Smorgasboarder_05_May-June-2011

“THE CURE FOR ANYTHING IS SALT WATER: SWEAT, TEARS OR THE SEA.” ISAK DINESEN
EVERYDAY
SURFERS...
...this issue is all you. P31
UP THE CREEK
WITH A PADDLE ...P35
PASS THE SALT?
THE DESAL DEBATE ...P50
WETTIES
NOT ALL THE SAME ...P105
THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO SURF
ISSUE #5 MAY/JUN 2011

“is what surfing is all about”
www.goodtime.com.au
Since 1971
Come and see Gail and
the Goodtime team at
the Gabba
Photo courtesy of Dick Hoole

WETSUITS!
Get the right fit
at the right price.
Talk to the
specialists
Stocking Rip Curl, O’Neill,
West, Excel, Roxy, Quicksilver,
Billabong, Peak
Goodtime Surf & Sail
29 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane
07 3391 8588
WE SURF...

DETAILS
& THINGS
SMORGASBOARDER IS FOR ALL OF US THAT
LOVE SURFING, WHETHER IT’S TO RELAX,
UNWIND, GET IN A HEALTHY BIT OF EXERCISE OR
TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
WHERE TO PICK US UP
Quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafes within 10kms of the
coast through Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and
South Australia. For a full list of distributors, visit the directory
in the back of the mag or just get to your local surf shop and
talk to some real people, in the flesh. If you see a local store
advertising, they’re sure to have the lion’s share of mags in
your area. smorgasboarder is published six times a year -
September, November, January, March, May, July.
CAN’T GET THERE? SUBSCRIBE
If you can’t get to a store, have smorgasboarder delivered to
your door by becoming a home subscriber. The mag is free, but
Australia Post need to get paid. $18 in Australia gets you six
editions. Sign up at www.smorgasboarder.com.au and wait
by your mailbox. It’ll arrive every two months. Backissues are
available for $5 per copy. We only have a few copies of our first
four left... Be quick.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all our creative contributing writers, fantastic
photographers and excellent people who made this edition
possible. A special mention of thanks to Gus Brown, Megan
Slade, Helen Chapman and Katie Swan for their extra miles
and to all the grassroots surfers who contributed to this edition.
THE TEAM
SALES, EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION:
Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au
0401 345 201
Mark Chapman mark@smorgasboarder.com.au
0400 875 884
FEATURE SALES
Garry Palmer
Phil Pfeifer
garry@smorgasboarder.com.au
0418 745 227
phil@smorgasboarder.com.au
0450 391 517
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION & SALES
James Ellis trade@ljdistribution.com.au
0412 194 383
CONTRIBUTORS
WRITING TALENT & PHOTOGRAPHIC GENIUS
Talented geniuses they are - make sure you check out the
credits on each photo and story and take the time to tell them
how much they rock. If you would like to contribute to the
mag, we’d love to hear from you and include you...
Ideas & submissions: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
Distribution: mags@hugecmedia.com.au
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU
smorgasboarder is published by Huge C Media Pty Ltd
ABN 30944673055. All information is correct at time of going to
press. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors in
articles or advertisements, or unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or
illustrations. The opinions and words of the authors do not necessarily
represent those of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in
part or whole is strictly prohibited without prior permission.
4 jan/feb 2011
We print with Pep
Central and Craft
Inprint Group, an
environmentally aware
and committed printer
whose business is
founded upon the
principles of minimising
waste and maximising
recycling. Nice work.

jan/feb 2011
5

Mick Mackie Photo: Hiroyuki Yamada
THREE
STORES,
MANLY
Shop 2,
93-95 North Steyne,
Manly
(02) 9977 3549
Three times the choice
We have the most unbelievable range of boards of any surf store on the Australian
East Coast. We doubt there’s a travelling surfer who hasn’t visited Dripping Wet.
BONDI
2/180-186 Campbell Pde
Bondi
(02) 9300 0055
NORTH MANLY
398 Pittwater Road
North Manly
(02) 9907 2911
(SUP SUPERSTORE)
Tolhurst
Mick Mackie
Rusty
Eric Arakawa
McCoy
Byrne
Yater
McTavish
Wayne Lynch
Simon Anderson
Southpoint
Takayama
Mark Martinson
Kym Thompson
John Carper
Mark Richards
Dahlberg
Xanadu
Vampirate
Lost
Pearson Arrow
Wegener Seaglass
Webber
Superbrand
Robert August
Surftech
DHD
El Nino softboards
Plus accessories,
clothing and skate...
FCS, Fluid Foils, Reef,
O’Neil, Excel, Peak,
West, Quiksilver, Rip
Curl, Sanuk, Hive
Swimwear, Ocean
Zone, Aztec Rose,
Old Blokes Rule, Tools,
DC, Globe, Analog,
Seacured, Sector 9.....
6 may/jun 2011

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
24
86
105
Tons of
boards...
Page 94
ALL THE
USUAL BITS
THE LATEST
Feedback P15
News P16
And greatest P18
Community P22
BIG WAVE
GUIDERS
The pilot boat crew
surf much more that
your average waves
THE CANDYMAN
COMETH
We chat to Dave Verrall
of Diverse Surfboards
about his art and craft
RUBBER UP, IT’S
WETSUIT TIME
The cold has arrived...
We check out some
alternative wetties
TRAVEL
Discover the kingdom P58
This is New Ireland P72
GEAR
Latest surfboard designs P94
Surfboard restoration P102
Test everything P118
CLOSEOUT
One-of-a-kind surf store P120
Fitness P122
People out and about P129
LAGUNA
BAY
We have to apologise. Sorry Pat, this
sequence is just too good not to print.
Feast your eyes on one of our intrepid
contributors - a fountain of surf history
knowlege otherwise known as Pat
“Helmet” Quirk, having a disagreement
with a wave in Noosa. Photo: Ben Vos
For more hometown heros, see Page 31
LAGUNA BAY
8’6, 9’1, 10’2 & 11’2
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au
mar/apr 02 20114226 1322 7

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8 may/jun 2011
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YOU, YOU & YOU
When I was growing up, the
importantance of being yourself and
being comfortable in your own skin
was ingrained into me by my parents.
Forty years on, I am bald, have a head
like a robber’s dog and my surfing is
not that flash either - even though I
refer to myself as the “Count of Carve.”
There’s no kidding yourself or those
around you. It’s important to be downto-earth.
There’s no point pretending to
be something you are not. That’s much
the same with our mag.
Smorgasboarder is not about the
world’s best surfers. We’re just about
everyday surfers like you and like me –
the grassroots of it all, so to speak.
From the outset we have gone about
creating a surf magazine that is a healthy
alternative for surfers who just love
surfing, surf gear and travel... not hype.
We hope in some small way we have
achieved this feat.
Thankfully we have received a lot
of great feedback from readers and
so we have decided to dedicate this
edition to them - that means you. This
is your mag and it’s all about you, or
the guy or girl you know from your
local break.
Dave
THIS EDITION
If we were into the marketing lingo,
we could brand this edition our ‘green
edition’. There’s plenty in here on
grassroots surfers. Our debate piece
is on the environmental concerns
surrounding desalination plants and
we have a superb international travel
tale on surf trips to the wild frontiers of
Papua New Guinea.
But we’ve also got a lot of the usual
favourites in here too. For something
diverse, we feature Gold Coast shaper
Dave Verrall. We turn up the heat
in our quest to find quality wetsuit
manufacturers outside the big brands
and take a trip to Newcastle, land of
the brave.
There sure is a hell of a lot to read. Sit
back and enjoy. It’s our biggest one yet.
SIMON
ANDERSON
DK ULTRAFLX
5’10, 5’11 & 6’0
MOLLUSC
6’0, 6’4 &
6’10 Swallow Tail
Also Available
XFC Ultraflx 6’0, 6’1, 6’2 & 6’3
XFC 6’2, 6’4 & 6’6
Surfing the unspoiled, uncrowded waves of Papua New Guinea. Photo: The Perfect Wave
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au
may/jun 02 20114226 1322 9

LATEST: LOCALS
For more local
faces, see P31
NAME: Ashleigh Browne
HOME BREAK: Manly
10 may/jun 2011

BIG BOARD
MORNINGS
Q&A WITH ASHLEIGH BROWNE INTERVIEW: MARK CHAPMAN
PHOTO: JOEL COLEMAN, SALTMOTION GALLERY SALTMOTION.COM
BOB
MCTAVISH
CAN YOU GIVE US A QUICK BACKGROUND -
BORN WHERE, GREW UP, NOW?
Born and bred in Manly, and still here. Only spend
most of the time at the other end (Queeny)
WHO STARTED YOU OFF SURFING AND WHEN?
Ah, my dad got me on a board when I was about 7,
but I’d only really be keen in summer. I really started
getting stoked on it about 2 years ago and my dad was
real encouraging then too.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SURF SPOT?
Crescent Head. No question (A little cheer goes off in
the office)
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST SURFBOARD AND
WHAT ARE YOU RIDING NOW?
Ah, other then just foamies when I first started
it woulda been a 9’1 O’Donnell and now I’m
predominantly on a 9’4 Gato Heroi.
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE AT
THE MOMENT AND HOW DOES SURFING FIT
INTO IT?
Surfing probably is the most important thing in my
life... I have just finished school and am now just
hanging out and surfing as much as I can. When I’m
not down the beach or in the water, I’m wondering
what the surf’s doing and when I can get down next...
Living and breathing it at the moment, I guess...
IF YOU DIDN’T SURF...?
I think surfing has been my saving grace in a lot of
situations and if I didn’t surf, I have no idea how I’d
live... It’s just everything to me.
ANY MESSAGES, COMMENTS OR ANYTHING
ELSE TO ADD?
Stay Stoked...
Photo: Joel Coleman
www.saltmotion.com
CARVER
7’6 & 8’0
FIREBALL
9’1 & 9’6
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au
may/jun 02 20114226 1322 11

Some things just
shouldn’t get wet.
WASP Bags are completely water
and sand proof. Noticed how if
you get the tiniest bit of sand
or water in your phone, iPod
or camera they are never quite
the same again? Thanks to their
unique seal, WASP Bags ensure
that the things that should stay
dry, stay dry.
Noseriding style
Phil ‘Pup’ Bender
Buy online or ask your friendly surf shop...
waspbags.com.au
Ben Considine
reverse kick
Lee Considine
READERS PHOTOS
Thanks to all the readers that sent in photographs for this edition. There were
so many good ones it took us ages to finally decide which ones to use, but
congrats to the people on these pages - you all score a sweet set of WASP
waterproof bags! Got good snaps? Send your photos in to
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au for the next edition.
For more on WASP bags, see www.waspbags.com.au
Off the top at
Little Cove
Steve Chapman
12 may/jun 2011

LATEST: PHOTOS
Morning stretch
Paul Greene
Abstract
cover up
Toby Manson
THE WINNING SHOT
Congrats to Simon Sheppard for nailing this awesome shot of local surfer Danny Cougle making the most of the swell as
the NSW Mid North Coast is going off. Simon also snags himself the cover shot with another cracker of Danny.
Sneaky barrel
Jarrod Slatter
Somewhere in The Gong
Stella Crick
may/jun 2011
13

14 may/jun 2011

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION:
Email all your innermost thoughts, letters, stories, photos,
praise, rants to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au or send
other contribution ideas, surf photography or fantastic ideas
for stories to editor@smorgasboarder.com.au.
Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
Smorgasboarder-Surf-Magazine/133229320054947 (or easier,
just search for smorgasboarder)
LATEST: FEEDBACK
HARD WORK AND REWARDS
I am new to surfing and I want to tell you about the first
day I paddled out the back .
It was when we arrived down at Alexandra Headland.
I was a bit scared but my dad kept encouraging me. He
said “come on it will be fine.”
“If I’m too scared out there I’ll want to go back into
shore.”I replied.
When dad and I were paddling out, we got to about half
way, where there was a bit of a trench with no waves
breaking. I said “Is this how far we have to paddle?”
“No mate just keep paddling, just keep paddling.”
I moaned back in anger.
My arms started to get sore from all the paddling. But it
was all right because when you get to the point when
there are no waves breaking you can get a rest. We kept
going to where all the waves started to break because
there was a sand bank.
I kept on trying to get past all the white wash. Every
time I went under a wave and got back up to the
surface, another wave came and hammered me.
I said to Dad “How long do we have to do this for?”
Finally we got out the back and I was still a bit scared
but I got used to the feeling. It was a hard paddle, but
I was glad I got out there and said: “Man, that was a
hard fight but we eventually did it.”
Suddenly a big set came rolling in and Dad was saying
to me: “Catch it Neddy, catch it.”
“All right!”
I went for it. I was paddling as hard as I could and there
it was, my first wave out the back. It felt like I was
surfing a twenty foot wave because of the steep face.
I stood up and turned a bit to the right and dived into
the white water because dad said not to go too far in.
All because of that wave, I want to go surfing every day
now and talk about surfing. I even go surfing with my
friend, Aden who lives across the road from me.
My dad has bought me a 6’4” Hairy Goat shortboard.
Ned, Buderim
Congrats Ned - you win yourself
this Tools Deck Grip. Thanks for
sharing your story with us. Never
forget that first-wave feeling!
KIND WORDS FOR US
Finally, a surf magazine that is designed for
those that love surfing. No fuss, no talking
crap, no childish “surfie” lingo - just articles
that you want to read.
I love the board and location reviews. I also
love the fact I now own a pair on Terrence
Towelling pants due to spotting an advert in
the last mag, and I’ve found a shaper (Goran
Peko) to shape my next board.
The only pity is that I have to wait two
months till next publication. Keep up the
great work smorgasboarder team!
Mick, Paddington
I’ve found the mag to be a good source
of info from the stories to the ads. I like
the classifieds as it gives me access to
information not readily available in SA,
keeping me up to date with board building
and alternative trends rather than just the
mainstream sh#te.
Tony, Adelaide
AN EARLY STARTER
This is seven-year-old Ethan Hartnett on his
second wave at Spookies, Yamba, riding
a 5’2 Woody Jack thruster. A lifetime of
barrels ahead! (Photo - M Roebuck.)
Megan, Yamba
Wow... Ethan’s looks to be a better
surfer than anyone in our office. And
he’s only seven.
*Letters may have
been edited for
length and clarity
GIVEAWAY
Send in your letters and thoughts to be in line for
freebies! More Surfboards t-shirts up for grabs.
Email us on letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
may/jun 2011
15

LATEST: NEWS
CONGRATS!
We’d like to extend our
congratulations to Rahn
Goddard in winning the
Old Mal Division, which
smorgasboarder sponsored,
at the recent Noosa Festival
of Surfing. It was a good final
and incredibly refreshing to
see the event open to both
sexes.
We thought Isabelle Braly was
a class act and more than held
her own. We would also like
to sincerely thank Phil Jarratt
and the team for enabling
us to be involved in a great
week. For more on the festival
check out our social pages on
Page 129.
BIG RESULT
At the eleventh annual
Billabong XXL Global Big
Wave Awards held on April 30
in Anaheim, California, David
Scard of Caloundra was runner
up in the Ride of the Year
Award. His monster wave at
Cloudbreak on Sept 20, 2010
has made his work colleagues
at World Surfaris as proud
as punch. Regarded as the
Oscars of big wave surfing,
the awards also recognised
the biggest wave, largest
paddle-in wave, biggest tube,
the nastiest wipeout, best
overall performance and best
ladies performance. To check
out some of the action go to
www.billabongxxl.com
SANBAH FORMS OFF MEREWHETHER
No, our spelling isn’t that bad, we would just like to inform you the
Sanbah Surf Shop in Newcastle has undergone an unbelievable
transformation. The new store is very swish with a huge range of boards,
skate decks and gear as well as the latest and greatest in fashion.
Shop 27, The Junction Fair, 204 Union St, The Junction (02) 49622 420
ONE
LITTLE
INDIAN
Jesse Watson of Black Apache Surfboards and his wonderful wife have
welcomed into the world their new little apache Maya Mavis, who
weighed in at 7lbs 9oz. Congratulations guys. Enjoy the sleepless nights
and many wonderful years ahead.
CORRECTION
In our March edition we noted the great work being done in Samoa to help
communities get back on their feet following the 2009 Tsunami.
We erroneously credited The Perfect Wave Surf Travel company for relief
efforts where we should have mentioned The Surf Travel Co. instead, who
has worked extensively on projects with not-for-profit charity Groundswell
and the Randwick TAFE.
16 may/jun 2011

Here Dan talks with Jenson about why
surfing is so much better than Formula One.
DMS SHIFTS INTO TOP GEAR
Currumbin shaper Dan MacDonald won the opportunity to replace the
Vodafone logo on the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One cars -
driven by the youngest ever ex-World Champion Lewis Hamilton and fellow
driver Jenson Button - with his very own DMS company logo. He was
suitably stoked that both drivers came in 2 nd and 4 th at the recent Grand Prix
in Melbourne. Dan said it was a “dream opportunity for any business. We
saw this not only as a chance to promote the DMS label but to represent the
local Australian surfboard manufacturers.”
For more on DMS, check out www.dmshapes.com
QUICKIES
WELL I’LL BE FIIKED
The boys have a new showroom
at Unit 2, 3366 Pacific Highway,
Springwood to show off their
electronic skateboard range.
AUSSIES GET HIGH IN FIJI
Surfing Australia’s High Performance
Centre is stoked to offer surfers access
to coaching in some of the world’s
best waves in their inaugural Fiji Surf
Camp. Participants will be introduced
to famous breaks such as Cloudbreak,
Swimming Pools and Namotu.
See www.surfingaustralia.com
40 YEARS ON...
And still going strong! Not too many
surfboard manufacturers could
lay claim to that fame. The board
building game is a tough, tough gig
and often a thankless job and notfor-profit
business venture, so it goes
without saying that Town & Country
should be congratulated on reaching
their 40 th anniversary in business.
Founded in an old barbershop in
Pearl City Hawaii in 1971, they are
truly a worldwide surf industry icon.
20 YEARS ON
Whilst we are on the subject of
anniversaries, 2011 apparently
marks the 20th year since Bert Berg
from Sunova started crafting the
parabolic rail. We hope to talk with
Bert sometime in the near future
about his board-building prowess.
Goran Peko
KOMA ON THE MOVE
Goran Peko of Koma Surfboards
on the Gold Coast has packed
up his gear and moved to a new
factory in Southport at Unit 4/39
Bailey Crescent. He’ll still be doing
his great range of custom boards,
restorations and ding repairs.
For a chat and to check out his new
digs, drop in for a visit.
GOOD WORD ON GOOD WOOD
For something fresh, check out
Andrew Wells’ new Grown
Surfboards website. It’s sure to get
you pining for a bit of timber beneath
your feet. Check it out on
www.grownsurfboards.com.au
MAY DAY
The month of May is looming as a
big one for the Hydrophilic Board
Store in Baines Crescent, Torquay
with both Tyler Hatzikian and
Thomas Bexon scheduled to visit for
a little bit of shaping and such.
For more info visit
hydrophilicboardstore.tumblr.com
Surf Fitness Training
THE ORIGINAL AND STILL THE BEST
RUSTPROOF
SOLID METAL
A safe and secure place to store your car keys or
immobiliser while enjoying a surf.
Available at selected surf stores and online
WWW.SURFLOCK.COM.AU
Surf-specific workouts
you can do at home
Get fitter, stronger and
enhance your surfing
performance
Catch more waves,
Get more barrels
Surf better and have
more fun
To get started with your free surf-specific workout, visit...
www.TOTALSURFINGFITNESS.COM/freeworkout
Surf with your kids!
from 3 years of age.
Share the stoke
Only
$39.95
Available in all good surf shops or online at
www.learn2surfstrap.com
www.surfbabysurf.com
may/jun 2011
17

LATEST: & GREATEST
DON’T SHARE
Surfers rash, particularly in the groin area is
a pretty annoying afflication. SURFGEL to the
rescue. We’re told it’s an effective fix, so apply
liberally. Both a preventitive and a cure, but
after you’ve had a rub around the bits, try not
to share it with your mates...
Check your local retailer, or buy online
from www.boardstore.com.au
WHAT A BAG...
A decent size backpack. Opens as one large
compartment. It’s waterproof with a nifty
drawstring top and a buckle-over flap.
Tools have come up with a very sturdy bag for
keeping your gear dry that looks great too.
www.toolssurfaustralia.com.au
SMOOTH
LIKE A FISH
Check out Smoothstar’s great new artwork and
logo! With the same great quality Smoothstar
swivel-truck system, these sweet new decks
of artwork just have to be ridden.
www.smoothstar.com.au
BOARDER PATROL
Wally’s Water Gallery is a treasure trove of unique
gear. These surf photos, taken by Wally Johnson
are proudly displayed in amazing recycled timber
frames, made by dad, Phil Johnson. The perfect
decoration for any beachy shack
Call Wally on 07 5448 8560 or visit the store
in Marcoola to get one for yourself.
IS THAT A GUN IN
YOUR PANTS?
NOWAX...
Don’t want wax? Try Newax. These
hexagonal-shaped pads come in a
transparent adhesive sheet, in a range of
colours. It’s designed to stick you to your
board, good and proper.
www.newaxoz.com
Why yes, A FreeGun in fact. Keep an eye out
at your local surf shop for the fastest growing
fashion label in Europe. Having sold over 2
million boxers last year alone, it’s now here
in Australia.
Boxers, boardies, rash shirts, thongs and
shoes are printed with all kinds of crazy
sh*t, with a new range of designs every
two months. Ladies apparel also available
including the sexiest, sauciest underwear.
The first concept store will open in Noosa
this May, and they are currently on the
lookout for national stockists.
See www.website?
Trade enquiries, call 07 5449 0362
18 may/jun 2011

STICK IT
WHERE IT SHINES
That’s right! A skate wax that shines.. or should
I say glows.
Now I hear you say, “Skate wax?” I said the
same thing. Riding a rail on your skateboard
takes skill, balance and minimal friction. That’s
why, apparently, skaters wax rails, curbs and
ledges before they slide.
Stickit Skate Wax applies the right amount of
slick to the surface and stick for your board
to track. And as we said, it glows, so it looks
pretty cool at night.
OILS AIN’T OILS
Stickit designed
a board wax as
black as night to
send
the Oil barons a
clear message.
Make your stand.
FOR THE LADIES
Stickit have also specifically designed a wax for
surfing wahines. It’s easier to apply, great for
all year round, in any water temp and smells
like watermelon.
www.stickitgroup.com
Scott of Greenline
reckons the C4 Waterman
inflatable is the most fun
blow-up toy he owns.
BLOW
UP A SUP
SOME HAVE THREATENED TO, AND NOW YOU CAN...
Well with a pump anyway. Fold it up into a backpack, or
inflate for water fun. A range of cool new inflatable SUPS are
available from Zak Surfboards in Melbourne, Greenline on
the Gold Coast and Illusions Noosa.
The Illusions SUP can even double as a kayak, complete with
removable seat, footrest and paddle.
For more information, check out the websites:
www.greenlinepaddlesurf.com
www.illusionsnoosa.com.au | www.zaksurfboards.com
may/jun 2011
19

20 may/jun 2011

SLIDING JETSTREAMS
LIKE WAVES, IT’S ALL ABOUT CONSTANT CHANGE. WHENEVER GRIZZLED DIE-HARDS DECLARE THAT WE’VE
REACHED THE PINNACLE AND THERE’S NOWHERE ELSE TO GO... SURPRISE, SURPRISE, IT ALL CHANGES AGAIN.
WELCOME THE SURFING EQUIVALENT OF A PERSONAL JAMES BOND JETPACK. WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN PHOTOS: WAVEJET
LATEST: & GREATEST
Fearless tow-in surfer and big wave charger
Garrett McNamara enjoys an easier ride
for a change on WaveJet SUP. For more on
him, see: www.garrettmcnamara.com
We love surfing as much as new gear and ideas.
So, having heard about US company WaveJet
Technologies’ series of Personal Water Propulsion
(PWP) surfboards, SUPs and rescue boards, we were
very excited to find out more.
WaveJet is essentially a mini jet engine built into
your surfboard, SUP or the like. Similar to our
beloved FiiK electric skateboards, this runs on a twinlithium
ion battery pack activated through a wireless
wrist controller. With twin drives and recharging on
a standard wall socket, the WaveJet has about 30
minutes in it a pop. And the WaveJet folks reckon it’s
up to five times faster than paddling.
”Surfers catch more waves, lifeguards reach
swimmers and boats faster and kayakers can cruise
against strong current and wind,” said Mike Railey,
CEO of WaveJet. “It really allows you to break free
from traditional limitations.”
The series of new boards - which could be hitting
Australian shores later this year - has been designed
in conjunction with Steve Walden, of Walden
Surfboards fame. He seems to be quite excited about
the possibilities as well.
“WaveJet’s propulsion drive will dramatically
enhance when, where and how we surf due to
conditions and location”, he says. “Think of PWP as
a power pack for your ride.”
We are very excited about checking this out when it
hits Australia and will have a full test and rundown
on how they go as soon as we can.
For more information, pics and video, check
out the website on wavejet.com.
What do you think? Excited to give a WaveJet
powered board a go? Drop us a line and let us know
your thoughts - letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
may/jun 2011
21

