
Bexon is a young guy who’s<br />
gone old school and is<br />
coming up trumps.<br />
GET YOUR<br />
BEX<br />
ONWORDS BY DAVE SWAN<br />
There’s next to no competitive surfers out there competing on their own<br />
boards nowadays. But that’s Thomas, he likes to do his own thing and is not<br />
too concerned with what everybody else is doing. This individualism carries<br />
through to his surfboard design.<br />
Thomas Surfboards are handmade with no compromise on quality. His boards<br />
are made to order with dimensions changed to suit the individual. Thomas has<br />
honed his board making skills within the competitive arena and regular surf<br />
trips... ahh... product test field trips.<br />
His boards look unbelievable, are incredibly fun to ride and personally make<br />
me toey just looking at them. But enough about my problem... We ask Thomas<br />
how he first got into shaping and his love for traditional logs and noseriders.<br />
“I guess I started shaping because no one else was making what I wanted<br />
at the time. I made my first board in Mum’s garage and she hated it. I was<br />
around fourteen at the time.<br />
“I bought a blank, started shaping and it ended up horrible. One side was an<br />
inch wider then the other and it had no rocker and didn’t work at all. I am so<br />
stoked I still have it though.<br />
“I did a few more in Mum’s garage and then got the chance to shape at school.<br />
Maroochy High had surfing as a subject. At the time, only Maroochy High and<br />
Miami High on the Goldie (Gold Coast) taught surfing as a subject. Brian Weirs’<br />
brother, Peter, was my teacher. We learnt how to shape surfboards, foil fins<br />
and fix dings along with some basic woodwork. We got to go surfing heaps as<br />
well. I got to learn the basics. We did four classes a week on everything that<br />
was surf related including how to judge surf contests and film reviews.”<br />
Thomas developed a love for old boards during this time.<br />
“A mate and I stumbled across a few old surf movies that had a bit of logging<br />
in it and we thought it was epic. We became mates with Brodie Weir through<br />
Brian (Weirs Surf Shop in Maroochydore, who have a range of vintage boards<br />
on display and for sale) and he would let us ride the old mals from the shop.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
97
GEAR: SHAPER<br />
“I guess the appeal of the logs was because they were something<br />
different. You didn’t see anyone else riding them. That’s what made<br />
them interesting. Plus, when we started riding longboards, we didn’t<br />
want to ride oversized short boards (by this Thomas is referring to<br />
performance longboards). The other reason is logs suit the suit the<br />
waves here.<br />
“I grew up surfing the waves of Maroochy to Alex (Alexandra Headland)<br />
- so much board-building history in that part of the Coast. Rooster,<br />
McTavish, Pascoe, Les Purcell and Bob Cooper... Heaps of cats made<br />
boards and Noosa was their testing ground. That’s how I’m looking at<br />
it. No better way to test a log than on perfect waves. Now I surf more<br />
Noosa and Coolum, but still get a dose of Bluff now and again.”<br />
Whilst Thomas enjoyed riding these traditional style surfboards, it<br />
appeared no one at the time was actively shaping them.<br />
“I first started shaping logs ten to twelve years ago because no one<br />
was doing them. You couldn’t get a heavy single fin with a rolled bottom<br />
and round rails anywhere. Longboards were really only starting to come<br />
back and the focus was on performance longboards.<br />
“After high school I did three years of Uni studying a bachelorette of<br />
social work. I did a fair bit during that time with disadvantaged kids and<br />
just continued my shaping as more of a hobby.”<br />
When boardmaking turned from hobby to making a living.<br />
“I was shaping boards for myself. Then I started doing a few for some<br />
friends and that’s how I got started. I was initially glassing the boards,<br />
but they were a bit rough so I ended up getting them glassed by Paul<br />
Carson who owns The Factory in Moffat Beach. Next minute Paul<br />
offered me a job.”<br />
For Thomas it was the perfect opportunity to learn how to glass and<br />
shape from one of the most respected surfboard craftsman on the<br />
Sunshine Coast.<br />
“Paul was, and is, a perfectionist. In a way, that was good. When I first<br />
learned to do some polishes and stuff like that, I would say, ‘Yes, look<br />
how good this is’ and he would come in and say, ‘Fix that, fix this.’ It<br />
would shatter you. I think I was being paid $20 - $30 per polish, but they<br />
took me hours. I did get quicker at it.<br />
“I learnt so much from Paul. I had shaped before but had never had<br />
anyone telling me if I was doing it right or wrong. It was just trial and<br />
error. He gave me tips on numerous things like channels and so forth.”<br />
After four years at The Factory, Thomas took up a shaping bay at<br />
Hayden Surfcraft at Kunda Park. Steeped in history, the Hayden factory<br />
was just the place to further his development.<br />
“To be in a place where George Greenough and Bob McTavish did their<br />
thing is pretty cool. All the old templates are still upstairs. They have<br />
the same band saw they used in 1962. I was cutting out fins the other<br />
day and thinking, ‘Greenough used this same band saw to cut out fins.’<br />
It is pretty amazing.<br />
“Because they (Hayden) are doing everything from surfboards through<br />
to the clubbie stuff you have access to all different types of material.<br />
You can use the coolite foam, epoxy and carbon fibre. “<br />
As to his detractors, who dismiss Thomas because he is so young, he<br />
has already won so many of them over.<br />
“I’ve had a few old guys that have said ‘You can’t make longboards. You<br />
weren’t riding them when they were originally made.’ Of course I wasn’t.<br />
I wasn’t born then. But everyone has to start somewhere and I am just<br />
trying to do my thing. And now I’m winning a lot of the old guys over. I am<br />
shaping boards for them and their friends and their friends and so on... so<br />
I must be doing something right.”<br />
Thomas is incredibly humble. But then again, he can afford to be. His<br />
boards speak for themselves. They are all class.<br />
Photo: Keith Hamlyn fotosinnoosa.com<br />
98 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
SURFERS<br />
GARDEN<br />
Thomas’s surfboards are not only a little out of the ordinary, so is the<br />
way he lives his life. He lives in a surfers’ commune of sorts right<br />
near the beach, not far from Coolum.<br />
Together with a group of mates – Doc (Thomas Bexon), Little-man<br />
(Mark Sharp - Thomas’ key test pilot), surfersgarden (Thom O’Brien)<br />
and Jacob Stuth - live a life reminiscent of movies such as Morning<br />
of the Earth. The group document their every day on their blog site<br />
surfersgarden. Thomas explains their ‘Country Soul’ style of living.<br />
“I slid into it with a friend who already lived there. I was just lucky<br />
enough to move in with him.<br />
“It’s just a bunch of houses, all real close, without a fence in<br />
between. The set up is a group of good surfers living in the same<br />
area and on the same wavelength.<br />
“Out back of one of the houses we have this garden where we grow<br />
all our fresh fruit and veges. We go surfing and talk about the garden<br />
or cooking and stuff like that. Whatever we do, we tend to document<br />
it on our blog.”<br />
We discussed the advantages of living so close to the beach.<br />
“From the back of the house, we can see the water. We just open<br />
the door and there’s the surf. The house is cool but old. When it rains<br />
it leaks. When there’s a strong wind, you can feel the house moving.<br />
That’s ok though because it is such a good spot.“<br />
As a blog, surfersgarden has a great deal more appeal than the norm.<br />
It’s littered with heaps of cool surfing pics, loads of Thomas’s boards<br />
and various other surf craft, along with some great recipes. It takes<br />
you away from the mundane of everyday life, perhaps even providing<br />
you with a chance to step back in time.<br />
Check it out at surfersgarden.blogspot.com<br />
DESIGN<br />
FOCUS In traditional logs<br />
and noseriders, for Thomas it comes down to rolled<br />
bottoms and rails.<br />
“What I am doing is a little bit different to the<br />
traditional longboards. My boards, in particular,<br />
have quite rolled bottoms. I found they work better.<br />
They’re just better for logging, stall-turns, sideslips,<br />
trim and good old-fashioned noseriding.<br />
“I have kept refining what I am doing. I am really<br />
happy with how my longboards perform now. I think<br />
after surfing them for so long and doing so many, I<br />
have worked out what really works when it comes<br />
to a traditional longboard.<br />
“A lot of my ideas are stolen off what they were<br />
doing in the late 60s in California and here in<br />
Australia. There was a pretty crazy progression<br />
in surfing history. A lot of the boards they were<br />
shaping had many great characteristics, but some<br />
aspects of their design don’t necessarily work in our<br />
waves here. They had noseriding wired, but some of<br />
the shapes just don’t cut it in hollower waves.”<br />
But why the love for rolled bottoms?<br />
“They are probably a bit harder at the start to ride.<br />
The board is a bit ‘tippier’. It’s not as stable but<br />
because of the roll, you get so much more control<br />
on the nose. You can stand on the nose and with<br />
your back foot shift your weight and fully change the<br />
direction of the board without having to walk back<br />
off the nose. They are a lot more manouverable.<br />
“With the rolled bottom and round rail, I have the deck<br />
flatter. This means the board sits flatter in the water. I<br />
am purposely slowing the board down so it is easier to<br />
noseride. I don’t want them to go fast. I mean you do,<br />
but just not too fast when you’re perched.<br />
“In addition, concaving the decks at the tail gets rid<br />
of volume and makes the boards a bit easier to turn.<br />
I also do not foil the fins in the traditional way. I am<br />
leaving them quite flat so you go slower. You want<br />
the board to hold when you are noseriding.<br />
“These design elements allow you to noseride in the<br />
critical part of the wave as opposed to out on the<br />
shoulder as you do with a performance longboard.<br />
You can noseride right in the pocket and stay there<br />
longer. It gives you a better feeling.<br />
STEPDECKS<br />
“I have been playing around with stepdecks a lot<br />
lately. They get rid of volume at the front of the board.<br />
This way you have a bit more rocker in the board.<br />
“When you are noseriding, because of the step<br />
and the fact the nose is thinner, the board flattens<br />
down quickly and you obtain trim quicker. Hence,<br />
the board takes off when you are noseriding. It just<br />
flexes more and gives you more control and is more<br />
fun. You can feel the bounce in the board.<br />
“You can run up the nose of the board and push<br />
it down and feel the board flex, flatten and speed<br />
up. That is the idea behind it. I think it works. One<br />
I recently shaped is the best board I have ridden in<br />
little waves.”<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
99
GEAR: SHAPER<br />
The length of boards you are shaping?<br />
“In terms of logs, I am mostly shaping boards<br />
9’4 to 10ft. Even guys who are lighter, say<br />
around 75 kilograms, are requesting boards<br />
9’6 to 9’8 but just a little thinner. Just because<br />
they are logs they don’t necessarily need to<br />
be super fat and chunky. Some are only 2 3/8<br />
thick. In many ways it is not the size of the<br />
board that makes them work but the shape,<br />
particularly with regards to the rolled bottoms<br />
featured in my boards.”<br />
FINS “I am mostly making my<br />
own fins. I am looking at what delivers the<br />
most hold when noseriding. The real straight<br />
hatchet fins are good but they are a bit jerky<br />
through turns, they don’t flow.<br />
“The fins I am creating are…well, big.<br />
They still have rake and curve but with a<br />
real wide base. A real big tip as well. By<br />
having the curve instead of the straighter<br />
traditional hatchet fin, they are just that little<br />
bit smoother through turns. Instead of just<br />
being good for pivot turns you can flow your<br />
turns more. My fins also make you go slower<br />
- I do this purposely for noseriding. There’s<br />
more drag, making the board more stable for<br />
getting out on the nose.<br />
“Glassed-in fins are definately the go for my<br />
boards. I can do boxed fins, but because I<br />
shape the tail of the boards really thin for the<br />
last 6 or so inches, you can’t get the box far<br />
enough back without it popping through the<br />
deck. When I glass the fins, my rule is the tip of<br />
the fin sits in line with the tail of the board so<br />
the base of your fin only ends up about 4 inches<br />
from the back of the board. I find it just works.”<br />
What else are you doing?<br />
“I am shaping quite a fair number of twinnies,<br />
simmons and performance quads, hulls and<br />
eggs, as well as a few alaias, of late.<br />
“Everyone knows that Tom Wegener started<br />
the alaia thing. I was lucky to see a lot of what<br />
Tom was doing whilst working at The Factory.<br />
“When Tom started shaping the alaias, a lot<br />
of people just didn’t want to hear about it.<br />
But because Tom was so stoked and so into<br />
it, and persevered with it, I guess more and<br />
more people were willing to give it a go. I was<br />
one of them. Since then I have started playing<br />
around shaping various styles of alaias.<br />
“Alaias take you back. If you have been<br />
surfing for a few years, you know what you<br />
can do on a surfboard. But when you jump<br />
on an alaia, you start all over again. They<br />
develop your surfing by pushing everything<br />
you know out the window.<br />
“At the moment I am getting some one piece<br />
Paulownia blanks from a local guy in Maleny<br />
(Most blanks are made of several strips of<br />
wood. A one piece blank is very rare). That’s<br />
pretty exciting. I can’t wait to shape a few<br />
and test them out.”<br />
HAND<br />
PLANES “They give<br />
me something to do in summer when we cop the<br />
northerly winds up here. I used to use the scraps<br />
of wood left over from the alaias I shaped. At first<br />
they were just for me and my mates to muck around<br />
with but it’s surprising the amount of interest I have<br />
had with them. They have really taken off. I’m now<br />
having to order wood especially for them.”<br />
“Using Paulownia means you can get a lot of<br />
concave and shape to the hand planes. I have<br />
made varying lengths and even a few with pintails.<br />
It is amazing the difference you can feel with the<br />
various shapes. When the surf is crap, people can<br />
still go out and get stoked on them.<br />
“Take a pair of flippers and boardies and then drop<br />
in on your mates and just have fun. Four of you can<br />
catch one wave, ride on each other’s backs… just<br />
be stupid. It takes you back to being a kid again<br />
and you are all smiles.”<br />
100 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
THE BOARDS<br />
TRADITIONAL LOGS<br />
& NOSERIDERS<br />
Just like yesteryear but with<br />
a twist. Designed specifically<br />
for our conditions and to<br />
allow you to camp out on the<br />
nose all day. These boards<br />
deliver real speed when you<br />
are noseriding in the pocket<br />
and not just on the shoulder<br />
of the wave.<br />
PERFORMANCE<br />
LONGBOARDS<br />
Sort of self-explanatory.<br />
Performance longboards<br />
are suited to the surfer that<br />
wants to be able to combine<br />
tail surfing with noseriding.<br />
Usually glassed light to offer<br />
performance and maximum<br />
freedom from the tail.<br />
MIDLENGTHS & HULLS<br />
Suited to larger, more hollow<br />
waves midlengths feature a<br />
rounded pintail and a ‘two plus<br />
one’ fin setup with a big centre<br />
fin and small side ‘biters’.<br />
Hulls, with a super-flexi finger<br />
fin, slight rolled bottom and<br />
flat rocker haul arse down the<br />
line. Usually in the 7-8ft range<br />
allowing freedom to move up<br />
and down the board, these<br />
suckers are trim and glide<br />
machines that will take lines<br />
nothing else will.<br />
TWIN FIN FISHES<br />
The retro style of the fish<br />
is as popular as the cruiser.<br />
With plenty of area and trim<br />
capabilities, Twinnies are ideal<br />
for points or small to medium<br />
beach breaks. Loose, fun boards<br />
to ride. The more performance<br />
twins love a hollow wave, and<br />
then there’s the Simmons which<br />
will trim to your heart’s content.<br />
QUAD FIN FISHES<br />
Quads are more performance<br />
orientated than the twin<br />
fins, with extra drive and<br />
maneuverability. Quads are best<br />
described as a blend between<br />
a Twinnie and a Thruster,<br />
borrowing elements from both.<br />
Shape design depends on what<br />
type of waves the individual<br />
intends surfing.<br />
Retro, vintage, old-school... Call it what you like, but the design principles, styles and ideas of the past are as relevant today as they were 60 years ago, and modernised or<br />
reworked through the eyes and hands of master craftsmen such as Thomas Bexon guarantee they’ll remain that way for many, many years to come.<br />
“SHAPING IS LIKE SURFING... I’M SO STOKED ON BOTH”<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
101
GEAR: FORUM<br />
“SURFBOARDS<br />
HAVE RISEN<br />
LITTLE<br />
MORE THAN<br />
AROUND $70<br />
IN SEVENTEEN<br />
YEARS”<br />
AUSTRALIAN MADE OR NOT, OR KIND OF...<br />
Our objective at smorgasboarder is to<br />
always encourage our readers to think for<br />
themselves by presenting a fully rounded<br />
perspective on issues that affect us as<br />
surfers.<br />
At present, there is no issue more topical,<br />
or indeed controversial, affecting the<br />
Australian surf industry than imported<br />
surfboards.<br />
The further we delve into the topic,<br />
the more we uncover a whole range of<br />
issues, all of which are intertwined.<br />
These are namely:<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
ÌÌ<br />
Wholly Australian made boards<br />
vs. Australian shaped boards made<br />
overseas<br />
Traditional PU/ Polyester boards<br />
vs. EPS Foam/ Epoxy Resin boards<br />
Performance<br />
Their suitability to the beginners<br />
market<br />
The commercial viability of local<br />
Australian production<br />
Workplace health and safety issues<br />
Custom shaped boards vs. stock<br />
boards, albeit based on proven<br />
templates<br />
Free world trade vs. protecting<br />
Australian industry<br />
The hypocrisy of demanding cheap<br />
products but insisting they are<br />
Australian made. Is this a reality?<br />
Whether the same rules that apply<br />
to surfboards also apply to clothing?<br />
In investigating these issues we have<br />
determined it is not possible to cover<br />
such a complex subject in one small<br />
page. The issue raises so many questions<br />
for both the consumer and the surf<br />
industry itself.<br />
As a result we would like to open<br />
this discussion to you, our readers -<br />
Australian surfers - and invite comment<br />
from people from within the surf industry.<br />
We plan to publish these comments in an<br />
expanded editorial piece in our January<br />
edition of smorgasboarder.<br />
Firstly, what of the surfboards made<br />
wholly and solely here in Australia?<br />
A vast majority of talented Australian<br />
shapers, manufacturing surfboards in our<br />
country today, are struggling to survive in<br />
a less-than-perfect work environment. To<br />
be frank, many find it hard to make ends<br />
meet, working incredible hours just to<br />
scrape together some sort of a living.<br />
Most Aussie shapers do what they do for<br />
love not money and would be amongst<br />
some of the lowest, if not the lowest,<br />
paid workers in the country.<br />
A basic shortboard retails for between<br />
$650 to $700. The margin per board is<br />
about $200. If those boards are sold<br />
through retail outlets, the margin is close<br />
to $100 or less.<br />
Considering an average shortboard takes<br />
some ten hours to shape, that works out<br />
to be between $10 to $20 per hour the<br />
shaper is being paid for his or her time.<br />
At this point, it is important to bear in<br />
mind a shaper takes at least some ten<br />
years to develop their skill.<br />
Out of that $100 to $200 then comes tax,<br />
staff wages (if the shaper has any staff),<br />
and various other business running costs<br />
such as rent, plant and machinery etc.<br />
Despite this, we as consumers in the<br />
majority, want our boards cheaper. We<br />
want leg-ropes thrown in, deck grips,<br />
cheap board bags… oh, and wax too.<br />
That leaves next to no margin and the<br />
fact surfboards have risen little more than<br />
around $70 in seventeen years highlights<br />
the plight of many in the industry within<br />
Australia. That’s a price increase of less<br />
than 1% per year. Compare that to the<br />
increase in the cost of living and various<br />
products and services, particularly in<br />
relation to skilled trade services e.g. think<br />
of a plumber for instance.<br />
Then there are various types of imported<br />
boards, adding further pressure to an<br />
already price sensitive market.<br />
Australian designed surfboards<br />
manufactured overseas<br />
Overseas production has proved lucrative<br />
to some Australian shapers and delivered<br />
fitting reward for their years of service to<br />
the industry and product development.<br />
Are they not entitled to reap some return<br />
for all their hard work and innovation?<br />
Shapers such as Bob McTavish, Wayne<br />
Lynch, Mark Richards, Bill Tolhurst, Greg<br />
Webber and Phil Byrne and are now<br />
involved in the successful export of Tuflite<br />
surfboards to the Northern Hemisphere<br />
bringing in valuable export revenue into<br />
the Australian economy. Nev Hyman of<br />
Firewire Surfboards is also doing the<br />
same with new technology employed in<br />
the construction of his surfboards.<br />
One of the apparent reasons for the<br />
pursuit of offshore production is the<br />
transition from traditional Polyester<br />
Resin/ PU surfboards to EPS Foam/ Epoxy<br />
Resin construction. People in favour of<br />
offshore production would maintain it<br />
is not economically viable to produce<br />
surfboards utlising this new technology<br />
here in Australia. Proponents of this<br />
new technology would also argue Tuflite<br />
surfboards are far superior in their<br />
performance. That in itself is another<br />
point of contention.<br />
As with everything, there are always two<br />
sides to any story. We’re keen to hear<br />
yours. But please always remember, the<br />
beauty of surfing is that everyone has<br />
differing points of view; whether it be the<br />
type of board you ride, what it is made of<br />
or where it comes from.<br />
Send your thoughts and comments to<br />
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au<br />
1<strong>02</strong> nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
The King<br />
by Zak Surfboards<br />
Shaper: Zak Koniaras<br />
Dimensions:<br />
7’6” x 22” x 3 ¼”<br />
Ideal conditions: Summer<br />
slop to point breaks<br />
Ability level: Novice to<br />
intermediate<br />
Suits: 90kg+<br />
Description: This big<br />
boys’ hybrid has plenty<br />
of volume over the chest,<br />
flat into vee bottom and<br />
double flyers to give<br />
you tanks a surfboard<br />
with plenty of float<br />
without compromising<br />
manoeurability.<br />
Construction: PU foam,<br />
polyster resin, 6oz bottom,<br />
10oz deck<br />
Fins: 5-fin setup<br />
Shaper comment: We<br />
are always playing with<br />
templates for the big boys<br />
and this shape has been<br />
a good seller over the last<br />
few years. It’s always hard<br />
to offer plenty of volume in<br />
a board and still keep the<br />
freedom of a shortboard<br />
without going to EPS.<br />
The Pea<br />
by Chaos<br />
Shaper: Jon McLeay<br />
Dimensions: Examples:<br />
5’6” x 19 ¼ x 2 3 /8<br />
5’10” x 20 1 /8 x 2 5 /8<br />
Ideal conditions: 1 - 5ft.<br />
Extremely versatile<br />
Ability level: Fun for all<br />
Description: Deep<br />
concaves under the chest<br />
keep it responsive and<br />
free under the front foot.<br />
Drivey as a quad and so<br />
smooth as a rounded pin.<br />
Great as a thruster in<br />
the bigger stuff if you’re<br />
willing. To be ridden about<br />
5 - 6 inches smaller than<br />
your shortboard and about<br />
1 /16 thicker , ¾ wider<br />
Construction: Stick with<br />
whats best works for you,<br />
and your pocket - PU<br />
Fins: Quad with the<br />
choice as a thruster<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
We’re experimenting and<br />
playing with our foam<br />
more than ever, creating<br />
you exciting new sticks.<br />
Support and believe in the<br />
art of hand shaping before<br />
it’s lost! Enjoy a pea today.<br />
King George Fish<br />
by Island<br />
Shaper: Greg Hogan<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’5”x 20 ¾”x 2 ¼”<br />
(from 5’10’’ to 7’6’’)<br />
Ideal conditions: Small<br />
to medium, flatter and<br />
less than ideal waves<br />
Ability level: All levels<br />
outside of rank beginner,<br />
great progression board for<br />
beginner, must-have for the<br />
competent surfer to make<br />
the most of a surf when<br />
the waves are lacking.<br />
Description: A fish<br />
in a shortboard’s body.<br />
Pulled in swallow tail and<br />
relatively narrower nose<br />
than other fish allows high<br />
performance in better<br />
waves, but width around<br />
chest area gives paddle<br />
and planing ability.<br />
Construction: PU, glassed<br />
in combination 6oz and 4oz<br />
Fins: Tri or quad fin setup,<br />
Futures or FCS<br />
Shaper comment: Wave<br />
range, wave range, wave<br />
range. To perform when<br />
the waves aren’t, but if it<br />
gets a little testing, you<br />
can rely on this to get you<br />
in the spot you want to be.<br />
Blues Buster<br />
by COD<br />
Shaper: Paul Uscinski<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’2” x 19 13 /16 ” x 2 9 /16 ”<br />
or customized to suit<br />
Ideal conditions: 1 - 6ft<br />
Ability level: Beg to adv<br />
Description: Heaps<br />
of drive and stability.<br />
Very maneuverable due<br />
to slightly more tail lift<br />
and responsive using a<br />
combination of a smooth<br />
rocker entry with single<br />
concave, flowing to double<br />
concave to vee in the tail.<br />
Extra drive and release of<br />
double flyers and swallow<br />
tail. Balanced thickness<br />
and accurate foil for a high<br />
performance feel.<br />
Construction: Hand shaped<br />
PU foam and polyester<br />
resins, 6 or 4 oz glass.<br />
Fins: 5-fin FCS system for<br />
quad, thruster or 5 fin setup<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
Well balanced board for<br />
confidence in a wide<br />
range of surf conditions.<br />
Get up and plane quickly<br />
so you can catch heaps of<br />
waves. Supa fun!! 100%<br />
satisfaction guaranteed.<br />
Shortboard<br />
by Lee Cheyne<br />
Shaper: Lee Cheyne<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’2” x 19 ¼” x 2 7 /16”<br />
Ideal conditions: 1 - 3ft<br />
Ability level:<br />
Novice to advanced<br />
Suits: 80+kg<br />
Description: This is a<br />
step down board with a<br />
deep concave under the<br />
front foot, into vee double<br />
concave through the tail,<br />
full curve outline with<br />
wide point 4” further back.<br />
The perfect board for<br />
those smaller days.<br />
Construction: Burford<br />
foam, Surf 9 4oz glass and<br />
Silmar resin.<br />
Fins: FCS 5-fin setup for<br />
the best of both worlds<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
This style of board has<br />
awesome speed and<br />
it feels really light and<br />
responsive off the back<br />
foot. Available in most tail<br />
shapes!<br />
ZAK SURFBOARDS<br />
307 Victoria Road<br />
Thornbury VIC 3071<br />
Ph: 03 9416 7384<br />
Mobile: 0438 416 738<br />
zak@zaksurfboards.com<br />
zaksurfboards.com<br />
CHAOS SURFBOARDS<br />
1/236 Harbord Road<br />
Brookvale NSW<br />
Ph: <strong>02</strong> 9907 2769<br />
M: 0410 707 079<br />
E: jon@chaossurfboards.com<br />
chaossurfboards.com<br />
ISLAND SURFBOARDS<br />
147 Thompson Ave,<br />
Cowes, Phillip Island VIC<br />
Ph: 03 5952 2578<br />
E: cowes@<br />
islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
COD SURFBOARDS<br />
25 Kestrel Court<br />
Victoria Point, QLD 4165<br />
Ph: 0415 722 891<br />
paul@codsurfing.com.au<br />
www.codsurfing.com.au<br />
LEE CHEYNE DESIGNS<br />
19/48 Machinery Dr,<br />
Tweed Heads South<br />
NSW 2486<br />
Ph: 07 5523 3237<br />
lcdboards@gmail.com<br />
myspace.com/454626994<br />
tradewindsurf.com.au<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
103
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
Flextail<br />
by Bushrat<br />
Shaper: Jed Done<br />
Ideal conditions: An allrounder<br />
to work from 1’ to 6’.<br />
Ability: Int to adv<br />
Suits: Custom-built for a<br />
good surfer about 6’3” and<br />
85kg, but can be built for<br />
any age, weight and size<br />
Description: A transition<br />
board for a conventional<br />
surfer making the<br />
progression to flextails.<br />
Construction: Single<br />
stringer PU blank, glassed<br />
in polyester resin with 7”<br />
flex tail glassed in carbon<br />
fibre and vinylester resin<br />
Fins: 4-Way Fin System for<br />
fine tuning the surfboard<br />
for rider after it’s built, with<br />
Z-fins for the extra flow<br />
and release off the top<br />
Shaper comment: These<br />
flextails have a negative<br />
tail rocker, which increases<br />
down-the-line speed and<br />
drive. Once tail is loaded<br />
in a turn it flexes to suit<br />
the arc in which you’re<br />
travelling, then springs back<br />
to a negative position at the<br />
apex of the turn giving the<br />
board continuous stored<br />
energy, which equals top<br />
end speed.<br />
BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS<br />
Merimbula NSW<br />
Ph: 0409 813 431<br />
E: jed@bushrat.com<br />
www.bushrat.com<br />
Blunt<br />
by Primitive Surf<br />
Shaper: Craig Rees<br />
Dimensions: (Above)<br />
6” x 19 ½” x 2 3 /16”<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate and up<br />
Suits: Different sizes<br />
Description: The Blunt<br />
was born when a long<br />
term customer came to<br />
me asking for me to make<br />
him a board similar to<br />
what Dane Reynolds had<br />
been riding. When it was<br />
finished it looked and felt<br />
insane. I realised that it<br />
was similar in the back to<br />
our Punt model... the Nose<br />
was wider and the rocker<br />
slightly different, but<br />
basically it was a tweaked<br />
Punt, hence: The Blunt.<br />
Construction: PU foam<br />
with polyester resin,<br />
vacuum bagged with<br />
carbon fibre rails.<br />
Fins: Thruster or quad<br />
Shaper comment: This<br />
board should be about<br />
2-3 inches shorter than<br />
your standard shortboard,<br />
the same thickness and<br />
an inch wider.<br />
PRIMITIVE SURF<br />
601 Nudgee Rd,<br />
Nundah, Qld 4012<br />
Ph: 07 3266 1001<br />
E: info@primitivesurf.com<br />
www.primitivesurf.com<br />
Flying Fish<br />
by Skipp Surfboards<br />
Shaper: Chad Ryan<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’0”x 19 1 /8”x 2 5 /16”<br />
Ideal conditions: 1 - 5ft.<br />
Incredibly versatile<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate to advanced<br />
Description: Concave<br />
under the chest makes it<br />
responsive on the front<br />
foot, to double through<br />
the fins for extra squirt.<br />
Super-fast and loose,<br />
yet responsive in the<br />
small stuff. Extra width<br />
throughout board for good<br />
float. To be ridden 2-4<br />
inches smaller than your<br />
shortboard.<br />
Construction: Polyester<br />
construction, Standard or<br />
team glassing.<br />
Fins: Thruster, quad, or<br />
have it plugged for both.<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
Experimentation is the<br />
go with my shapes at<br />
the moment - to create<br />
the most radical, yet<br />
functional surfboards.<br />
SKIPP SURFBOARDS<br />
FACTORY SHOWROOM<br />
24 Flinders St<br />
North Wollongong, NSW<br />
Ph: <strong>02</strong> 4228 8878<br />
CITY SURF CENTRE<br />
231 Crown Street<br />
Wollongong City, NSW<br />
Ph: <strong>02</strong> 4229 12<strong>02</strong><br />
E: factory@skippsurfboards.com.au<br />
skippsurfboards.com.au<br />
The Munter<br />
by Zak Surfboards<br />
Shaper: Zak Koniaras<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’4” x 20 ¼” x 2 5 /8”<br />
Ideal conditions: 2 - 5ft<br />
Ability level: Intermediate<br />
Description: An old<br />
80’s template revamped,<br />
this board flys! Single<br />
into double concave, low<br />
entry rocker, low to mid<br />
rails, single flyer swallow,<br />
everything to make this<br />
board handle sucky<br />
beachies to long point<br />
breaks. Plenty of volume<br />
over the chest makes<br />
paddling super easy.<br />
Construction: PU glassed<br />
with 6oz bottom, 10oz deck<br />
Fins: FCS or Futures -<br />
whatever you prefer<br />
Shaper comment: Super<br />
easy and super fast board<br />
to ride with plenty of float.<br />
Loves tight arc turns and<br />
and gives you plenty of<br />
release.<br />
ZAK SURFBOARDS<br />
307 Victoria Road<br />
Thornbury VIC 3071<br />
Ph: 03 9416 7384<br />
Mobile: 0438 416 738<br />
zak@zaksurfboards.com<br />
zaksurfboards.com<br />
Cuttlefish<br />
by Shotgun<br />
Shaper: Tully St.John<br />
Dimensions:<br />
5’7” x 19 ¾” x 2 ½”<br />
Ideal conditions: 2 - 5 ft<br />
Ability level:<br />
Novice to pro<br />
Suits: All weights<br />
Description: This is<br />
the ultimate small wave<br />
weapon. Surfs really well<br />
on both beach breaks and<br />
points. We can customise<br />
to the person’s height<br />
weight and surfing ability.<br />
Construction:<br />
Stringerless or stringered,<br />
PU or epoxy<br />
Fin set-up: Thruster or quad<br />
Shaper comment: This<br />
board has a deep single<br />
concave and super loose<br />
plan shape. It also comes<br />