Factory-riding
groms...
But where’s
Harry?
CHARITABLE SPIRIT LIVES
ON IN CANETOAD COUNTRY
Thanks to the support of so many businesses associated with
smorgasboarder we managed to raise over $6300 for the Premier’s Disaster
Relief Appeal.
Primitive Surf in Brisbane
also did their bit for the
Appeal holding their
own charity fundraising
night on Tuesday 12th
of April and raised over
$7500 for the victims
of Queensland’s recent
disasters.
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THE DREADS ARE OFF
After reportedly being “very
overwhelmed, freakin’ nervous but
always positive” Leanne Gilkes’
dreadies are gone. Better known
as Bluey, manager of Coolum Surf,
Leanne’s new look helped raise over
$16000 for the Qld Cancer Council.
ROYAL EFFORT
Royal 70, a non-profit organisation formed by Sydney Northern Beaches surfer,
Blair Cording and his partner Krishna Mathrubutham are partnering with
Cuban organizations, Havanasurf and the Cuban Surfriders Association to
launch an assault on Cuba’s coastline in August 2011.
They plan cycling Cuba’s coastline to help create awareness for the Recycle
Reuse Revolution educating people on how unwanted, unloved and unused
surf, skate and musical equipment can bring smiles to the island’s kids. Their
inspiring journey will be documented in both film and stills. To find out more
and follow their progress visit www.royal70.net
GOLD COAST TO JOIN THE RESERVES
The declaration of the Gold Coast National Surfing Reserve looks set to
proceed for January 2012.
The 3 sites proposed to be recognised are Burleigh Heads, Currumbin (Alley)
and the southern points comprising one site being: Kirra, Coolangatta,
Greenmount, Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks. For more information see
www.surfingreserves.org
SURFING PIONEERS’ NIGHT
Joe Larkin
Mark 28th May on your calendar
when Joe Larkin, Gordon Woods,
Scott Dillon and Bill Wallace,
four of our pioneering board
manufacturers, get together to
talk about the birth of the Malibu
and modern surfing in Australia.
www.surfworldgoldcoast.com
22 may/jun 2011

SURF ART MURAL RESTORED
LATEST: COMMUNITY
If you’ve ever driven past Coolum on the Sunshine Coast Motorway, you’ll
have seen the giant wave mural of Old Woman Island on the shed owned by
the Savimaki family. The original artist, Owen Cavanagh - who spends much
of his time in Italy painting artwork and murals across Europe has just been
back to give the 10-year-old piece of art a bit of a touch-up. Shed owner Hans
Savimaki is delighted with the restoration works.
To see more of his, and other artists works check out the Surf Art Expo from
Friday 13 th to Sunday 15 th May at the Alex Surf Club in Alexandra Headland.
STUFF UP FOR GRABS!
YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR EDITION OF SMORGASBOARDER AND
WE’RE EVEN GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN HEAPS OF STUFF AS WELL
MAKING A SURFBOARD?
RESTORATION OR REPAIR?
LEARNING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?
MAKING BLANKS MAKING FINS?
416 pages of the most valuable
information you might ever read,
the SURFER’S TEXTBOOK
is a must have for any aspiring
surfboard maker.
Years of board manufacturing
research, development
and understanding in one
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with over 1000 photographs,
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surfboard templates.
THIS IS yOUR
UlTIMATE GUIDE
BUy ONlINE TODAy and start your journey!
Order before June 2011 for a FREE copy of the
Bare Bones -Making and Repairing a Surfboard CD.
WWW.SURFERSTEXTBOOK.COM.AU
DO YOU HAVE AN OLD, STINKING,
ROTTEN WETSUIT?
We want to see it. If we judge it to be the worst
we have seen, you will win a fantastic new wetsuit
from C-Skins. Send your photo in with your name
and contact details to
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au The winner will be
drawn in our July edition and their photo published
alongside other finalists.
WIN!
*Suit shown for illustration purposes only. For terms and conditions, see the smorgasboarder website
.
READERS PHOTO COMPETITION
Each edition our reader’s
surf photos keep pouring in,
getting better and better. Now
there is even more reason to
get your prized surf pics in.
Next edition’s winner will be
provided with a great surf
prize pack from Primitive
Surf and bragging rights over
your mates for being front in
centre in smorgasboarder.
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Photo: Toby Manson
Send your photo submissions to
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
*For terms and conditions, see the
smorgasboarder website.
If you have any news and events that should be in these pages, please feel
free to drop us a line at editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au.
may/jun 2011
23

LATEST: LOCALS
IG WAVE
Kicking off the working week by climbing a rope ladder, five
storeys up the side of a ship in cyclonic conditions might not
appeal to those of us accustomed to a hot cuppa and some office
banter. But to a bunch of keen old surfers who boast Moreton Bay
as their office, it is part of a work day routine that can randomly
throw up all the excitement of a high seas adventure.
WORDS AND PHOTOS:
MEGAN SLADE - MEGANSLADE.COM
24 may/jun 2011

GUIDERS
If you’ve ever surfed Cartwrights (Off Point
Cartwright in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine
Coast) you will be familiar with a little yellow
Pilot boat.
On a fine day, she chugs serenely around the
rock wall into a turquoise Mooloolaba Bay.
In cyclonic conditions, she slams and pitches
through the breakwater, dodging surfers,
stand up paddle boarders and jet skis, all
vying for prime position among the sets. She
will disappear in explosions of sea spray and
down into the troughs of mountainous waves
before rounding the point and into the fickle
hands of the Coral Sea.
Onboard there is a Coxswain, Deckhand and
Marine Pilot. Their mission is to rendezvous
with a ship waiting five nautical miles
offshore and dispatch a Pilot who will assist
with the vessel’s safe passage into the Port of
Brisbane.
This routine is carried out several times, every
day and night in almost any conditions Mother
Nature can serve up. So to the untrained eye
these mariners appear to be taking incredible
risks. In a country where people can sue for
tripping over a pencil in their office, these
guys casually wrestle 60,000 tonne ships atop
five metre seas in a contest they cheerfully
describe as a ‘contact sport.’
may/jun 2011
25

“THE GOLDEN
RULE IS
DON’T PANIC”
The view from
the office
Coxswain Mark Lennard
Different big wave riders passing by
Getting ready to board
Staring up at a sixty thousand
tonne ocean liner from the
relative safety of a thirteen
metre speed boat throws your
balance. The sheer enormity
of these cities on water is
overwhelming. The little yellow
boat and gigantic metal tanker
grapple above a surging ocean
as the Coxswain guides her to
the leeward side of ship.
‘We often joke that it’s a contact
sport,’ says Coxswain Mark
Lennard. ‘On normal boats you
try to avoid collision, but we
come together with the ships.
We try to make it as gentle as
possible, but quite often it’s just
the nature of it, with the huge
swells and the movement of both
vessels. We hit really hard.’
The Pilot and Deckhand exit the
cabin. A rope ladder is crudely
flung from the heavens by the
ship’s crew whilst the rise and
fall between tanker and Pilot
boat begin to synchronise. The
Pilot picks his moment and
rides the surge onto the ladder.
In seconds he has scampered
up the monstrous vessel and
is waving from the heavens
alongside his new crew. On
a clear day it’s an exciting
spectacle. During a cyclone
swell and forty knot winds it’s
maniacal.
‘I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t
get scared in rough conditions’
admits Marine Pilot, Captain
Steve Anthony. ‘Your pulse rate
goes up but they organise the
ship to get the best possible lee
and the least possible rolling.
Then you go for it. You’ve got to
be really quick to get up there,
and quick to get down too. You
can’t linger on that Pilot ladder.’
‘It’s only half a second between
leaving the pilot boat and
getting onto the ladder,’ explains
Captain Nic Fischer. ‘It’s
all about control. If I am not
comfortable or the Coxswains
not comfortable, we just pull
the pin. Although it looks big
and graphic for those couple
of seconds that you transfer
between the Pilot boat and the
ship everything is relatively
stable. It’s about timing and
respecting the elements and the
environment. I know it seems
really archaic having a rope
ladder to climb up, but nothing
can go wrong. It’s so simple. All
of the timing is in my legs and my
arms and I choose when I go. It’s
a bit like when you are surfing
you choose the wave you paddle
in to’ says Nic.
RESCUE
On a moonless night, minutes after
collecting a Pilot from an oil tanker,
Coxswain Mark Lennard received
a call from the Captain of the ship
reporting a man overboard. Whilst
de-rigging the pilot ladder a crew
member had fallen eight metres
from the ship into the cold dark
ocean. He had no lights attached,
could speak little English and
couldn’t swim. Fortunately he was
wearing a life jacket.
‘You go into training mode;
there is a real heightening of the
adrenalin. It’s firing through you
because you know someone’s
life is on the line. The golden
rule is don’t panic, you’ve got
to react the way you have been
trained to’ says Mark.
Mark swung the launch boat
around and headed upwind at
full speed. The crew onboard
the tanker had desperately flung
lifejackets and rings into the
gloomy ocean below for their
missing mate.
‘I had marked a track on the
GPS which records our position,
so I was able to go back on the
exact path. We started a pattern
26 may/jun 2011

NO TIME TO
MUCK ABOUT
Time is of the essence
to make it safely up the
ladder, especially in
rough seas.
search up wind in the direction
the ship was going. One of our
crew members heard this fellow
screaming, so we honed in on the
voice. If we had approached from
upwind we probably wouldn’t have
heard him. I doubt we would have
found him because it was pitch black.
‘We got him out of the water and
took him to shore. The ambulance
met us on the wharf, checked him
out and we took him back out to the
ship. He was terrified and in shock,
but just so grateful. The crew were
so happy to get him back on board.
They were all hugging him and he
was crying.’
JOINING IN
Mark explains that surfing on the
job is almost compulsory. ‘You
need an easterly swell particularly
with a north east aspect to get a
really nice break at Cartwrights.
When you are out in deep water
on the Pilot boat the waves are too
fast, they overtake you. But as you
start to come around the point it
starts to get shallower. The wave
actually slows down and builds up
in height and steepness.
‘When it’s big all surf crafts in
creation are out there. We blast
the horn about two or three hundred
metres out and everybody will turn
around and once they see the pilot
boat coming they part to make a
path for us to come through. When
I see a big set coming I pull the
power off and wait for it to catch
up. Then we gun it, slot in and
slide across the face of the wave
surfing it right into the entrance of
the river mouth. Oh, it’s great, we
all do it!’
IN THE SURF
On his time off Mark tries to surf at
least once or twice a day at Moffats
or at his local beach breaks. ‘I often
surf a fish with a quad set up but
this one here is my favourite board’
he says pointing to a big wooden
mal. ‘I bought the board in about
2001. It handles waves up to about
two meters and it goes really well.
It was designed by Lauran Yater
in Santa Barbara. It’s epoxy with a
wood veneer. It’s really strong and
looks really good but I did manage
to snap it!
Your one stop for
STAND UP PADDLE SURF
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may/jun 2011
27

THE CREW: Left - Coxswain Mark Lennard and his 9ft friend, Yater; Top right - Captain Nic
Fischer; Bottom right - Captain Steve Anthony
‘I was out surfing at Currimundi. The swell
was building over a period of an hour or so
and then a really big set came through. I was
on the inside just paddling and paddling trying
to get out the back. I got through the first two
waves and then the third one of the set, being
a bomb, just guillotined the board.
‘It had folded it, but when you folded it back
it didn’t appear to be broken. I couldn’t bear
to throw it away so it became a feature on
the wall at home for about six years. One
day a mate of mine popped around and said
he’d be able to repair it. It took him about
three months but when I got it back it was
just brilliant. It’s as good as I’d remembered
it was.’
Most of the Pilots and Launch crew are surfers,
so seven years ago they decided to embark on
a surf trip together. Now they go at least twice
a year. ‘We were out at Crescent Head. The
main break was really crowded, so we went
around to the south of Crescent. There was
a lovely little point break which we had all to
ourselves’ recalls Mark. ‘Out with just your
mates. It’s great fun. Everyone was dropping
in on each other.’
Out of work time it seems that caution is all but
forgotten and it’s on for young and old. ‘One
of the pilots called out ‘Jehovah’ once on a
trip and it stuck. It relates to our friends who
occasionally drop in uninvited,’ says Mark.
‘We do it to each other. A couple of the pilots
are notorious for it! There’s been contact made
with the boards on a few occasions and some
guys have had stitches but it’s all in good fun.’
Mark claims that although they call him the
‘Silver fox’ at age 59, Steve is possibly the
most agile Pilot he has seen. Steve is about
to head to the Maldives on a separate surf
trip because he just can’t seem to get enough
ocean time. He was enquiring, somewhat
cheekily, about where he could get his hands
on a massive boulder so he could begin some
hard core training at the pool.
‘None of us are really gun surfers, let’s put it
that way,’ says Steve. ‘But we have a fantastic
relationship. We have an absolute ball on the
trips, its older blokes behaving badly. ‘I live in
Brisbane so I usually surf Rainbow, Snapper
or Currumbin. When we have a surfing safari
we go away for a week but now the guys can’t
wait twelve months so we have an interim trip,
usually to Byron.’
Nic moved his family up to the Sunshine Coast
from Adelaide after he and his wife drew
up a spreadsheet incorporating all that was
important to them in work and play. Now
he surfs with his daughters most days at
Yaroomba, their local break.
‘My youngest daughter is right into surfing and
triathlons and my eldest daughter just loves
surfing too. She is nineteen and she won’t
get up before 10am unless it’s for university
lectures or surfing. I just love that. It’s really
beautiful when you can enjoy surfing with your
kids.’ says Nic.
‘You meet a lot of nice people, a lot of really
interesting people in the water, I like that.’
28 may/jun 2011

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may/jun 2011
29

Start the revolution.
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The freshest, craziest brand of underwear and clothing
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Photo: Simon Sheppard
LATEST: LOCALS
Photo: Simon Kettle
Photo: Lee Considine
Photo: Jarrod Slatter
Photo: Joel Heidke-Skinner
Photo: Joel Coleman/Saltmotion
THIS IS
ALL YOU
For the last month or so we have marveled
at the feats of surfing’s elite with the recent
running of the Quicky Pro on the Gold Coast,
the Festival of Surfing in Noosa and the
50th Annual Rip Curl Pro at Torquay. With
that said, we thought now is the perfect
time to get back to giving the grassroots
surfers a spot in the limelight... Back to what
smorgasboarder is all about.
What takes centre stage in this edition is the
men, women and children who will do just
about anything to get their saltwater fix. They
don’t surf for trophies or for glory. Sometimes
they surf with their mates but often they’ll
surf alone, simply because of how carving the
face of a wave makes them feel.
These are some of their stories.
may/jun 2011
31

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“Surfing has taught me
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NAME: Suzie Sanguinetti
NICKNAME: The Ox
WHERE: Noosa, Queensland, Australia
32 may/jun 2011

MEET
THE OX
PHOTOS & INTERVIEW CONTRIBUTED BY:
SIMON R KETTLE
SIMONKETTLE@LIVE.COM.AU
AT WHAT AGE WERE YOU SAVED BY SURFING
AND WHO SHOWED YOU THE LIGHT?
I started surfing around the age of 22, that’s 13 years
ago. My best friend got into surfing at around the same
time. He took me out, and once I got my first wave I
was addicted!
HOW HAS SURFING CHANGED YOU AND THE
SENTIENT LIFE FORMS CLOSE TO YOU?
Surfing has been an outlet, a source of great enjoyment
and passage of meditation for me. It is more than a
sport or art, it’s a lifestyle. People in my life understand
how important surfing is to me and are genuinely
interested and happy that it brings such joy. Many
express enthusiasm to share that joy and often come
along for the ride.
IF YOU COULD SURF ANYWHERE ON PLANET
EARTH WITH ANOTHER SURFER DEAD OR ALIVE
WHO, WHERE AND WHY WOULD IT BE SO?
I would dearly love to surf Hawaii with my best friend.
We have surfed many places in Australia together and
have often discussed how amazing it would be to surf
the breaks made famous by those who come before us.
SURFBOARD... WHAT DOES THIS CONCEPT MEAN
TO YOU?
‘Surfboard’ is a craft or vessel for those who wish to
experience a ride, not like any theme park ride, but
a ride that brings a rush of adrenaline, puts a huge
smile on your face and makes every stress in your life
dissolve.
TAKING A WIZ IN YOUR WETSUIT IS A GUILTY
PLEASURE? DISCUSS.
I have to admit, I have done this on occasion. On those
cold winter days, particularly in Victoria, that warm rush
goes a long way.
IT’S FLAT FOR THE THIRD WEEK IN A ROW. WHAT
SURFING VIDEO ALWAYS SAVES YOU FROM
HAVING A KOOKED-UP, LANDLOCKED WIPEOUT?
Single Fin Yellow is a brilliant concept and fantastic DVD.
YOU’RE DRIVING DOWN THE COAST IN YOUR
PANEL VAN, UTE, KOMBI OR STATION WAGON.
WHAT MUSIC IS PUMPING AND SPREADING THE
VIBE?
The Smiths - No matter where you go or what you are
doing, Morrissey’s lyrics are always relevant, witty and
thoughtful. I love 80’s music too... the daggier the better.
THE ‘COFFIN RIDE, HEAD DIP AND QUASIMOTO’
ARE TRADITIONAL MOVES THAT HAVE NOT
RE-EMERGED WITH MODERN LONGBOARDING.
WHICH ONE WILL YOU HELP ME POPULARISE BY
2015 AND WHY?
I choose the ‘Coffin Ride’ because that’s the only one I
know, and it’s pretty easy to do.
ANY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH A ‘NOAH’S ARK’?
I think I’ve seen a couple, but they could have been
dolphins….well at least that was what I was counting
on! I only paddled in once at Point Leo in Victoria
because the ‘dolphin’ seemed a bit large
WORST SURFING INJURY YOU’VE ENDURED OR
SEEN WITH YOU OWN EYES?
I got a compound fracture of my finger surfing Noosa
a couple of years ago. Even though the bone was
virtually sticking out of my finger, I thought to myself
‘maybe I could get just a few more waves?’ because
the surf was perfect that day. When my finger suddenly
became the size of a large zucchini I paddled in.
WHAT WISDOM HAS SURFING TAUGHT
YOU THAT YOU CAN PASS ON TO FUTURE
GENERATIONS OF HOMOSAPIENS READING
THIS VIA A HOLOGRAPHIC CEREBRAL IMPLANT
HUNDREDS OF YEARS INTO THE FUTURE?
Surfing has taught me to slow down, take things as they
come and to live a balanced life. People get caught up
in their worlds e.g. work, family, events, etc., and often
forget to just take time out to simply have fun.
IF A GOVERNMENT AGENCY HAS SET UP A
COVERT OPERATION TO SPY ON AND REPORT
SURFERS WHO TAKE ‘SICKIES’ VIA OUR
COUNTRIES MANY ‘SURF CAMS’, WHAT SHOULD
WE SURFERS DO ABOUT IT?
Black out all the cameras with spray paint! Big brother
can suck it!
HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED PREJUDICE
BEING A GIRL SURFER?
Not really, most people think that it’s pretty cool to
be a girl surfer. In fact, since I started surfing 13
years ago, the number of girls out there has increased
dramatically.
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT WHEN
SURFING?
I’ve almost lost my bathers a couple of times... I’m sure
that I would’ve scared the small children swimming
nearby.
WHAT’S THE STICK IN YOUR QUIVER YOU
WILL NEVER PART WITH AND YOU KEEP
COMING BACK TO LIKE AN OLD FRIEND?
I love my Takayama Model T. I have four boards
but I ride that one 99% of the time. It rides like a
dream.
SURFING IS AN ART OR A SPORT?
As a longboarder I believe surfing is an art. It is
graceful, creative and beautiful.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MOST SACRED SURF
TRIP?
I have had many wonderful surf trips, all with my best
friend. Surfing Noosa on an evening where the sun was
setting, the sky was pink and orange and the waves
were perfectly clean 3+ foot is my most treasured surf
memory.
WHEN WILL, IF EVER, ‘FREE SURFING’ PREVAIL
AND WHAT WILL BRING ABOUT A SHIFT IN
CONSCIOUSNESS IN ALL SURFERS?
Realistically, I believe there will always be surf
competitions because humans are competitive by
nature. I know that I will never take part in one though,
it would take the fun out of it for me.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ‘NIGHT SURFING’?
Yes, those evening surfs at Noosa I was speaking
of before would often lead into night surfing. I’ve
caught waves by the light of the moon and gone out in
complete darkness. It was beautiful.
LATEST: LOCALS
YOU’RE DRIVING HOME FROM A MEMORABLE
SURF AND FEELING AT PEACE WITH THE WORLD
WHEN YOU SUDDENLY HEAR AND FEEL THE
SOUND OF YOUR STOMACH RUMBLE. WHAT
FOOD IS GOING TO SATISFY THAT NEED?
Potato cakes.. I always feel like those warm, salty,
greasy pieces of bliss after a good (or bad) surf.
may/jun 2011
33

LATEST: LOCALS
RAY OF SUNSHINE
SUNNY OLIVER-BENNETTS. INTERVIEW: MARK CHAPMAN PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
WHO STARTED YOU OFF SURFING
AND WHEN?
I grew up in the bush hippy town of St.
Andrews which is out near Kinglake
where the fires were in February, 2009.
As a family we were always heading
down to the beach, whether to Sandy
Point, Wilson’s Prom or Torquay.
My dad started me off surfing when I
was 8 at Wilson’s Prom. I remember
pretty clearly the first time I stood up
riding the whitewash. I was pretty
pleased with myself. I still surf with
dad and he taught me most of what he
knows, he loves a good longboard wave!
board, until I reached the Bells carpark.
By the time I’d walked up through the
bush to the South Side carpark with
bleeding legs and hands, Trav was just
calling the cops. He’d seen me go under
and that was it.
BEST SURFING MOMENT?
At Tallows Beach in Byron Bay, surfing
with some friends at dusk on a speedy
black quad and watching dolphins play
in the waves around us. Equally as good
was surfing at Winki with only my friend
and I out - again with dolphins.
NAME: Sunshine June Oliver-Bennetts
KNOWN AS: Sunny
BORN: Melbourne, Australia
LOCAL BEACH: Torquay/Anglesea
FAVOURITE BREAK: Gerupuk, Lombok
QUIVER: Single fin shaped in Torquay,
twinny from Cali and bright
green thruster
Left: Sunny spreading
the love of surfing with
Desert2Surf
Below: Early days with
Sunny surfing at ten
years old.
YOUR FAVOURITE SURF SPOT?
My favourite surf spot would have to
be Gerupuk in Lombok just out from
Kuta Lombok. My partner and I spent a
week surfing there earlier this year and
loved every second of it. The wave at
Insides was fun, cruisy and, with the
views of the Rinjani volcano, it’s a pretty
powerful place!
SCARIEST SURFING MOMENT?
It was at Bells Beach a few years ago.
I had been at a party the night before,
worked all day in Swell Café and
headed out at dusk with a mate. The
swell was pretty big and I’d never seen
so many dudes out at Bells before. I was
frothing for a wave and it was a stinking
hot summer’s day so my mate Trav and
I paddled out at South Side. We got
greedy after not too long and paddled
over to Centre Side.
I was chatting to a fella I knew out there
and didn’t pay attention to the fact that
I was sitting in the centre of the crew,
the heart of the action. After hearing lots
of the dudes swearing at the next set
coming in I found myself paddling like a
mad woman with the guys to get the hell
over these waves. Hearing Bells blokes
swearing at a set is pretty unsettling.
With my arms doing little for me, I was
taken under by the biggest wave I’ve
ever encountered. After a long time of
climbing the ladder I came up throwing
up water and the next three waves hit
me in quick succession. At one point I
had to do some serious self talk not to
panic, otherwise it could have all been
over. I can now see how it happens.
I ended up having to walk along the
bottom of the cliff face on broken rocks
with waves crashing into me and my
TELL US ABOUT DESERT2SURF AND
HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED.
Desert2Surf is a not-for-profit
organisation that I established with
my folks and a few friends to create
opportunities for indigenous kids from
remote communities to be able to
surf. These communities have very
few resources for the kids to do stuff
locally, let alone opportunities to travel
interstate and go surfing.
Surfing is such a beautiful sport
that teaches people so much about
themselves and helps to build selfconfidence.
It’s the perfect pursuit for
kids from disadvantaged communities
and I love being able to share that!
ANY FAVOURITE MOMENTS FROM
THE DESERT2SURF TRIPS?
Watching twelve year old Rebecca
Dennis (the first person from the remote
community of Minyerri, NT to see
breaking waves) to stand up on her first
wave... Seeing her huge grin, I thought,
“Yeah this is it, this is Desert2Surf.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN
YOUR LIFE AT THE MOMENT?
The most important thing in my life...
Wow, where do I start? Family, friends,
health, surfing, Desert2Surf, my new job
with Engineers Without Borders... okay
the most important thing – balance.
SURFING IDOL?
Lane Beachley for sure. All power to her.
She has championed women in surfing
all around the world and is continuing
to invest her time and energy into the
community in a really down to earth and
incredible way. Desert2Surf would love
her as an ambassador!
34 may/jun 2011