in a swallow tail or square.<br />
NOOSA SURFWORKS<br />
11 Bartlett St,<br />
Noosaville QLD<br />
Ph: 07 5474 4567<br />
E: info@noosasurfworks.com.au<br />
noosasurfworks.com.au<br />
104 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
Dynocore TM WD<br />
by Diverse<br />
Shaper: Dave Verrall<br />
Dimensions: Custom only!<br />
Ideal conditions: Smaller<br />
to average size days<br />
Suits: A performance<br />
surfer who wants a<br />
strong, user-friendly board<br />
Description: Made with<br />
DYNOCORE technology,<br />
incorporating a high tech<br />
fusion of fibres and foam.<br />
Construction: A fusion<br />
of four specialty fabrics<br />
combined in the right<br />
place to launch you out<br />
of turns and off lips,<br />
while remaining steady<br />
underfoot. The core is a<br />
tight beaded EPS foam<br />
without a stringer, opening<br />
the door to flex tuning<br />
with shape and fabric.<br />
Glassed with some of the<br />
most technicaly correct<br />
surfboard epoxy resin.<br />
Fins: Fin Solutions 3-in-1<br />
plug for strength and drive<br />
Shaper comment: A<br />
lightweight, durable<br />
custom surfboard with<br />
engineered flex return -<br />
creating it to feel just like<br />
a specially made pro’s<br />
board, but lasting like a<br />
surfboard should.<br />
Sweet, sweet music<br />
“I seemed to be able to generate speed and drive<br />
on this board without even trying. The board felt<br />
like it had what I would describe as good bounce<br />
or spring... a real lively feel. I could drive through a<br />
drawn out top turn or hook without losing momentum<br />
and without getting stuck in the lip. It had great<br />
release and it had more flex than other boards I’ve<br />
ridden, but in a good way. All in all, the board was<br />
extremely enjoyable to ride and I couldn’t fault it.”<br />
Isaac Paddon<br />
DIVERSE SURFBOARDS<br />
476 Gold Coast Hwy,<br />
Tugun, QLD 4224<br />
Ph: 07 5598 4848<br />
dave@diversesurf.com.au<br />
diversesurf.com.au<br />
Diverse Team rider and muso, Isaac’s seen here putting the Dynocore TM through its paces. If you’re lucky enough<br />
to be at the Kirra SurfStock Festival this year, you’ll also catch him headlining the entertainment bill on Saturday.<br />
Check out his music at www.isaacpaddon.com and for more on the festival, see www.kirrasurfstock.com.au<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
105
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
The Slapper 2<br />
Frizzle<br />
by Islantis<br />
The Native<br />
Shaper: Grem<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’2” x 21’’ x 2 ¾’’<br />
Ideal conditions: 2 - 6ft<br />
beaches/reefs/pointbreaks.<br />
Ability: Novice to pro.<br />
Suits: All -available in<br />
custom from 5 - 7ft.<br />
Description: A blend of<br />
what works in a shortboard<br />
and in a fish to cater for<br />
the world class beach<br />
and reef breaks on Phillip<br />
Island. A performance fish<br />
style board with volume,<br />
and a little more flip in the<br />
rocker than Slapper 1.<br />
Construction: Ocean<br />
Foam hardcore blanks, FGI<br />
resins and Airilite cloth<br />
Fins: 3 or 5 fin, with 5 fin<br />
FCS/Futures most popular.<br />
Change your setup to surf as<br />
a Twinny/Thruster or Quad.<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
Developed by demand!<br />
The original slapper was<br />
so popular that guys have<br />
been hassling us to create<br />
a quiver based on the<br />
original.Custom orders<br />
about 2-weeks. Demos<br />
available from shop.<br />
by Primitive Surf<br />
Shaper: Craig Rees<br />
Dimensions: (Above)<br />
5’10” x 19 ¼” x 2 3 /16”<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate and up<br />
Suits: Different sizes<br />
Description: Inspired by<br />
a need for our ding guy<br />
Frizzle to get a better<br />
performance fish type<br />
board that would go good<br />
in a variety of waves.<br />
It has a fish planshape<br />
with a wide round tail,<br />
best when kept thin with<br />
boxy rails.<br />
Construction: PU foam<br />
with polyester resin,<br />
vacuum bagged with<br />
carbon fibre rails.<br />
Fins: Thruster or quad<br />
Shaper comment: Our<br />
Shop Manager Dale just<br />
came back from 2 weeks<br />
at Ulus and was raving<br />
about how it went in 4ft<br />
sucky waves. This board<br />
is now his go-to board for<br />
1 - 4ft waves.<br />
by Riley<br />
Shaper: Mark Riley<br />
Dimensions: 5’2’’- 6’8’’ x<br />
18 ½’’- 20’’ x 2 ½ - 3’’<br />
Ideal conditions: ½ - 6 ft<br />
Ability level: Beginners<br />
to mature<br />
Description: A balsa<br />
skinned EPS foam core<br />
shortboard. The recycled<br />
EPS foam and the absence<br />
of a stringer create a<br />
significant reduction in<br />
weight bringing The Native<br />
to merely 3kg (excluding<br />
fins). The result is a high<br />
performance surfboard with<br />
far greater strength and<br />
durability than your regular<br />
polyurethane board.<br />
Construction: Balsa with<br />
EPS foam core<br />
Fins: Thruster or quad<br />
Shaper comment: For<br />
summer and its small<br />
waves, The Native is a<br />
thruster thrasher for the<br />
larger or older generation<br />
who don’t want to go to a<br />
longboard or a fish – this is<br />
in between these.<br />
Fat Bat<br />
by More Surfboards<br />
Shaper: Mark Pridmore<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’2” x 20 ½” x 2 ½”<br />
Ideal conditions: Typical<br />
Aussie beachies and points<br />
(tiny to a bit overhead)<br />
Suits: Everyone from<br />
older guys wanting a good<br />
paddler to less skilled<br />
surfers wanting stability,<br />
to rippers wanting a high<br />
performance semi-fish<br />
for small waves. Custom<br />
shaped to suit individual<br />
needs.<br />
Description: A semi-fish<br />
that can be surfed hard<br />
like a shorty but with all<br />
the speed and glide of a<br />
fish. The Fat-Bat comes<br />
from years of feedback<br />
and development - a very<br />
FUNctional and easy to<br />
ride board that makes<br />
surfing average waves<br />
extremely fun.<br />
Construction: PU - PE<br />
Fins: Quad FCS<br />
Shaper comment: Try<br />
one. You’ll see...<br />
Retro Fun Board<br />
by Paul Nichol<br />
Shaper: Paul Nichol<br />
Dimensions:<br />
Above - 7’ x 21”x 2 5 /8<br />
All sizes available<br />
Ideal conditions: 1-5ft<br />
Ability level:<br />
Novice to experienced<br />
Description: A retro of a<br />
board I had as a teenager,<br />
just when shortboards<br />
were starting to happen.<br />
Stringerless semi-mal<br />
shape, flexible and<br />
more float, with a single<br />
concave which is quite<br />
deep. I always remember<br />
how great the original<br />
board was.<br />
Construction: PU foam,<br />
4oz glass, stringerless<br />
Fins: Thruster shown, but<br />
available in any setup<br />
Shaper comment: Super<br />
fun board on waves you<br />
would not usually surf on<br />
a short board.<br />
ISLANTIS SURFBOARDS<br />
10-12 Phillip Island Tourist<br />
Rd, Phillip Island, Vic 3925<br />
Ph: 03 5956 7553<br />
info@islantis.com.au<br />
www.islantis.com.au<br />
PRIMITIVE SURF<br />
601 Nudgee Rd,<br />
Nundah, Qld 4012<br />
Ph: 07 3266 1001<br />
E: info@primitivesurf.com<br />
www.primitivesurf.com<br />
RILEY SURFBOARDS<br />
Ph: 0412 376 464<br />
E: mark@riley.com.au<br />
balsasurfboardsriley.<br />
com.au<br />
MORE SURFBOARDS<br />
Angourie Rd<br />
Yamba NSW 2464<br />
Ph: 0405 475 <strong>02</strong>6<br />
moresurfboards.com<br />
PAUL NICHOL<br />
Sandon Point<br />
Bulli NSW<br />
Mobile: 0414 814 332<br />
acesolar@y7mail.com<br />
106 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
LB Fish<br />
by Grown<br />
Shaper: Andrew Wells<br />
Dimensions:<br />
5’10 x 21 ½ x 2 3 /8<br />
Ideal conditions: Small<br />
to medium waves. Great<br />
for summer days.<br />
Ability level: Int to adv.<br />
Suits: People who love to<br />
surf with style.<br />
Description: Plenty of<br />
width under the chest<br />
gives paddle power, and<br />
once up and running, it<br />
flies. With plenty of float,<br />
it easily skips over fat<br />
sections, maintaining<br />
speed and drive. Extra<br />
weight gives smooth flow<br />
in the water, letting you<br />
carve with pure style.<br />
Construction: Hollow<br />
timber construction from<br />
Paulownia and Cedar.<br />
Fins: Twins, keels or quads<br />
Shaper comment: A<br />
great small wave board,<br />
and one of my personal<br />
favourites. Individually<br />
hand crafted, these boards<br />
not only look great, they<br />
surf great and will give<br />
you years of enjoyment.<br />
Semi-hull<br />
by Thomas<br />
Shaper: Thomas Bexon<br />
Dimensions:<br />
7’2 x 21 ¾ “ x 2 ¾”<br />
Ideal conditions: Waist to<br />
a bit overhead<br />
Ability level: Anyone<br />
with an idea about trim.<br />
Suits: Competent surfers<br />
after alternative feel or<br />
just looking to cruise.<br />
Description: A semi-hull<br />
combining elements of<br />
displacement hulls, eggs<br />
and performance bottoms.<br />
Construction: Foam and<br />
fibreglass. Resin colours.<br />
Fins: Little side biters<br />
and flexi Greenoughinspired<br />
number in the<br />
middle.<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
Combines trim and glide<br />
of displacement hulls but<br />
performance-inspired<br />
bottom shape in the back<br />
gives drive. Super fun<br />
in most waves. A little<br />
more friendly to those not<br />
up for the full hull deal<br />
Stroke in easy, move up<br />
and down the board and<br />
pull out smiling.<br />
Mini Simmons<br />
by Black Apache Surfboards<br />
Shaper: Jesse Watson<br />
Dimensions: 5’4’’ x 21<br />
¼”x 2 5 /8”<br />
Ideal conditions: 1-5ft<br />
beachies and points<br />
Ability level: Int to pro.<br />
It takes an understanding<br />
of flow to ride these<br />
boards well<br />
Description: A hull style<br />
entry that rolls into a flat<br />
through the middle with<br />
a deepish slot concave<br />
from the midpoint through<br />
to the tail. Long turns and<br />
super fast lines off the<br />
top are the norm. These<br />
boards epitomise speed<br />
Construction: This one<br />
is PU and polyester resin<br />
tint - brown pigment with<br />
a caramel nose dip. Also<br />
available in epoxy and<br />
carbon fibre.<br />
Fins: Custom, hand made<br />
simmons keels<br />
Shaper comment: This is<br />
THE board for the summer,<br />
everyone in the know is<br />
riding one. I guarantee<br />
your surfing will never be<br />
the same again. Seriously<br />
addictive.<br />
Aragorn #3<br />
by Underground<br />
Shaper:<br />
Steve ‘Zorro’ Goddard<br />
formerly of Aragorn<br />
Surfboards 1974-77<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’3” x 20” x 2 ½”<br />
Ideal conditions: 2ft<br />
beachies to 5ft points<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate to semi-pro<br />
Suits: 30-80kg<br />
Description: A<br />
handcrafted modern<br />
version of the 80’s twin-fin<br />
that’s fast and loose. A<br />
good all-rounder, great<br />
for small to mid-range<br />
waves. Mid rails, V<br />
bottom with trailer.<br />
Available in 5”6 to 6”10.<br />
Construction: PU foam.<br />
Fins: FCS<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
This board is designed<br />
to be surfed on the rail,<br />
responsive for those fast<br />
directional changes.<br />
The Tug Boat<br />
by Chris Garrett<br />
Shaper: Chris Garrett<br />
Dimensions:<br />
5’8’’ x 19 ¼”x 2 3 /8“<br />
Ideal conditions: 1-5ft<br />
beachies and points<br />
Suits: Everyone... I’ll<br />
customise to suit you<br />
Description: Shorter,<br />
wider-assed and fullernosed.<br />
Slightly flatter<br />
rockered with a deepish<br />
single to double concave,<br />
exhausting with a hefty<br />
vee. Fuller tail gives plenty<br />
planing area between your<br />
feet, with the reactive rails<br />
make this work a treat.<br />
Plenty of spark off the mark<br />
and heaps of giggles.<br />
Construction: Polyester<br />
resin and fibreglass. 4oz<br />
bottom and 4x4 deck. PU<br />
Burford blanks.<br />
Fins: Best as a thruster.<br />
Choice of set or system<br />
Shaper comment: Super<br />
fast and loose with plenty<br />
of rotation in the turns.<br />
Surprisingly versatile<br />
with a wide sweet spot<br />
makes this board your<br />
new favourite... and<br />
you’ve gotta love that!!<br />
GROWN SURFBOARDS<br />
Lennox Head<br />
PO Box 801, Ballina NSW 2478<br />
Ph: 0407889049<br />
sales@grownsurfboards.com.au<br />
grownsurfboards.com.au<br />
THOMAS SURFBOARDS<br />
PO Box 234<br />
Maroochydore Qld 4558<br />
Ph: <strong>02</strong> 6584 1995<br />
Mob: 0412 131 491<br />
thomas_bexon@hotmail.com<br />
thomassurfboards.com<br />
black apache surfboards<br />
BLACK APACHE<br />
SURFBOARDS<br />
Ph: 0410 419 791<br />
E: blackapachesurfboards@<br />
live.com.au<br />
blackapachesurfboards.com<br />
UNDERGROUND SURF<br />
3/31 McLean St,<br />
Coolangatta QLD 4225<br />
Ph: 07 5599 1040<br />
kirra@undergroundsurf.com.au<br />
undergroundsurf.com.au<br />
CHRIS GARRETT/<br />
PHANTOM SURFBOARDS<br />
Ph: 0424 450 690<br />
E: blabla@<br />
chrisgarrettshapes.com.au<br />
chrisgarrettshapes.com.au<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
107
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
““Noseriding to roundhouses and<br />
rock ‘n roll floaters... it loves<br />
to do them all and more.”<br />
Paul Woodbry enjoying the fruit of his<br />
labour in Currimundi cream. Photo: DS<br />
THE WOODY’S MEGAFISH... HOW DOES IT GO?<br />
WORDS DAVE SWAN<br />
It’s easy to paddle. Can nose ride. Is as<br />
loose as a goose ... I mean really, really<br />
loose and goes like the absolute clappers.<br />
Few boards are so loose and so fast. I<br />
lined up a few sections and thought to<br />
myself, “I will never make it.” And before<br />
that thought had left my head, I was<br />
across the face and out on the shoulder. It<br />
is unbelievably, bloody quick! Especially<br />
for a board of its dimensions. Really, really<br />
quick and so easy to turn.<br />
The Megafish as it is now known, was<br />
initially called the ‘What the’ and the<br />
‘Bitzer’ and fittingly so. It’s only 6’6, has<br />
an extra, extra wide nose and a tail so<br />
narrow, it is less than 12 inches where<br />
you place your back foot. It resembles a<br />
massive tear drop. Now sure, there may be<br />
boards with a similar plan shape but not to<br />
this extreme. It’s like your widest noserider<br />
combined with a gun. It works like a<br />
shortboard but has longboard capabilities.<br />
Monkey magic. Photo: MC<br />
Confused? Well it works.<br />
For average surfers, such as myself, it’s so<br />
exciting when a board makes you feel so<br />
much better than you really are. I actually<br />
felt like I could surf on this thing. It’s a<br />
hell of a lot of fun and is superb for surf<br />
slop, the kind of conditions that plague<br />
the Sunshine Coast at this time of year. It<br />
generates such a lot of speed in ordinary<br />
conditions.<br />
By comparison, I took out another board in<br />
similar conditions, a 5’10 fish, and couldn’t<br />
get it going. I dropped off the back of the<br />
waves. On a 9’4 longboard the conditions<br />
were too choppy. The Megafish was the<br />
deal. And whilst it loves slop, it also<br />
handled a dumping 5ft beach break later<br />
that week.<br />
After testing it in a variety of conditions<br />
over the last month it is probably time to<br />
give it back. Fat chance!<br />
Megafish<br />
by Woody’s Surf<br />
Shaper: Paul Woodbry<br />
Dimensions:<br />
6’6”x 22 5 /8” x 2 5 /8“<br />
Ideal conditions: ½ - 6 ft<br />
Suits: Beginner to Pro<br />
Description: If you have<br />
a longboard but would<br />
like to ride something<br />
shorter with the same<br />
ability to flow, or you’re a<br />
shortboarder who wants a<br />
“never miss a surf” board.<br />
Single concave running to<br />
flat near tail, mid rails with<br />
a 2 + 1 fin set up.<br />
Construction: Polyester<br />
resin and good old PU blank<br />
Fins: Finbox + FCS<br />
Shaper comment: This<br />
was created to fill the void<br />
when the surf was too<br />
small for a shortboard,<br />
but if the waves picked up<br />
you didn’t need to change<br />
boards to accommodate. It<br />
fits in the car so you don’t<br />
have a storage problem if<br />
surfing another board. Just<br />
a whole lot of fun wrapped<br />
in fibreglass.<br />
WOODY’S SURF<br />
6 Arilla Street<br />
Wurtulla QLD<br />
Ph: 0408 763 541<br />
Email: woodyssurfdesigns<br />
@hotmail.com<br />
108 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
GEAR: BOARDS<br />
Stealth<br />
by Laguna Bay<br />
Shaper: Tully St.John<br />
Dimensions: 7ft to11ft.<br />
Ideal conditions: 1 - 10ft<br />
Ability level:<br />
Beginner to pro<br />
Suits: All shapes and sizes<br />
Description: This<br />
is a great all round<br />
paddleboard, deck<br />
concave gives it a great<br />
amount of stability and<br />
entry concave and nose<br />
area makes it easy to<br />
paddle out through the<br />
break.<br />
This board is the all in<br />
one, turns out of the tail<br />
well and is great for nose<br />
riding, it’s an easy board<br />
to surf.<br />
Construction: Epoxy<br />
construction, comes in full<br />
carbon or all over pigment.<br />
Fin set-up: 2t1 or 4t1<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
Procrastination is the<br />
thief of time get one on<br />
order today, you won’t be<br />
disappointed!<br />
Stepdeck<br />
by Thomas<br />
Shaper: Thomas Bexon<br />
Dimensions:<br />
9’8” x 23 ¼”x 3”<br />
Ideal conditions: Logging<br />
waves, anything under<br />
head high, ideally peeling<br />
points or clean beachies<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate to advanced<br />
logger. Anyone after fun.<br />
Suits: Around 75 - 85kg.<br />
All boards made to measure<br />
Description: Stepdeck<br />
noserider, with step to<br />
reduce volume, increase flex.<br />
Construction: Layer of<br />
6oz and a layer of 7 ½ oz<br />
both sides, this is built to<br />
last. All colours done in<br />
resin. Glassed on fin.<br />
Fins: One big red one<br />
fixed right on the back<br />
Shaper comment: a full<br />
blown trim and noseride<br />
machine, these are tried<br />
and tested in some of<br />
the best logging waves<br />
around. An experiment in<br />
design where they left off<br />
when Bob and co started<br />
sawing noses off and not<br />
standing on them.<br />
Super Tuna<br />
by Wegener<br />
Shaper: Tom Wegener<br />
Dimensions:<br />
8’ x 20” x 2.5”<br />
Ideal conditions: Small to<br />
medium waves<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate to advanced<br />
Suits: Adventurous spirits<br />
after a different glide<br />
Description: The<br />
Super Tuna is a limited<br />
edition board of 10 only,<br />
beautifully handcrafted by<br />
Tom Wegener. The boards<br />
are $2000, and there are<br />
only a few left.<br />
Construction: Hollow,<br />
Paulownia wood with<br />
red cedar rails and 2mm<br />
plywood overlay on deck.<br />
Shaper comment: The<br />
ultimate introduction to<br />
finless surfing for the<br />
mature surfer. Fun and<br />
easy to ride in small to<br />
medium surf.<br />
Performance Mal<br />
by Island<br />
Shaper: Glyndyn Ringrose<br />
Dimensions:<br />
9’1”x 23 ¼”x 2 7 /8”<br />
(From 7’6” up)<br />
Ideal conditions:<br />
All round conditions<br />
Ability level:<br />
Intermediate to advanced,<br />
can be tweaked to suit<br />
beginners.<br />
Description: Extra<br />
tail flip, lower rails and<br />
heavy single into double<br />
concave gives run into<br />
the flats, but allows high<br />
response in the turn<br />
when back on the tail.<br />
Construction: PU,<br />
glassed combination of<br />
6oz and 4oz to customer’s<br />
preference.<br />
Fins: Glass centre box<br />
fin, optional stabilisers<br />
(FCS or Futures)<br />
Shaper comment:<br />
The model ridden by<br />
Sandy Ryan in his three<br />
consecutive Victorian<br />
Mal Championships and<br />
also when he’s tackling<br />
some of Victoria’s<br />
heaviest reef breaks.<br />
High Performance Log<br />
by High Tide<br />
Shaper: Jordie Brown<br />
Dimensions:<br />
9’2 x 22 ¼” x 17 ¾” x 14” x 2 ¾”<br />
Ideal conditions: Waist<br />
high to well overhead.<br />
Suits: The logger<br />
wanting something a<br />
little more progressive<br />
without compromising on<br />
momentum and glide.<br />
Description: Based<br />
around a subtle threephase<br />
rocker, combined<br />
with a single concave in<br />
the nose running thru to<br />
a rolled vee bottom, this<br />
board noserides, trims and<br />
performs off the tail.<br />
Construction: Slightly<br />
weightier 6-oz glass<br />
job than your average<br />
performance longboard.<br />
Available with a full polish<br />
or a wet rub finish.<br />
Fins: Works great as a<br />
single fin or with a 2+1<br />
Shaper comment: The<br />
perfect stick for the surfer<br />
chasing a longboard to<br />
make the most of a variety<br />
of different waves and<br />
conditions without losing<br />
the style and flow of a<br />
traditional board.<br />
NOOSA SURFWORKS<br />
11 Bartlett St,<br />
Noosaville QLD<br />
Ph: 07 5474 4567<br />
E: info@noosasurfworks.com.au<br />
noosasurfworks.com.au<br />
THOMAS SURFBOARDS<br />
PO Box 234<br />
Maroochydore Qld 4558<br />
Ph: <strong>02</strong> 6584 1995<br />
Mob: 0412 131 491<br />
thomas_bexon@hotmail.com<br />
thomassurfboards.com<br />
TOM WEGENER<br />
SURFBOARDS<br />
108 Cooroy, QLD 4563<br />
Ph: 0401 257 479<br />
info@tomwegenersurfboards.com<br />
tomwegenersurfboards.com<br />
ISLAND SURFBOARDS<br />
147 Thompson Ave,<br />
Cowes, Phillip Island VIC<br />
Ph: 03 5952 2578<br />
E: cowes@<br />
islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
HIGH TIDE<br />
SURFBOARDS<br />
Skenes Creek, Vic 3233<br />
Ph: 0401 437 392<br />
hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com<br />
hightidesurfboards.com<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
109
MARK PRIDMORE<br />
JORDIE BROWN<br />
CHRIS GARRETT<br />
STUART CAMPBELL<br />
CRAIG HEATH<br />
TONY DEMPSEY<br />
DAVE VERALL<br />
JON MCLEAY<br />
CRAIG REES<br />
PHIL BYRNE<br />
MARK RILEY<br />
JESSE WATSON<br />
DAVID EVANS<br />
PAUL NICHOL<br />
JOHN “ROBBO” ROBERTSON<br />
THESE HANDS HAVE SHAPED<br />
TULLY ST. JOHN<br />
CHAD RYAN<br />
JED DONE<br />
THOMAS BEXON<br />
ADAM “SPARROW” FLETCHER<br />
NOW THE FUTURE RESTS IN YOURS.<br />
110 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
GREG HOGAN<br />
LEE CHEYNE<br />
PAUL USCINSKI<br />
RODNEY DAHLBERG<br />
ANDREW WELLS<br />
PHIL PEPPER<br />
MICK CARRABINE<br />
STUART D’ARCY<br />
GLYNDYN RINGROSE<br />
WAYNE LOWEN<br />
JOHN SKIPP<br />
MARCUS GRAY<br />
SAM PARSONS<br />
MICHAEL DI SCIASCIO<br />
JADE ROBINSON<br />
OUR SURFBOARD INDUSTRY.<br />
PAUL CARSON<br />
YASU NAGAMI RALPH RIDDELL PAUL WOODBRY<br />
MAURICIO GILL<br />
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHAPER<br />
These images represent only a handful of the dedicated craftsmen working as<br />
shapers in the local surfboard industry, and they represent years of experience<br />
and knowledge. Before you buy your next board, make sure you talk to your local<br />
surf shop or shaper about what is right for you.<br />
PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE KEEPING US IN THE WATER<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
111
GEAR: PROJECT<br />
FINLESS FRONTIER<br />
Although the idea of finless boards is far from a new<br />
concept, the acceptance and willingness to give these<br />
ideas a go, using modern surfboard manufacturing<br />
technology, has really grown in recent times. With<br />
one of the most prominent proponents of finless craft,<br />
Tom Wegener, just launching his Seaglass - a foam<br />
version of the traditional Alaia - interest in finless<br />
boards has never been more intense.<br />
When we dropped in for a visit at Richard Harvey’s<br />
gallery and surf shop in Miami on the Gold Coast,<br />
we were keen to hear about his experiments in the<br />
same arena.<br />
“PEOPLE HAVE BEEN RIDING<br />
MY BOARDS FOR TWENTY<br />
YEARS AND HAVEN’T<br />
NOTICED, BECAUSE IT ALWAYS<br />
LOOKS RIGHT WHICHEVER<br />
WAY IT’S AROUND”<br />
ENTER THE DOUBLE ENDER...<br />
Inspired by weight-distribution concepts Richard<br />
learnt in snowboarding, he began experimenting<br />
with the idea of a finless board that would be a little<br />
easier to paddle than a traditional Alaia, and would<br />
also be easy to ride in either direction, off either foot.<br />
At only 5’5”, the Double Ender features a nose and<br />
tail rocker, and a centre concave.<br />
“The idea is that when you’re riding it backwards,<br />
it has a bit of rocker in the tail, so it’s not going to<br />
push… If boards are square across the back, they<br />
push water. You can spin them around, but you can’t<br />
ride them backwards. “<br />
But with the Double Ender’s symmetrical design,<br />
you may as well forget about which way’s front and<br />
which way’s back.<br />
“It matches my logo...” says Richard. (If you haven’t<br />
picked it up, the Harvey logo reads the same, any way<br />
you look at at it... Sneaky.) “People have been riding my<br />
boards for twenty years and haven’t noticed, because it<br />
always looks right whichever way it’s around.”<br />
Another interesting aspect of the board is it doesn’t<br />
need waxing, thanks to a process of creating grip<br />
borrowed from the 70’s.<br />
“It’s like an hexagonal fabric. We lay it in, and then<br />
peel it off. Then when you foot gets wet, your skin<br />
goes soft and it grips. It’s really solid”<br />
So, the all important $700-or-so question... Does it<br />
work? Check out our we-test-as-many-things-as-wecan<br />
edition, due out in January, when we take it for<br />
a little ride.<br />
For more on Richard and his work, see his website -<br />
www.harveysurf.com - or visit the gallery in person at<br />
3/10 Pacific Avenue, Miami.<br />
The Harvey Double Ender<br />
5’5 x 20 ½ x 2 ¼ centre, 2 ¾ rails<br />
Centre concave is 7 /8” deep<br />
Bio-kentic non-wax deck<br />
112 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Why<br />
STRAIGHTBOARD...<br />
...when you can<br />
carve like a surfer?!<br />
THE PENNY DROPS<br />
Well, well... for those of you who haven’t spotted<br />
them back on the shelves yet, this little plastic<br />
moulded beauty is a blast from the past, for sure!<br />
The Penny is an extremely cool re-issue of the<br />
original 1970’s style plastic boards, and in all the<br />
bright colours you may remember.<br />
Personally, I had a lumo-lime green one, back in the<br />
day when having a colour TV at home made you the<br />
coolest friend to hang out with and only one of your<br />
parents had to work. I still have no idea how I never<br />
ended up in hospital doing downhill runs on this<br />
glorified rollerskate...<br />
Anyway, for nostalgia sake, or for a compact board,<br />
or just to look retro and arty-cool, check out the<br />
Penny. It’s like Barbie Girl fantastic.<br />
See your local shop or for pics and info see<br />
www.absolute-distributors.com/penny/<br />
Designed for<br />
surfing, the<br />
SmoothStar<br />
Thruster system<br />
allows the front truck<br />
to move horizontally<br />
and vertically,<br />
transforming the<br />
way a skateboard<br />
handles...<br />
Improve your<br />
surfing and stay stoked<br />
between surfs!<br />
SMOOTHSTAR IN ACTION<br />
Smoothstar have just released a brand new video on<br />
their YouTube channel, featuring young team riders and<br />
junior surf champs Laura Enever and Jordan Lawler.<br />
The video is worth watching to get a good idea of how<br />
the boards work and how these two feel it improves<br />
their surfing - which most of us would like to do!<br />
Check out this clip as well as a good few others on:<br />
www.youtube.com/user/SmoothStarSurf<br />
TURN EASIER<br />
You can control your<br />
speed by carving<br />
from side to side.<br />
SKATE SAFETY FIRST<br />
Early Skateboards have just released a new safety<br />
pack they’re calling the Gnarkit. Now before you<br />
poo-poo the idea of pads and gloves, remember that<br />
Early make skateboards specifically for ridiculously<br />
fast downhill racing, so when you’re sliding around<br />
corners at speeds of 80km/h, every bit of padding<br />
helps if you and the board part ways.<br />
We’re super-excited to be road-testing the Arift in our<br />
next edition, so get the band-aids and Dettol ready.<br />
Early Skateboards are known on a pro-level for high<br />
quality and performance but are also very good<br />
for beginners who want to try the sport out at an<br />
affordable price. More information? See the website:<br />
www.earlyskateboards.com<br />
TURN TIGHTER<br />
than any normal<br />
skateboard and<br />
work speed into<br />
the board without<br />
pushing.<br />
SmoothStar is<br />
available in 3 sizes,<br />
for a different ride<br />
and for different<br />
sized riders.<br />
The Gnarkit (above) retails for just over<br />
$150 and the Arift board (right) goes<br />
for less the $300 as a complete board.<br />
SKATEBOARDS DESIGNED FOR SURFERS<br />
For more information, call 0407 405 390<br />
or visit www.smoothstar.com.au<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
113
TM<br />
TEAM RIDERS<br />
Owen Wright<br />
Tyler Wright<br />
Bede Durbidge<br />
AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED & TESTED<br />
ELECTRICDIVISION<br />
FIIKSKATEBOARDS.COM
FUTUREISINKNOWLEDGE<br />
LITHIUMPOWER • ABSREGENERATIVE • WIRELESSREMOTE<br />
REMOTE<br />
$ 799<br />
$ 1450<br />
DIVISION<br />
600w<br />
LEAD ACID LITHIUM<br />
POWER N N N N N N N N<br />
TURNING N N N N N N N N<br />
ACCELERATION N N N N N N N N<br />
SPEED<br />
N N N N N N N<br />
RAGER<br />
400w<br />
POWER<br />
TURNING<br />
ACCELERATION<br />
SPEED<br />
$ 699<br />
LEAD ACID<br />
N N N<br />
N N N N N<br />
N N N N<br />
N N<br />
GROMMET<br />
150w<br />
POWER<br />
TURNING<br />
ACCELERATION<br />
SPEED<br />
$ 400<br />
LEAD ACID<br />
N<br />
N N N N N<br />
N N<br />
N<br />
$ 920<br />
$ 1650<br />
STREET SURFER<br />
800w<br />
LEAD ACID LITHIUM<br />
POWER N N N N N N N N<br />
TURNING N N N N N N<br />
ACCELERATION N N N N N N N N<br />
SPEED N N N N N N N N N<br />
$ 650<br />
$ 1200<br />
PIPE MASTER<br />
250w<br />
LEAD ACID LITHIUM<br />
POWER N N N N N<br />
TURNING N N N N N N N N N N<br />
ACCELERATION N N N N N<br />
SPEED N N N N N<br />
MAGIC CARPET<br />
150w<br />
POWER<br />
TURNING<br />
ACCELERATION<br />
SPEED<br />
$ 400<br />
LEAD ACID<br />
N<br />
N N N N N<br />
N N<br />
N<br />
$ 950<br />
$ 1680<br />
BIG DADDY<br />
800w<br />
LEAD ACID LITHIUM<br />
POWER N N N N N N N N<br />
TURNING N N N N<br />
ACCELERATION N N N N N N N N N<br />
SPEED N N N N N N N N N<br />
$ 799<br />
$ 1450<br />
SHORTY<br />
600w<br />
LEAD ACID LITHIUM<br />
POWER<br />
N N N N N N N N<br />
TURNING N N N N N N N N N<br />
ACCELERATION<br />
N N N N N N N N<br />
SPEED<br />
N N N N N N N<br />
Stockist Enquiries - 1300 344 575<br />
QLD Stockists<br />
Beach Beat - Alexandra Heads 07 5443 2777<br />
Beach Beat - Caloundra 07 5491 4711<br />
Beach Beat - Dicky Beach 07 5491 8215<br />
Darkside Skateboards - Miami 07 5570 1526<br />
Goodtime Surf - Woolloongabba 07 3391 8588<br />
Hurley Burleigh - Southport 07 5531 0013<br />
KTM Action Motorcycles - Nerang 07 5596 6622<br />
KTM - Brisbane 07 3386 0977<br />
Local Knowledge - Noosa 07 5474 1222<br />
Local Knowledge - Nobby Beach 07 5526 6377<br />
Primitive Surf - Nundah 07 3266 1001<br />
Roar Industries - Currumbin 07 5525 7003<br />
Surf Connect - Brisbane Nth 07 3137 0500<br />
NSW Stockists<br />
Aloha Manly - Style Manly <strong>02</strong> 9977 3777<br />
Bay Action - Byron Bay <strong>02</strong> 6685 7819<br />
Coopers Surf - Coffs Harbour <strong>02</strong> 6652 1782<br />
Coopers Surf - Jetty <strong>02</strong> 6652 8146<br />
Core Surf Store - Nowra <strong>02</strong> 4421 4108<br />
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Coopers Surf - Toormina <strong>02</strong> 6658 8988<br />
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Salt Water Wine - Tamworth <strong>02</strong> 6766 7799<br />
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Skater HQ - Moore Park <strong>02</strong> 9976 3780<br />
Skipp Surfboards - Wollongong <strong>02</strong> 4229 12<strong>02</strong><br />
South East Mountain Biking Co. - Thredbo <strong>02</strong> 6457 6282<br />
Surfection - Bondi <strong>02</strong> 9369 5990<br />
$ 799<br />
$ 1450<br />
STINGER<br />
600w<br />
LEAD ACID LITHIUM<br />
POWER<br />
N N N N N N N N<br />
TURNING N N N N N N N N<br />
ACCELERATION N N N N N N N N<br />
SPEED<br />
N N N N N N N<br />
Surfection - Manly <strong>02</strong> 9977 6955<br />
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SA Stockists<br />
On Board - Glenelg 08 8294 3866<br />
On Board - Port Noarlunga 08 8382 6729<br />
Momentum Skate Shop - Claremont 08 9384 2427<br />
VIC Stockist<br />
Mordy Surf - Mordialloc 03 9580 1716<br />
Katani St - Kilda 1300 52 8264<br />
Zak Surfboards - Thornbury 03 9416 7384<br />
WA Stockist<br />
Momentum Skate Shop - Claremont 0412 522 499<br />
Momentum Skate Shop - Fremantle 0412 522 499<br />
ACT Stockist<br />
Trilogy - Tuggeranong Hyperdome <strong>02</strong> 6293 9636<br />
Shifty’s - Canberra <strong>02</strong> 6262 9162
SKATE: MOVIE<br />
IT’S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE<br />
Passion, pain and pads - for your knees and elbows that is. Skate Australia is a locally produced documentary DVD<br />
on the Australian longboard skating scene - a less publicised but extremely exciting offshoot of the wheeled board<br />
family. But the making of this film exacted a high price. WORDS MARK CHAPMAN<br />
The 35 minute “Longboard Road Trip of Discovery”<br />
produced by Dampling Productions in Byron Bay<br />
started as an exciting project amongst friends<br />
in Brisbane that was to chronicle a trip through<br />
Australia, showcasing longboard skating and<br />
covering all aspects of the emerging sport,<br />
including slalom, sliding, dancing and of course the<br />
big event - downhill.<br />
Unfortunately, tragedy struck the production when<br />
in August 2009 Anthony Fricker, the originater of<br />
the idea and director of Skate Australia, died due<br />
to a head injury he received in a skateboarding<br />
accident during the filming of this documentary.<br />
At only 22, the unexpected death of the enthusiastic<br />
young filmmaker sent shockwaves through the<br />
skating community and stunned family and friends.<br />
News of the event spread quickly across the internet<br />
as tributes appeared on skating websites such as<br />