SURF SUSTAINABLY...
SURF BAMBOO!
STRONG, LIGHT & ECO-FRIENDLY
UP THE CREEK...
BUT WITH A PADDLE
WHAT TO DO WITH A 30 KNOT ONSHORE? IT’S SIMPLE: GET OUT OF THE WIND. IT
DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE - I’LL BET THERE’S SOME WATER NEAR YOU.
I’VE BEEN OUT DURING A 30 KNOT ONSHORE TO FIND GLASSY CONDITIONS IN THE
CREEK OUT THE BACK OF MY HOUSE. WORDS: KARL DE WET PHOTO: SIMON LYALL
we send it
everywhere
FREIGHT
SPECIALISTS!
AUSTRALIA-WIDE
for kite • wake
• sup • surf
A few tips though...
1. If you want to remain friends with the local
farmer don’t scare the cows. Seriously, for a
farmer, he would rather you harass his children
than his cattle.
2. Don’t drive on a farmers land without
announcing yourself/asking permission, it’s
rude. Find some public access.
3. Taking a phone in a waterproof pouch is not
a bad idea.
4. Brown snakes love bare feet.
5. Stay out of flooded waters. SUPs are not
made for fast flowing creeks. Trust me, when
you hit a strainer (where water stains through
fallen trees) the water easily catches your rail
and flips the board upside-down. Before you
know it you are waist-deep in fast-flowing
water amongst loose trees and 12’ of SUP
wedged up against you - possibly in an
uncomfortable part of your anatomy if you’re
really unlucky. Be careful.
6. If you’re not returning to the same spot
then give yourself heaps of extra time. I’ve
been dropped off in the bush to make my way
home before. Knowing the creek, I guessed
it would take three or four hours to get back
home. Seven hours later, I finally got to my
front door... The water level changes and it’s
different every time.
7. Night paddling is also fun. It helps to know
the area you are paddling in though and you
only pack a headlight as backup. It’s better to
let your eyes adjust to the stars and moonlight
- you’ll be surprised how well you can see.
8. Carrying supplies... Apart from all the cool
waterproof bags available, 10l and 20l plastic
paint containers are the go. I’ve carried ice,
beers, firewood fishing tackle - no problem.
Just put the container on the nose and if it
falls off, it should float and stay dry. Just pick
it up out of the water and you’re on your way.
I’ve been a surfer for years, and I’m always
up to try something new. New boards, new
ideas... Having an option to get out and have
some fun regardless of wind conditions got me
into exploring the creeks and riverways around
my area on my SUP. Why sit on the couch
when you can be up and about? I have fun, I
stay fit, I see so much wildlife. In a five minute
paddle, I can feel like I’m a million miles away
from civilisation, all on my own, not hassling
in the crowds for a wave, or fighting onshores.
It beats the couch on a windy day, or any day.
NAME: Karl De Wet
BORN: Durban, South Africa
LOCAL BEACH: Warana
McKee bamboo surfboards
by Fanatic IN STOCK NOW!
Looks great, surfs awesome!
Mals, shortboards, fun eggs... All
shapes and sizes available!
CALL FOR EXCELLENT
END-OF-SEASON DEALS
may/jun 2011
35

BRISSO BOY
Not near the water, but still surfing...
RAY BISSCHOP
NAME: Ray Bisschop
NICKNAMES, IF ANY: Razor
HOME BREAK: North Pine Dam
FAVOURITE SURF SPOT: Yamba Area
QUIVER: 6’2” Primitive Punt, 6’0” Primitive Blunt.
Double Island Point
Photo: Ray Bisschop
Moffat Headland
Photo: Ray Bisschop
Ray & Darryl, Brisvegas Lads
“Living in Brisbane and having a passion for surfing can be
frustrating at times. Super early mornings, long drives to
the coast (when you get the chance). Having said that, the
advantage of being in the middle of the two coasts is the
flexibilty, depending on the conditions depends on which way
you head your chariot. The option of surfing a wide variety of
breaks is certainly a plus and can keep you frothing.”
Brisvegas designer and photographer Ray Bisschop - owner/
operator of Mondo Images - knows this all too well, having
been a Brisbane-based surfer for all his life. His love of surfing
landed him his first job working for Shazam Advertising on the
Goodtime Surf and Sail account for three years.
Ray‘s always been proud of being involved with Brisbane
surf shops and 25 years later he is now doing the design,
photography and video work for Primitive Surf.
“I’ve only ever really surfed Brissy sticks including my very
first board - an old 60’s Cowely which was handed down to
me by my uncle. My current board is a Primitive Punt and it
goes unreal”. Ray says it feels like he has come full circle
back to working on what he loves most - surfing, design and
surf photography.
“What I love about working with Primitive is that they are
a proud Brisbane surf shop and also know the difficulty of
hitting the water. The other thing I really appreciate is their
Brisso-Only surf comp called the ‘Postcode Challenge’, which
I think evens out the field. It is an anomaly having a surf
comp for an area that has no surf, which in itself makes it
cool. The crew put alot of effort into making it a great event.
“They had Occy there last year and Craig reckons this year
will be better again. This year is my first ever comp and I
think it will be a blast. I’ve played plenty of social sport and
making the finals is what you aim for (here’s hoping) and
sometimes competition itself can be alot of fun. The comp is
on mid-May and I’m really looking forward to it.”
For more of Ray’s work, check out
www.mondoimages.com.au and for event details on the
Postcode Challenge, go to www.primitivesurf.com.
Kings Beach
Photo: Ray Bisschop
36 may/jun 2011

We first got to know Polek Rybczynski thanks to the great photos he
submitted for our March edition, sparking our interest at the weird handplane-type
board he was using. Turns out, not only can the man take cool
pics and ride interesting craft, but he can also write! He was kind enough
to submit this piece inspired by an icy trip to Vancouver Island, Canada.
EMPTY FOCUS
A personal travel moment. WORDS & PHOTOS: POLEK RYBCZYNSKI
LATEST: LOCALS
I’m stroking hard. The peak has shifted twenty meters to the left so I have to
move a little quicker to get on. A long left is shaping up; it is around the three foot
mark and lining into a gully, which is separating the two dominant banks of this
beach. This nine foot McTavish is taking a little more effort to swing around than
any board in my quiver, which has been laying dormant for four months thousands
of miles away, but it glides me right into position. Three more strokes and I’m on.
Up. Lean. Turn. Shift. Crouch. Enjoy.
Back at the house which lays amongst mature native fir, comes a little realisation
and humility. I step outside barefoot to take the recycling to the bins and within
four steps both of my feet are numb. I look left onto the lawn where Nine Foot
rests and there is frost on her wax... its 2pm. Now these two things kindly remind
me of where I am, and how fortunate I am in being able to taste these fine west
coast Canadian waves. I’m fortunate, I mean by having access to a 5/4/3mm fully
sealed and blind stitched steamer, hoodie attached, with the accompaniment of
4mm gloves and booties. Without this modern-day technology of wetsuit rubber
and design, it would make for a daunting and short-lived task to surf these frigid
6 degree Celsius waters, let alone the 5 hour sessions I am enjoying. The task
would hold about the same ambition as trying to bodysurf Tahiti’s notorious
Teahupo’o at 10 feet. Now you can try it and perhaps do it but chances of survival
are as close to 0% as one can get. I focus back on the recycling in hand and
quickstep it to the bins, which have me stumped for a minute with their bear proof
handles. The feet are screeming at me to get back to the warmth of the humble
abode. Mental note: just because it is a surf trip does not mean I can walk bare
foot everywhere.
8am: I’m trying to get my mind away from seeing the beach’s amenities toilet
water frozen to the bowl, and think on where to paddle out. As duckdiving Nine
Foot is somewhat difficult, and not being in a particular mood of rolling her over
to get through the incoming waves too many times, I focus on the ocean. A gentle
meditative conversation takes place soon after.
Mind: “This bank of yours to the right, how consistent is it?”
Ocean: “Five wave sets about every four to five minutes I believe.”
“Is that a rip next to it?” asks Mind.
“No, just a shifting channel.” Ocean offers.
Hmmm...
Mind, “What about just there, next to your left, will it break any wider?”
Ocean: “No, not until the tide drops a bit more anyways.”
Hmmm...
Heart: “Thank you.”
I wait for the next set to break, I walk, jump and put in some long strokes. Looks
like the gentle conversation was well understood, only one roll. Just enough
NAME: Polek Rybczynski
KNOWN AS: Lipton, Wind-pipe, Mojo
BORN: Wroclaw, Poland. 1982
LOCAL BEACH: Bulli, NSW
LOCAL MOUNTAIN: Whistler, BC
FAVOURITE BREAK: Crescent Head backbeaches or Peggies
Bombie (W’gong)
QUIVER: These are self made - 2 x 5’11’’ fish hybrids, 6’1’’
biscuit w/flyers hybrid, 6’6’’ concave alaia, 3’6’’ wood
paipo. These i purchased - 42’’ Morey Bullet, 22’’
Mark Richardson Fish Kickboard, 5’6’’ Mike Manns
circa 1870 Paipo/Alaia.
to wash the sleep from the eyes and wake me up just that much more to the
appreciation of this humble but assertive coastline. I sit on Nine Foot and for
some reason am drawn to paying my full attention to her character. The buoyancy,
shape, rails, width, her keels. This makes me listen attentively over the following
ridden waves.
Then, a transition of awareness: Nine Foot’s rails are cutting into the waves
glassy face. I feel the fins doing their work holding edge whilst whistling
along. Water rushing by. Then nothing. Just a serene moment of.... well… that
something. I’m not sure of how to exactly phrase it but I am sure that the majority
of surfers know of its taste. It’s in-between the split second after you flick off a
wave and the split second before your first thought after flicking off a wave: an
emptiness. Not an emptiness that drains but rather fills. Mystically it fills. Wave
after wave it fills. No matter the size or shape of wave, it fills.
I paddle back to the left peak, marveling at how easily my shoulders move in this
suit. I sit there waiting and watching the horizon. A few thoughts come, but as I
observe, they soon go. Focus drifts to that emptiness again. I turn and paddle.
may/jun 2011
37

ONE
CRUISY
CAT
PHOTOS & INTERVIEW CONTRIBUTED BY:
SIMON R KETTLE
SIMONKETTLE@LIVE.COM.AU
NAME: Paul Corbett
AKA: ‘Pauly’
WHERE: Cat Bay, Phillip Island, Victoria.
AT WHAT AGE WERE YOU
SAVED BY SURFING?
I would have been 49. I
was living in Melbourne and
some friends of mine had a
caravan down here at Phillip
Island and said they were
going surfing.
I’m originally from Western
Australia and surfed
between the age of fifteen
and twenty four but hadn’t
surfed for a number of years.
I said ‘can you surf down at
Phillip Island?’ I didn’t know
anything about the place but
I came down and fell in love
with it. I hired a board and
a wetsuit and that was the
start of me getting back into
surfing again.
HOW HAS SURFING
CHANGED YOU AND THE
SENTIENT LIFE FORMS
CLOSE TO YOU?
Well, it’s helped keep me
focused on being healthy, fit
and enjoying myself. Surfing
is a great sport for all those
things and it’s something
that once you get involved
with it and you get that
buzz out of a ride, well,
there’s nothing else like
it. Now, my wife and the
girls are involved so it’s just
fantastic!
IF YOU COULD SURF
ANYWHERE ON PLANET
EARTH WITH ANOTHER
SURFER DEAD OR ALIVE,
WHO, WHERE AND WHY?
Well, it would have be at the
birth place of surfing, Hawaii
and surfing with either
Donald Takayama or Joel
Tudor at a mellow wave like
Waikiki or Diamond Head
and just be there where its
all happened.
SURFBOARD... WHAT
DOES THIS CONCEPT
MEAN TO YOU?
It’s the ultimate machine.
There are so many variations
and so many styles of
surfboards. There’s one type
of board for every person
on the planet, longboarding,
shortboarding, well, you
name it! My preferred style
is longboarding.
TAKING A WIZ IN YOUR
WETSUIT IS A GUILTY
PLEASURE? DISCUSS.
It is? (Laughs) Let’s face it,
in the cold weather down
here in Victoria if you say
you haven’t done it, then
you’re lying.
IT’S FLAT FOR THE THIRD
WEEK IN A ROW. WHAT
SURFING VIDEO ALWAYS
SAVES YOU FROM
HAVING A KOOKED-UP,
LANDLOCKED WIPEOUT?
Something like ‘Ten Years
After’ or ‘One California Day’
are fantastic to watch over
and over. They’re both just
great!
YOU’RE DRIVING DOWN
THE COAST IN YOUR
PANEL VAN, UTE,
KOMBI OR STATION
WAGON. WHAT MUSIC
IS PUMPING AND
SPREADING THE VIBE?
Oh, it’s got to be a CD by
Bert Wills called Pavones
Sunset. If you haven’t heard
it, get it! It’s some of the
best surf music you’d want
to here. I read about it on
the net and it sounded good
so I just bought it. It’s great!
THE ‘COFFIN RIDE’,’HEAD
DIP’ AND ‘QUASIMOTO’
ARE TRADITIONAL
MOVES THAT HAVE NOT
RE-EMERGED. WHICH
ONE WILL YOU HELP ME
POPULARISE BY 2015
AND WHY?
Well it’s got to be the ‘head
dip’ because it’s cooler! The
Quasimoto doesn’t look too
good, does it?
ANY CLOSE
ENCOUNTERS WITH A
‘NOAH’S ARK’?
There’s been a couple I can
recall. Both were here at Cat
Bay. The first one was at
First Point and I was out with
about eight guys and one
yells out ‘shark’. I thought
‘sure, sure’ but I turned and
could see the dorsal fin out
of the water. It would’ve
been about 8-10 foot and
maybe a tiger shark, so a
fair size. So, we all got back
in to shore as quick as we
could which luckily wasn’t
far away. The other time
was about two years ago
at the main break here, at
‘Shelley’s’ and this shark, a
‘seven gill’ was having a go
at a guys board. The guy just
tried to keep kicking it away
with his foot!
WORST SURFING INJURY
YOU’VE ENDURED OR
SEEN WITH YOU OWN
EYES?
Probably, it’s my wife. When
I was teaching her to surf in
Perth and I said ‘Honey, don’t
go for that wave or you’ll be
in a lot of trouble’. She did,
and the next thing you know
she came up with blood
everywhere and a broken
nose. That was a pretty bad
one!
DO YOU BELIEVE IN
THE ‘XMAS SWELL’
PHENOMENON?
Absolutely! It always seems
to come through at Phillip
Island around that time of
the year. For some unknown
reason the swell always
seems to come through when
you get the south westerly
swell and south easterly
wind. The weather always
changes around Christmas
time, and it picks up.
WHAT WISDOM HAS
SURFING TAUGHT
YOU THAT YOU CAN
PASS ON TO FUTURE
GENERATIONS OF
HOMOSAPIENS
READING THIS VIA
A HOLOGRAPHIC
CEREBRAL IMPLANT
HUNDREDS OF YEARS
INTO THE FUTURE?
It’s great way to instil
friendship and mateship.
There are so many good
people that surf. You learn a
lot from those people about
life, living and what it’s all
about. You also get to enjoy
the waves and nature.
38 may/jun 2011

NAME: Vincent Passamier
WHERE: St Kilda, Victoria
OUI LOVE
SUP-ING!
EVER SAT AT YOUR DESK DAYDREAMING OUT THE
WINDOW AT THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE SKY WISHING
YOU COULD BE OUTSIDE ON A BOARD? EVEN
BETTER - HAVE A JOB WORKING AT THE BEACH? ONE
FRENCHMAN GOT PAST DAYDREAMING AND DID
EXACTLY THAT. WORDS: CARINA SLAVIC
Wet or dry... if you’re having fun, you’re doing alright.
Three years ago, 24 year old Advertising
Sales Executive Vincent Passemier packed
his bags and went travelling the world. In
Dublin he met a girl and followed her to
Melbourne. Today Vincent is a Stand Up
Paddleboard instructor working summers
in St Kilda and winters up north.
I wasn’t into sports back home and never
tried any type of board sports until I came
to Australia. I love the relaxed, healthy
lifestyle here. People are active and happy.
I wanted to be like that too. Living here
inspired me to have a go.
After taking up kiteboarding, Vincent
was addicted and ended up doing a stint
as a kite surfing instructor. Thanks to
some crossovers between kite and SUP
schools, he soon discovered the Stand Up
Paddleboard.
“I gave it a go for the first time in
December 2009 in 40° heat, 25 knot wind
and no instruction. I fell in 10 times in row
and pretty much gave up!”
But a month later, after an actual lesson,
he was up and riding, soon finding himself
so involved that he was managing the SUP
school. To complement his paddle training,
Vincent slowly started getting into Street
SUP as well.
“Skating, especially longboarding is huge
back home in France. But it wasn’t for
me. My friends tried to encourage me but
I didn’t think I had the body balance. The
St Kilda Stand Up Paddle Bus hire Street
SUPs – so when no-one was watching I
had a try.“
“I had been looking for a fun way to
exercise in between giving SUP lessons
and still stay near the beach. Street SUP
has been ideal. It’s accessible to do it
every day, and is more interesting than
being in the gym. It’s been great training
for my SUP. I ride up to 15 km a day and it
doesn’t even feel like I’m exercising.
“Street SUP has been the best activity
for my overall fitness. And it’s cool that
anyone who tries it can do it. I’m glad
I gave it a go. When I visit home later
this year, I’ll be taking my longboard and
Kahuna Big Stick with me and joining the
French skating scene.
Vinny gets
paddling in the
street too.
sixounceboardstore.com.au
may/jun 2011
39

“Tom Myers, Freshwater NSW.
This photograph is taken by hanging off a cliff with
a massive drop onto rocks. The locals know about
this semi-secret vantage spot. It makes for a pretty
amazing view. Tommy is the new king of Freshy -
an amazing surfer and a really humble kid.”
40 may/jun 2011

LATEST: IMAGES
A CRUMPET’S VIEW
REFRESHING. IT’S A WORD THAT’S BANDIED ABOUT A BIT. BUT IN THE CASE OF MARK
TAYLOR – ALSO KNOWN AS SURF PHOTOGRAPHER, CRUMPET – IT MOST PERFECTLY
DESCRIBES NOT ONLY HIS VIBRANT AND VARIED WORK, BUT ALSO HIS OUTLOOK ON
LIFE AND THE SURF COMMUNITY. WORDS MARK CHAPMAN, PHOTOS MARK TAYLOR - CRUMPET PRODUCTIONS
No industry politics. No in-crowd ego. No hype and most certainly no bullshit. Just the most amazing imagery
telling incredible stories, capturing magical moments and making you want to surf all day long.
You’ll have seen the name Crumpet across awe-inspiring photos in many a surf mag, from this little community
publication to the likes of Surfing World, Waves, Tracks and international biggies like Transworld Surf. At 36
years of age, Crumpet has most certainly left an impression on the eyeballs of surfers around the world, but
personally, we think it’s his humble and happy approach to it all that will leave the most lasting impression of all.
may/jun 2011
41

LATEST: IMAGES
“Gavin Beschen, Rocky Point, Hawaii.
Funny story about this photo. This was my second
attempt at shooting water photos this day. Half an
hour earlier I jumped in after doing all my usual
checks to see if all the seals on the water housing
were okay, but a couple of minutes in I noticed a
small amount of water had got in!
“I swam in holding the housing above my head,
which must of looked great from the shore. I dried
it out and thought I would try it again to see if it
leaked, but in my rush to get out, I didn’t check
which lens I had put on. I thought I had my 85mm,
but when Gavin flew centimetres from my head, I
realised I actually had my 20mm lens on.
“Some of my best water photos have come from my
disastrous days in the water.”
42 may/jun 2011

It all started for Mark as a young lad when his family moved to
Australia. Dad taking him and his brother bodysurfing on the
weekends got him hooked on the ocean. In England, Mark was used
to the ocean being flat. With the tides, sometimes he would have to
walk half a kilometre to touch the water. But here there were waves
to swim around in! Inevitably, in his early teens the surfing bug bit,
and hard. With a good group of surfing mates, Mark’s mum had no
chance of getting him out of the water, convinced he would develop
skin cancer by 16. Fortunately, he didn’t.
At age 15, however, what did develop was his interest in photography
while doing work experience at a photographic company. Being
around photographers telling their stories got him intrigued and
planted the seed for his future career.
With surfing and photography as pastimes and passions, it was just
a matter of time before the two met, thanks to a push from a young
company finding its feet - Volcom.
“I was studying photography and was shooting a bit of skateboarding
for my portfolio,” Mark tells us. “Volcom was in it’s extremely early
days and was keen to see if I had any photographs of their skaters
and a relationship started from there.
“They asked if I took surf photos. I had stupidly been avoiding shooting
surfing, even though I loved surf photos and bought all the magazines.
So I went out and bought a secondhand manual focus 600mm lens and
started shooting the Volcom surf team and it grew from there.”
From these early days with a secondhand lens, Mark has grown his
passion into a life of travel and incredible experiences, shooting
everything from local sessions with mates on the Northern Beaches
to high-profile international events abroad.
“IT HAS TAKEN ME TO SO
MANY PLACES IN THE WORLD,
AND I WOULDN’T REPLACE
THOSE MEMORIES FOR MONEY.”
Mark says a standout memory of his experiences doing surf
photography has to be in 2009 at The Eddie – the annual big wave
invitational event in Hawaii.
“It was the closest thing to an arena-like sporting event. After so many
close calls everyone knew it was going to go off. So on the morning
of the contest the roads were packed at 5.30am… It was like the
anticipation before kick off in the opening State of Origin game.
“I climbed up a cliff at 6.00am to get my vantage point. From the top
of the cliff you could see nothing, but hear everything. At 7.00am
the contest director announced “It’s on!” The whole Waimea valley
erupted in screams of joy. It sent a chill down my spine. The whole
day was amazing and I’ll never forget the emotion of it all.”
But Mark doesn’t always shoot from cliff tops. A major part of this job
is to get in the thick of it all and swim for your supper.
“I find water shooting so exciting. It can make up for sometimes
missing the best surfing conditions for myself to surf in.
“The most stressful part of it is trying not to flood my water-housing,
because I have flooded a camera and had so many close calls.
may/jun 2011
43

LATEST: IMAGES
“THE WHOLE WAIMEA
VALLEY ERUPTED IN
SCREAMS OF JOY. IT
SENT A CHILL DOWN
MY SPINE.” MARK ON THE EDDIE
“When it comes to water photos I try to do a bit of
water training especially in the lead up to Hawaii. That
can involve swimming laps of Queenscliff Beach or
bodysurfing.
“I have had a few close calls especially once in WA
where I was seeing stars, but I have been lucky
compared to others I know.
Despite the physical dangers, Mark says the biggest
challenge for an aspiring surf photographer is making a
financial success of the career.
“But my advice to aspiring photographers is just do it!”
he says. “It has taken me to so many places in the world,
and I would not replace those memories for money.”
With a trunkload of great memories and a portfolio that
most surf photographers would kill for, what does the
future hold – what will an 80-year-old Mark Crumpet
Taylor be up to one day in the distant future?
“I am moving a bit more into abstract photography and
producing gallery prints. And maybe owning my own
gallery space.
“You will never get me out of the water. Even if I can’t
ride a board later in life I want to be like the 70-80 old
guys who bodysurf Queeny corner every morning.”
And we can’t wait to see what Mark’s camera captures
for all those years to come.
Watch out for much more of Mark’s work in future
editions of smorgasboarder. He’s also in the process
of setting up a website to show you even more, but
in the meantime you can contact him for prints at
crumpetproductions@yahoo.com.
“Kelly Slater, Waimea Bay, Hawaii.
This is the Eddie contest, taken from a
cliff above Waimea Valley. King Kelly
on a bomb, I think he got a perfect
score of a 100 on this one.
“The greatest surfer EVER. Master of
any size wave.”
44 may/jun 2011

may/jun 2011
45

LATEST: IMAGES
“Sam Page, Queenscliff, NSW. I was driving past on the
way to drop off my girlfriend to the ferry when I noticed
Sam ripping on these tiny waves. I raced back, thinking I
could grab a few before work, but by the time I got back the
ocean went flat. Then this set came along...
“Sam took off out the back, racing along looking for a
section. This guy dropped in on him, creating an area for
Sam to launch off. Sam completed his air and the guy in
front had no idea what was going on above his head.
“It was the only photo I took this day but it was worth it.”
NAME: Mark Taylor
AGE: 36
BORN: Manchester, England
LIVE: Freshwater, NSW
LOVE: Being in the ocean whether on a board or swimming in it
(such stress relief) and my partner Lauren
Supermark... Holding up boulders
in the Northern Territory

One website - heaps of
shapers and surf shops shirts...

lucas muro photographer
“Tom Myers, Freshwater NSW.
This photograph is taken by hanging off a cliff with
a massive drop onto rocks. The locals know about
this semi-secret vantage spot. It makes for a pretty
amazing view. Tommy is the new king of Freshy -
an amazing surfer and a really humble kid.”
0424 089 770 www.lucasmuro.com.au
Photo: Megan Slade
Celebrating
4
years
02 6685 7485
10 Acacia St,
Byron Bay NSW
www.tcsurf.com.au
“HE SAID IF YOU HAVE
A MATE YOU DON’T
DO THEM WRONG.”
FLOYD SMITH ON BOBBY BROWN
THE EXHIBITION
The Bobby Brown Exhibition will finish up in Bobby’s old
stomping ground of Cronulla at Jackson Surfboards, Caringbah
from September 10-18.
There is also a paddle out being organised for Bobby a week
later on September 24 at Sandon Point Surf Club in Wollongong,
for friends, fans and lovers of surfing.
For details, go to www.bobbybrownsurfinglegend.com or contact
exhibition co-ordinator Andrew McKinnon on 0412 754 974.
48 may/jun 2011

Bobby Brown Photo: Barrie Sutherland
LATEST: LEGENDS
At the Bobby Brown exhibition in Noosa, held during the 2011 Noosa Festival of Surfing, I had the good fortune of bumping into Floyd Smith,
co-founder of Gordon and Smith Surfboards. He had celebrated his seventy-first birthday surfing at Noosa and was about to head south with old
friend Dave Wilson to surf Green Island - for him, the best left in the entire world. He kindly stopped for a chat about Bobby Brown and recalled a
man who was not only a magnificent surfer, but a great mate. WORDS: MEGAN SLADE
A SIMPLE MATTER OF MATESHIP
Floyd: ‘It’s always nice to get to Noosa under any
circumstances but it was really nice to come here
because they were having a tribute to Bobby Brown. He
was one of Australia’s best surfers from the early sixties
to when he died in 1967. In fact, the month before he
died he was the best surfer in the world.
‘He had been a kid in the 64’ World Titles, just 17 years
old. If you look at films or movies of that (event) he had
the worst surfboard I had ever seen. It was all beat up
and patched up.
‘It was an attraction for me when I came to Australia to
see if Bobby Brown was actually that good. I did...and he
was. So I offered him a job. I had a surfboard factory and
he could ride the boards and we could teach him how to
make them.
‘Bobby explained to me a bit about Australian mateship.
He said if you have a mate you don’t do them wrong. The
guy who’s surfboard he was riding was a mate of his so
it wasn’t going to be possible for him to take the job. I
was real surprised that he turned it down - it was a real
lucrative offer, but we became friends anyway, stayed in
contact and surfed together often.
‘ He was an apprentice carpenter and he was going to
school, working forty hours a week and he just wasn’t
getting the surfing time that he was going to need to put
him over the top.
‘For a casual surfer there just wasn’t anyone like him.
He was really agile and real aggressive. Often the guys
that are really aggressive aren’t good people. They are
little butts - that is what they are! Bobby wasn’t like that
though. In person he was real quiet and common. You
would never pick him out in a crowd.
‘So a year later he asked me for a job. The catch was that
I had to hire his best friend as well who was also named
Bob Brown. They both wanted to be shapers. This was a
big deal, but I did it anyhow. It worked out great because
we’d get him out in the water, we’d get him to travel, go
to different spots and when we did we’d get tonnes of
people wanting his boards. Luckily his best friend Bob
Brown could shape them and it worked out real, real
good... just great.
‘I had notified everybody back in the States how good this
kid was and we were going to get him some exposure.
We were going to send him to Hawaii and he was going
to tour the mainland. He was on fire, just absolutely on
fire! Every week he was better and more startling. They
were just starting to take photographs of him and film
him for movies.
‘(Then) he was in a pub across the street and there was a
little bit of an argument, not that bad of an argument. The
guy went to throw a glass of beer in his (Bobby’s) face
and the glass hit his jawbone and slit his throat and he
died. It was tragic.
‘I was surprised that he never really got the recognition,
and I realise now that we never really had many
photographs of him or much film, but the guys that were
there, they knew what was going on. If you talk to any
of the top guys at the time like Midget Farrelly or Nat
Young, they’ll tell you that yep, he was the best.’
Bobby Brown cutback photo courtesy of Barrie
Sutherland, WaterMarks Photo Gallery.
www.watermarksphotogallery.com.au
may/jun 2011
49

LATEST: DEBATE
50 may/jun 2011

Eastern Australia’s recent ‘hundred year drought’ has
seen construction for desalination plants becoming a part
of the landscape on more than one beautiful surf beach.
Desalination, hailed as the “silver bullet” solution to
guarantee our cities drinking water, could be coming to a
surf break near you. Bizarrely, the idea of surfing glassy
faces while weaving through the pylons of a desalination
plant construction platform seems strangely romantic. The
reality, however, is more likely to be a miserable slop session
weaving through dead fish in a toxic slurry of salty brine.
IT’S TIME TO PUT THE DESALINATION ISSUE
ON THE SHAPER’S TABLE, ANALYSE THE
LINES, AND ASK WHY OUR POLITICIANS’
STOMACHS ARE MORE INCLINED TOWARDS
A GLASS OF TREATED SEA WATER THAN A
SPARKLING GLASS OF FRESH RAINWATER.
WORDS BY MICK LINTHORNE.
For Eastern Australia’s long-suffering farmers, the
unpredictable cycles of wet seasons, dry seasons, droughts
and floods offer a rollercoaster life of dramatic contrasts.
Our climate cycles can produce bountiful harvests or
spectacularly dusty crop failures; hard-earned wealth or
heart-breaking farm debt; even life and death for our flora
and fauna.
But there are cycles. The rains will come … eventually. It
can sometimes be a case of just hanging on, if you can.
And the rains have come; in very large and sadly, tragic
proportions. In recent months, most of eastern Australia’s
‘hundred year drought’ has been brutally extinguished by
a relentless series of deluges. The dams of South East
Queensland went from dangerously low levels of around 15
percent to the devastating floods and inland torrents that
appalled and mesmerised a nation.
Drilling platform for the Wonthaggi
desalination plant at Powlett River, Victoria
Photo: Jeff Tull
It appears the ‘La Nina’ weather cycle has finally parked
herself on our East Coast weather radars, while her crusty old
brother, ‘El Nino’, has been banished to our distant memories.
Few of us usually give a second thought to Southern
Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole or even La Nina, but these
phenomena are not just for the weather geeks. These rare
gems generate the cyclonic swells and stormy low pressure
may/jun 2011
51

YWYS was active in the fight against Wonthaggi
Powlett River, before - untouched. Photo: Jules Elliott
systems that can make even the most
laconic soul-surfer froth like a warm
beer in a soapy glass.
Inland and coastal regions of
Queensland, Victoria and New South
Wales have been brutalised in recent
months by torrential rains. The
previously-barren Coopers Creek,
Barcoo, Thompson and Diamantina
Anti-Wonthaggi
protestor.
Photo: Takvur
Rivers are once again mighty
causeways, draining our nation’s
flooded interior and replenishing
life on their journey to inundate the
parched salt flats of Lake Eyre.
Drought-breaking rains are unleashing
a mesmerising flourish of life and
ecological rejuvenation, rhythmically
pulsing through our continent’s heart;
just as they have for millennia.
In the meantime, our state politicians
are spending billions to ‘drought-proof’
our thirsty cities. Inexplicably, the
natural ebb and flow of weather and
climate are deemed insufficient to
quench our urban lust for water. It
seems that five minute showers, lush
green lawns and endless car washes
are considered too important to trust
to the vagaries of weather and climate
cycles.
According to many of our elected
officials, desalination is the ‘silver
bullet’ solution to our water needs.
Who needs dams when we can drink
from our oceans? After all, “our home
is girt by sea”.
Salty seawater can now be converted
into pure drinking water by a process
known as seawater reverse osmosis
(SWRO). This is basically how SWRO
works…
• Water is piped ashore to a
processing plant from a giant
platform constructed a few
hundred metres off the beach.
• After pre-treatment, high
pressures are used to filter
the seawater through
semipermeable membrane coils.
This is done at pressures of 800
to 1180 psi (or 6-8 MPa), which
requires phenomenal amounts
of energy.
• The extracted salt and other
contaminants are then pumped
back out to sea to the offshore
platform, where they are
expelled into the ocean as a
slurry of warm, salty brine.
• Clean drinking water is then
pumped underground to the
urban water grid.
Ridiculous energy consumption is
one of the main causes for alarm
about desalination. In 2008, the
Water Services Association of
Australia modeled several water
supply scenarios and determined that
sourcing water by desalination was
by far the most energy-intensive. They
predicted that if desalination became
the primary source of supplying around
300 litres per person per day, energy
usage would rise by 400% above
today’s levels.
But do we really need 300 litres of
drinking water per person; drinking
water that too often is used for hosing
down our driveways? Shouldn’t every
roof in Australia be collecting and
storing our personal water needs in
household tanks?
In the chambers of our state
parliaments, water policy is being
Illustration: Gus Brown
52 may/jun 2011

decided right now. Believe it or not,
public debate and popular opinion
can be the driving forces in today’s
democracy. After all, don’t politicians’
jobs depend on keeping us - the
voters - happy?
Currently however, despite the hard
work and protest action of dedicated
people in the community, political
wins have been slim. Water policy is
like a giant, headless scorpion. It has
no idea where it is going, but still has
a deadly sting in its tail.
Too often best practice and policy
are often usurped by politically
safe expediency. And, inevitably,
the safest political solution to
water security seems to be to
spend truckloads of money building
something BIG.
By building desalination plants, do
our governments hope to insulate
themselves from criticisms of poor
planning and inaction the next time
our dams start running low? Treated
seawater will flow, butts will be
covered and jobs will be safe. But
is the safest solution for the pollies
the right solution for us and our
environment?
Sadly, it appears that too few us
are motivated enough to tackle such
questions. Ironically, the need for a
constructive debate about water is
drowning in a pool of apathy.
Meanwhile, monstrous desalination
plants are popping up along our
pristine coastline. A $4 billion
desalination facility is under
construction in Wonthaggi, on
Victoria’s Bass Coast. Sydney’s $1.89
billion plant at Kurnell on Botany Bay
became operational in January 2010,
overcoming sustained and passionate
protesting. Adelaide’s plant at Port
Stanvac is under way, also despite
community protest. The Gold Coast’s
Tugun plant is in the midst of an
operational debacle that would
surely prompt a re-think from the
Queensland Government.
On the contrary, the Queensland
Water Commission had received
the go-ahead for a network of
desalination plants on Queensland’s
Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches
including another plant located in the
surfing community of Marcoola on the
Sunshine Coast.
When everyone’s grass is lush and
green, and people are blissfully
hosing the lawn clippings off their
driveways, precious few of us seem
LATEST: DEBATE
Powlett River, during the drilling. Photo: Jeff Tull
may/jun 2011
53

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to care less about water supply. It seems the
worst thing that happened to the debate about
our great water crisis, was a deluge of water.
Complacency is winning the day.
Despite the rains and overflowing dams, the
concept of desalination is fast-becoming a
nightmarish reality. Wonthaggi. Kurnell. Tugun.
Port Stanvac. Each is now blighted by one of these
environmental monstrosities.
Your Water Your Say (YWYS), a Victorian
organisation vehemently opposed to the
Wonthaggi desalination plant, fought and lost a
bitter legal battle with the Victorian government.
With court costs awarded against this community
group, YWYS were forced to disband; blown out
of the water by the government big guns. In a
written statement, YWYS claimed that actions by
the Victorian government “can only be interpreted
as an attempt to further avoid community scrutiny
of this project”.
Victoria’s Wonthaggi desalination plant is
scheduled to come online in late 2011. It will be
the second largest reverse osmosis desalination
plant in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia’s
Jabail plant.
In a press release issued by the Bass Coast
Boardriders Club, club president John Gemmill
quotes Flinders University oceanography expert,
Dr Jochen Kaempf:
“… (the plant) will spew out a cocktail of toxic
effluent that will not disperse as the government
initially predicted and may well cause upwellings
of toxic muck into the shallows, an area in which
marine life, surfers and other lovers of the sea
frequent”.
Others, such as Will Shea of Island Surfboards on
Phillip Island also question the logic of pushing
desalination in general.
“We shouldn’t even be having the argument of
where a desal plant should go yet, because it was
just not a measure required. Desal in this country,
especially down here, is more of a last resort idea,
and the way we use water, and could use water,
means the last resort should be a long way off.”
“We pump out more than enough water to cover
our population, yet people don’t want to know
about it, even though it’s cleaner than our tap
water by the time it’s been de-contaminated.
“Everyone’s always good at screaming about what
they don’t want and they don’t like, but I didn’t
hear much screaming about what we should be
doing”.
Take a quick look at these desalination plant
numbers:
• $4 billion - Wonthaggi’s price tag; which
could alternatively pay for water tank
systems and pumps for 600 000 households,
supplying the same amount of water.
• 160MWh - the daily energy consumption of
water tank systems for 600 000 homes.
• 2,160MWh – the daily energy consumption
of the Wonthaggi plant (15 times the energy
required for the water tank option.)
• 945 000 – the tonnes of global warming
CO 2 produced each year by the Kurnell plant
(equal to an extra 22 000 cars on our roads.)
• 120 000 – the number of homes that could
be run with the daily energy consumption
of Kurnell.
• 25 years - the expected life of most
desalination plants (what then?)
Gold Coast surfer Jeff Boschma, an outspoken
critic of desalination, has seen the problems of the
desalination process first hand in Tugun.
“Firstly, the Tugun desalination plant simply
doesn’t work”, claims Jeff. For beleaguered
Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, her desalination
flagship at Tugun has been widely described
as a money-hungry, white elephant. Since its
installation, the Tugun plant has been beset by
rusting pipes, cracking concrete, faulty valves and
even land subsidence. Repairs and upgrades have
reportedly cost millions of dollars, and plant shut
downs have totalled several months.
“Secondly”, adds Jeff, “it’s an eyesore. We have
this monstrous, rusting platform sitting just a few
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www.baliretreats.com.au
or call 07 5572 0477
Will, who holds a degree in Environmental Science
focused on water and resource sustainability and
alternative energies, believes there are many, far
better roads to travel down.
“The alternatives were endless: I’d say greywater
and run-off capture, especially around Melbourne,
would have had to be top of my list, and of course
sewage treatment.
hundred metres off our beautiful beach. It can’t
be good for our struggling tourism industry”.
So we asked Danish backpacker (and first-time
surfer), Frederik, for his thoughts.
“I’m not sure what it is; an oil rig or something
like this. It is not beautiful, but oh well. We have
wind farms and things like this near Copenhagen.
But I don’t think we would build one on a beach
54 may/jun 2011

LATEST: DEBATE
Waves at Powlett River. Photo: Jules Elliott
http://southern-times-messenger.whereilive.com.au/news/
story/port-stanvac-desalination-forum-gets-heated/
Photo: Bob Tyler - www.rdtyler.com.au
Port Stanvac, SA. Photo: Wikimedia
Sandy Ryan, Powlett River. Photo: Jules Elliott
may/jun 2011
55

LATEST: DEBATE
Southern Right Whale breaching. Photo: Watershed Australia
Powlett River. Photo: Jules Elliott
that is so beautiful like this one”.
According to most marine biologists,
there are many questions yet to be
answered about the environmental
impact of the desalination slurry
outlets. A plant the size of
Wonthaggi releases a highlyconcentrated
outflow which has up
to 25 times the salt content of the
surrounding seawater.
Despite scientists around the world
measuring outflows and monitoring
the effects on marine ecosystems,
definitive results are unlikely to be
published within the next 5 years.
The environmental impacts are
currently anyone’s guess.
Victorian anti-desalination
organisation Watershed Victoria
have been concerned that
environmental impact studies around
Wonthaggi have been exactly that
- a guess.
‘Winter Whale Watch’ was initiated
in May 2010 to test the assertion
by the Department of Sustainability
and Environment that the Bass Coast
was not an important habitat for
whales.
Up until the end of August 2010,
community members reported
approximately 200 whale sightings
between Phillip Island and
Waratah Bay.
Whale Watch data shows that, in
fact, the area of coastline is very
important habitat for protected
Southern right and Humpback
whales and that construction
activities at the desalination plant
may be having negative impacts.
Similar concerns are held for marine
life around the Port Stanvac plant
in South Australia, where blue
swimmer crabs and other creatures
such as seahorses and pipefish are
thought to be under threat from
heightend salinity in the water.
Some opponents of desalination
plants have been criticised for
taking a NIMBY stance (not in my
back yard). Debbie Johnson, from
the Queensland-based organisation
Communities against Desalination
rejects such claims. Debbie says
that her organisation’s members
reject the whole concept of
desalination outright.
“You’re right. We don’t want
desalination in our backyards. We
don’t want desalination in Marcoola,
in Tugun, Wonthaggi, or anywhere
for that matter. Desalination is
environmentally and economically
unsustainable.”
“We believe that desalination is a
clumsy, heavy-handed reaction to
the issue of water security” says
Debbie. “It seems better suited to
a bygone era; when big engineering
solutions were the answer to
everything. Desalination costs a
fortune and wreaks havoc on our
environment.”
Will of Island Surfboards agrees:
“I won’t buy into this ‘not in my
backyard’ mentality that was getting
around. If it had to happen, it had to
happen somewhere. Problem was
this didn’t have to happen yet”.
Surfers have a well-established
tradition of taking on the ‘big
boys’ when it comes to protecting
the oceans in which we surf.
Europe’s Surfers Against Sewage
organisation has fought passionately
and very effectively to clean up
some of Europe’s most polluted surf
breaks.
In the late 1990’s, Surfers Against
Sewage (SAS) successfully halted
the construction and operation of
several sewage outlets in Southwest
England and on the West coast of
France. Administrators were forced
to rethink waste management,
resulting in the development of
land-based, environmental sewage
treatment systems.
There can be no doubt that
government moves toward
desalination have thrust Aussie
surfers into the environmental
spotlight once again. Perhaps this
is our ‘inconvenient truth’. Maybe
desalination is our generation’s
‘Franklin River Dam’. It may be time
for surfers to stand behind some
protest banners and force legislators
56 may/jun 2011

Will Shea
to carve a radical cutback on this path of environmental short-sightedness.
So when our state governments present proposals in our parliaments, asking,
“All those in favour of desalination say aye”, how will surfers respond? What
are surfers prepared to do?
Will there be a silent murmur of discontent? Are we prepared to carry on
paddling around in the salt-saturated slurry? Or shall we stand up, take the
drop, and charge the section screaming protests at the bureaucrats who
threaten our idyllic, coastal lifestyle?
Surely, it’s attitudes that must change, not our surf beaches.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, here are some
interesting links to get you started:
A brief youtube anti-desalination advertisement featuring top Aussie surfers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA-ZWJbhqHg&feature=related
An interesting youtube clip from Aljazeera TV describing the Arabian Gulf
experience of desalination:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ5ut_4zKug&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Victorian Government website proclaiming the positive aspects of the
Wonthaggi Desalination Plant:
http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/programs/desalination
Victorian anti-desalination organisation that opposes the Wonthaggi plant:
http://www.watershedvictoria.org.au/
South Australian organisation opposed to South Australian desalination:
http://www.saveourgulf.org.au
The Victorian view. Photo: Dave Swan
may/jun 2011
57

TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP
Newcastl
Surfer image: Chuan En Eric Lam http://www.flickr.com/people/bluemonkey08/
58 may/jun 2011

e
king·dom (kngdm) n.
1. A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant.
FROM THE OCEAN THE CITY LOOMS LIKE A GIANT FORTRESS. IT APPEARS LIKE A MAJESTIC
KINGDOM SITTING ATOP A HILL BORDERING THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WELCOME TO NEWCASTLE
- A KINGDOM OF SURFERS. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
may/jun 2011
59

TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP
Welcome to Newcastle
THE NEWCASTLE COAT OF ARMS
Every Kingdom needs a Coat of Arms.
In 1961 these nifty bearings were
granted to the City.
The shield, rising from golden sands,
represents a port with blue water and
green land. Wealth and fertility is
emphasised by the border of gold while
the galley represents maritime trade.
The fleece is in reference to the rural
pursuits of the region flanked by a
lozenge and a wheel, representing coal
and industry.
The Nobby’s Head lighthouse stands
proudly on top of the main crown,
while two cheeky seagulls have both
mistaken a crown for an onion ring.
Enterprise stands for the progress of
commerce, industry and culture and
symbolises the community spirit of the
citizens of the City of Newcastle.
If one thing
defines Newcastle,
it’s surfing.
The city’s most famous sons and
daughters are all keen surfers no
matter what their field of interest.
The guys from the rock band
Silverchair are all mad surfers. The
Johns brothers, Andrew and Matthew,
rugby league royalty and former
patriarchs of one of Australia’s most
famous sporting teams the Newcastle
Knights, are also mad surfers.
Then there is four-time world
champion surfer, Mark Richards,
and Nicky Woods, the youngest
person in history to win a World Tour
event taking out the Rip Curl Pro at
Bells Beach when he was just 16.
There is also a whole host of other
talented surfers through the years
to the present day who all hail from
Newcastle from Ted Harvey, Robbie
Woods, Bob Lynch, Roger Clements,
Steve Butterworth, Col Smith, Peter
McCabe, Luke Egan, Simon Law,
Matt Hoy, Marty McMillan, Josh
Ferris, Jye Byrnes, Matt Kay, Belinda
Baggs, Travis Lynch, Mitchell Ross
and Rhys Smith. It is like a roll call of
surfing’s elite.
If this doesn’t say something about
Newcastle’s lineage as a premier
surf destination, I don’t know what
will. Just visit the city in winter and
you will soon see why surfing is such
a part of its social fabric.
Aside from the city itself, there are
countless surf spots within an hour
of ‘Newy’, many revered and just as
closely guarded by local surfers from
outsiders.
In years past, Newcastle was often
unfairly maligned as an industrial
city. Nowadays there’s an urban cool
and sophistication about the place
without any pretentiousness. Newy
still remains true to its down-to-earth
blue-collar heritage.
And if you are unaware, Newcastle
is also the hometown of Jennifer
Hawkins, the lovely lady crowned
Miss Universe some years back.
So you see, it does have an air of
royalty about the place. Now if only I
was king...
60 may/jun 2011

The jump-off at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Photo: Christine - http://www.flickr.com/people/38015621@N08/
Photos 1-4: Chuan En Eric Lam
http://www.flickr.com/people/bluemonkey08/
1. 2.
3.
4.
“Dude, I’m on a
Coat of Arms. What
have you done?”
Newcastle foreshore
Photo: Wikimedia
may/jun 2011
61

TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP
As a visitor, I can confidently
say that Newcastle is one
of my favourite spots to visit
on the Australian east coast
when we’re on the road with
smorgasboarder. There is
always a wave on, there are
plenty of good spots for breaky,
lunch and dinner... and heaps
of good bars. Mark and I have
always had a good night there.
And being a coffee addict,
Newcastle is home to possibly
the best baristas outside of
Melbourne.
As far as the waves go,
Newcastle is incredibly
consistent. We have managed
to snare a quality wave there
every time we have visited and
we are there on a regular basis.
It’s hard to chose a favourite,
but probably Newcastle
Beach because it is the most
familiar to me and just holds
a really nice swell that packs
punch without turning your
boardshorts to brown.
My favourite spot for a drink?
Straight out of a morning
surf at Newcastle Beach and
into Estabar for a coffee and
perhaps some breaky or a
gelati. A great spot with great
views. The mere fact I have
chosen an unlicensed premise
that doesn’t sell beer says how
special it is.
My favourite spot for breaky or
a bite is 23 Hundred Café on
Hunter. Why? I like the people
who run the joint and love their
coffee and their food. I always
make a point of stopping by
when in Newcastle. Peter
Johnston, the owner, is a keen
surfer and always makes you
feel welcome. Aside from that,
anywhere on Darby Street.
There are so many quality cafes
and restaurants to choose from
you can take your pick.
But why not let the locals
let us in on what they think
of their home and what they
recommend to visiting surf
family...
MARK RICHARDS, 4 TIME WORLD CHAMPION (THAT’S RIGHT, ONLY THE
BEST FOR OUR SMORGASBOARDER READERS... TIPS FROM THE TOP)
On Newcastle
I was born and bred in Newcastle. I guess
home is always home. Not many people leave
home. They may because of a work related
thing or a relationship but the place where
your family and friends live is where you want
to be, close to them.
We have such a great lifestyle here.
Newcastle has all the benefits of a city
without all the craziness of a capital city
like Sydney or Melbourne. If you want to do
something here, traffic issues aren’t really a
consideration.
We have the most incredible beaches right
around the city. If you go inland you have
the Hunter Valley vineyards. We have Lake
Macquarie nearby; Nelson Bay… there is a
lot to choose from depending on what you
want to do.
Merewether’s n doubt your
favourite beach?
Yeah but it is too bloody crowded now. We
have actually got a photo in the shop from the
late eighties. It is a perfect winter’s day and
it is probably six foot, as good a wave as you
will ever see. I am going left and Mick (Mick
Adams who works in the MR store) is going
right. We are on the same wave splitting the
peak and there are only two other people
in the background. If we had a day like that
now, there would be over one hundred people
in the water.
For guys like Mick and I who have been
around a long time, it has gone from a place
where we used to go out and know everyone,
taking it in turns for waves, to a place where
there is just people everywhere. It’s like a
warzone.
On that point, what is the
surf etiquette like?
It is the same as any other popular surf area.
It is pretty much dog eat dog. The days of
being able to take it in turns and having a
level of respect where you may see a guy
who has been waiting for a wave, even
though he is on the inside, and you call him
onto a wave because its’ his turn... those
days are gone.
All that stuff is unfortunately out the window.
People are feral in the surf now. That’s why
these days I prefer to go surfing when it is 3 foot
shit and onshore. You don’t have to deal with all
the lunatics like when it’s perfect and offshore.
What’s the biggest you
have surfed Merewether?
The biggest would probably be 12 to 15 feet.
At least double overhead or perhaps a little
bigger. It hasn’t been that big for a while.
We get pretty amazing swells. It would be an
equivalent to any big wave you would surf
anywhere except for JBay… or something
super perfect. When it gets big it breaks right
62 may/jun 2011