the Australian Skateboard Racing Association.<br />
Swedish twin brothers Jonatan and Sebastian<br />
Lundmark had been working with Anthony on<br />
the project and committed to completing the<br />
documentary with the footage they had available.<br />
A year of production time later, the tribute to their<br />
late friend is complete and gives a fascinating<br />
insight into the culture, people and environment of<br />
extreme skating in Australia.<br />
We asked Sebastian about the production...<br />
“A MAD-DOG ADVENTURE TO SKATE<br />
THE CLIFFS, HILLS, TOWNS AND BIG<br />
CITIES OF AUSTRALIA'S EAST COAST”<br />
How do you feel, with the project completed?<br />
“It is a big relief since it has been such a personal and<br />
emotional production. Really excited to get it out to<br />
the public, spread the good times and stoke that was<br />
captured on film during the six month road trip.”<br />
Has Anthony’s accident affected how you see<br />
skating as a sport and/or hobby?<br />
“There are always dangers involved with action<br />
sports, you get out there to do something you love<br />
in the safest possible way. Longboard skating<br />
is a fairly safe sport, it has a lot less accidents<br />
then normal short board skating. Anthony is one<br />
of a handful of people that have passed away<br />
while downhill skateboarding, the first person<br />
in Australia. I still get as much joy and fun from<br />
skating as I used too.<br />
Anthony’s death was a real eye opener for me. Life<br />
is precious - too short not to live it to the fullest<br />
and make the most out of it.”<br />
Are there more movies planned for the future?<br />
“Travelling, action sport and filmmaking are the<br />
biggest passions in my life, so combining them all<br />
is a pretty good recipe. Byron Bay will be my base<br />
for the coming years where I have just started my<br />
new production company Rest Your Eyes.<br />
“We have two new documentaries in the pipeline<br />
that are in pre-production right now. We will also<br />
continue doing music videos and commercials.<br />
Where is the movie available from?<br />
“Skate Australia is for sale at our website www.<br />
skateaustralia.com.au and there will be several<br />
screenings down the east coast of NSW. On<br />
November 26 there is a screening at the Newtons<br />
Nation festival in Bathurst, where there will also<br />
be a downhill skateboard competition on the Mt<br />
Panorama racetrack with riders hitting over 100km<br />
down the track! It will be an awesome weekend!”<br />
SKATE AUSTRALIA DVD<br />
Travelling from the beach to the bush<br />
down the Australian east coast, the<br />
film is packed with amazing footage of<br />
leather-clad and helmeted skaters reaching speeds<br />
of up to 100km an hour, but it also goes further<br />
into the friendships formed and the fun of being on<br />
the road with good mates.<br />
Set to a great soundtrack, there are fun scenes of<br />
parking lot runs, coverage of the Beat The Beast<br />
charity event in North Queensland... And what<br />
skate movie would be complete without being told<br />
off by the police at least once?<br />
Focused not on loss, but rather on the enjoyment<br />
and fun of skating, the movie has been finished in<br />
the spirit it was started - with a whole lot of love<br />
and excitement for boards on wheels.<br />
A seven-minute tribute to Anthony - Steep Descent<br />
- is also included as a special feature.<br />
As an introduction to a style of skating you may<br />
not be familiar with, or just as a feelgood skate<br />
movie, this just needs to be seen.<br />
For more info, see the website:<br />
www.skateaustralia.com.au<br />
116 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
History...<br />
A little bit of<br />
CLOSEOUT: HISTORY<br />
CHINA GILBERT R.I.P.<br />
SOUTHERN SURF LEGEND PASSES AWAY<br />
Victorian surfing recently lost one of its greatest characters<br />
with the passing of Rex “China” Gilbert at age 86 on<br />
September 28, <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
China was Victorian board champion from 1948 to 1951,<br />
with he and Vic Tantau dominating the board competitions<br />
in the decade following the second World War.<br />
First joining in 1947, China was the longest serving<br />
member of the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, his<br />
enthusiasm and creativity coming to the fore with off beat<br />
activities such as the “Galah Awards”. He also acted as<br />
caretaker for 20 years from 1980-2000.<br />
China was part of the notorious “Boot Hill” mob and the<br />
“D’s” who’s parties and shenanigans have become part of<br />
Torquay folklore. Over the years China’s life has become<br />
woven into the complex surfing tale of Torquay, and his<br />
character integrated into the cultural fabric of the town.<br />
A public memorial for China was held at the Torquay Surf Life<br />
Saving Club on Saturday the 6th of November at 2.00pm.<br />
Craig Baird, Torquay Surf World<br />
Terry Fitzgerald,1970 World Surfing Titles<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
THE REVOLUTION<br />
Simon Buttonshaw<br />
If you happen to be in Torquay, make some time to check out Revolution,<br />
which opened in September. Running through until March, the exhibition<br />
showcases the surfers and the stories from the 1970 World Surfing<br />
Championships held at Bells Beach and features spectacular images,<br />
vintage surfboards and rare and previously unseen footage of 70’s surfing<br />
at Bells Beach and Johanna Beach.<br />
Well worth a look around for this, and the many other permanent exhibits.<br />
Open daily from 9am-5pm at the Surf World Museum, Beach Road,<br />
Torquay. For more about the museum, visit www.surfworld.org.au<br />
Above: The smiling China Gilbert as<br />
he’ll be remembered by his mates.<br />
Right: Long boards at attention on<br />
Torquay Beach, 1947. From left:<br />
Unknown, John Allan, Barry Patten,<br />
Ken Harris, BiU Bennett, Peter<br />
Bennett, Reg Gray, Dick Garrard,<br />
Keith Putt, Frank Inness, unknown,<br />
unknown, “China” Gilbert and<br />
Eric Knight.<br />
60’S LEGEND BOBBY BROWN<br />
HONOURED ON GOLD COAST<br />
Surf World Gold Coast in Tomewin Street, Currumbin opens a special<br />
exhibition dedicated to surfing legend Bobby Brown on November 11, <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
Timed to coincide with the Kirra Surfstock Festival, the<br />
exhibition will celebrate the life of a surfing enigma and his<br />
significant contribution to the classic sixties era of surfing.<br />
Ranked alongside Midget Farrelly, Nat Young and<br />
Peter Drouyn as one of the best surfers of the<br />
1960’s, Brown was only 17 when he qualified for<br />
the final of the first World Surfing titles in 1964<br />
won by Midget Farrelly.<br />
His short but impressive surfing life featured in<br />
movies like Bob Evans’ 1963 “Young Wave Hunters”<br />
and Paul Witzig’s 1967 groundbreaking movie “Hot<br />
Generation”, both of which will feature in the exhibition<br />
alongside timeless surfing photos of Brown and others<br />
from the 1960s, archival movie footage, surfboards,<br />
clothing, surf magazines and newspaper clippings.<br />
The exhibition will also feature the impressive Perpetual<br />
Trophy, modeled on Jack Eden’s classic photo of Brown’s<br />
famous “soul arch” bottom turn at Sandon Point.<br />
The official opening night of the exhibition on November<br />
11 from 6.30pm is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and<br />
available at the door, or by phone (07) 5525 6380.<br />
See www.surfworldgoldcoast.com for more.<br />
117
GEAR:FASHION<br />
Seafolly Cyber Surfer seperates<br />
Photo: Supplied - Seafolly<br />
www.seafolly.com.au<br />
118 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
Baku Guam Photo: Supplied - Baku www.baku.com.au<br />
PERFECT FIT<br />
How do you go about choosing the perfect swimsuit<br />
that will be practical and sensible in the surf, but not<br />
make you feel like you’ve raided your nanna’s drawers.<br />
We asked Kent Ladkin of Natural Necessity Surf Shop<br />
in Geringong to give us his expert input.<br />
The dreaded time of year to buy your<br />
new cossies has arrived again. If you<br />
been blessed with the perfect body,<br />
then this will be relatively easy, but if,<br />
like most of us, when you look in the<br />
mirror, the voice doesn’t say,” You are<br />
the fairest of them all’, then this article<br />
may help.<br />
If the effects of gravity have not yet<br />
struck, and you are the same size<br />
top and bottom, then you may fit a<br />
regular bikini in your size. Otherwise,<br />
you will need to be fitted with a<br />
separate cossie.<br />
The beauty of separates is that there is<br />
that you can mix and match to create<br />
the perfect cossie for every woman’s<br />
needs. You have the opportunity to get<br />
exactly the right size in both bottom<br />
and top and in a shape which is<br />
tailored to your unique contours.<br />
If you are self conscious about your<br />
hips and thighs, then a boy-leg short or<br />
flattering, feminine swim skirt will do<br />
the trick. A smaller bust will be greatly<br />
enhanced by a moulded booster triangle<br />
top. If your tummy is not as flat as you<br />
would like, try a singlet with a floaty,<br />
flared body with power mesh under<br />
to hold you in. There are swimwear<br />
solutions to remedy every concern.<br />
Every woman is self-conscious about<br />
something, but in your quest to find the<br />
perfect cossie, you will need to accept<br />
and embrace the individual features<br />
that make your body special.<br />
For example: you have a DD bust. If<br />
you can accept that it might be more<br />
at home in a banded halter top with<br />
hidden underwire support, rather than<br />
a sliding string triangle, you are more<br />
likely to achieve success.<br />
That is not to say that your practical<br />
choice has to look any less sexy. On the<br />
contrary, when paired with a cute frilly<br />
pant or tie-side hipster, you will find<br />
yourself looking and feeling better than<br />
ever. You’ll be confident in the knowledge<br />
that your ample bust will be unable to<br />
escape when the first wave hits.<br />
Swimsuits designers have recognised<br />
the the growing popularity of surfing<br />
amongst women. Many designs today<br />
are both functional and fashionable<br />
featuring t-back, cross-back or action<br />
backs tops designed to provide support<br />
and stay in place whilst you surf.<br />
There are now so many styles to<br />
choose from. It’s just a case of talking<br />
to a trained professional who can<br />
identify what style is best suited to<br />
your body shape.<br />
Natural Necessity Surf Shop stocks 90<br />
ladies swimwear labels and up to 4,000<br />
separates, 4,000 bikini sets and 600 one<br />
pieces through the summer season and<br />
has swimwear staff trained to assist you<br />
find the perfect swimsuit.<br />
Baku Chinchilla<br />
Photo: Supplied - Baku<br />
www.baku.com.au<br />
Ginja Isla Coco Photo: Supplied - Ginja www.ginja.com.au<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
119
We just can’t help giving stuff away, so...<br />
GET YOURSELF A FREE<br />
dEcK GRIP!<br />
If you can’t get to a surf shop that stocks smorgasboarder, you’re<br />
worried that all the copies may be gone before you get there, or<br />
you’d just rather stay on the couch and wait for the mag to arrive in<br />
the mail, you can subscribe for the measly cost of just $18 for six<br />
editions. The mag is still free, but Australia Post like to get paid.<br />
To subscribe, simply go to www.smorgasboarder.com.au, click the<br />
button and go and wait by your mailbox.<br />
The firsT 10 people To subscribe<br />
each get a free smorgasboarder deck grip supplied by<br />
the friendly folks at Crosslink Traction in Byron Bay!<br />
www.SmORGASbOARdER.cOm.AU<br />
120 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
VALUEd AT<br />
$40<br />
For more information on<br />
Crosslink Traction and to<br />
check out their cool range<br />
of tailpads, visit<br />
www.deckgrips.com<br />
FILM<br />
SIPPING JETSTREAMS<br />
VAS ENTERTAINMENT (2009)<br />
<br />
Not a new movie, but we finally<br />
picked it up on our last trip and<br />
figured if we hadn’t seen it, there<br />
were plenty more who hadn’t either.<br />
Surf filmaker Taylor Steele’s latest<br />
offering opens up with the quote<br />
that encapsulates the movie within<br />
a few words: “The world is a book.<br />
Those who don’t travel read only<br />
one page.”<br />
With exotic scenes of snakecharmers<br />
and desert landscapes,<br />
the movie kicks off with a session<br />
of beautiful barrels in Morocco<br />
set to Massive Attack’s Angel and<br />
continues on to explore other less<br />
surf-exposed corners of the globe<br />
including Hong Kong, Italy Egypt,<br />
Barbados and more.<br />
Although there’s no shortage of<br />
incredible surfing, an all-star cast<br />
of surfers and amazing waves on<br />
display, this is far more than just a<br />
surf movie. Sipping Jetstreams is<br />
a beautifully produced travel diary,<br />
full of rich and colourful snapshots<br />
of the people and places the movie<br />
is set in. Context. We love context.<br />
Rather than just seeing beaches and<br />
boards, you really get a great feel for<br />
the countries visited and the great<br />
contrasts between life in the vast<br />
open spaces and cities on show.<br />
It’s always great to see some<br />
smorgasboarding in there with some<br />
fun skate scenes in Cuba...<br />
And even the SUPs get a quick look<br />
in, with the worlds most famous,<br />
original European stand up paddlers<br />
- the gondoliers of Venice - showing<br />
up in the Italian segment.<br />
Standout scenes? Chapter Four’s<br />
aerial shots give a different and very<br />
interesting perspective while dreads,<br />
palm trees, awesome waves with<br />
Kelly Slater and island tunes make<br />
the Barbados segment hard to top.<br />
Bonus features include a photo<br />
gallery of some of the incredible<br />
photography of the trip and a short<br />
film on the Bantul Kindergarten<br />
Project set in Jakarta after the<br />
Indonesian earthquake of 2006.<br />
There’s just enough of a taste of the<br />
world in here to have you reaching<br />
for you passport.<br />
“I’m just trying to read the whole<br />
book.”<br />
A limited version was<br />
released with a 300 page<br />
book full of great pics<br />
and handwritten journals.<br />
Worth checking out.<br />
MUSIC<br />
PROMISES<br />
Hopeless Sons<br />
PEE RECORDS<br />
<br />
Five tracks of raw and angry<br />
Queensland hardcore, featuring<br />
ex-members of Gold Coast<br />
metalcore boys Vices for Virtues<br />
and the drumming talents of<br />
Nic Lalot of southsiders Driven<br />
Fear. The combo guarantees<br />
you a heartfelt 15 minutes or so<br />
of detuned guitars, rock solid<br />
drumming, great gang vocals<br />
and frontman Zacca’s trademark<br />
throat-tearing.<br />
Regardless is a standout track,<br />
kicking off with Sick Of It All-like<br />
bassline and a great New York<br />
style two-step midsection.<br />
If you like your music heavy, this<br />
is perfect for a pre-surf hype-up<br />
in the car. Give it a spin. All gold.<br />
www.peerecords.com<br />
THE JEZABELS<br />
Dark Storm<br />
PHANTOM DOMESTIC<br />
<br />
Dramatic indie pop rock from<br />
Melbourne, the Jezabels mix a<br />
wide range of influences into<br />
this little EP which just hit #1<br />
on the local iTunes charts. The<br />
moody and beautiful vocals are<br />
reminiscent of Kate Bush and<br />
Tori Amos, layed over textured<br />
guitar and piano backing set to<br />
pretty enthusiastic drumming.<br />
Arty background tunes to class<br />
up your collection. Catch them<br />
on tour this November on their<br />
return from the USA.<br />
www.thejezabels.com
MUSIC<br />
BOOKS<br />
CLOSEOUT: RELAX<br />
JOHN BUTLER TRIO<br />
THESE ARE THE DAYS: THE MAKING OF APRIL UPRISING<br />
JARRAH RECORDS<br />
<br />
A year in the making, this DVD is an open and unique look at the life<br />
of the boys in the John Butler Trio, as well as an intimate, behindthe-scenes<br />
insight into the making of the <strong>2010</strong> April Uprising album,<br />
which achieved platinum status this September.<br />
A mix of music, interviews, horsing around and serious moments of<br />
reflection, the hour-long production takes you on a trip through John<br />
Butler’s Fremantle: the markets where it all began for him as a busker,<br />
through to his studio where the April Uprising was recorded.<br />
But it’s not called a trio for nothing. Drummer Nicky Bomba and<br />
bass player Byron Luiters also get their time on film, which between<br />
all the interviews and candid material truly conveys a sense of how<br />
the close-knit unit create such incredible and unforgettable tunes.<br />
A little bit of skateboarding footage brings some board cred to the<br />
disc and also shows that Mr Butler has talent in his feet as well as<br />
his vocal chords and fingers.<br />
If you’re a JBT fan, this movie would have to be part of your<br />
collection. If you’re not a fan yet, watching this DVD might very well<br />
sway you into becoming one.<br />