Photo: Alex Thompson,
Surfhouse Photography
ww.surfhousephotography.com
out on a place everyone calls
Third Reef. It has a Waimea
style take-off. It comes out of
deep water and just fully pitches,
sucking up on take-off then
forming a big wall. It is amazing
when it is big.
What’s the best place
for a bite?
A good buddy who I went to
school with is Neil Slater and
he has a restaurant called
Scratchleys on the Wharf,
which is down on the harbour
foreshore. He serves up some
really good food there.
And for a beer?
Well… ahhh… I can’t really
lie here… this is going to
sound like a very un-Australian
thing to say but I never really
developed a taste for beer.
(Right there and then in the
middle of the interview I
dropped my stubbie aghast in
horror.) I drink one occasionally,
but I can take it or leave it.
That said, I think one of the
most epic places in Newcastle
to have a beer would have
to be the Merewether Beach
Hotel where the beergarden
and bistro is right in front of
the hotel looking out over
Merewether beach. You get a
panorama from Merewether
to Dixon Park right up to Bar
Beach at the other end - a front
row spot where you can sink a
schooner and watch everyone
surfing.
JYE & MICK BYRNES: THIS FATHER & SON TEAM ARE THE
FRIENDLY FACES BEHIND THE SURF FACTORY IN ISLINGTON
On Newcastle
Mick: Good place to live. Good
surf. People are good.
Jye: I have travelled my whole
life and the first thing I do when
I get back home is drive around
the beaches cause they are pretty
special. It’s your home and where I
have grown up.
It’s a hardcore surf town. People
love the surf. It’s very shortboard
orientated.
It’s only the last few years that
people have started to branch out
to new boards like fishes and that.
Breaks
Mick: My favourite was Nobby’s
Reef before the bulk carrier Pasha
Bulka ran aground. Now it’s
probably Newcastle Beach.
Jye: We have a lot of variety but
it is hard to go past Newcastle
Beach. It is a powerful wave and
being a goofy footer, there are
more left handers there. It gets
some size too.
I love the big stuff.
Food & Drinks
Mick: Suspension and Good
Brothers at the top of town are the
best for coffee, they’re run by the
same people. Suspension is good
for breaky too.
Jye: For a beer - The Mary Ellen
and The Prince in town or the Bar
Beach Bowling Club because it has
greens and is pretty kid friendly.
Monday to Saturday, Al Gators.
has nice healthy food, homemade
style. If you want a good surfers
feed you can’t beat that place.
Board choice
Jye: I’m a multi-tasker. I
shortboarded my whole life
because I grew up surfing on
one of the heaviest beaches but
then I got an opportunity to ride
longboards and got paid to do it.
Ultimately though, ride what you
want to ride. Just have fun and
try not to go stale on that one
surfboard.
Crowds
Jye: Everyone is competing in the
water nowadays. There are guys
inside you, outside you. For me I
don’t worry about it so much. I get
dropped in on. I drop in. What’s
the worst thing that can happen. If
I do it you say sorry. If it happens
to you, just catch the next wave.
On Stockton Beach
Over there you have a great white
breeding ground so it is pretty…
Jye also runs the iSurf
Newcastle Surf School.
“We only have a one to four
ratio and as such are quite
mobile,” he says. “That way
the people you are teaching
get a chance to learn a little
more. It’s not just about
getting them to stand up and
taking their money.”
SAM EGAN: NEWY LOCAL
FROM BIRTH, SAM BEGAN HIS
ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER MAKING
PLYWOOD TOOTHPICKS IN HIS
BELOVED HOME TOWN.
What do you love
about Newcastle?
If I tell you that everyone will
move here. (laughs)
It’s just a great place. It’s getting
big now, but over the years it has
been just the right size.
Favourite surf spot
Growing up I was in Cook’s Hill
Surf Club and at the time I used to
paddle foam malibus. It was about
1958 and we surfed the reef at
Bar Beach.
We surfed it because there was
a little dungeon in the club where
we could store the boards – you
didn’t want to be dragging those
things around. They were too
bloody heavy.
Best spot for a beer
The Beach Hotel at Merewhether
or the Burwood because the
Newcastle Knights (Newcastle’s
rugby league team in the NRL)
went there.
Favourite coffee spot
The best place for a coffee is
just down on the corner from my
factory. It is called Suspensions.
Best coffee in Newcastle... in the
world probably.
may/jun 2011
63

30 YEARS
OF SURFBOARD
MANUFACTURING
EXPERIENCE.
PACIFIC
DREAMS
FOREVER
A PROUD PART OF THE
NEWCASTLE SURFING
COMMUNITY.
PACIFIC
DREAMS
7 Darby Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300
(02) 4926 3355
Ye Olde Local Knowledge
CHRIS TOLA: COASTAL CONSERVATION CHAMPION
INVOLVED IN EVERYTHING FROM UNIVERSITY SURFING TO
COASTCARE, CHRIS TOLA IS HUNTER BRANCH PRESIDENT
FOR SURFRIDER FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA AND MEMBER OF
NATIONAL SURFING RESERVES TO MENTION ONLY A FEW OF
HIS CHOSEN DUTIES. WWW.SURFINGRESERVES.ORG
“Newcastle is a really interesting city because there is
a diversity of cultures and backgrounds. We have many
communities and precincts within Newcastle. There is a
real vibrance to the place.
“Many talented artists live here such as Rod Bathgate
and John Earl who create great beachscapes,
photographers such as Conor Ashleigh and Tim
Silverwood. A lot of people who now lead science and
technology around the world come from Newcastle.
There is such a real mix of people here. Novacastrians
have dispensed with the chip on their shoulder that they
somehow weren’t good enough. It is an exciting time for
Newcastle.
“Recently the Lonely Planet Traveller’s Guide nominated
Newcastle in the top ten cities to visit.
“The region is also noted for its marine life and so
forth. The rock platform between the Cowrie Hole
and Newcastle Beach is rated as one of the most
diverse habitats for marine plants and animals. We get
loggerhead turtles frequenting the region, dolphins,
whales and penguins.
The area behind Stockton Beach is a recognized Ramsar
site for shorebird nesting (Ramsar is an international
treaty that embodies the commitments of its member
countries to maintain the ecological character of their
Wetlands). Birds from as far away as Russia come here
to roost.
Stockton is also a known breeding ground for great
whites. It goes from shallow to deep really quickly. A
recent survey along the east coast identified Stockton as
a café, where great whites breed and feed.”
AUSTRALIAN OWNED
& OPERATED
WWW.PACIFICDREAMS.COM.AU
Photo: Alex Thompson,
Surfhouse Photography
ww.surfhousephotography.com
64 may/jun 2011

On the surf
“Because it is so
condensed, in the east
end alone there is 23
different surf breaks
within 10 minutes walking
distance, anything from 1
ft to 12ft +. The surf isn’t
always huge but there is
a consistency. That is one
of Newcastle’s greatest
assets.
“Newcastle Beach is one
minute from the central
business district so you will
often see lawyers running
back to their practices in
their wetsuits with a board
under their arm.
“The Cowrie Hole is my
favourite spot though,
in the world in fact. It is
rather shallow. You learn
how to do the spread
eagle star dives and don’t
go diving for lobsters
that’s for sure.
The Pasha
Bulka
“There is a lot of
anecdotal evidence
that the ship did in fact
damage the reef at
Nobby’s and changed the
way the bank worked. It
is commonly held that it
is not as good as it used
to be.
“As part of the
International Surfing
Day, which is a Surfrider
Foundation celebration on
June 20, we are holding a
workshop where we hope
to formalise some of this
evidence and, if it did,
conduct further research
to seek remediation.”
“It’s a beautiful, clean city since they
shut the steelworks. We have plenty of
waves. The people in general have a
good work ethic.”
John Scollay Newcastle Surf Designs
“Lived here my whole life. A lot of good
surf spots, all close by. I first paddled
out at Nobby’s in the winter of ’65 and
am still surfing everyday.”
Peter McCabe Peter McCabe Surfboards
“It’s big enough to have something going
on and small enough to be quiet.”
Mick Adams Mark Richards Surfboards
“Grew up here. It’s got that country feel
but it is a big enough city with the people
to sustain it. There are plenty of things to
do and I love the beaches and the waves.
There is always a wave.”
Jamie Lambert Breakaway Surf
“The beaches. The people. Merewether
Beach is national surfing reserve. We have
great skate parks. We have everything.”
Rhys Smith Sanbah Surf Shop
50 years of handshaping
experience - modern
technology & materials
High performance
shortboards, classic
and performance
longboards, retro fish
and single fins...all
masterfully handshaped.
28 Maitland Road
Islington NSW 2296
(02) 4969 7299
www.samegan.com.au
THE CLOSEST SURF SHOP TO
NEWCASTLE BEACH
Just 600 metres to the beach
with all the leading brands &
friendly, helpful staff.
SHOP 6, HUNTER STREET MALL , NEWCASTLE
CALL 02 4929 1144
Hunter Street mall, just 600
metres to the beach. All the
leading brands. Friendly, helpful
staff.
• Learn to surf
• Private Tuition
• Improve your surfing
• Stand up paddle lessons
• Schools/corporate
“When you go away and come back you
appreciate the water quality here. It is so
crystal clear you can see fish beneath you. ”
Graeme Gairns California Surf Imports
Contact Jye Byrnes:
Mobile 0409 227 407 or email jyebyrnes@hotmail.com
www.isurfnewcastlesurfschool.com.au
may/jun 2011
65

Photo: Chuan En Eric Lam
Stockton Beach
North of Newcastle Harbour, it
stretches 32 km north-east from
Stockton to Anna Bay. There are
varied beach breaks.
Closeouts are common as swell
size builds. The beach is open, has
many rips, somewhat isolated, a
little too sharky for my liking.
Best in NW swell. Good spot when
S swell closes out other beaches.
The Harbour
Unless you’re a gun or insane, stay
away. Know this spot well to surf
it. It works in cyclonic NE swell
or huge southerly swell when all
other beaches are closing out.
During World War II many of the
beaches around the Newcastle
area had large concrete tank traps
placed on the foreshore to hamper
any possible landing of Japanese
tanks ashore.
Following the war the traps were
dumped into Newcastle Harbour,
straight off the breakwall. So today
there is heaving right hand barrell
that breaks over 60 year old twisted
concrete and metal. Stay away.
The Wedge
Along the sandspit off Nobby’s
head. Powerful wave, breaking
left. Works when the swell is on.
NE-SE swell. NW-W wind.
All tides.
The Spit
Just south of the Wedge, right
next to Big Ben Rock. On a NE
swell, if the sand is right, you can
get 300m rides.
The Spot
Only gets good a few times a year,
but can be an indo-style wave
when it’s on. Pretty fickle.
Nobby’s Reef
Currents prove a hazard. Difficult
to hold your position in the break,
which works left and right.
Holds large swells but is
unpredictable. By all reports, the
Pasha Bulker screwed it.
S-SE swell. NW wind. Mid tide
best.
Cowrie Hole
To surf this spot takes precision
and guts. Just off the northern end
of the Ocean Baths. Basically a gap
in the rocks where an awesome right
breaks over a shallow ledge. Good
for fish or logs.
Best near high tide in S-SE swell.
If Cowrie Hole doesn’t psyche you
out, the outer break is called...
Flat Rock
Heavy local spot. A surge rock with
a few little steps and bumps.
Newcastle Beach
Right in the heart of Newcastle
city, it looks like an amphitheatre
for surfing. The jewel in the city’s
crown, especially in a nor’easter.
Handles swell up to 3-4m.
Off the point peels 200m rides.
Great for goofy-footers. Occasional
peaky right.
66 may/jun 2011

The Crown
Jewels...
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP
South Newcastle
Basically the same bloody beach. It’s
just that a small group of rocks at
the water’s edge, referred to as the
divider splits the beach. Rarely gets
crowded. Underrated beach breaks.
Graveyard is off the rocks - a great
right-hander in front of the bogie-hole.
Bar Beach
& Dixon Park
Heavy lefts and rights forming
on the outside banks. Best up to
8ft. The wave also reforms on the
inside banks allowing various levels
of surfers to enjoy the break. Can
get very crowded.
Handles most swell and wind
directions.
Merewether
Personally holds legendary status
in my family with Dad taking out a
1960 national surf lifesaving paddle
board title - the only surfcraft to
finish the race in monstrous surf.
Great surf spot, but quite frankly
scares the pants off me when it
gets big... and I mean BIG. Holds
up to 15ft and is very powerful.
Generally a heavy right breaking off
The Ladies’ reef. It is where most
of the talented surfers rip so steer
clear if you are not up to it (So what
the hell were you doing there I hear
you ask. Fair point.)
SE-E swell. NW wind. Mid tide.
The beach break suits various levels
of surfers.
THE KINGDOM CAN BE BRUTAL. THE
WAVES ARE HEAVY, THE LOCALS ARE
HEAVY, THE CURRENTS STRONG AND THE
THE MEN IN GREY SUITS ARE OUT AND
ABOUT. DESPITE ALL OF THAT, IT’S MOST
DEFINITELY A ‘MUST VISIT’ AUSTRALIAN
SURF DESTINATION.
Newcastle has awesome waves and is
the very reason why the area is home to
a number of world-class surfers. You just
have to have your wits about you when
you decide to take it on. Winter is when
Newcastle’s swells are at their best.
All around mid-tide is the best. Low tides
generally mean closeouts.
Take note:
Newcastle is not an ‘out-of-the-way’
surf destination. It is well known.
As such, the city’s beaches don’t
hold any secret surf spots and even
if there were some, we wouldn’t
speak of them. But, as always, show
respect when surfing someone else’s
home break. The majority of guys
and gals who surf Newcastle really
have the place wired. So play nice.
FLAT
ROCK
MEREWETHER
GRAVEYARD
SOUTH NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE BEACH
COWRIE
HOLE
DIXON PARK
BAR BEACH
Photo: Wolf Cocklin
NOBBYS REEF
may/jun 2011
67

VISITING NEWCASTLE? HAVE AN ADVENTURE!
From
3 years old
Royal
attractions
IF YOU’RE ALL SURFED OUT, THE SURF IS JUST TOO SCARY OR
ON THE VERY OFF-CHANCE THAT THE SURF IS FLAT, THERE’S
PLENTY OF OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED.
100
CHALLENGES!
2-3 HOURS
OF THRILLING
FUN!
Walk! There are plenty options.
The Foreshore promenade from
the Honeysuckle development
precinct complete with marina,
parks and cafes to Nobbys is a
great vantage point to take in the
city of Newcastle and view one of
Australia’s busiest ports in action.
The walk along the breakwater to
the lighthouse at Nobys provides
more stunning scenery of the city
skyline and ocean. Nobbys, named
because of its nob-like shape,
was originally an island until
convicts risked their lives to build
a breakwall to it to protect the
harbour.
Just nearby is the Fort Scratchley
Historic Site. The Fortress has
a long and interesting military
history and overlooks the Hunter
River, Nobbys Beach and the
lighthouse.
Further south is the Art Deco
Newcastle Ocean Baths or Soldiers
Baths as they are are known to
some (opened in 1922) and the
adjoining Canoe Pool, built in the
late 1930s for young swimmers.
The base of the pool once
featured a map of the world, with
the various continents jutting out
of the water like islands.
Next around is King Edward Park
with its stunning views of the
ocean and city skyline. The Obelisk
nearby is yet another prominent
feature on Newcastle’s skyline. It
was originally a stone flour mill
and a guiding landmark for ships
approaching the port of Newcastle.
At the bottom of the cliffs heading
south towards Bar Beach are
the rock pool baths known as
the Bogey Hole. Apparently built
by convicts around 1820 for the
personal use of Commandant
James T. Morriset, the baths are
The foreshore promenade
PH: 02 4026 7617
WWW.TREETOPADVENTUREPARK.COM.AU
68 may/jun 2011
Photo: CareCat Cruising

located beneath a rocky prominence
and get battered during heavy seas.
Thrill seekers hang onto the chain
fence in decent swells but we don’t
recommend this unless you want to
end up as shark food.
Further south are the Merewether
Ocean Baths, the largest in the
southern hemisphere.
The entire walk known as
Bathers Way, stretches from the
Merewether Baths to Nobbys
Headland and is five kilometres.
When first exploring Newcastle, it
is a great way to get your bearings
and a decent bit of exercise.
Finally, our other suggested mustsee
is the Christ Church Cathedral.
A survivor of the Japanese
submarine attack of WWII and
the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake,
Christ Church Cathedral is now a
fully restored masterpiece. It is the
unofficial castle of the Kingdom of
Newcastle.
Monkey Business
Just 15 minutes from the CBD
is Tree Top Adventure Park, a
ropes course within the beautiful
Blue Gums Regional Park. There
are challenges to take on where
participants can slide down flying
foxes, transverse suspension
bridges and enjoy other activities up
to 15 metres above the forest floor.
A course for 3-10 year-olds is built
with a unique safety system so kids
can concentrate on the fun.
All courses have limited spaces so
bookings are recommended. Entry
starts from $20.
Whale watching
N’Joy is a luxurious 50ft sailing
catamaran with an interior like
an opulent waterfront penthouse.
Relax in comfort and take in the
sights of Newcastle and the playful
antics of Humpback whales on their
annual migration past the Hunter
coastline.
These amazing creatures migrate
north from May through to August
to breed and return in October and
November, often with their calves
alongside them. It’s a humbling and
awe-inspiring experience to see these
huge marine mammals up close.
The 3 hour cruises departs from the
Crowne Plaza Hotel Boat Dock. $66
per person.
Nearby...
The Hunter Valley is renowned
for its full-bodied white wines,
‘medium weight reds’ and some
excellent ports. Think of Pepper
Tree, Bimbadgen Estate, Audrey
Wilkinson Vineyard, Lindemans,
McWilliams, Rothbury, Wyndham
Estate and McGuigan... Not to
mention others like Tyrells and
Draytons, who are all very old
family concerns. The Hunter is ripe
for a little tasting of the vino and
some stock for your home cellar.
In fact, the range of wines in the
Hunter Valley is endless.
The majority of wineries are open
daily. Visitors are provided with
tasting glasses and given a small
taste of each wine in the maker’s
range of current vintages with an
explanation about the wines.
N’Joy a three hour
luxury harbour cruise
Take in the sights of
Newcastle
See these majestic
animals up close
A truly memorable
experience with nature
Sat: 9.30am and 1.00pm
Sun: 9.30am and 1.00pm
School holidays, Mon-Fri: 10am
Call to book today:
02 4959 5600
www.carecat.com.au
Christ Church Cathedral Photo: TreeTop Adventure Park
“Regardless of your needs, whether it’s a
shortboard or a mal, I’m confident I can
make you a board which will improve and
increase your enjoyment of your surfing.”
Mark Richards
755 Hunter Street, Newcastle West, NSW Australia 2300
Ph: +61 2 4961 3088 | Fax: +61 2 4961 6872
www.markrichardssurfboards.com
may/jun 2011
69

A BIRDS EYE VIEW
OF THE
LINEUP
Getting
here
NEWCASTLE
IS EASILY
ACCESSIBLE. THE EASIEST AND
MOST AFFORDABLE MEANS OF
TRANSPORT ARE AIR OR CAR.
You can fly directly into Newcastle from Adelaide,
Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Virgin
Blue flys out of all cities with Jetstar flying out of
all bar Adelaide. Drive-wise, Newcastle is two
hours drive north of Sydney.
TRAVEL: ROAD TRIP
Beach yourself at Newcastle’s
only beachfront Accommodation,
Restaurant & Bar.
Packages available…
Cnr Shortland Esp & Zaara St Newcastle P. 4929 5181
visit noahsonthebeach.com.au
4½ Star Boutique Bed & Breakfast, perfectly located
just 600m to Merewether beach - home to surfing legends
Mark Richards, Mat Hoy and Luke Egan.
Christine Feeney & Bob Comyns | 1 Rowan Crescent Merewether NSW 2291
+61 2 4963 3812 | 0414 633 066 | stay@brezzabella.com.au
www.brezzabella.com.au
From Brisbane
10.5 to 11 hours drive and just
under 800kms along the Pacific
Highway will get you there.
An alternative route to consider
if traffic looks heavy on the
Pacific Highway is out west via
Warwick and Armidale along
the New England Highway and
down Thunderbolts Way (gotta
love the name) past the towns
of Gloucester and Stroud. The
distance is relatively the same but
the drive takes around 15 hours.
It sounds like a lot more driving
but isn’t if traffic is heavy and
you frustrate easily sitting behind
morons travelling 20kms under
the speed limit. After much
insistence from my dad I did the
drive just prior to Christmas and
wasn’t disappointed. It is one of
the most amazing drives I have
ever undertaken – mountain
top views, undulating hills and
babbling brooks are par for
the course. Words can’t really
describe the scenery. You just
have to take the drive.
From Melbourne
Just over 1000kms and 10 hours
drive, take the Hume Highway
through Albury, Gundagai, Yass
and Goulburn past the western
outskirts of Sydney and then onto
the Pacific Highway near Pymble
to Newcastle.
From Adelaide
Around 15,500 kms and just
under 17 hours drive. Take the
Sturt Highway to Renmark onto
Mildura, through Narrandera to
Wagga Wagga and then onto the
Hume Highway to Gundagai, Yass
and Goulburn. You will pass the
western outskirts of Sydney and
then get onto the Pacific Highway
near Pymble and follow it to
Newcastle.
Saying this, just fly. It is a hell of
a lot easier and you can save your
energy for the waves and not for
behind the wheel.
Accommodation
When it comes to where to
stay, you have a couple of good
options. Why stray too far from
the beach?
Noah’s is a comfortable luxury
hotel right opposite Newcastle
Beach. At first light, you can
look out and survey the surf
with a bird’s eye view. After a
paddle, you can enjoy a beautiful
breakfast behind a massive glass
window that makes you feel like
you’re still in line-up. Their food
and service is superb.
For a grown-up and very civilised
stay in Merewether, Brezza Bella
is about as upmarket as you
could hope to go for a luxury
B&B, and it’s just a short walk to
Merewether Beach.
Photo: Christine
70 may/jun 2011

may/jun 2011
71

TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
Papua New Guinea is possibly not the
first name to pop up in conversation on
surf trips. In relation to other far more
well-travelled spots such as Bali or Fiji,
PNG still flies under the radar a little.
But it turns out, as Gus Brown discovered on
a recent visit with a group of good mates,
PNG truly holds its own as a standout
spot for an affordable surf getaway.
WORDS: GUS BROWN PHOTOS: TEAM PNG -
SIMON, RICHARD, RORY, ANGUS, DANNY & ASH
72 may/jun 2011

may/jun 2011
73

TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
74 may/jun 2011

When Papua New Guinea is mentioned as destination
for a surf adventure the reaction is genrally mixed. With
a close historic relationship to Australia in wartime,
thoughts of a lush unspoilt environment, stories of wild
locals, perfect breaks, and big mining interest, who
knows what to expect.
But expect good times. An abyss of unspoilt tropical
landscapes, crisp clean ocean, and few trappings of our
consumer driven society. Papua New Guinea is one of
our closest neighbours and therefore easily accessible
and affordable even for short trips.
The airport at Port Moresby is on the main flight route
from most capitals in Oz. Port Moresby is legendary for
being a dangerous city so a direct connecting flight to
Kavieng is probably a wise decision. Transferring from
the international to domestic airport can be quite an
intimidating experience for the novice with hundreds
of people waiting around the walkway to the domestic
centre, just hanging out!
New Ireland is on the outer tail of the Papua New
Guinea islands and is exposed to the Pacific Ocean
and open to swell coming down from the Hawaiian
chain. New Ireland’s most famous break, Kavieng is
located near the airport and is a long right hand reef that
holds good swell when it’s on. Skeletons of military
remnants are common place as Kavieng was occupied
by the Japanese in World War II and represented a
dark time for those caught up in the situation. Small
forts for housing guns are spread out covering strategic
points and the rusting components of tanks and other
equipment are easily located.
A range of boat trips are available which depart from
Kavieng and travel north into a seemingly endless chain
of remote islands and reefs.
From Kavieng, the Bromminske Highway (using the term
“Highway” very loosely) runs south down the east coast
of New Ireland for some 600 Kilometers. The road is
partly tarred and largely poorly grated, which can make
the long journey to surf and adventure a true mission.
Preconcevied ideas of long, white, sandy beaches and
headlands are quickly dismissed... the reality being a
rocky coastline with jagged reef outcrops, on which
may/jun 2011
75

TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
PNG is primarily an unspoilt paradise and largely remains un influenced by capitalism. There is little in
the way of pollution, plastic is not present and many of the locals live as they would have for thousands of
years. So respect and appreciation for what its people, land and ocean have to offer is a must.
76 may/jun 2011

CONTINUED
perfectly shaped waves form and unexpectedly close
out on. Many surfing opportunities are tempting but not
worthwhile given medical help is hours away. Kavieng
has a basic hospital but more serious injury requires
flights back to Moresby, or better still, home.
The waters in this region of Papua New Guinea are
teaming with a variety of fish which can be helpfull
when the surf is not working at its best. The ocean
is basically unspoilt with only the odd local fisherman
heading out in a traditional canoe looking to feed his
family. Hour after hour of looking out to sea, there is
nothing to see but storms, birds, and generally smooth
ocean. If you get access to a boat trip, take it, but make
sure you bring some pretty strong line and lures as
fishing is as good at gets, even for non mullet-heads.
The locals are super friendly with waving to strangers
being the norm. The further away from Kavieng you
travel the more subsistence the living gets and you start
to understand that you are lucky to have the experience.
There is no evidence of pollution or the eyesore of
plastics which litter the roadsides of other developing
nations. Don’t fear the machette - it’s a common tool and
many men carry them. It is the jungle after all. Small
villages dot the highway, consisting of well constructed
shantys made from natural materials that are sourced
from the rich surrounds. They are perfectly suited to
the environment and created in a style that reflects
thousands of years of tradition.
may/jun 2011
77

TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
Shane at Rubio is the main man.
Originally from Hawaii, he and his
family have lived in PNG for many years.
Shane and his wife run Rubio Island
Retreat and they make a special effort
to entertain a keen surfing crew.
The PNG Surf Association coordinates the
number of surfers able to access sections
of the coastline. To surf in PNG you need
to purchase a permit which enables only a
limited number of surfers to access large
areas of coastline. These cost about $30
for 2 weeks. Depending on conditions,
accessing breaks can be difficult and time
consuming but you are definitely not going
to be dealing with crowds.
The average surfer can have fun and find
challenging waves to saftisfy a healthy
appetite for waves. Kavieng is surf
central, but there are a number of boat
trips for small groups that head north into
an amazing looking group of islands with
limitless opportunities.
KAVIENG
Kavieng when on fire is more suited to the
good / advanced surfer who doesn’t freak
out looking down at coral from 6 feet plus
in the air. This is the premier break.
RUBIO RIGHTS
(about 6 hours south from Kavieng)
A consistent but challenging right hander
that can still be taken on by those of
us who cry when the word “reef” is
mentioned. Good fun in anything between
2 and 5 foot. A quick barrelling left also
breaks from this area.
SLIPPERY’S
(Somewhere between Kavieng and Rubio rights)
Great long left handers to be had in idealic
surrounds. Apparently holds larger swell
but at about 4 foot it is a highlight. Named
as the steep path down the hill to the
water is a nightmare when we, which is
most of the time.
“PIG BOWLS” OR YOU NAME IT
Our surfing troup had the opportunity to
name a few which we were assured by
our guide we were the first to surf. The
crew weren’t convinced, but it was a nice
thought and the screams coming from
the jungle as we caught waves made
the idea more convincing. There are
still plenty of yet to be found and named
breaks along the coastline of New Ireland.
It just depends on how game you are to
take on the gnarly reefs and rocks. Due
to the tribal nature of the culture we
were advised that travellers should name
the spots based on their experiences.
When researching the trip it is very hard
to identify specific locations on maps
as the villages and landmarks are not
clearly defined. This is what adds to the
adventure and although there have been
many surfers in the region before, you get
the feeling that you are the first.
78 may/jun 2011

WATER TEMPS
BEST TIMES
DRAWCARD
HAZARDS
Warm-Hot in Season
November to February
Offshore, no crowd factor, isolation
nature and the locals
You should have seen it last week.
Festy reef cuts.
Short board, fish, retro, mini-mal. You can take a
Mal but probably not the best choice. Have a backup
as some damage is largely inevitable. As per the
smorgasboarder ethos - any board is a good board.
may/jun 2011
79

TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
There are a number of guest houses (huts) along the
Bromisky highway which can be accessed by getting a
ride in a local van come bus, which infrequently makes
the journey servicing the locals. Although accessing
breaks and local knowledge may present a challenge
with this choice. Surf camps and boat trips provide
transfers which are helpful.
Rubio Island Retreat is located approximately 3 hours
(give or take 2 hours) down the Bomisky highway and
provides all the necessities including comfortable
bungalows on the beach. A surf break is right out the
front so you don’t have to wait to get the crew together
to get some fun waves. All food, boat trips and drives
to surf breaks and other locations are included and
the hospitality is excellent. This surf camp acts as a
central point for surrounding villages and seems to be
the heart of the simple local economy. Most necessities
are available at the camp shop. Shane, the owner and
super-keen supersurfer, is part of the community and
gives back by supporting the local people.
Many of the village
people love Betel Nut and
many locals are hooked
on it. An hallucinogenic,
Betel Nut is injested by
chewing a combination of
the palm nut, a mustard
pod and some calcium
which is derived from
coral. By all accounts, it
smells a little like incense,
has an initial flavour of
cinammon or nutmeg
with a lingering aftertaste
of soap.There is a big
economy in Betel Nut and
it’s available everywhere
on roadside tables,
however it represents
a major health problem
for the population due
to its addictive qualities
and surrounding issues
including untreated tooth
decay and throat cancer.
Only two surf tour operators service this area at the
moment -The perfect Wave and World Surfaris.
The experience cost about $2500 for a ten-day adventure
from Brissy. All Incusive. Well, there is nothing to buy
as shops are in short supply.
FISHING
Take a rod. Fishing from the rocks is hard work but if oyu
can access a boat your are sure to catch plenty.
BEER
Buy your beer at Kavieng before you head south because
it becomes a valued commodity in short supply after a
good day of activity.
SCHOOL
The schools are underfunded and unfortunately
education is a luxury so take some supplies and drop
them in at any of the schools you come across in your
travels.
HANG OUT!
This is paradise and a week seems like a long time.
Giddy Up!
80 may/jun 2011

FLIGHTS
Available from Brisbane and Sydney through Air Niugini,
transferring over to domestic at Port Moresby through to Kavieng
Airport. Six hours for the first haul, three for the second. Total
ravel time depends on the connecting flight.
PASSPORT
A visa is required and needs to be arranged through the PNG
embassy in Australia and costs about $100. Organise well before
travel time.
HEALTH
Malaria tablets and a TB shot are generally recomeneded.
Expect about $100 of medical expenses before you go. A good
first aid kit is also a must.
BAGGAGE
Pack light as PNG is in the tropics, so no jumpers are required.
Boardies, thongs and tees! Maybe something to keep the rain
off. Air Niugini is board friendly (including Mals) so at the time
of travel no sneaky charges were applied. Check with the Airline
just to be sure. Booties are essential, so don’t go without them.
OTHER LINKS FOR RESEARCHING YOUR TRIP
Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea
www.surfingpapuanewguinea.org.pg
Papua New Guinea Tourism
www.pngtourism.org.pg
World Surfaris
www.worldsurfaris.com
The Perfect Wace Surf Travel
www.the perfectwave.com.au
Air Nuigini
www.airniugini.com.pg
may/jun 2011
81

Andy Abel at Tupira
CROWD CONTROL
HOW PNG IS PROTECTING ITS CULTURE, IN AND OUT OF THE SURF WORDS: DAVE SWAN
ANDY ABEL wears many hats
and is a more than capable
surfer. He is the President of
the Surfing Association Papua
New Guinea Inc. (SAPNG)
and represents SAPNG as a
board member of the PNG
Tourism Promotion Authority.
He is Vice President of the
PNG National Museum &
Art Gallery, President of
the PNG Tourism Industry
Association and member
of the International Surfing
Association (ISA) New Surfing
Nations Committee. He
also recently took out both
the master shortboard and
longboard titles at the SAPNG
2011 National Surfing Titles
at Tupira Surf Club in the
Madang Province. Yes, he’s a
busy man.
For a boy from Milne Bay
Province, a small island
blessed with all things
paradise, it was only natural
Andy Abel would gravitate
towards surfing and follow in
his ancestors’ footsteps.
We talk with one of surfing’s
true gentlemen about his
beloved country and Papua
New Guinea’s unique
approach to surf tourism that
is paving the way for others
to follow.
What can surfers visiting
your country for the first
time expect in terms of
their surfing experience?
“A blend of Melanesian
friendly hospitality, traditional
culture, uncrowded pristine
waves and the best seafood
right off the reef and straight
onto your dining table... and
the freshest, fresh fruit.”
You have been quoted
as saying you want to
develop surfing in PNG
but want to encourage its
growth at a rural level.
Could you explain this in
more detail?
“Basically, what I am saying
is, as a proud local and
surfer, we want to create a
conducive environment for
commercial common sense
to prevail without damaging
the environment. We want to
preserve the traditional surf
resource custodians way of
life - their values and culture,
our country’s geographic
beauty, pristine beaches,
water falls...We want to
create an equitable and
sustainable environment for
current and future generations
to enjoy and prosper from.
“It is all about creating a
balance so that we do not
have overcrowding issues so
as to attract sustained repeat
business.
“We want to avoid the traps
of mass tourism like in Bali
where there is a negative
side to it, such as prostitution,
STDs and AIDS, unwanted
pregnancies and babies born
with no fathers.
“As a responsible surfer and
leader in my country that has
committed 25 years to the
birth of modern surfing and
surf tourism in PNG, the buck
essentially stops with me as
President with my 13-man
Board of Directors.
“As responsible surfers,
we must be mindful of the
pitfalls that other developed
and developing nations have
endured.
“Many have the cart before
the horse and are now
wanting to adopt our SAPNG
model. But how do you turn
things around 180° and put
the horse before the cart?
“The countries faced with
these scenarios, many cases
of which are irreversible, can
be attributed to individuals
or groups in the early stages
being driven by greed and
forgetting common sense and
respecting the most important
people in the tourism
equation - the traditional
resource custodians.
“As a local surfer I have
had the fortune of growing
up as a mixed breed PNG/
English background, living and
learning both the white man’s
way of doing things and the
PNG way. I have been able
to blend the two worlds to
create a win-win for all.
Tell us about the interest
from other countries who
are keen to learn more
about your approach to
surf tourism.
“Countries like Fiji, the
Mentawais, the Solomon
Islands and Vanuatu have
always aspired to create a
model that empowers their
people but they did not know
how to go about it.
“I was lucky enough to start
out at 19 years of age with
a clean slate. I had no model
or template to follow except
for using my own personal
ingenuity and instinct of what
I thought was best as a surfer
and as a Papua New Guinean
citizen.
“I must say that I owe much
to my upbringing coming from
a pioneering family and this
I believe gave me the vision
and inspiration to emulate
my late father and pioneering
statesman, Sir Cecil Abel
KBE OBE.
“This coupled with
the foundations of my
grandfather, Reverend Charles
Abel, who was a pioneer as a
missionary. His work serving
the people and our nation
took precedence in his life.
“This same philosophy is also
mine, but I have pursued my
passion for surfing to create
this legacy as my way as a
surfer and as a Papua New
Guinean.
Do you describe yourself
as a shortboarder,
longboarder or
smorgasboarder?
“I ride both as PNG has
variable waves on reefs and
of course, I’m preparing for
retirement so I can still be
charging at 90 when my son
will be carrying on my work...
I hope!”
82 may/jun 2011

DID YOU KNOW?
PNG has a set surf quota system,
which is used throughout
the country. The system was
formulated by Andy Abel
and SAPNG. It divides up the
country into surf areas each
with their own respective surf
management plans to limit surfer
numbers and guarantee guests
uncrowded waves.
Every travelling surfer pays a
levy that goes back into the
local community for improving
education and health services.
Money is also set aside for
other community based projects,
including nurturing youth surfing
talent with a select few locals
selected to represent PNG in
international surfing events such
as the Oceanic games and ISA
world surfing games.
Nick and Shaun Keane
“I GO BACK TO PNG EVERY
YEAR TO ENJOY THE SIMPLE
THINGS IN LIFE AND GET BACK
TO GRASS ROOTS SURFING.”
SHAUN LEVINGS - WORLD SURFARIS
PNG PEOPLE &
PERSONALITIES
WORDS: SHAUN LEVINGS
NICK & SHAUN KEANE
Aussie brothers, Nick and Shaun
kicked off Nusa Island Retreat in
Kavieng in 1997. Having started with
only a couple of huts, they now run one
of the most successful surf camps in
the world.
SHANE & ANNETTE CLARKE
Ex-Hawaiian married to local girl with
an amazing Cocoa plantation property
on the east coast of New Ireland now
called Rubio Plantation Retreat. This
encompasses the mountain range all
the way to the sea with surf directly
out front.
“PNG MAY HAVE BEEN ON
SURFER’S HIT LISTS FOR A
WHILE NOW BUT IT IS STILL
VERY MUCH A LAST FRONTIER
SURF DESTINATION THAT
HAS SOME OF THE BEST SURF
OPERATORS IN THE WORLD
DOING WHAT THEY LOVE
BEST, IN A PLACE THAT IS
EASY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH.”
JAMIE GRAY - THE PERFECT WAVE
Dani Smith Shane Clarke
ADAM & DANI SMITH
Ex-Melbournians who sold up and left
the rat race, bought a catamaran and
run small group charters to remote
New Hanover as well as New Ireland.
Dani is the only known female surf
charter skipper in the surf tourism
industry and could sail rings around
most blokes.
ANDY & JUDE RIGBY
Andy is the modern day Alby Mangels
with his good wife Jude who is a
gourmet cook. They operate the
PNG Explorer with exploration at the
forefront of their agenda. Finding
new waves in remote regions with
unbridled enthusiasm for adventure is
their thing.
Louis Harris (left) compares fish with
Jamie Gray of The Perfect Wave Surf Travel
Adam Smith
Justice Kirriwom
JUSTICE NICHOLAS KIRRIWOM
Patron of Tupira Surf Club and now
a Supreme Court Judge. Tupira Surf
Club has given the locals a new lease
on life with the SAPNG national titles
being held at Tupira in March this year.
may/jun 2011
83

PERFECT
PNG
We know & love PNG
After 15 years of commercial surf travel, PNG has proven itself
to be a truly professional destination with quality operators
delivering time after time. But with new regions and areas only
now being discovered and surfed, the opportunity still awaits
for any surfer with discovery in their mind.
with SAPNG surf quota system
· Land Camps – Nusa Island Retreat, Rubio
Plantation Retreat & NEW Vanimo Surf Camp
· Guaranteed un-crowded waves
· Surf Charters – PNG Explorer & Tiki Tu
· Wholesale airfares with Air Niugini
2011 / 2012 Season is filling fast! SO DON”T MISS OUT!
Call 1300 00 WAVE to check on the spot availability
www.theperfectwave.com.au
84 may/jun 2011

THE HULL IN PICTURES
Everyone is talking about them
but what the hell are they? To be
honest, until recently I didn’t have
the slightest idea myself but here is
my best explanation, any hullophiles
can feel free to correct me.
WHAT THE HULL?
Top: Single fin hull setup
Right: a hull in the making
WITH KEN REIMERS
OF ZAK SURFBOARDS
The displacement hulls that I am currently making are
awesome fun to shape and ride and have increased my
knowledge of curve dynamics.
To those who are not sure of what a displacement hull
looks like, here’s a brief introduction.
The look of the hull is quite unique, the rolled bottom
contour is probably the most radical part compared to a
normal board. Starting from the tip of the nose, the roll
across the bottom of the board increases as it heads
to about a third down the board where it apexes to its
maximum roll, from there it continues to abate until about
the last third of the bottom where it ends up being flat. The
original concept was borrowed from the boating sector, the
roll up front to break the water and the flat at the back to
keep it planning once it reached speed.
The rails are 50/50 style throughout the roll and come back
down to a knife rail in the tail area for bite.
The foils of the boards are another noticeable factor, with
a very flat rocker for trim speed, extra thickness to handle
the bottom roll and 50/50 rail, plus the thinning of the nose
and tail areas creates what was called an S-deck back in
the early days. If you look down the deck of the board from
the tail end, you will see the S-deck controlling the volume
and balance of the foil.
The outlines are wider overall because the bottom roll
makes the board surf narrower.
So, this is the basic form of a displacement hull but as
with any board design, there is a multitude of design
options.
When designing these hulls I was aiming to fill a place in
my quiver that would allow me to drop down from my 9’0”
mal without losing the trim feel that a mal gives, while
creating more manoeuvrability for forgiveness in sucky
waves.
I found the fins and placement to be an important factor
affecting performance. Having a long fin box in the board
helps you find the right position for you personally. As
far as single fins go, I really like the 9” flex fins similar
to George Greenough’s early designs. It’s a great feeling
when you load up the fin on a bottom turn and it drives you
forward. The side plugs are there for two reasons, firstly as
a small side bite fin - because the tail area is flat and a bit
wider than normal, the side bites can help it hold on larger
or suckier waves, plus they can add a little more drive.
Secondly, the plugs are in the right spot if you want to try
the board as a twin fin, removing the single. It changes the
dynamics of the board again and I probably ride this setup
more than a single because I like the feel, but I was into
twins more than singles in the early days. The MR FCS.
twin fins will work fine if you want to try it like this.
After riding these boards for a couple of years now I have
grown to love the feel that this style of board gives and
D-Hulls will always be apart of my quiver.
Ken Reimers shapes displacement hulls for Zak Surfboards
in Thornbury, Victoria. For more info, check out the website:
zaksurfboards.com
A classic hull style surfboard
contains a number of design
elements all working together in
unison, as explained in detail by Ken
Reimers to the left:
(please note the drawing has
been exaggerated to assist
understanding)
THE BOTTOM of the board is
basically like a boat. It is not flat
as with a modern day performance
shortboard or longboard. It has
curvature.
DISPLACEMENT is the volume of
water the ‘hull’ shoves aside.
THE NOSE is often wider and
sometimes quite rounded.
THE RAILS are very ‘blady’ and often
feature razor sharp 50/50 rails. The
‘razor’ edge or apex being at the
centre of the rail.
THE S-DECK The nose has a slight
kick and is quite thin. The board
beefs up under your chest right
through to just in front of where you
would traditionally place your back
foot. Then its thin again at the tail.
INSIDE...
Classic Malibu
MT-3 - PXX
INSIDE THE WETSUIT P104
SHAPING FOR WHEEL P117
BRAND NEW BOARDS P94
All the latest designs and ideas from shapers along the coast. Check out some
great new shapes and designs from our talented local surfboard makers.
All the elements are blended
together to provide the surfer with
a board that trims well and makes
long arcing turns using the rail as
much as the fin. You really draw out
your turns and then glide like in a
late sixties surf movie.
You do not pivot these boards
off the tail, manoeuvring them at
will, but rather ride them in a very
forward trim riding style. They are
great for long point waves. Riders
often make mention of how the
boards ‘hold’ or ‘fit’ into the wave as
if you are connected to it rather than
skimming across it.
85

IVERSE
“What has always
captivated me is
downtown Tokyo,
the neon lights
and flashing
billboards, that
total visual
overload.”
DAVE VERRALl, DIVERSE SURF
86 may/jun 2011

the
candy
man
GEAR: SHAPER
WITH SO MANY
BOARDS, COLOURS AND
DESIGNS TO CHOOSE
FROM, WALKING INTO
DIVERSE SURF AT
TUGUN FOR THE FIRST
TIME IS LIKE WALKING
INTO A CANDY STORE
But it’s not just the number of boards, but the sheer variety that hits you.
Longboards, shortboards, retro fish, eggs, hybrids, mini-Simmons, chambered
wood boards and even finless creations... and some are in resin tints or have
unique ‘one-of’ decals. The diverse range of boards in just one surf store
(pardon the pun) is staggering.
If there is one shaper that truly typifies the spirit of a smorgasboarder, one
that epitomises what our mag is all about, it’s Dave Verrall - or Feral Dave as
he’s otherwise known. We paid the Candy Man a visit to see what makes him
tick. WORDS: DAVE SWAN PHOTOS: MARK CHAPMAN
may/jun 2011
87

the
candy
man
Variety is the spice of life they say.
That rule certainly applies as far
as our perspective on surfing is
concerned - experiment, experience
and master different watercraft.
Don’t slip into the mundane routine
of riding one board and one board
only. Build your quiver with boards
of every shape and colour under the
sun. In doing so, you might as well
pay Diverse Surf a visit, they have it
all under one roof. But how did Dave
become so diverse?
“I guess it is an ingrained part of
my personality, my love of various
watercraft. I am probably suffering
from attention deficit disorder where
I can’t stick with one shape for too
long. I always want to try something
else and see what this shape or this
construction method can do. I also
like boards to be unique – different
colours, different decals.
“What has always captivated me is
downtown Tokyo, the neon lights and
flashing billboards, that total visual
overload. In some small way, that is
the feeling we have tried to recreate
when you walk in here.”
But what of Dave’s customers, do
they share his same philosophy on
surfing all types of boards?
“Most of my customers have a pretty
expansive quiver of all kinds of
boards. I guess they are confident in
the fact that whatever I have in store
works, because it’s what I do.
“If you went to a shaper who only
focused on 6ft white shortboards and
asked him to make you a mini-Simmons
or a quad, you are probably going to be
throwing him a real curve ball.
“There is a big movement of people
out there who don’t go for the
mainstream big brands. People who
don’t pigeon hole themselves as a
shortboarder or a longboarder, people
who just love surfing. “
Developing a
sweet tooth
Born in Alice Springs (his parents
were travelling around Australia at
the time), Dave spent most of his first
15 years growing up on a farm near
the beach in the Yorke Peninsula in
South Australia.
“My father was a pretty creative
inventor and had a lot of influence
on me. He made things like pedal
powered airplanes from plywood,
houseboats from recycled oil drums
and timber from the rubbish dump.”
Dave ‘found’ his first board at 10
years of age in the very same place.
“My cousin and I pulled the door skin
of a kero fridge and used the foam to
make a board. We surfed it unglassed
until we had no nipples left! The
next one was a little more upmarket
and also came from the dump. It
was a little red single fin with the fin
missing. I made a fin from plywood
at school with the help of my teacher
Paul Balcerek, who was a state
titleist in south Oz at the time.”
Moving to Queensland at 15 got
Dave closer to warm water but he
initially became more involved with
motocross and enduro racing. Over
the ensuing years he finished a
mechanics apprenticeship and worked
as a photographer for a studio whilst
freelancing as a senior photographer
for a dirt bike magazine.
It was a camping trip to Flat Rock near
Ballina that Dave found surfing again.
He was about 20 years of age.
“It didn’t take me long to give up
everything else and spend most of
my time surfing. I moved to Duranbah
and worked or used the dole to get
enough to live and surf all the time!
I became good friends with Greg
Kerr (father of Josh Kerr on the WCT)
and thru conversations with him and
my next-door neighbour, who was
sanding at a local surfboard factory,
88 may/jun 2011

“Most of my customers have a pretty
expansive quiver of all kinds of boards.”
I landed some part time work putting
in leggy plugs. It didn’t take long to
get more work there making fins and
so forth.”
Dave found working there really
inspired him and opened up his
‘creative genes’. He liked the
challenge that no two boards were
the same and the fact that every little
thing could make amazing differences
to how a surfboard performed.
He was surrounded by legends like
Billy Grant, Zappa, Neal Purchase Snr,
Jim Banks and Thornton Fallander.
They all possessed an immense
amount of knowledge from which
Dave could learn from. What they
didn’t tell him, Dave picked up by
watching and listening.
“One of my best teachers was ex
English pro champion Martin Wright.
Martin lent me his planer and templates
and I started hacking into blanks...
“The first board I made was a 7’0”
egg style board with a resin marble
tint! One of our glassing customers
was Nev Hyman and he sold me a
few rejected profiles and I finished
them off. Those blanks taught me a
few things. One, was always follow
your own ideas and go down your
own path. The other thing I learnt was
reject blanks are soft and rejected for
a reason.”
From that point on Dave worked hard
on learning everything he could about
making quality boards. He had a
burning desire to know how and why
everything worked and developed
an even stronger passion to make it
better than the status quo.
“I shaped myself a new board every
two weeks for the first year, spending
all my pay on glassing materials and
blanks. A travelling Hawaiian surfer
came in to do some part time work
at the factory, we made friends and
I made him a board to try, which he
loved. He ended up on a photo shoot
with Munga Barry on Stradbroke
Island. I ended up with a cover shot in
Waverider magazine. Inspired by this
and the amount of orders I received,
I started to sell to a couple of the
shops. It didn’t take too long to get
enough orders to give up working in
the big production glassing company
and go out on my own.”
The start of an
international
following
Dave started travelling to Bali for a
few months every year to surf. Each
time he would take several boards
with him to learn how they worked
in those kinds of conditions. He used
to sell them all to Japanese surfers,
each time completely paying for his
trip before coming home.
Dave still enjoys a strong following in
Bali to this day. His Japanese market
has also expanded with visitors to his
Gold Coast store prompting him to
venture to the Land of the Rising Sun
on a regular basis.
“I have been back and forwards to
Japan for more than 15 years. At
present though, I am pretty concerned
about the whole country.”
With close family ties to Japan
(Dave’s wife Tae is Japanese) his
level of concern is understandable.
Japan also makes up a significant
part of his export market.
“From all reports it appears surfers
are copping a pretty hard time, being
persecuted in the media for going out
and having a good time when the rest
of the country is struggling to come to
grips with the catastrophes that have
unfolded. Surfing is perceived as drug
laden counter culture, much the same
as how it was here in Australia in the
seventies.“
may/jun 2011
89