The only complaint... what’s with the cheap-arse packaging? But<br />
never mind - you don’t watch the box. And I guess it might be<br />
forgiven considering how cool the April Uprising CD’s package is.<br />
Good stuff. Get it. Watch it. Love it.<br />
PLANET SURF<br />
RYAN A. SMITH<br />
CAMERON HOUSE<br />
<br />
Travel. We love it. And this 176-page paperback book is all about it. Planet Surf is<br />
essentially a primer for pretty much most surf spots around the world. It touches<br />
lightly on each destination, giving select tips and highlights. Add in a few great<br />
photographs of barrels in destinations far beyond and it’s just enough to get your<br />
blood pumping and your passport itching to go. However, because the book - as the<br />
name suggests - covers the entire planet, deciding on where exactly to go on your<br />
next international surf trip will be the hardest choice.<br />
The section on Australia covers all the usual suspects and big-name breaks, as you<br />
would expect given the massive volume of surf spots to cover, but it’s also nice to see<br />
that lesser known - or at least less popular - international surfing destinations get a<br />
run too. Africa, Europe, America, Asia and beyond… it’s all in there.<br />
The travel sections are broken up nicely with extra segments of info on everything<br />
from surf history to surf-mobiles to boardshorts to big-wave riding, which keeps the<br />
book fresh and interesting throughout.<br />
Planet surf is neatly done with plenty of bitsy information for pick-up-put-down<br />
reading, and enough visual material to keep you flicking through for images alone.<br />
A good coffee table book for the aspiring surf traveller, or couch surfer.<br />
TRUNK JUNK #1<br />
TRUNK JUNK QUARTERLY PUBLISHING<br />
<br />
The first edition of new publication<br />
Trunk Junk Quarterly is a 100 page<br />
snapshot of some great quality art and<br />
photography, some surf, skate and<br />
music – with one of our favourite’s<br />
Isaac Paddon and The Tides album<br />
even making an appearance. The well<br />
designed, well printed mishmash of<br />
board culture in general with free<br />
stickers and a pull-out poster is<br />
delivered in a box – an overall package<br />
totally justifying the $15 price tag. (Hey,<br />
if you’re going to pay for a mag, you<br />
may as well get your money’s worth!)<br />
This will definitely appeal to fans of<br />
mags like Juxtapoz and people with an<br />
interest in art and design, but will also<br />
have a few gems for skaters and<br />
surfers. Good job.<br />
Oh and if you order it online,<br />
you get a free 46 page zine<br />
and what looks like some cool<br />
coasters. Stiffed. I didn’t get<br />
those…<br />
We’re looking forward to seeing the<br />
next quarter roll around already!<br />
trunkjunkquarterly.com<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
121
25 years later...<br />
still flying high<br />
Cooper Griffin<br />
CLOSEOUT: FIRST AID<br />
IA<br />
SECRET SPOTS<br />
THAT YOU WANT TO AVOID<br />
Let’s not make this too scary. Surely a lifetime of the most<br />
sublime of pastimes is worth a few scars. But I’ll share a<br />
few tips to keep the scars small and the surfer surfing.<br />
We’ve been around long enough to know that the<br />
best boards mean the best performance, from beginner to advanced,<br />
from softboards to SUPs. That’s why we only stock the best.<br />
STOCKING ALL MAJOR LABELS<br />
Fullcircle, JS, Firewire, Chilli, Rusty, Hayden, Emery, DHD, Santa Cruz,<br />
Webber, Simon Anderson, McTavish, Superbrand, Stacey, Tokoro,<br />
Hot Buttered, GSI, Fibreflex & much more<br />
www.fullcirclesurf.com.au<br />
4-5 Vista Place<br />
Cape Woolamai VIC 3925<br />
03 5956 7453<br />
www.liquidgetaway.com.au<br />
115 Marine Parade<br />
San Remo VIC 3925<br />
03 5678 5873<br />
Surf SafariS Snorkelling tourS<br />
whale watChing SCeniC adventureS<br />
Pre Bookings essential 07 5326 1700<br />
Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, qld, australia<br />
WORDS BY DR. PETE KIRKHAM<br />
I have a regular clientele of seasoned<br />
surfers in my skin cancer clinic here on<br />
the Sunshine Coast. One thing that’s<br />
always interested me is that during a<br />
skin check, both my patient and I often<br />
focus on the same spots. I’ve had a fair<br />
bit of training and experience so it’s<br />
somewhat disconcerting that someone<br />
with no experience can manage this.<br />
It’s probably similar when a group are<br />
picking the best surfing spot for the<br />
day, sometimes you just sort of know.<br />
Whatever your level of expertise.<br />
It’s all about the one that catches the<br />
eye. Gut feeling. That doesn’t take any<br />
special training, just a good eye and that<br />
sixth sense.<br />
A melanoma doesn’t always look like<br />
what you’d expect a melanoma to look<br />
like but it does often look ‘dodgy’. Much<br />
more common skin cancers like basal<br />
and squamous cell cancers also often<br />
look and feel different.<br />
Everyone’s well versed in the change in<br />
shape, size and bleeding etc. as potential<br />
warning signs too.<br />
Areas I tend to check carefully in surfers<br />
are the lower legs, shoulders and the<br />
face, as these seem to be particularly<br />
vulnerable areas for basal and squamous<br />
cell skin cancers.<br />
Melanomas are often found in relatively<br />
non sun exposed areas. The number and<br />
type of moles and ‘big hits’ of sun early<br />
in life are both probably important risk<br />
factors for melanoma.<br />
Early diagnosis keeps everybody happy.<br />
A dedicated annual skin check does<br />
really help. In the meantime slip, slap,<br />
slop and get out there.<br />
Detecting melanoma.<br />
From top to bottom:<br />
melanomas showing 1.<br />
asymmetry, 2. a border<br />
that is uneven, ragged,<br />
or notched, 3. displaying<br />
coloring of different<br />
shades of brown, black,<br />
or tan and 4. diameter<br />
that had changed in size<br />
Photo: National Cancer<br />
Institute/Skin Cancer Foundation<br />
Dr. Pete Kirkham is a general<br />
practitioner at Nambour<br />
Medical Centre.<br />
www.skinclearclinic.com.au<br />
122 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
TENDON TO<br />
BE A PAIN<br />
YES, IT’S SURFER’S ELBOW<br />
WORDS BY JOHN HART<br />
CLOSEOUT: FITNESS<br />
John Hart is a qualified<br />
fitness instructor and<br />
personal trainer with a<br />
Masters in education who<br />
also writes books, trains and<br />
rehabiliates people, takes<br />
photos, directs movies and<br />
is always happy to share<br />
what he’s learned.<br />
It seems all sports like to claim Lateral<br />
Epicondylitis as their own specific sport<br />
injury, better known in the world of surfing<br />
as “Surfer’s Elbow.” However, you may also<br />
have heard this more commonly referred to<br />
as “Tennis Elbow.”<br />
So what is Lateral Epicondylitis (Surfer’s<br />
Elbow) and how can we prevent, cure or<br />
just plain fix it?<br />
Surfer’s Elbow is an overuse injury<br />
involving the extensor muscles that<br />
originate on the Lateral Epicondylar region<br />
of the Distal Humerus (Funny bone). It is<br />
more properly termed a tendinosis that<br />
specifically involves the origin of the<br />
Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis muscle.<br />
Basically speaking, it is an overuse or<br />
inflammation injury.<br />
Whilst this injury plagues many sports<br />
people, about 40-50% of the surfing<br />
fraternity will suffer this type of aliment<br />
during their surfing years. It predominately<br />
inflicts overzealous, mad surfers who stay<br />
in the water for literally hours at a time.<br />
This ailment also affects tennis players<br />
and golf players. It is in fact a common<br />
problem. The injury involves inflammation<br />
of the Radial Humeral Bursa, Synovium,<br />
Periosteum and the ligament (connective<br />
tissue). There may also be some tearing<br />
of tissue. However, this would be rare in<br />
relation to those involved in surfing.<br />
If you have this injury you would present<br />
with lateral elbow and forearm pain<br />
exacerbated by paddling. The pain will also<br />
extend down the forearm and often occurs<br />
in recreational surfers between the ages<br />
of 30-50 years young. Other symptoms<br />
may include pain about 1-2cm down from<br />
the bony area at the outside of the elbow.<br />
Symptoms may include reduced strength<br />
in the wrist, (when trying to open the twist<br />
top of a beer after that long surf in the<br />
sun!) pains on the elbow itself and your<br />
fingers feeling stiff when you try and open<br />
your hand.<br />
To confirm whether you have Surfer’s Elbow,<br />
try the chair raise test. Stand behind a chair<br />
and attempt to raise it by putting your hands<br />
on the top of the chair back and then lifting<br />
it. If pain results over the lateral elbow,<br />
chances are that you have Surfers Elbow.<br />
About 95% of patients with the condition<br />
will respond to conservative treatments<br />
and will not require any surgical<br />
procedures. Surfers whose condition is<br />
unresponsive after 6 months of therapy<br />
(including steroid injections) may need to<br />
seek a surgeon’s opinion.<br />
MANAGEMENT<br />
& TREATMENT<br />
When the injury occurs, apply ice or coldtherapy<br />
to the pain region (the elbow) for 15<br />
minutes at a time. Repeat this 7 to 8 times<br />
a day. This will help to reduce the pain and<br />
any inflammation that may be present.<br />
Rest is also extremely important in the<br />
healing process. Rest is not something<br />
surfers like to do, however no rest will<br />
increase the problem and it will be present<br />
for a much longer period of time.<br />
You can also wear a support-brace to protect<br />
the tendon whilst healing and strengthening<br />
it, particularly when you return to surfing.<br />
These can be purchased from your local<br />
chemist shop or Sports Physiotherapist,<br />
whom can also advise on the best treatment<br />
for you. The brace should not be put on the<br />
painful area but placed approximately 10cm<br />
down the forearm.<br />
As with all soft-tissue injuries a<br />
comprehensive rehabilitation program<br />
should be carried out by your favourite<br />
Exercise Scientist or Physio.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
123
Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle<br />
Lessons, Tours, Board Hire<br />
www.jervisbaystanduppaddle.com.au<br />
0403 354 716<br />
CLOSEOUT: LEARNERS<br />
FUN, NOT FIGHTS<br />
AVOID THE RAGE.<br />
IT’S REALLY NOT WORTH IT<br />
As Noosa’s Israel Kani - our feature interview on Page 26 will<br />
tell you from experience, it’s much more enjoyable to be in the<br />
surf without the hassle. So if you’re new to it all, here are some<br />
survival tips from Nigel Potts, Director of the Academy of Surfing<br />
Instructors to help keep you out of trouble.<br />
As surfing becomes more popular, the<br />
number of beginners continues to rise.<br />
More bodies and more surfboards means<br />
waves are more crowded and these<br />
conditions create the ideal breeding<br />
ground for “surf rage”.<br />
Inexperienced surfers often take waves<br />
without being aware of the “dropping in”<br />
rule. This rule governs who has priority<br />
on the wave. The surfer closest to the<br />
curl of the wave has the priority.<br />
Experienced surfers can catch a wave<br />
just as it starts to break and be up on<br />
their feet and riding quick as a flash.<br />
The inexperienced surfer, further along<br />
the wave, will then be in the way. Not<br />
only does this ruin the ride for the surfer<br />
riding on the wave, but it can also cause<br />
a collision to happen.<br />
The result could be serious injury and/<br />
or board damage. This is definitely the<br />
biggest cause of a surf rage incident.<br />
But “dropping in” is not the only<br />
potential source of surf rage.<br />
Inexperienced surfers usually have little<br />
“ocean sense”. Rips and currents can<br />
easily drag a surfer out into the larger<br />
waves and in the way of experienced<br />
surfers.<br />
Beginners may also not understand<br />
the paddling etiquette rule and paddle<br />
straight into an experienced surfer’s path.<br />
Understanding more about surfing and<br />
the ocean is definitely required before<br />
getting out on a surfboard. Most sports<br />
need some level of theory before delving<br />
into the sport. Scuba diving, for example,<br />
requires people to understand something<br />
about their equipment and safety issues<br />
before going into the water. The same is<br />
true for surfing.<br />
Unfortunately, many people think they<br />
can just jump on a surfboard and do it.<br />
Because they have not bothered to learn<br />
more about their equipment, the ocean,<br />
surfing etiquette and safety, they become<br />
a potential danger in the water.<br />
Surfing is a great sport and surf rage can<br />
be avoided if everyone is a little more<br />
“surf educated”.<br />
We have three copies of the ASI Learn to Surf for<br />
Beginners manual and DVD to give away thanks to<br />
ASI. Tell us about your learning experience, or send<br />
us a photo at letters@smorgasboarder.com.au<br />
Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI) is the world’s leading education and accreditation<br />
organisation in the surf industry, specialising in surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.<br />
Instructional manuals and DVDs available for purchase. www.academyofsurfing.com<br />
124 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
BOOK REVIEW<br />
Dropping in, snaking, just being inconsiderate in general... it makes people cranky. Photo: Phil Burnham/Exposed Monkey www.exposedmonkey.com.au<br />
SPORTS WISDOM REVEALED:<br />
THE COACHES<br />
DAVID BECKER & SCOTT HILL (<strong>2010</strong>)<br />
<br />
To cut to the chase, there are a lot of books out<br />
there, particularly in relation to the field of sport, so<br />
why buy this one? It has differing points of view.<br />
Instead of some author’s all-knowing view on sports<br />
psychology, the book is a compilation of personal<br />
stories and success philosophies from twelve of<br />
Australia’s finest coaches.<br />
Phil McNamara, coach of two-time ASP world<br />
champion Mick Fanning, is one of the contributors.<br />
Readers will find his insights extremely interesting.<br />
It is essential reading for anyone involved in the<br />
development of junior surfing from coaches to<br />
parents of budding surf stars.<br />
Phil shares his views on a range of topics from<br />
his coaching philosophy, the attributes and<br />
pathways to success, incorporating technology in<br />
training, preparation, handling setbacks and sports<br />
parenting.<br />
Aside from Phil, there are many interesting<br />
perspectives from coaches in other fields of sport.<br />
Many speak of the importance of not “living life<br />
in a vacuum” and how important it is to take key<br />
learnings from various sports and apply them<br />
accordingly.<br />
Phil cites Tony Roche and Wayne Bennett as two<br />
influential coaches he has observed who have made<br />
an impact upon how he coaches his athletes.<br />
Some of the other coaches featured in the book<br />
include Ron Barassi, Laurie Lawrence, Norma<br />
Plummer, Lindsay Gaze and Johnny Lewis.<br />
Sports Wisdom Revealed: The Coaches is easy<br />
to digest and incredibly well structured, making<br />
regular reference a cinch - perfect for a book of<br />
this nature. The book is available as a printed<br />
paperback, or an e-book. For more information, see<br />
the website www.sportswisdomrevealed.com.au<br />
The authors of Sports Wisdom Revealed: The<br />
Coaches are highly respected physiotherapist<br />
David Becker, who for fifteen years worked<br />
alongside many of the world’s top coaches and<br />
athletes, and Scott Hill, former rugby league star for<br />
the Melbourne Storm and Kangaroo International.<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
125
SURF DIRECTORY Pick<br />
QLD CENTRAL COAST<br />
REEF 2 BEACH SURF SHOP<br />
07 4974 9072<br />
Shop 1, 10 Round Hill Road<br />
Agnes Water/1770<br />
www.reef2beachsurf.com<br />
SUNSHINE COAST<br />
NOOSA SURF WORKS<br />
07 5474 4567<br />
1/11 Bartlett St<br />
Noosaville<br />
www.shotgunsurf.com<br />
www.lagunabaysurf.com<br />
WATERLINE<br />
07 5474 1010<br />
2/15 Venture Dr<br />
Noosaville<br />
www.zeewetsuits.com<br />
CLASSIC MALIBU AUSTRALIA<br />
07 5474 3122<br />
Cnr Gibson and Eumundi Rds.<br />
Noosaville<br />
www.classicmalibu.com<br />
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE<br />
07 5474 1222<br />
3 Gibson Rd, Noosaville<br />
ON SURFARI<br />
07 5474 2162<br />
197 Gympie Terrace<br />
Noosaville<br />
www.onsurfari.com.au<br />
GOLDEN BREED<br />
07 5455 3722<br />
15 Noosa Drive<br />
Noosa Heads<br />
www.goldenbreed.com.au<br />
IMPACT SURF<br />
07 5474 9198<br />
75 Noosa Drive & 1-7 Sunshine<br />
Beach Rd<br />
Noosa Heads<br />
BLUEWATER PLAYERS<br />
07 5473 5079<br />
Shop 3A 11 Sunshine Beach Rd<br />
Noosa Heads<br />
www.bluewaterplayers.com.au<br />
BACK BEACH<br />
07 5473 5676<br />
Cnr Lanyana Way/Arcadia Walk<br />
Noosa Junction<br />
www.backbeach.net.au<br />
SOLACE<br />
07 5455 4826<br />
20 Duke Street<br />
Sunshine Beach<br />
solacestore.blogspot.com<br />
WIPEOUT SURF & SKATE<br />
07 5448 0899<br />
3/28 Duke St<br />
Sunshine Beach<br />
SURF AND STREET SHOP<br />
07 5471 3489<br />
224 David Low Way<br />
Peregian Beach<br />
www.surf-shop.org<br />
COOLUM SURF<br />
07 5351 1742<br />
Shop 14, 8-26 Birtwill St<br />
Coolum Beach<br />
www.alexsurfshop.com.au<br />
BLUE LINES<br />
07 5351 1986<br />
Shops 17 & 18 -<br />
1776 The Esplanade<br />
Coolum Beach<br />
WIPEOUT SURF & SKATE<br />
07 5450 7272<br />
1/938 David Low Way<br />
Marcoola Beach<br />
OLD WOMAN SURF SHOP<br />
07 5448 7<strong>02</strong>5<br />
Santorini Shop 6,<br />
15 Mudjimba Esp<br />
Mudjimba<br />
DA BOMB<br />
07 5451 0620<br />
3/25 Plaza Pde<br />
Maroochydore<br />
www.dabombsurf.com.au<br />
OCEAN ADDICTS<br />
07 5309 6624<br />
103-105 Aerodrome Rd<br />
Maroochydore<br />
www.oceanaddicts.com.au<br />
ALTERNATIVE SURF<br />
07 5475 4811<br />
Shop 11 Aquarius Resort 140<br />
Alexandra Pde<br />
Alexandra Headland<br />
BEACH BEAT<br />
07 5443 2777<br />
164 Alexandra Pde<br />
Alexandra Headlands<br />
www.beachbeat.com.au<br />
ALEX SURF<br />
07 5452 6276<br />
188 Alexandra Pde<br />
Alexandra Headlands<br />
www.alexsurf.com.au<br />
WORLD SURFARIS<br />
1800 611 163<br />
2/174 Brisbane Rd<br />
Mooloolaba<br />
www.worldsurfaris.com<br />
SURF PLANET<br />
07 5476 6200<br />
Shop 5, Buderim Marketplace<br />
Buderim<br />
www.surfplanet.com.au<br />
SUBURBAN SURF<br />
07 5493 7411<br />
224 Nicklin Way, Warana<br />
www.suburbansurf.com.au<br />
up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in January<br />
DA BOMB<br />
(07) 5437 9201<br />
7/12 Thunderbird Dr<br />
Bokarina<br />
www.dabombsurf.com.au<br />
BEACH BEAT<br />
07 5491 8215<br />
Shop 2&3 4-6 Beerburrum St<br />
Dicky Beach<br />
www.beachbeat.com.au<br />
THE FACTORY<br />
07 5492 5838<br />
15 Allen St<br />
Caloundra QLD 4551<br />
SURFWARE AUSTRALIA<br />
07 5491 3620<br />
2 Bulcock St<br />
Caloundra<br />
BEACH BEAT<br />
07 5491 4711<br />
119 Bulcock Rd<br />
Caloundra<br />
www.beachbeat.com.au<br />
BRISBANE<br />
PRIMITIVE SURF<br />
07 3266 1001<br />
601 Nudgee Rd<br />
Nundah<br />
www.primitivesurf.com<br />
GOODTIME<br />
07 3391 8588<br />
29 Ipswich Rd<br />
Wooloongabba<br />
www.goodtime.com.au<br />
GOLD COAST<br />
SURF FX<br />
07 5531 3199<br />
127 Ferry Road<br />
Southport<br />
www.surf-fx.com<br />
SURF FX<br />
07 5538 0008<br />
3191 Surfers Paradise Bvld<br />
Surfers Paradise<br />
www.surf-fx.com<br />
SIDEWAYS<br />
07 5592 3849<br />
3012 Surfers Blvd<br />
Surfers Paradise<br />
sidewaysboardsports.com.au<br />
DUKE’S LONGBOARDS<br />
07 5572 0477<br />
2578 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Mermaid Beach<br />
www.dukeslongboards.com<br />
STUART SURF DESIGN<br />
07 5572 0098<br />
2576 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Mermaid Beach<br />
www.stuartsurf.com.au<br />
GANGSTA SURF<br />
07 5526 6969<br />
Shop 1/ 2558 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Mermaid Beach<br />
www.gangstasurf.com<br />
GREENLINE<br />
0412 398 585<br />
2544 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Mermaid Beach<br />
www.greenlinepaddlesurf.com<br />
BOARD CULTURE<br />
07 5572 9866<br />
2438 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Mermaid Beach<br />
www.boardculture.com.au<br />
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE<br />
07 5526 6377<br />
2251 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Nobby Beach<br />
THE BOARDROOM<br />
07 5527 7877<br />
2084 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Miami<br />
LOWEN 88<br />
07 5526 5161<br />
2a/2172 Gold Coast Highway<br />
Miami<br />
www.lowen88.com<br />
HARVEY SURF GALLERY<br />
0414 557 62<br />
Unit 3, 10 Pacific Ave <br />
Miami<br />
www.harveysurf.com<br />
MT WOODGEE<br />
07 5535 <strong>02</strong>88<br />
1730 Gold Coast Hwy<br />
Burleigh Heads<br />
www.mtwoodgee.com.au<br />
SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
07 5520 2774<br />
Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade,<br />
Shop 10, Goodwin Tce<br />
Burleigh Heads<br />
seanscottphotography.com.au<br />
DALE CHAPMAN<br />
07 5593 8411<br />
Unit 3/48 Junction Road<br />
Burleigh Heads<br />
www.chapmansurfboards.com<br />
MY PHOTO EXPERT<br />
07 5535 2763<br />
3/71 Township Drive<br />
Burleigh Heads<br />
www.myphotoexpert.com.au<br />
GOLD COAST SURF WORLD<br />
07 5525 6380<br />
Tomewin Street, Currumbin<br />
www.surfworldgoldcoast.com<br />
FIREWIRE SURFBOARDS<br />
07 5587 7700<br />
1/49 Currumbin Creek Rd<br />
Currumbin<br />
www.firewiresurfboards.com<br />
DMS<br />
07 5559 5949<br />
3/56 Currumbin Creek Rd<br />
Currumbin<br />
www.dmshapes.com<br />
D’ARCY HANDSHAPES<br />
07 5559 5866<br />
1/8 Hawker St<br />
Currumbin<br />
www.darcysurfboards.com<br />
SHAPERS<br />
07 5534 4228<br />
9/7 Traders Way, Currumbin<br />
www.shapers.com.au<br />
MT WOODGEE<br />
07 5598 2188<br />
2 Stewart Rd<br />
Currumbin<br />
www.mtwoodgee.com.au<br />
DIVERSE<br />
07 5598 4848<br />
476 Gold Coast Highway<br />
Tugun<br />
www.diversesurf.com.au<br />
DORRINGTON SURFBOARDS<br />
07 5599 4030<br />
16 Musgrave Street<br />
Kirra<br />
www.dorringtonsurfboards.com<br />
BOARD CULTURE<br />
07 5536 5866<br />
Gold Coast Hwy(outside airport)<br />
Coolangatta<br />
www.boardculture.com.au<br />
KIRRA SURF/WORLD SURFARIS<br />
07 5536 3922<br />
Shop 6, 8 Creek St<br />
Bilinga<br />
www.kirrasurf.com.au<br />
UNDERGROUND SURF<br />
07 5599 1040<br />
Shop 3/31 McLean St.<br />
Coolangatta<br />
www.undergroundsurf.com.au<br />
MT WOODGEE<br />
07 5536 5937<br />
122 Griffith St<br />
Coolangatta<br />
www.mtwoodgee.com.au<br />
COOLANGATTA BOARD STORE<br />
07 5536 7850<br />
152 Griffith St, Coolangatta<br />
www.cbsboardstore.com<br />
SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
07 5599 1150<br />
Shop 3, 110 Marine Pde,<br />
Coolangatta<br />
seanscottphotography.com.au<br />
BASE SURFBOARDS<br />
07 5536 1470<br />
Cnr Dutton St & Marine Pde<br />
Coolangatta<br />
www.basesurfboards.com<br />
126 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
NSW NORTH COAST<br />
SIDEWAYS<br />
07 5524 6699<br />
2/13-21 Greenway Dr<br />
Tweed Heads<br />
sidewaysboardsports.com.au<br />
FULL FORCE<br />
07 5524 2933<br />
Factory 18 / 48 Machinery Drive<br />
Tweed Heads<br />
SURF XCESS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6674 5350<br />
88 Marine Parade<br />
Kingscliff<br />
CABARITA SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6676 3151<br />
1/38 Tweed Coast Rd<br />
Cabarita Beach<br />
BRUNSWICK SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 1283<br />
1/12 The Terrace<br />
Brunswick Heads<br />
www.brunswicksurf.com.au<br />
MCTAVISH<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6680 8807<br />
91 Centenial Circuit<br />
Byron Bay<br />
www.mctavish.com.au<br />
MADDOG SURF CENTRES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 6395<br />
91 Jonson St<br />
Byron Bay<br />
www.maddog.com.au<br />
MC SURF DESIGNS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 8778<br />
3 Banksia Drive<br />
Byron Bay<br />
www.mcsurf.com.au<br />
NORTH COAST SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 6896<br />
1/29 Acacia St<br />
Byron Bay<br />
www.bearsurfboards.com.au<br />
MUNROE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 6211<br />
29 Acacia St<br />
Byron Bay<br />
www.munroesurfboards.com.au<br />
T&C SURF DESIGN / MCCOY<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 7485<br />
10 Acacia Street<br />
Byron Bay<br />
BYRON BAY LONGBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 5244<br />
Shop 1 - 89 Jonson St<br />
Byron Bay<br />
HO’OKUPU<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 8861<br />
2/9 Lawson St<br />
Byron Bay<br />
hookupusurf.com<br />
UNPLUGGED<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 7441<br />
Shop 1/ 2 Lawson Street<br />
Byron Bay<br />
www.unpluggedbyronbay.com<br />
ALL ABOVE BOARD<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6687 7522<br />
68 Ballina St<br />
Lennox Head<br />
MADDOG SURF CENTRES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6685 6094<br />
45 River St, Ballina<br />
www.maddog.com.au<br />
TRIPLE X WETSUITS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6686 3939<br />
10 Piper Drive, Ballina<br />
www.triple-x.com.au<br />
THE PLANK SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6645 8362<br />
Top of the Hill, Yamba<br />
SOUND LOUNGE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6646 3909<br />
16 Yamba St, Yamba<br />
MORE SURFBOARDS<br />
0405 475 <strong>02</strong>6<br />
Angourie Rd, Yamba<br />
www.moresurfboards.com<br />
NSW MID NORTH COAST<br />
XS SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6654 1049<br />
76 Beach Street, Woolgoolga<br />
www.xssurf.com<br />
COOPERS SURF CENTRES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6654 0033<br />
56D Beach St, Woolgoolga<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6652 8146<br />
28 Orlando St<br />
Coffs Harbour<br />
www.cooperssurf.com.au<br />
WATER SURF+ART+CAFE<br />
Distinctively relaxed<br />
atmosphere, exceptional<br />
food, coffee and tea, great<br />
service, photographic<br />
art from Australia’s best<br />
photographers, exquisite<br />
gifts and select surfwear and<br />
boards.<br />
(<strong>02</strong>) 6651 4500<br />
370 Harbour Drive, Coffs<br />
Harbour Jetty<br />
www.watersurfartcafe.com<br />
THE LOG SHACK<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6658<strong>02</strong>23<br />
392 Harbour Drive,<br />
The Jetty Strip<br />
Coffs Harbour<br />
www.thelogshack.com.au<br />
SUNPATCH SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6653 1965<br />
49 First Ave<br />
Sawtell<br />
www.sunpatchsurf.com.au<br />
VALLA SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6568 8909<br />
8 Monro St, Nambucca Heads<br />
www.vallasurfboards.com.au<br />
COASTAL CURVES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6568 69<strong>02</strong><br />
Ridge St, Nambucca Heads<br />
www.coastalcurves.com<br />
SCOTTS HEAD SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6569 8344<br />
Scotts Head NSW 2447<br />
scottsheadsurfschool.blogspot.com<br />
WAVE WEAR<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6566 5177<br />
1/15 Livingstone St<br />
South West Rocks<br />
CRESCENT HEAD SURF CO.<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6562 8306<br />
33 Smith St<br />
Kempsey<br />
CRESCENT HEAD SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6566 0550<br />
1 Crescent Head Tavern<br />
Crescent Head<br />
INNER VISION SURF ‘N’ SKATE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6583 7790<br />
80 William St<br />
Port Macquarie<br />
SALTWATER WINE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6584 4877<br />
1/125 Gordon St<br />
Port Macquarie<br />
www.saltwaterwine.com.au<br />
SANDY FEET<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6584 1995<br />
5/21 Clarence Street<br />
Port Macquarie<br />
www.sandyfeetsurf.com.au<br />
JUNGLE SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6555 8556<br />
4/25 Manning Street<br />
Tuncurry<br />
www.junglesurf.com.au<br />
SALTWATER WINE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6554 7979<br />
5 Wharf St , Forster<br />
www.saltwaterwine.com.au<br />
BOOMERANG BEACH SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6554 0351<br />
Shop 4, Boomerang Drive<br />
Pacific Palms<br />
NEWCASTLE<br />
SURF FACTORY<br />
16 Maitland Rd<br />
Islington<br />
www.thesurffactory.com.au<br />
MARK RICHARDS SURFSHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4961 3088<br />
755 Hunter St<br />
Newcastle<br />
markrichardssurfboards.com<br />
SURFHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
61 Hunter Street<br />
Newcastle<br />
surfhousephotography.com<br />
PACIFIC DREAMS SURFSHOPS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4926 3355<br />
7 Darby St<br />
Newcastle<br />
www.pacificdreams.com.au<br />
SANBAH<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4962 2420<br />
Shop 27, The Junction Fair<br />
Union Street<br />
Newcastle<br />
www.sanbah.com.au<br />
BREAKAWAY SURF CO<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4943 2699<br />
181 Pacific Hwy<br />
Charlestown<br />
EGANS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4945 8055<br />
575 Pacific Hwy<br />
Belmont<br />
THE SURF SHACK<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4945 8965<br />
703 Pacific Hwy<br />
Belmont South<br />
SWANSEA SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4971 4422<br />
164 Pacific Hwy<br />
Swansea<br />
www.swanseasurf.com.au<br />
CENTRAL COAST<br />
BEACHIN SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 43 96 5159<br />
262 Main Rd<br />
Toukley<br />
www.surfinfo.com.au/nsw/<br />
beachinsurf<br />
ADRIFT SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4332 8355<br />
133 The Entrance Road<br />
The Entrance<br />
www.adriftsurf.com.au<br />
BOARDERLINE SURF SKATE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4332 7175<br />
421 The Entrance Rd<br />
Long Jetty<br />
www.boarderlinesurfskate.com<br />
SURFERS CHOICE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4334 6532<br />
473 The Entrance Rd<br />
Long Jetty<br />
www.surferschoice.com.au<br />
BATEAU BAY SURF N SPORT<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4332 1157<br />
101a Bateau Bay Road<br />
Bateau Bay<br />
ONE EIGHTY SURF COMPANY<br />
Shop 2, 82a Ocean View Drive<br />
Wamberal<br />
www.180surfco.com.au<br />
SLIMES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4365 5511<br />
1/203 The Entrance Rd<br />
Erina<br />
ESS BOARDSTORE<br />
251 The Entrance Rd<br />
Erina<br />
www.essboardstore.com.au<br />
THREE POINTS SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4382 1541<br />
170 Avoca Drive<br />
Avoca Beach<br />
www.avocasurfscholl.com.au<br />
STS THE BOARD CENTRE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4342 2555<br />
326 West St<br />
Umina<br />
NORTHERN BEACHES<br />
BEACH WITHOUT SAND<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9918 2763<br />
1a Nth Avalon Rd<br />
Avalon<br />
RAISED BY WOLVES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9918 8861<br />
U 2/40 Old Barrenjoey Rd<br />
Avalon<br />
www.raisedbywolves.com.au<br />
LITTLE DRAGON<br />
0403 974 967<br />
1 Bramley Lane<br />
Newport Beach<br />
DIVISION SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9979 5334<br />
Cnr Bungan and Waratah Sts<br />
Mona Vale<br />
www.divisionsurf.com.au<br />
RAISED BY WOLVES<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9997 4838<br />
9b Waratah St<br />
Mona Vale<br />
www.raisedbywolves.com.au<br />
SUGARMILL SURF EMPORIUM<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9913 3332<br />
2/1329 Pittwater Rd<br />
Narrabeen<br />
www.sugarmillsurf.com<br />
nov/dec <strong>2010</strong><br />
127
SURF DIRECTORY CONTINUED<br />
POWERLINEZ<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9913 2128<br />
16a Waterloo St<br />
Narrabeen<br />
www.powerlinez.com.au<br />
WICKS SURF CENTRE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9971 0760<br />
1103 Pittwater Road<br />
Collaroy Beach<br />
LONG REEF SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9982 4829<br />
1012 Pittwater Rd<br />
Collaroy<br />
www.longreefsurf.com.au<br />
WIND SURF ’N’ SNOW<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9971 0999<br />
17 Anzac Ave<br />
Collaroy<br />
www.windsurfnsnow.com.au<br />
LINE UP SURF AUSTRALIA<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9971 8624<br />
12b The Strand<br />
Dee Why<br />
www.lineup.com.au<br />
THE PERFECT WAVE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9939 0890<br />
Suite 38, 42-46 Wattle Rd<br />
Brookvale<br />
www.theperfectwave.com.au<br />
CHAOS SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9907 2769<br />
Unit 1/236 Harbord Road<br />
Brookvale<br />
www.chaossurfboards.com<br />
BENNETT SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9905 5157<br />
180 Harbord Rd<br />
Brookvale<br />
DRIPPING WET SURF CO<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9977 3549<br />
398 Pittwater Rd<br />
Mona Vale<br />
www.dripwetsurf.com<br />
SUNSHINE SURFING<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9977 4399<br />
89 Pittwater Rd<br />
Manly<br />
www.sunshinesurfing.com.au<br />
DRIPPING WET SURF CO<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9977 3549<br />
93 North Steyne<br />
Manly<br />
www.dripwetsurf.com<br />
BASE SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9976 0591<br />
46 North Steyne Rd<br />
Manly<br />
www.basesurfboards.com<br />
MANLY LONGBOARD CO.<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9977 0093<br />
39 Belgrave Street<br />
Manly<br />
www.manlylongboard.com<br />
128 september <strong>2010</strong><br />
SURFECTION<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9977 6955<br />
110 The Corso<br />
Manly<br />
www.surfectionmosman.com<br />
HERITAGE SURF AUSTRALIA<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9977 7623<br />
24 Darley Rd, Manly<br />
www.heritagesurfaustralia.com<br />
SURFECTION<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9969 1011<br />
522 Military Rd<br />
Mosman<br />
www.surfectionmosman.com<br />