Diverse’s Isaac Paddon (second
from left) spending time in Japan
with Dave. Photo: Supplied
Does your shaper
surf? Dave does.
Photo: Supplied
the
candy
man
GEAR: SHAPER
Candy cravings
We know of Dave’s love for an
expansive quiver but what is it that
drives him.
“I love making surfboards. I’m
obsessed with making them better.
I froth off science and technology.
I scour the internet for any new
advances in all kinds of fields. From
cold spraying, powder coating and
resin infusion, I want to find the next
better way to make a board stronger,
lighter and outperform anything we
have ever made.”
Trick or treat
Dave Verrall is an affable kind of bloke
but he’s no marshmallow when it
comes to expressing his bugbear with
the surf industry today.
“What drives me is what I see
everyday in my shop. I see customers
bring in boards to be repaired that
have been made here on the Gold
Coast and around the world. I am
appalled at the quality of most of
them. The major brands are the worst.
The foam is so over shaped there is
no dent resistance. The decks look like
golf balls. The fin systems are glued
in with the most incompatible resins,
causing fin plugs to break out left, right
and centre.
“Worst still, one of the newer trends
of wood or carbon around the rails
creates more landfill. What happens
when you ding your rail? The stringers
are cut. Bye, bye strength. There’s no
way to fix that board properly. None
of those brands stand behind their
product with any kind of guarantee!
I don’t know of any other sporting
product in the world that has such poor
back up and service as that.”
Dave’s also not
a fan of cheap
imports.
“I see people riding all kinds of cheap
imported boards that are as shiny
as a wet ladybird. The graphics are
as generic as the shelves in a Coles
supermarket. They last the newbie
for most of his or her surfing career
because they only spend an hour in the
water once a fortnight. And because of
the board, they never actually get good
enough for them to improve to the
stage of desiring a better board. ‘That
90 may/jun 2011

surfing is sure hard, let’s try stand up
paddling next honey...’”
But the quality of the make is not
the only thing that gets Dave’s goat,
in his mind, the narrow-minded
focus of most on just performance
shortboards is limiting.
“Thanks to the fish fashion of the
last few years at least some people
are riding the right volume. But
the majority of mainstream surfing
brands and marketing is centered
on the thruster and it’s low volume
narrowband performance boards.
When are they going to wake up
that 90% of the world go surfing for
fun? They need floatation and ease
of use. Maybe it’s a conspiracy so
only the good surfers can get waves
at the best spots… then again if
everyone out there rode the right
board I might never catch a wave.
Maybe all those set waves would
have lots of people riding on them
like the pictures we see of the old
days when 15 guys are on one wave
riding their malibus towards the
shore.”
Dave still has a passion for
performance surfboards though, he
has simply incorporated them into
his diverse range.
Performance
orientated
design and new
technologies
“Most people know I shape a variety
of boards from logs through to fishes
and fun boards but possibly not
the full extent of my venture into
performance shortboards.
“The thing is, I have always shaped
performance shortboards but I found
the majority of everyday surfers
weren’t interested in them because
it’s not what they ride. Hence I
focused on fish and fun boards. This
gave me joy because it got everyone
enjoying their surfing again. In my
heart though, I still want surfers to
get the most out of their surfing.
“Now that I have been able to
develop a technology such as the
Dyncore, where I can give highly
skilled and elite level surfers
something that is super light, strong
and high-performance orientated,
and it will last, I want to pursue that
market. “
Hard coated
candy
Jawbreakers
“With quality always being
important to my customers, it
drove me to make tougher, stronger
boards.
“My inventive nature lead me to
create an additive we add in the
resin to toughen the boards. Small
differences in attention to detail
make a large impact on durability
and quality.
“Dabbling in many forms of board
construction methods and materials
teaches us so much about our
technical needs in a board too. I
am constantly putting my efforts
into trying things like resin infusion,
multiple core boards (sandwich
construction) and wooden board
building methods. Just looking for
those differences teaches me how I
can make better boards with a lesser
environmental footprint.”
This experimentation lead to the
discovery that is Dynocore. Dave
goes on to explain what his new
approach to board building is all
about.
“The glass that we use is a new
technology. A material called
Innegra that, until recently could
not be used effectively. It is used
in V8 super cars and formula one
around the world because when it
hits something it absorbs the impact
rather than shattering and exploding
like carbon fibre does.
“It is quite hard to work with under
normal surfboard glassing standards.
That’s why I formulated my own
process to go with it. It is durable
but also has three times the flex of
normal fiberglass. There are three
different types of fibre we use on the
board as well as carbon and basalt
patches that further strengthen the
board.
The foam used is an EPS foam but
as Dave explains there are different
grades of EPS.
“The really open grade which is
quite cheap to produce is used in
insulation. The next grade they use,
which is reasonably waterproof, is
used in paper cups and iceboxes.
Then there is what we have, that is
purpose built for surfboards. Within
that style of foam, I can choose from
three different grades from light
to heavy to tune the board for its
performance.
“The fact is, we are still developing
this technology and it just keeps
getting better and better.”
With regards to how this technology
performs, Dave puts it in terms
of his new range of Dynocore
performance shortboards.
“It’s a WCT performance surfer’s
board. It has the super light feel but
will last for ages. A board you can
take on a surf trip overseas and be
confident it is not going to break in
the first week. Something you can
surf everywhere for a long time and
it still goes great. You may get sick
of it in 6 months and want to trade it
in for something else and you know
what, because of how it is made, it
is still a good board and worth a lot
of money.”
Regard for the
environment
It is the pursuit of better boards and
stronger boards that has stoked
Dave’s environmental consciousness.
“The way we go about our surfboard
building process is what we find to
be the most simple and effective
way without enforcing our views
and beliefs. We start from eco
friendly printing inks for our board
art instead of nasty paint sprays and
we buy stronger more durable raw
materials.
“That said, we still use poisons and
toxic chemicals in manufacturing as
we are without effective options.
As yet, there are currently no better
performing alternatives. We are
willing to try them if someone can
show us a better way.”
With that in mind, Dave set about
looking towards how he could
reduce the amount of waste when
crafting a surfboard.
“Did you realise when everyone
makes a surfboard that 40% of
the raw materials purchased to
produce your awesome board is
wasted? Starting with the foam
removed from the blank thru to the
resin that drips of the glass to the
dust sanded of the finish coat, it all
ends up in the appropriate waste
facilities. At Diverse we do our best
to keep emissions and dust down to
a minimum.
“But everyday we see boards made
locally and all over the world that
are a few weeks old, they look
pockmarked like old golf balls.
DAVE ON Fins
“One of my first jobs in the factory
was making fins, so I have always
been kind of into them. Removable
fins took away a lot of the
knowledge people need to know
about fins. I guess back then the
shaper had to do all the testing and
know what fins would intricately
match the shape of the board.”
“Having made fins it’s nice to be able
to recommend the appropriate fins to
match a board without the confines of
political brand association.”
Diverse make their own range
of fins to suit each board,
including specifically
made blades for
their Dynocore
range.
DYNOCORE...
INDESTRUCTIBLE?
VERY CLOSE.
HAMMER-PROOF STRENGTH.
HOW OFTEN DOES A SHAPER
ASK YOU TO BASH a BOARD?
91

the
candy
man
SELECT BOARDS FROM THE
DIVERSE SURF QUIVER
HULL
BROAD
BEAN
Wave
dominator
DS
SPRINT
KARVSTIx
FEATURING ART
BY DAVE VERRAL
DYNOCORE
SONIC PRO
TWIN
KEEL
FISH
HPI
LONGBOARD
DP PIG
Minisimmons
CHAMBERED
TIMBER
QUAD FISH
SG
CRUISER
92 may/jun 2011

Photo: Supplied
Candy
wrappers
DAVE TALKS ABOUT THE DIVERSE RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR
BEAUTIFYING YOUR BRAND NEW BOARD
“Aside from our Dynocore range - which involves a
competely different process - what we prefer to do
as a standard is glass your board a little heavier (ie
stronger), shape the board from better grade foam,
use tougher fibreglass, laminate it with strong
resins and let it cure for several weeks, you will
now have a board that lasts for several years. We
even guarantee to give you 50% trade in every 12
months to back the quality and life of the board.
Your old one gets sold on to the next person who
can get loads of satisfaction from a great durable
product! That is responsible manufacturing.
“This is how we do our bit for the environment.
If you were to have a new board every 3 months
because your old one is trashed, think about how
much waste and damage that does to our fragile
ecosystem. What better way to do your bit and
help the environment by having longer lasting,
more durable boards that are worth something to
someone else when you are finished with it?
“If this is not good enough for you... pony up and
pay me to make you a beautiful wooden board
made from plantation grown Paulownia here
in Australia. You will have it to pass on to your
grandchildren.
“The environment we surf in has always been a
beautiful place. Growing up I learnt to look after
the earth as best as I could little by little. As one
company we cannot change the surfing world’s
trends and general misuse of the environment.
I find the best we can do is leave the smallest
footprint of effect on our past.”
Dave has been recently working on a project with
the CSIRO to create and analyse ways to change our
archaic board making processes to fresh, new ecofriendly
methods.
“Dynocore has morphed out of this desire
to make the best board around. Advances in
surfboards, EPS and epoxy resins along with my
proprietry semi-automatic glassing process will
make your best board yet.
“One thing my dad always taught me was, ‘Good
better best, never let it rest, until your good is
better and your better is best!’”
Photo: Supplied
“Making 20 white boards a week
gets pretty boring for a creative like
me. I learned how to use photoshop
to design my logos and design my
own adverts. This lead me to try
and incorporate that style of art
onto my boards.
“I met a young guy who worked
at a sign writers using a plotter/
vinyl cutter and bingo my idea was
a reality. I created the art on the
computer, cut out stencils with
the plotter and stuck them on the
board, painting the colour in then
removing the vinyl masking.
“My unique style was born. I went
crazy for a while doing all kinds
of things no-one had ever painted
on boards before. This created a
real niche brand approach for our
products.”
It didn’t stop there. Around 10 years
ago Dave started making high-end
graphic art boards and worked with
Troy Bremner at TBD to create full
colour inserts that came out of a
$100,000 large format printer.
“Working with an American graphic
company, we had boards with
inlays printed on them hanging in
galleries in France for $3000. These
days the printers are a little more
affordable and Diverse have our
own printing machine pumping out
unique and personal graphics for
boards everyday.”
Dave has over 700+ examples of
his own designs on the Diverse
website and pays royalties to
artists who want to display a
gallery of work on there.
Better still, if you are creative, you
can even personalise your own
surfboard by designing your own
board decal.
“With our innovative new process
available, if you can create it on
a computer, we can apply it to a
board. Any static graphic that is.
We can’t do not video boards..
yet!”
may/jun 2011
93

Vintage Log
by Jye Byrnes The Cigar
Shaper: Jye Byrnes
Dimensions:
9’6” x 23 1 /8” x 3”
Ideal conditions: 0-3 ft
points or beach breaks.
Ability level: Int to adv
loggers looking to step
back in time and style.
Description: Traditional
noseriding longboard with
a few hidden features.
Deep nose concave
blended with a rolled
bottom and 50/50 rails.
Construction: Foam
& Fibre range. Choose
coloured foam insert,
multiple red or whitewood
stringers, tints and
polishes for a unique and
functioning art piece that
look as good as it goes.
Fins: One fin only for this
beauty - set or box fin.
Shaper comment: Tried
and tested all over the
east coast. Fuller outline
in the last third increases
tip time and the late flip
in the tail allows the
board to turn with style.
by Zak Surfboards
Shaper: Ken Reimers
Dimensions:
9’6”x 22 ½” x 3”
Conditions: Point breaks
Suits: a mad logger
Description: The 9’6 foot
Cigar is a model that I have
a lot of respect for, mainly
for the guys who rode this
style of beast in the 60’s in
waves of consequence. A
super flat rocker with 50-50
rails, rolled vee, big tail fin
and heavy glass job these
things have momentum
that is a challenge to
master. Ride the glide
Construction: 6oz bottom,
12oz deck.
Fins: 10” hatchet
Shaper comment: Surf
this board with love and it
will give you twice back.
SOD Model MK 2
by Thomas
Shaper: Thomas Bexon
Dimensions:
9’2” x 22 ½”x 2 ½”
16 ½” nose, 16 ½” tail
Ability: Intermediate to
experienced
Suits: Around 60 - 65kg
and on the shorter side.
Description: Rolled
bottom with slight narrow
concave through the front
half of the board. Very,
very subtle step deck
for increased bladiness
and extra flex through
the nose. Really rounded
off square tail with deck
concave for hold and
stability on the nose.
Construction: ½ inch
cedar stringer, double 8oz
deck, 4oz patches and full
8oz bottom.
Fins: Glassed on, big red
racked pivot fin.
Shaper comment: This
board is not for kooks but
if you can surf you won’t
find a much better log.
Stay tuned to my website
for info on the new shed.
Swine Flu
by Black Apache Surfboards
Shaper: Jesse Watson
Dimensions:
9’6” x 23” x 3 1 /8”
Ideal conditions: Up to
head high sliders
Suits: Hepcats to kooks,
kicks flicks and hanging
heels.
Description: Traditional
pig-inspired modern sled,
but with modernised
rockers and foils for the
logger who wants to
noseglide and whipturn
like it aint no thang.
Construction: 6/4oz deck
+ 6/4oz bottom resin tints,
60’s comp stripe and a full
gloss and polish.
Fins: Black Apache
revised D-fin
Shaper comment: This
one is a modern sled
for the discerning kook,
traditional in looks - but a
real hotrod under your feet.
It’ll flash you a smile and
then punch you in the face.
Bobby Brown
Stringerless
Shaper: Floyd Smith
Dimensions:
9’2” x its a secret
Ideal conditions:
Sunday Best
Suits: Someone with
exquisite taste in boards
Description: Shaped
off Bobby’s last board
from August 1967 by the
legendary Floyd Smith -
Bobby’s shaping mentor.
Beautifully foiled rails and
iconic nose concave.
Construction: Stringerless
foam wrapped in Volan
glass (using some of the
old school techniques
passed on to us by Floyd)
and a full polish.
Fins: Glassed on upright
paddle pop fin
Shaper comment: This
board is one of the last
great longboards made
in the 60’s before the
shortboard revolution.
Built with all round hotdogging
in any size waves
in mind.
THE SURF FACTORY
16 Maitland Rd Islington
Newcastle N.S.W 2296
Ph: 02 4969 5889
Mob: 0409 227 407
info@thesurfactory.com.au
thesurffactory.com.au
ZAK SURFBOARDS
307 Victoria Road
Thornbury VIC 3071
Ph: 03 9416 7384
Mobile: 0438 416 738
zak@zaksurfboards.com
zaksurfboards.com
THOMAS SURFBOARDS
PO Box 234
Maroochydore Qld 4558
Ph: 02 6584 1995
Mob: 0412 131 491
thomas_bexon@hotmail.com
thomassurfboards.com
black apache surfboards
BLACK APACHE
SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0410 419 791
E: blackapachesurfboards@
live.com.au
blackapachesurfboards.com.au
GORDON AND SMITH
Ph: 0404 486 654
dane@gordonandsmith.com.au
gordonandsmith.com.au
94 may/jun 2011

Minty boards
make the most
of Straddie
Photo: Supplied
by Minty Surfboards
GEAR: BOARDS
Popsicle Punter
by Oke Surfboards
Shaper: Rory Oke
Dimensions:
5’9 x 19 ¼” x 2 ¼”
Ideal conditions: 1-4ft
Suits: Anyone who
wants the speed and
paddling ability of a fish,
but the performance of a
shortboard.
Description: A wider
nose outline, low entry
rocker and single to
double concave generates
plenty of speed in smaller
waves, while the pulled-in
squashtail and extra tail
kick allows the board to
be surfed more vertical.
Construction: Ocean
Foam blank, 4oz glass
with optional carbon
kevlar tail patches
Fins: Speedfins s115s -
FCS compatible
Shaper comment: After
spending the last few
years working with the
team to develop a board
for everyday Victorian
conditions, this is the
result. Surf it around 4”
shorter than your standard
shortboard.
OKE SURFBOARDS
1/1-7 Canterbury Rd,
Braeside, VIC, 3195
Ph: 03 9587 3553
okesurfboards.com
All-round Board
by Minty Surfboards
Shaper: Bob Minty
Dimensions:
6’ x 18 ¼” x 2 1 /8”
Ideal conditions:
3-8 foot
Designed for:
All round performance
Description:
Rounded square tail with
small hip. 4 mm concave.
Construction:
Burford foam and glassed
with Hexcel cloth.
Shaper comment:
Great all-round board. Fast
off the bottom. Powerful
off the top with great
down-the-line speed.
MINTY SURFBOARDS
Point Lookout,
North Stradbroke
QLD, 4183
Ph: (07) 3409 8334
Mob: 0438 783 191
bob@bobmintysurfboards.com
bobmintysurfboards.com
High Performance
Small Wave Board
by Minty Surfboards
Shaper: Bob Minty
Dimensions:
5’9” x 19” x 2 1 /16”
Ideal conditions:
Small waves
Designed for:
Performance surfing
Description:
Stringerless small wave
board with flex-control
glassing.
Construction:
EPS and epoxy.
Shaper comment:
High performance board.
Easy to launch and fast to
respond.
MINTY SURFBOARDS
Point Lookout,
North Stradbroke
QLD, 4183
Ph: (07) 3409 8334
Mob: 0438 783 191
bob@bobmintysurfboards.com
bobmintysurfboards.com
Somewhere in Victoria...
Flying high on an
Oke Surfboard
Photo: Supplied
by Oke Surfboards
may/jun 2011
95

Blackbird
by Primitive Surf
Shaper: Craig Rees
Dimensions: 5’7’’ - 6’4’’
Above 5’7” x 18 ¾” x 2 1 /8”
Ability level:
Intermediate and up
Suits: Different sizes
Description: Primitive
Surf Team rider Nick
Vitko sat me down
and we nutted this
new model out. It’s a
high performance fish
and works best when
combined with the MR
twin fins from FCS. They
have great down the line
speed and turn on a dime.
Construction: PU foam
with polyester resin,
Vacuum bagged with
Carbon/Kevlar.
Fins: Twin. MR twin fins
from FCS recommended.
Shaper comment: Go
down 6 inches from your
normal short board length
and hang on. I took a 6’2
to PNG and it was the
most popular board on the
boat. They seem to do all
the work on a wave and
just needed to be pointed
in the right direction.
Big Bird
by Primitive Surf
Shaper: Craig Rees
Dimensions: Sizes
range from 6’4’’ to 7’6’’.
Featured: 7’x 21 ½’’ x 2 ¾”
Ability level:
Beginners and up
Suits: Different sizes
Description: A follow
on from our very popular
Blackbird model, just on
a bigger scale. The Big
Bird has the volume of
a mini-mal but is much
more responsive under
your feet, similar to a
performance fish that
will handle a little juice
as well.
Construction: PU foam
with polyester resin.
Fins: Quad or twin FCS.
Shaper comment:
Perfect for guys using
mals that wish to surf
something smaller
without sacrificing too
much volume or even
beginners that don’t want
a longboard.
Old Eighty-One
by Ed Sinnott/ESP
Shaper: Ed Sinnott
Dimensions:
5’9 x 19 ¼ x 2 3 /8”
Ideal conditions:
Anything up to 6’
Suits: Anybody
Description: This is a
combination of all my
old single fin and twinfin
templates combined with
new school bottom curves
and rails. The result is a
sensational hybrid that
flys. Flat entry, deep vortex
concave, razor edges and
wet and dry finish.
Construction: Burford/
South Coast PU blanks,
Silmar polyester resin,
Colan and Surf Nine glass.
This combination has
stood the test of time.
I love the flex.
Fins: Thruster
Shaper comment:
Surfboard design has
gone the full circle now.
We’ve got boards that
make so-called normal
6’1’’ boards look like guns.
Go smaller, thicker and
wider. Yew!
Blimp
by Underground
Shaper: Tony Dempsey
Dimensions:
5’9” x 21” x 2 5 /8”
Ideal conditions: Up to
3ft beachies or points
Ability level: From
beginner to advanced
Suits: Everyone
Description:
High-performance small
wave board with low
rocker and performance
bottom. The bottom has
increased V in the tail,
lifting the board quickly
rail to rail.
Construction:
PU foam and polyester
resin, totally handshaped.
Fins: FCS fibreglass keels
Shaper comment:
These boards are totally
handmade to your
requirements - as are all
Underground boards -
using the best possible
materials. Original,
retro styling with high
performance and loads
of fun.
Six Pack
by Zak Surfboards
Shaper: Doug Rogers
Dimensions:
6’2” x 20” X 2 5 /8”
Conditions: 2-5ft
Suits: Anyone
Description: Double flyer,
rounded pin, mild vee into
6 channels. Clear with pin
line, fairly flat rocker.
Construction:
6oz bottom 10 oz deck.
Fins: 8” single with
3” side biters.
Shaper comment: Can
ride as a straight single
or as a 2+1. Revamped
mids vicco single fin, built
to hold high and fast on
steeper sections.
PRIMITIVE SURF
601 Nudgee Rd,
Nundah, Qld 4012
Ph: 07 3266 1001
E: info@primitivesurf.com
www.primitivesurf.com
PRIMITIVE SURF
601 Nudgee Rd,
Nundah, Qld 4012
Ph: 07 3266 1001
E: info@primitivesurf.com
www.primitivesurf.com
ESP SURFBOARDS
2/81 Centennial Circuit
Byron Bay, NSW
Ph: 0404 059 321
espsurfboards.com
www.edsinnott.com.au
UNDERGROUND SURF
3/31 McLean St,
Coolangatta, QLD 4225
Ph: 07 5599 1040
kirra@undergroundsurf.com.au
undergroundsurf.com.au
ZAK SURFBOARDS
307 Victoria Road
Thornbury VIC 3071
Ph: 03 9416 7384
Mobile: 0438 416 738
zak@zaksurfboards.com
zaksurfboards.com
96 may/jun 2011

GEAR: BOARDS
“Super fast and super
responsive.
Holds so well in the
pocket, it’s crazy.
I havent gone back to my
normal board... Actually this
is my normal board now.”
Jet Jet
by Glenn Cat
Shaper: Gcat & the
Erle of Pedersen
Ideal conditions:
4- 6 thousand foot
intergalactic sound waves
Description: is wot it is.
Shaper comment: LSD
may help, BUT wait for the
move instead.
Retro Single Fin
by HWS
Shaper: Robert Ivers
Dimensions:
6’4” x 21 ½” x 2 5 /8”
Ideal conditions:
3-6ft beach or point breaks
Suits: Medium skill level
Description: This Retro
Twin Fin is full of punch
with enough volume to
get you into waves early
and rails to help you hold
onto to any wall. An easy
paddler, this will put the
fun back into your surfing.
Construction: Hollow
timber, Paulownia and
Western Red Cedar,
glassed in epoxy. With
proper care these boards
will last a lifetime. Due to
the nature of natural timber,
each board is unique.
Fins: Single Fin, made
Wiz Finz from Byron Bay.
Shaper comment: Not
all surfboards are the
same. Enjoy the smooth
ride and extra momentum
of a timber board.
Alternatively: Make
your own timber board by
attending one of our Tree
to Sea workshops.
Dynamo
by Flanagan Surfboards
Shaper: Jason Flanagan
Dimensions:
5’3” x 18 7 /8” x 2 ¼”
Ideal conditions: 1-4ft
Ability: Novice to Pro
Description:
The Dynamo has a single
to deep double concave
with a vee off the tail pod.
It features a low-medium
rail with a very low rocker
and flat deck.
Construction: Cured
Liquid Laminations
Fins: Thruster
Shaper comment: The
Dynamo is taking off like
a rocket in the popularity
stakes - just as it does
in the water. It’s a highperformance
craft that
will redefine your theory
on a few aspects of board
design. You will probably
divorce your 6’1” before
sunset.
Alex Swadling,
Coffs Harbour
on the Flanagan Dynam0
SURF1770NOOSA.COM
Ph: 07 4974 7770
surf1770@bigpond.com
surf1770noosa.com
HOLLOW WOODEN
SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0409 211751
E: hwsurfboards@gmail.com
www.hwsb.com.au
FLANAGAN SURFBOARDS
26/22 Lawson Crescent,
Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
Ph: 0432 361 694
flanagansurfboards.com
Photo: Tom Woods
ST Surf Images www.stsurfimages.com
may/jun 2011
97

MT-3
by Classic Malibu
Shaper: Peter White
Typical dimensions:
5’8” x 20” x 2½”
Conditions: Anything, but
revels in 3ft hollow points
Ability: More adept
surfers. Forgiving, stable
and custom-made to suit.
Description: The MT-3 is
an amalgam of two minds
and three boards. Peter
White and Mark Tume
drew elements from two
modern boards and one
original ‘70s template to
produce a flatter-rockered,
wider board with a refined,
quad-fin tail.
Construction: PU foam,
4mm stringer. Glassing -
6oz and 4oz ‘S’ cloth on
deck, 4oz ‘S’ cloth bottom
Fins: FCS SF-4 quads
as standard, but can
be changed out if more
performance is required
Shaper comment: The
MT-3 paddles easily and
out-performs every other
board in its class. Supreme
speed down the line and
excellent rail hold makes
this a versatile little board.
Yet to be named
by Lee Cheyne
Shaper: Lee Cheyne
Dimensions:
6” x 21” x 2 ¾”
Ideal conditions: 0-2ft
Ability level: Anyone
Suits: This is one of my
personal boards for mostly
rubbish waves but seems
to be going really well in
good waves.
Description: Flat rocker
with a combination of
concaves and vees.
Construction: Burford
blank with Silmar resin
Surf 9 4oz and 6oz glass
with carbon tail patches.
I shape, glass and sand
all my boards myself
with the best materials
available to ensure they
are the best quality
boards on the market.
Fins: Future or set
Shaper comment: Insert
gigantic grin here!
Leather Jacket Fish
by Jye Byrnes
Shaper: Jye Byrnes
Dimensions:
6’ x 20 ½” x 2 ¾”
or custom for you.
Ideal conditions: 0-4 ft
points or beach breaks.
Ability level: Int to adv.
All shapes and sizes.
Description: Wide
and curvy semi-deep
swallow tail for loose and
controlled turns. Flatter
rocker and slight rolled
V-bottom, subtle double
concave between the
fins. This fish is the sultan
of speed and the king of
style. Retro look, modern
features. Lets go surfin’!
Construction: Foam &
Fibre range. Choose your
coloured foam, stringers,
tints and polishes for a
unique and functioning
piece of art. Apply this
process to any order.
Fins: Twin keel or quad
fin. Available in set fin,
FCS or Futures.
Shaper comment:
Classic features with
modern influences for
smooth lines and drawn
out turns. Perfect to add
to your quiver.
The Quadfather
by More Surfboards
Shaper: Mark Pridmore
Dimensions: Custom, just
for you - This one is a 6’0”
Ideal: Small beachies to
throwing barrells
Suits: Surfers who want a
fast, stable, manouverable
board that paddles well. I
make a lot of these for guys
frustrated with standard,
overly refined shortboards...
Description: A high
performance board, but
designed to be easy to
ride and perform in all
conditions. A little extra
area and volume, so it
paddles great. The quad
ensures a lot of speed and
hold, but the planshape,
rocker, fin placement and
bottom shape makes it
very easy to turn. Really
the best of both worlds.
Construction: PU foam,
Polyester resin. Made
here in Oz.
Fins: Quad FCS. Fast and
holds in great. Not tight
like some people think
quads are. Additional tail
plug for thruster if needed.
Shapers Comment: Fast
and loose! See reports and
reviews on the website.
Quad Fish
by Sam Egan
Shaper: Sam Egan
Dimensions:
Order from 5’6” to 7’2”
Ideal conditions:
Enjoys almost everything
Ability level:
Intermediate to advanced.
Description: Fuller outline
– easy paddler, fun type
board, fast and surfs tight
to the face of the wave.
Will still go vertical with a
tri fin set up.
Construction: Bennett
ISO foam, Dion polyester
resin
Fins: FCS Fusion fin
system with SF4 glass
flex fins
Shaper comment:
Drawing off retro lines,
the quad fish is a good
step down from a mal
in bigger sized waves
or perfect for ther highperformance
surfer after
a volumetric fish.
CLASSIC MALIBU
Cnr Gibson & Eumundi Rd
Noosaville, QLD 4566
Ph: 07 5474 3122
info@classicmalibu.com
www.classicmalibu.com
LEE CHEYNE DESIGNS
19/48 Machinery Dr,
Tweed Heads South
NSW 2486
Ph: 07 5523 3237
lcdboards@gmail.com
myspace.com/454626994
tradewindsurf.com.au
THE SURF FACTORY
16 Maitland Rd Islington
Newcastle N.S.W 2296
Ph: 02 4969 5889
Mob: 0409 227 407
info@thesurfactory.com.au
thesurffactory.com.au
MORE SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0405 475 026
moresurfboards.com
Now based on the Sunshine
Coast but delivery to just about
anywhere is not a problem.
SAM EGAN
SURFBOARDS
28 Maitland Road
Islington NSW 2296
Ph: 02 4969 7299
info@samegan.com
www.samegan.com.au
98 may/jun 2011