SUPER SWELL<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9144 3229<br />
166 Mona Vale Rd<br />
St Ives<br />
SYDNEY SOUTH<br />
SURFECTION<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9387 1413<br />
308 Oxford St<br />
Bondi Junction<br />
BONDI UNDERGROUND<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9365 0870<br />
2/72 Campbell Pde<br />
Bondi Beach<br />
DRIPPING WET SURF CO<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9300 0055<br />
180-186 Campbell Parade<br />
Bondi Beach<br />
www.drippingwetsurf.com<br />
SURF CULTURE / SIX OUNCE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 93895477<br />
40 Bronte Road<br />
Bondi Junction<br />
www.surfculture.com.au<br />
www.sixounceboardstore.com<br />
CRONULLA<br />
JACKSON SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9524 2700<br />
57 Captain Cook Drive<br />
Caringbah<br />
www.jacksonsurfboards.com.au<br />
TRIPLE BULL<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9524 4822<br />
41 Captain Cook Dr<br />
Caringbah<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9544 0354<br />
23 Kingsway<br />
Cronulla<br />
www.triplebullsurf.com<br />
CRONULLA SURF DESIGN<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9544 0433<br />
8 Cronulla St<br />
Cronulla<br />
cronullasurfdesign.com.au<br />
Pick up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in January<br />
EASTCOAST STAND UP PADDLE<br />
Dedicated to SUP - Sydney’s<br />
original Stand Up Paddle<br />
outlet. Performance,<br />
flatwater, race, and distance<br />
boards – we have a board to<br />
suit all skill levels.<br />
0413 456009<br />
0418 294854<br />
27 Throsby Close<br />
Barden Ridge<br />
eastcoaststanduppaddle.com.au<br />
WOOLONGONG<br />
FINBOX BOARDSTORE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4268 2050<br />
1/ 269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive<br />
Thirroul<br />
thefinbox.blogspot.com<br />
SURF PIT<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4283 7196<br />
2/100 Railway St, Corrimal<br />
www.surfpit.com.au<br />
BYRNE SURF AND SKI<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4226 1122<br />
115 Princes Highway<br />
Fairy Meadow<br />
byrnesurfboardsaustralia.com<br />
SKIPP SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4228 8878<br />
24 Flinders St, Wollongong<br />
www.skippsurfboards.com.au<br />
CARABINE SURF DESIGNS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4229 9462<br />
36 Flinders St, Wollongong<br />
EXTREME SNOW, SKATE & SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4226 3145<br />
80 Market St<br />
Wollongong<br />
SKIPP SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4229 12<strong>02</strong><br />
231 Crown Street<br />
Wollongong<br />
www.skippsurfboards.com.au<br />
BOARDOM<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4227 2777<br />
206 Keira Street,<br />
Wollongong<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4295 3373<br />
1/16b Addison St<br />
Shellharbour Village<br />
ZINK SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4233 1189<br />
136 Terralong St.<br />
Kiama<br />
www.zinksurf.com.au<br />
NATURAL NECESSITY SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4234 1636<br />
115 Fern St<br />
Gerringong<br />
www.nnss.com.au<br />
AQUATIQUE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4464 1881<br />
123a Queen Street<br />
Berry<br />
www.aquatique.com.au<br />
AQUATIQUE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4421 8159<br />
125-127 Junction St<br />
Nowra<br />
www.aquatique.com.au<br />
CORE SURF STORE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4421 4108<br />
148 Junction Street<br />
Nowra<br />
www.corestore.com.au<br />
AQUATIQUE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4441 5530<br />
55 Owen St, Huskisson<br />
www.aquatique.com.au<br />
SUN & SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4441 1938<br />
Shop 1, 168 Jacobs Drive<br />
Sussex Inlet<br />
AKWA SURF<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4454 5222<br />
Shop 1, Mellick’s Corner,<br />
Princess Highway, Milton<br />
www.akwasurf.com.au<br />
SOUTHERN MAN SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4454 0343<br />
138 Princes Hwy<br />
Ulladulla<br />
www.southernman.com.au<br />
SALTWATER DREAM<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4472 3811<br />
2 Bay Central<br />
Batemans Bay<br />
OFFSHORE SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4474 4350<br />
66 Vulcan St, Moruya<br />
www.offshoresurf.com.au<br />
NAROOMA SURF & SKATE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4476 1422<br />
30 Princes Hwy<br />
Narooma<br />
DSC SURFBOARDS<br />
0424 867 962<br />
Midtown Arcade<br />
Narooma<br />
BERMAGUI SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6493 4849<br />
4/28 Lamont St<br />
Bermagui<br />
RAW SURFBOARDS<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6494 4466<br />
Lot 1291 Tathra Road<br />
Kalaru<br />
www.rawsurfboards.com.au<br />
MERIMBULA SURF SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6495 1515<br />
Merimbula Drive<br />
Merimbula<br />
SALTWATER DREAM<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6495 1600<br />
39 Market St<br />
Merimbula<br />
CORE SURF SKATE AND KITE<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6494 3374<br />
49 Toalla St<br />
Pambula Village<br />
www.pambulasurfshop.com.au<br />
COUNTRY VIC<br />
SURF SHACK<br />
03 5155 4933<br />
507 Esplanade<br />
Lakes Entrance<br />
ATOLL TRAVEL<br />
1800 622 310<br />
4 Bridge Street<br />
Foster<br />
www.atolltravel.com<br />
SERIOUS SURF STUFF<br />
03 5674 2540<br />
1 Williams Street<br />
Inverloch<br />
www.strapper.com.au<br />
VORTEX SURF & SKATE<br />
03 5672 4112<br />
54 McBride Ave<br />
Wonthaggi<br />
www.strapper.com.au<br />
PHILLIP ISLAND<br />
OUTEREEF<br />
03 5678 5677<br />
73 Phillip Island Rd, San Remo<br />
www.outereef.com.au<br />
FULLCIRCLE SURF<br />
03 5678 5873<br />
115 Marine Pde, San Remo<br />
www.fullcirclesurf.com.au<br />
ISLANTIS<br />
03 5956 7553<br />
10-12 Phillip Island Rd<br />
Newhaven<br />
www.islantis.com.au<br />
FULLCIRCLE SURF<br />
03 5956 7453<br />
4-5 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai<br />
www.fullcirclesurf.com.au<br />
ISLAND SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5952 2578<br />
147 Thompson Ave<br />
Cowes<br />
www.islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
ISLAND SURF SHACK<br />
03 5952 1659<br />
148 Thompson Ave<br />
Cowes
DING REPAIRS<br />
ISLAND SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5952 3443<br />
65 Smiths Beach Rd<br />
Smiths Beach<br />
www.islandsurfboards.com.au<br />
MELBOURNE<br />
ZAK SURFBOARDS<br />
03 9416 7384<br />
319 Victoria Rd<br />
Thornbury<br />
www.zaksurfboards.com<br />
TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL<br />
03 9537 3222<br />
Shop 2, 1 St Kilda Rd<br />
St Kilda<br />
www.triggerbros.com.au<br />
REPEAT PERFORMANCE SURF<br />
(THE BOARD STORE)<br />
03 9525 6475<br />
87 Ormond Rd<br />
Elwood<br />
www.rpstheboardstore.com<br />
BRIGHTON SURF CO.<br />
03 9593 2211<br />
43 Church St<br />
Brighton<br />
SHQ BOARDSPORTS<br />
03 9598 2867<br />
81 Beach Road<br />
Sandringham<br />
www.shq.com.au<br />
MORDY SURF CENTRE<br />
03 9580 1716<br />
628 Main St<br />
Mordialloc<br />
www.mordysurf.com.au<br />
PAULOWNIA SURFBOARD<br />
SUPPLIES<br />
03 9588 2533<br />
45 Governor Road<br />
Mordialloc<br />
paulowniaparadise.com.au<br />
OKE SURFBOARDS<br />
03 9587 3553.<br />
Factory 1 1-7 Canterbury Rd,<br />
Braeside<br />
www.okesurfboards.com<br />
TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL<br />
03 9770 2223<br />
7 Rossmith St<br />
Frankston<br />
www.triggerbros.com.au<br />
PENINSULA SURF CENTRE<br />
03 9783 3811<br />
40 Wells St<br />
Frankston<br />
www.peninsulasurf.com.au<br />
PENINSULA SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5975 9608<br />
78 Main St<br />
Mornington<br />
www.peninsulasurf.com.au<br />
PENINSULA SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5975 1800<br />
835 Nepean Hwy<br />
Mornington<br />
www.peninsulasurf.com.au<br />
TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL<br />
03 5989 84<strong>02</strong><br />
Point Leo Rd, Point Leo<br />
www.triggerbros.com.au<br />
PENINSULA SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5985 4637<br />
2137 Pt Nepean Hwy<br />
Rye<br />
www.peninsulasurf.com.au<br />
TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL<br />
03 5984 5670<br />
46 Ocean Beach Rd<br />
Sorrento<br />
www.triggerbros.com.au<br />
BEAN SURFING<br />
03 5984 5199<br />
4 Ocean Beach Rd<br />
Sorrento<br />
OZMOSIS<br />
03 5984 0360<br />
4 Ocean Beach Rd<br />
Sorrento<br />
www.ozmosis.com.au<br />
VIC SURF COAST<br />
MURFS LONGBOARDS<br />
03 5255 5525<br />
82 The Terrace<br />
Ocean Grove<br />
www.murfslongboards.com.au<br />
STRAPPER SURF<br />
03 5255 2666<br />
67b The Terrace<br />
Ocean Grove<br />
www.strapper.com.au<br />
GREEN ROOM SURF SHOP<br />
03 5256 2996<br />
64 The Terrace, Ocean Grove<br />
www.greenroom.com.au<br />
RASTA’S EARTH & SURF SHOP<br />
03 5254 3255<br />
51 Hitchcock Ave<br />
Barwon Heads<br />
www.rastasurfboards.com.au<br />
TONIK SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5254 1470<br />
60/62 Hitchcock Ave<br />
Barwon Heads<br />
www.tonik.com.au<br />
STONKER TORQUAY<br />
03 5261 6077<br />
1a Baines Court, Torquay<br />
www.stonker.com.au<br />
SOUTH COAST SURFBOARDS<br />
03 5261 2670<br />
1C Baines Court<br />
Torquay<br />
www.southcoastlongboards.com.au<br />
BLUNT<br />
03 5261 7590<br />
Shop 2, Surf City Plaza<br />
Torquay<br />
www.strapper.com.au<br />
TORQUAY SURF WORLD<br />
03 5261 4606<br />
Surf City Plaza<br />
Torquay<br />
www.surfworld.org.au<br />
BASE SURFBOARDS<br />
03 5261 5666<br />
3/108 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay<br />
www.basesurfboards.com<br />
STRAPPER<br />
03 5261 3508<br />
96 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay<br />
03 5261 2312<br />
106 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay<br />
www.strapper.com.au<br />
TORQUAY SURFING ACADEMY<br />
03 5261 2<strong>02</strong>2<br />
34A Bell St<br />
Torquay<br />
www.torquaysurf.com.au<br />
TIGERFISH<br />
03 5264 7271<br />
12/15 Bell St, Torquay<br />
www.tigerfish.com.au<br />
ANGLESEA SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5263 1530<br />
111 Great Ocean Rd<br />
Anglesea<br />
www.secondhandsurfboards.com.au<br />
LORNE SURF SHOP<br />
03 5289 1673<br />
130 Mountjoy Pde<br />
Lorne<br />
SHARKY’S<br />
03 5289 2421<br />
Mountjoy Pde<br />
Lorne<br />
HODGY’S SURF CENTRE<br />
03 5237 7883<br />
143 Great Ocean Road<br />
Apollo Bay<br />
www.hodgys.com<br />
SHIPWRECK COAST<br />
PORT CAMPBELL TRADING CO<br />
03 5598 6444<br />
27 Lord Street<br />
Port Campbell<br />
TAYLORS SURFODESY<br />
03 5562 5681<br />
132 Liebig Street, Warrnambool<br />
SOUTHERN GUNS<br />
03 5562 0928<br />
176 Liebig Street<br />
Warrnambool<br />
AGNES WATER/1770<br />
REEF 2 BEACH<br />
(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)<br />
07 4974 9072<br />
SUNSHINE COAST<br />
DA BOMB<br />
(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)<br />
07 5451 0620 - Maroochydore<br />
07 5437 9201 - Bokarina<br />
BRISBANE<br />
PRIMITIVE SURF<br />
(Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:30pm, Thurs<br />
8:30am-8pm, Sat, 8:30-4pm,<br />
Sun, 10-4pm)<br />
07 3266 1001<br />
TUGUN<br />
DIVERSE<br />
(M-F,8:30-5:30pm, Sat and<br />
Sun, 9-4pm)<br />
07 5598 4848<br />
COOLANGATTA<br />
UNDERGROUND SURF<br />
(7 days, 9-5pm)<br />
07 5599 1040<br />
YAMBA<br />
THE PLANK SHOP<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6645 8362<br />
TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS<br />
(Tues-Fri, 9-4pm, Sat, 9-12pm)<br />
0432 330 826<br />
COFFS HARBOUR<br />
THE LOG SHACK<br />
(M-F, 10-5pm, Sat & Sun<br />
10-2:30pm)<br />
<strong>02</strong> 6658 <strong>02</strong>23<br />
SYDNEY NORTH<br />
CHAOS SURFBOARDS<br />
(M-F,9-6pm, Sat & Sun<br />
8:30-6pm)<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9907 2769<br />
BONDI JUNCTION<br />
SIX OUNCE –<br />
INSIDE SURF CULTURE<br />
(7 days , 9:30-6:30pm)<br />
<strong>02</strong> 9389 5477<br />
WOOLONGONG<br />
SKIPP SURFBOARDS<br />
M-F,9-5:30, Thurs 9-7:30pm,<br />
Sat 9-4, Sun 10-4)<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4228 8878<br />
JERVIS BAY<br />
INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS<br />
(7 days, 9-5pm)<br />
<strong>02</strong> 4441 6756<br />
NAROOMA<br />
DSC SURFBOARDS<br />
(7 days, 9-5pm)<br />
0424 867 962<br />
THORNBURY<br />
ZAK SURFBOARDS<br />
(Mon-Fri,10-6pm; Sat 10-5pm)<br />
03 9416 7384<br />
TORQUAY<br />
STONKER TORQUAY<br />
(Mon – Fri, 9-5pm)<br />
03 5261 6077<br />
PHILLIP ISLAND<br />
ISLANTIS<br />
(7 days , 9-5pm)<br />
03 5956 7553<br />
ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES<br />
(7 days, 9-5pm)<br />
03 5952 2578<br />
FULLCIRCLE SURF<br />
(7 days, 9-5pm)<br />
03 5956 7453<br />
FIX BROKEN BOARDS?<br />
Promote your ding repair<br />
business for $15 an edition.<br />
Call 0401 345 201<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
BUSINESS FOR SALE: LIFESTYLE PACKAGE<br />
Work from home selling/trading surfboards,<br />
kayaks and surf skis. Large variety of stock<br />
from vintage to near new short/long boards<br />
+ accessories and memorabilia.<br />
Full range of boards/accessories to be sold<br />
in one transaction.<br />
POA for serious enquiries, picture is only<br />
small part of collection.<br />
Sunshine Coast. Contact 0403 465 083<br />
september <strong>2010</strong><br />
129
3.<br />
CLOSEOUT: RELAX<br />
ALL ON<br />
BOARD<br />
1.<br />
A little wet weather didn’t<br />
dampen the spirits or affect the<br />
turnout for the opening bash of<br />
Ocean Addicts, a brand new<br />
board store in Maroochydore on<br />
the Sunshine Coast.<br />
Cold drinks and a sausage sizzle<br />
kept the attendees fed and watered<br />
as they browsed through the SUP,<br />
kite, wake and surf gear on offer,<br />
while the littlies enjoyed a round of<br />
face painting.<br />
4.<br />
2.<br />
PHOTOS:<br />
1. Jayne and Andrew checking out<br />
some huge boards<br />
2. Deb Mitchell enjoying the day<br />
3. Co-owners Hayden and Ruth<br />
4. Lorraine loves smorgasboarder<br />
5. The red carpet was rolled out for<br />
young and old<br />
6. Liz and Murray cook up some<br />
mean snags<br />
7. Glen, Steve, Glenn<br />
8. Scandanavian students Didde,<br />
Marthe and Randi experienced<br />
some Sunshine Coast hospitality<br />
9. Ocean addict and co-owner Luke<br />
snapped here with Greg and Bec<br />
For more on the store, see:<br />
www.oceanaddicts.com.au<br />
6.<br />
8.<br />
5.<br />
7.<br />
9.<br />
Photos: Mark Chapman<br />
LET US KNOW ABOUT<br />
YOUR EVENT<br />
If you have something on the go,<br />
let us know. Email us on:<br />
editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au<br />
ART OF<br />
SURFING<br />
The Gold Coast competition<br />
attracted hoards of spectators<br />
and after a tense afternoon<br />
judging session, the winners<br />
were allotted their dues at a<br />
great opening party, complete<br />
with band and BBQ.<br />
The competition attracted over<br />
60 original works from local<br />
and interstate designers and<br />
artists. Surf World Gold Coast<br />
Chairman Mal Sutherland said<br />
that surfboards had long been<br />
an outlet for artistic expression<br />
and the competition highlights<br />
the tremendous creativity in<br />
surfboard art.<br />
Winners from left: Dick Van Straalen, Simon Skerry, Rodney Hopper, Ralph Riddell, Christian Chapman and<br />
(front) Cain Pridmore. Photo and words, Deb Perry<br />
130 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>
WE TEST<br />
EVERYTHING<br />
In our January edition, along<br />
with the usual travel, people<br />
and gear, we’re also testing<br />
as many things as we can<br />
in one edition. From wax to<br />
boards of any description to<br />
any random gear we can find<br />
- we’ll check it out and give<br />
it a run.<br />
NEXT EDITION<br />
WHERE TO<br />
GET THE MAG<br />
SMORGASBOARDER<br />
IS FREE...<br />
...so pick up your copy at your<br />
local surf shop along the east<br />
coast from Agnes Water to<br />
Warrnambool. If they don’t stock<br />
it, ask them why not.<br />
Shower time Photo: Richard Higgins flickr.com/photos/24364979@N00/sets/<br />
SUBSCRIBE & GET IT DELIVERED<br />
If you’re not fortunate enough<br />
to have a local surf shop with<br />
copies of smorgasboarder, you<br />
can subscribe to have it delivered<br />
to your door. The mag is still free,<br />
but Australia Post likes to get paid<br />
for delivering it. For only $18, you<br />
get six editions - hot off the press<br />
- delivered to your door. Send a<br />
cheque or money order to<br />
PO Box 501, Moffat Beach,<br />
QLD 4551, Paypal to money@<br />
hugecmedia.com.au, or ring<br />
0401 345 201 to pay by credit card.<br />
Cheques/Money orders to be made<br />
out to Huge C Media PTY LTD.<br />
READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE<br />
Save money, save trees... The<br />
entire mag is there for your<br />
reading pleasure at:<br />
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU
132 nov/dec <strong>2010</strong>