GEAR: BOARDS
Single Fin
by The Factory
Shaper: Paul Carson
Dimensions:
7’4” x 21 ½” x 3”
Ideal conditions: 2 - 6ft
Suits: Anyone
Description: Double
flyer, round pin single fin.
Very light concave running
to vee in tail.
Construction: Burford
blank. Red tint all over
with pinlines.
Fins: Set single fin,
handmade.
Shaper comment:
Bigger board for someone
chasing single fin cruise.
THE FACTORY
SURFBOARDS
CALOUNDRA
17 Allen Street
Caloundra QLD 4551
Ph: 07 5492 5838
paul@thefactorysurfboards.com.au
thefactorysurfboards.com.au
Carbon Wrap
by DMS
Shaper: Dan McDonald
Dimensions:
5’7 x 18 ¾” x 2 5 /16“
Ideal conditions:
Varies according to model
Suits: Beginner to Pro
Description: The carbon
wrap provides tension and
drive through the front
section of the board. By
wrapping the carbon to
the deck, we’ve created
strength around the foot
area but this still allows
the tail to flex and pop you
out of turns.
Construction: Fused
cell EPS core with a
combined outer skin of
carbon fibre & fibreglass
composite, laminated with
100% epoxy resin.
Fins:
FCS Fusion or Future Fins
Shaper comment: The
carbon wrap has great
flex characteristics. Mix
this with the buoyancy
and weight of an EPS core
and you’ve got a light,
responsive board that
paddles into waves with
ease.
Single Fin
by Bushrat
Shaper: Jed Done
Dimensions:
7’ x 20 ¼” x 2 7 /8”
Ideal conditions:
2’ to 6’ river mouth and point
breaks. Will also handle a bit
of chop in the water.
Suits: Intermediate to
advanced surfers with a
clean flowing style.
Description:
Custom single fin with
the thickness held right
through to the boxy,
oldschool rails. The wide
point and thickest part of
the foil is well forward of
centre. The rocker is very
flat through the tail with
only an inch of tail lift. Blue
fade around the rails to
match blue tinted fin and
the owner’s own artwork
supplied.
Construction: Dion PU
foam, single red cedar
stringer, polyester resin.
Fins: Hand foiled, blue
tinted single fin.
Shaper comment:
This board is a replica of
an old lost single fin. The
shape was established
using photos of the
original board and verbal
descriptions.
The Squid
by Mark Richards
Shaper: Mark Richards
Dimensions:
6’8” x 22” x 2 ¾”
Ideal conditions: 1-5 foot
Designed for:
Recreational to advanced
surfers looking for a fun,
all-round small wave board
Shaper’s Comment: A
performance-oriented fish
which will work in a variety
of conditions. Single-todouble
concave bottom
with an accentuated
stringer spine on the
double, so it will go rail
to rail easily. Phenomenal
paddling performance due
to the forward area and
volume . Available from
5’8” to 7’2”
Construction:
Burford Pu Foam
Burford “Surf 9” USA Glass
Silmar Resin
Glassing: All 4oz, or all
6oz, or combo 6/4 available
Fins: Exclusively FCS
twin, tri or quad.
Bump Tail Fish
by Woody Jack
Shaper: Woody
Dimensions:
5’8”x 19 ½” x 2 3 /8”
Ideal conditions: 1-6 foot
Description: A super
fun board you can change
up to suit almost any
conditions. The bump tail
gives you the looseness
and feel of a pulled in tail,
while the added width
between the side fins will
help get you through those
slower, fatter sections of
the wave. The concave in
the front gives you lift up
the face of the wave, while
the vee double accelerates
the water through the tail
for down-the-line speed.
Construction: Burford
feather weight blank,
poplar stringer. 4oz glass
top and bottom with
tailpatch.
Fins: Five fin set up, to
be used as a thruster or
a quad. Currently using
Scarfini Quad Fins HX2
Shaper comment: don’t
be afraid to try a bunch of
different fin set ups
DANIEL MACDONALD
SURFBOARDS
3/56 Currumbin Creek Rd
Currumbin, QLD 4223
Ph: 07 55 595 949
info@dmshapes.com
www.dmshapes.com
BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS
Merimbula NSW
Ph: 0409 813 431
E: jed@bushrat.com
www.bushrat.com
MARK RICHARDS
SURFBOARDS
755 Hunter Street,
Newcastle West
NSW Australia 2300
Ph: 02 4961 3088
Fax: 2 4961 6872
markrichardssurfboards.com
WOODY JACK
SURFBOARDS AUSTRALIA
Unit 7, 25 Leonard Parade,
Currumbin QLD
Ph: 0415 789 706
E: wjboards@gmail.com
www.woodyjack.com
And here’s
Harry...
may/jun 2011
99

GEAR: BOARDS
Situated in Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast,
Illusions Noosa supplies a huge selection of
surfboards, SUP's & gear to suit your style.
SUP
paddles
too!
Cutlass
Pro Surf SUP
Dimensions:
9’6” x 29” x 5”
Ideal conditions:
Can handle any size swell
Suits: Competent to pro.
For shortboarders who
want to take the next step.
Description: With high
performance in mind the
Cutlass is the protege
of its close sister the
Element. Designed for fast,
responsive, ‘cut & slash’
manoeuvres. Bulk in the
main deck area assists
with paddling speed and
gilde. Hard, tight, rail
allows the rider to execute
snappy manoeuvres with
speed and accuracy. Can
handle any size swell that
‘Huey’ can throw your
way!!
Construction: The boards
are vacuum bagged and
constructed of a D-XP3
core, which is a 100%
recycled bamboo fibre
blank with bamboo veneer
and 4oz fibreglass top and
bottom. Each board has 2
leash plugs and one vent at
tail, a plastic grip box and
1/3 deck grip Eva pads
Fins: 2 FCS side fins and
a fiberglass 10” center fin
Shaper comment:
The ideal board for
those looking for a fast,
performance SUP that is
highly responsive.
Shredder
Pro Surf SUP
Dimensions:
9”x 30”x 5”
Ideal conditions:
Can handle any size swell
Suits: Competent to pro.
For shortboarders who
want to take the next step.
Description: Designed
and built for performance
the Shredder is fast,
responsive and displays
many unique features. The
high volume deck assists
the paddling speed to catch
smaller waves but drops
away rapidly to a hard,
tight, rail which allows the
rider to execute snappy
manoeuvres with speed
and accuracy. This board
brings the aggressive short
board style to the world of
stand up.
Construction: The boards
are vacuum bagged and
constructed of a D-XP3
core, which is a 100%
recycled bamboo fibre
blank with bamboo veneer
and 4oz fibreglass top and
bottom. Each board has 2
leash plugs and one vent at
tail, a plastic grip box and
1/3 deck grip Eva pads
Fins: Quad FCS fins.
Shaper comment: If
you’re into competitive
surfing and want to win,
this is the board for you.
Noserider
Malibu
Dimensions:
9’3”x 23”x 3”
Ideal conditions:
A good board for small to
medium sized waves
Ability level:
This is the perfect board
for the beginner or
occasional surfer right
through to advanced
Description: Classicflowing
Malibu shape with
subtle but ample rocker.
This board features a
slight double concave from
nose to tail which assists
speed and glide on those
full sections between
banks. Moderate volume
thoughout, especially on the
nose and tail ensures this
board lives up to it’s name...
...Noserider!
Construction: The boards
are vacuum bagged and
constructed of a D-XP3
core, which is a 100%
recycled bamboo fibre
blank with bamboo veneer
and 4oz fibreglass top and
bottom.
Fin set-up: 2 + 1 or quad
Shaper comment:
Designed in Australia,
this is a great all purpose
longboard and noserider
for well under $1000.
You can be sure to ‘Hang
loose during a session on
this one.
Retro
Bamboo Fish
Dimensions:
6’10” x 22 ½ x 3 1 /8”
Ideal conditions:
Fantastic manouverability,
handling & speed in both
big & small surf.
Ability level: Whether
you’re a light weight
grommie or a ‘skeg head’
from the 70’s who’s
6-pack is now ‘hidden
in the carton’ you’ll be
taken back in time then
projected into the pocket
of every wave you catch!!
Description: Like a
vision from the 70’s this
classic Fish has all the
great shape & style of
it’s ancestors but all
the advantages of the
modern construction
and design technology.
Certain aspects of this
board are unique only to
Illusions Noosa.
Construction: The
boards are vacuum
bagged and constructed
of a D-XP3 core which is
a 100% recycled bamboo
fibre blank with bamboo
veneer and 4oz fibreglass
top and bottom.
Fins: Twin fin
Shaper comment:
Designed in Australia, this
is a great board for those
who enjoy their surfing
and are after a retro fish
shape for under $500.
Flying Fish
with Wings
Dimensions:
5’6” x 19 ¾” x 2 ½”
Ideal conditions:
For those progressive,
surfers that want to
push their boards to the
absolute limit!!
Ability: From a child
starting out to the
experienced surfer who
wants a lightweight board.
For surfers looking to rip it
with attitude and style.
Description: Compact
short board with plenty
of width to help on fuller
waves and through those
flat sections. A classic
fish design with stylish
flyers and a thruster fin
configuration for powering
hard off of those gnarly
bottom turns! A subtle
double concave adds
speed and power.
Construction: The
boards are vacuum
bagged and constructed
of a D-XP3 core, which is
a 100% recycled bamboo
fibre blank with bamboo
veneer and 4oz fibreglass
top and bottom. The deck
is laminated with full
bamboo veneer for a firm,
‘depression proof’ deck.
Fins: FCS fins
Shaper comment:
The Flying Fish is super
light and fast
ILLUSIONS NOOSA SURFBOARDS - KAYAKS - SURFCRAFT
2/2 Venture Dve, Noosaville and Shop 3A/11 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Junction, QLD 4566
Phone: 0488 686 206 fax: 07 3319 7269
www.illusionsnoosa.com.au
100 may/jun 2011

GEAR: FINS
CHAPTER III:
BEND & FLEX
The humble fin can significantly effect the performance of your surfboard,
particularly with regard to how it works in unison with your board’s rails,
bottom contour and tail. But what material makes the best fin? Here we
continue our quest and talk to Phil Way from Phil’s Foils (formerly Fluid Foils)
about his preference for fiberglass. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
WHAT
LIES
BENEATH
“Fibreglass delivers a unique combination of
flex, rigidity and an even foil that gives the rider
heightened performance.”
So what does this all mean?
“A fin needs a base area to help hold the board
in the face of the wave. The base needs to be
quite stiff or rigid in roughly the bottom two
thirds of the fin to achieve this feat. The top
third should have some flex to allow smooth
entry into turns and release when exiting turns
or changing direction.
“The foil of the fin is also very important. It
should be a continuous curve with no flat areas.
Simply put, flat spots create turbulence, or
cavitation as it is referred to in surfing terms,
making your board hard to turn and slowing it
down. A hand-laid and foiled fiberglass fin is
pretty much the best way to achieve all this.”
Phil goes onto explain that when laying up the
26 layers of 6oz fiberglass and resin, the weave
of the cloth is run at a forty-five degree angle
so the spine runs up the centre in the direction
of the fin. This stops the base of the fin from
twisting but enables the tip to have flex. This
way you have drive, which is delivered through
the base of the fin and flex at the tip, which
assists your turning capabilities.”
“As moulded fins are not made up of layers of
fiberglass cloth, they haven’t got that spine so
they don’t have that even flex. They want to
bend from half way down or from top to bottom
and not just at the tip. This makes your board
‘shift’ in the wave when turning, forcing you
to nurse your board around, whereas when
you are turning, you really want to push down
hard against your fins and have that immediate
response and drive that projects you out of your
turns. Your fins should coil back and release and
whip you into and out of turns.
“Moulded fins are often made with a Coremat
or foam centre sandwiched between layers of
cloth in an effort to reduce weight by reducing
the amount of fiberglass and resin used. This
method of construction curves the glass around
the center sandwich material as opposed to the
foil being created through multiple individual
layers of glass. If you curve glass it stiffens it up
straight away. Just imagine if you had a sheet
of flat glass, it is floppy. Grab a corrugated sheet
and it is really rigid.
“As I said earlier you want a delicate balance
of flex and rigidity. When you consider a solid
glass fin may be 10 to 15 grams heavier then
moulded fins for a complete set, the difference
is marginal compared to the superior flex
capabilities of a hand foiled fin. You will notice
the differences most when the surf picks up…
when you really need a fin to perform.”
Through the years in the business, Phil Way can
lay claim to shaping fins for the best from Tom
Carroll, Occy, Kieren Perrow and Jason Blewitt
through to Kelly Slater.
FOR WHAT WE’VE EXPLORED IN THE WORLD OF FINS
SO FAR, CHECK OUT OUR BACK-ISSUES ON OUR
WEBSITE: WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU
Top: Phil hand-foils his fins
Above: An amazing selection of fin templates
Left: Phil shows off some of his handiwork
may/jun 2011
101

BRING
BACK
THE
DEAD...
BEFORE
...AFTER
Through the steps... Sanding, filling, sanding, taping, spraying, surfing... Restoration photos: Paul Woodbry
Paul Woodbry is far too generous with his time when it comes to saving an old board from the tip.
For more information on his restoration work and his own surfboards, drop him a line on 0408 763 541
102 may/jun 2011

The old girl is given her
first ride in years by Karl
‘Surf-Everything’ De Wet
Photos: Lucas Muro
www.lucasmuro.com.au
GEAR: PROJECT
AFTER A FOUR-DAY SURF TRIP TO BYRON BAY,
WE WERE ON THE ROAD HOME.
DROPPING A LANDLOCKED MATE HOME IN
THE MOOLOOLAH VALLEY, AN EAGLE-EYED
NORTHSIDER IN OUR LITTLE POSSE SPOTTED
THE ULTIMATE KERBSIDE COLLECTION FIND - A
SURFBOARD. WE JUST HAD TO PICK IT UP.
Despite being covered in mud and well bashed
up, this fat, 80’s pintail thruster with double-flyers
and more channels than Freeview still looked like
it had a lot of fun left in it - if it could be saved.
Paul Woodbry, the Megafish man of Woody
Surfboards in Caloundra, was too brave for his
own good, taking on an absolutely mammoth task
of resurrecting this board, originally shaped by
Nick Masarin under his brand Living Water which
was active between 1977-1987.
THE JOB
This board was meant for the tip for a reason. Full
of punctures through the glass and with massive
delamination on the back end of the deck, a
broken nose and totally faded spray job that was
once upon a time garish flouro, this old girl had
certainly seen her time.
After far too much sanding, Paul had to patch
all the holes in the board with epoxy filler. More
sanding and the nose point had to be reshaped,
again using filler.
Where the delamination had occurred, Paul had
to cut away and remove all the glass before filling
that in too - a big repair in itself.
To retain as much of the original art as possible,
Paul painstakingly taped up and cut around the
original decals and graphics. Finally, the board
was resprayed, toning down the 80’s flouro while
retaining the original design elements.
THE RESULT
As we just couldn’t wait to give it a go, we didn’t
even give Paul time to finish the final coat, but he
reckoned she would be okay in the water... He
was right. More than okay, in fact. Despite being
a little heavier thanks to the repairs, she paddled
great and handled just fine. This one will most
definitely not be a wall hanger - there’s too many
waves left in her yet. But man, those old superpointy
noses feel a little dangerous...
THE conclusion
Restorations save pieces of history. While this
might be a lesser-known name, it’s no less a part
of our surfing history and has been worth saving
all the same. Was it worth the time and money
spent? While a new board would have been less
effort, rather than ending up as scrap, this little
board will now provide many more waves and fun
for many more years to come.
may/jun 2011
103

104 may/jun 2011

HOW? WHAT? WHERE?
GEAR: WETSUITS
WE EXPLORE THE WORLD OF WETSUITS AND THE ALTERNATIVES
OUTSIDE OF THE BIG BRANDS WORDS: DAVE SWAN
WETSUITS:
TURN UP THE HEAT
There is nothing worst than being cold when
you’re surfing, nor a poor fitting wetsuit that
chafes your skin leaving you looking like you
have some dreaded disease, that is, aside from
probably being eaten by a shark or, as they say,
being poked in the eye with a red-hot poker, which
incidentally leads me to say, “Who on earth has
been poked in the eye with a red-hot poker to
actually know what it feels like anyway? I mean
it wouldn’t be nice but… anyhow I digress.”
Freezing your proverbials off, it is not nice.
Photo: Seventhwave
Photo: C-Skins
They say when you first start to feel the effects
of hypothermia your body actually starts to shut
down. You gradually lose your mental and physical
abilities; you become confused and uncoordinated
and have difficulty in speaking. That’s why I always
figured Mark must be cold, but enough jokes about
my backward South African work mate.
Crap wetsuits - they suck. But it is important to
remember there are more than just the big three or
four brands to choose from. There are other quality
wetsuit manufacturers producing suits that rival the
big brands for far less sting in your hip pocket.
Now the other mags aren’t allowed to possibly
say what we just did but what the hell, we are
all about offering our readers something a little
different, a bit outside of the mainstream with a
little more meaning.
We’re all about the everyday surfer. Sure, you may
not pull airs in Iceland but you want to stay warm
just the same and have a snug-fitting wetsuit to boot.
Here we explore a couple of the alternatives. We
talk to some stalwarts of the industry, discuss
wetsuit construction, different advancements in
wetsuit manufacturing and the new technologies
employed. We also showcase how wetties are
actually made and why fit is so important.
may/jun 2011
105

GEAR: WETSUITS
THE
WETSUIT
WETSUITS:
TURN UP THE HEAT
WETSUITS ARE A CORE PART OF SURFING. JUST AS YOU
NEED A SURFBOARD, WETSUITS ARE A NECESSITY IF
YOU PLAN ON SURFING THROUGH WINTER.
WETSUIT TERMINOLOGY
STRETCH
the elongation and flexibility of
wetsuit neoprene
MEMORY
the ability of the neoprene to return
to its original state
NEOPRENE
is in fact a type of foam and is often
referred to as such or as ‘sponge’
JERSEY
is what lines the neoprene, usually
on both sides. Manufacturers
use a range of materials and
combinations from nylon to
polyester, polypropylene, spandex
and even wool (only internal lining).
SMOOTH-SKIN
is the ‘shiny’ rubber surface often
located on the chest and back
panels of the modern-day wetsuit.
Instead of using jersey on both
sides of the neoprene it is only
used on the interior with the raw
material or ‘smooth-skin’ exposed
on the outside.
BACK ZIP
The original method of opening and
closing a wetsuit
BATWING
Is an additional piece of neoprene
that sits underneath your back zip
and often has a piece that slips over
your head. It is designed to limit
water entry.
CHEST ZIP
Zips generally speaking are not
watertight, so the shorter the zip,
the less water can penetrate your
suit. A chest zip is shorter than a
back zip and thus is primarily used
in most cold-water wetsuits.
106 may/jun 2011
Photo: C-Skins
HOW DOES A WETSUIT ACTUALLY WORK?
Wetsuits are made of a thin synthetic rubber fabric
called neoprene. Neoprene is a chemical compound
containing hundreds of small closed cell nitrogen
bubbles, or foam as it is commonly called, that help
insulate the wearer. The wetsuit itself protects the
WARMTH
How warm a wetsuit makes you feel is important but
is subjective because we all feel the cold in different
ways. The thickness of the neoprene will largely
dictate how warm you feel. Simply put, the more
neoprene, the more insulation.
Wetsuit thickness is usually given with two numbers
like 3/2, 4/3, 5/3. They represent the thickness of the
neoprene used in the wetsuit in millimetres eg. A 3/2
wetsuit is made out of 3 mm and 2 mm thick neoprene.
The reason being, you have thicker neoprene in parts
that do not need lots of flexibility, such as your body and
parts that are constantly in motion like your arms have
thinner neoprene so they are flexible.
WATER ENTRY
Particularly in our southern states, eliminating
wearer from cold water but also works by trapping
a thin layer of water between the wetsuit and the
wearer’s skin. The surfer’s body heat warms the
trapped layer of water, further insulating the wearer.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A WETSUIT
water entry is pivotal to your comfort. Ice-cold
water trickling into your suit is never comfortable.
Manufacturers have been able to limit water entry
through the evolution of the seams used to join
neoprene panels together and zip designs.
FIT
Simply put, a poor fitting wetsuit lets in water,
makes you cold, gives you a nasty rash and can be
restrictive inhibiting your surfing.
EASE OF ENTRY
Some wetsuit designs have effectively eliminated
the possibility of water entering your suit but in
doing so have made it near impossible for the
wearer to do the same. If you can’t get into your suit
easily it is a pain in the arse and the time you are
most likely to damage your suit.

ZEE MAN
ZEE WETSUITS BERNIE
FILER, ZEE WETSUITS
ZEE FEATURES
WORKMANSHIP
“Our workmanship is warrantied for
life and we do that because nothing
really goes wrong with it.
“As for the lifespan of our suits, they
are lasting forever. We have people
walking in here for a new zip and the
wetsuit is 20 years old. Our biggest
trip is we have such good word of
mouth because our wetsuits are really
good. We also custom tailor suits to
fit.” A custom fit steamer is $60.
GUARANTEED BUY BACK FOR KIDS
“We don’t charge custom fits for kids.
We also have a guaranteed buy back
for kids. Children grow so fast it is
understandable the buying motivation
for parents is that they want to get a
couple of years out of a wettie and as
Bernie Filer has an extensive history
in the wetsuit industry so he knows
his stuff. He represented companies
such as Turnbull Fins before joining
The Curl (Rip Curl) in September
1975 where he stayed until 1986. An
incredibly humble man and not one for
titles, we eventually prised out of him
that in his final year with the company
he was the national sales manager,
was looking after a couple of divisions
and responsible for setting up Rip
Curl’s UK distribution network. During
his time with The Curl, Bernie worked
closely with Ray Thomas and Doug
Warbick on the design and manufacturing
side of the business.
Bernie left the company in 1986 when
he felt it was time to move to the beat
of his own drum. He identified a niche
in the market and set up Zee Wetsuits
and Moomba (wetsuits for water
skiers) in Geelong in 1987. In 1996
Bernie and over half of his staff moved
to the Sunshine Coast and set up their
current base.
WETSUIT CONSTRUCTION AND
THE DIFFERENT ADVANCEMENTS
IN WETSUIT MANUFACTURING
“There is no doubt wetsuit technology
is coming ahead in leaps and bounds
from where it used to be. In the old
days, you could park trucks on the
rubber used in wetsuits. It was that
thick, and if you wanted it to stretch,
well forget it. As for colours, you could
have green, red, black or brown, and
if you waited long enough the black
turned brown anyhow.
“In terms of the development of wetsuit
manufacturing and the technologies
employed, I have to give guys
like Ray Thomas from Rip Curl credit.
They have been, and still are, at the
leading edge of wetsuit development.
With that said though, we also need
to dispense with some of the bullshit
circulated nowadays. Marketing crap
influences way too many consumers.”
STRETCH
“Some of the most significant
advancements in wetsuit technology
are stretch and the memory of the
material. The laboratories have been
able to develop the sponge so it is
super light instead of being highdensity
foam, which does have some
applications in diving but not surfing
because the neoprene is warm but is
quite heavy. The type of lightweight
sponge developed is referred to as
‘S foam’ and has enormous stretch
capabilities. When you have a raw
piece of neoprene that’s in cell form,
the stretch is absolutely fantastic.
JERSEY
“Jersey linings have become very
important. As stated, today’s neoprene
has an incredible amount of stretch.
The jersey aids comfort, warmth and
protects the neoprene but it also
inhibits its stretch capabilities.
“It is the quality of the jersey and
the way it is knitted that is particularly
important, as is the mix in the
fabric itself. A lot of jerseys now have
spandex woven into it to enhance the
stretch capabilities of the neoprene.
Nylon tends to have the best stretch
characteristics. As for wool, in my
opinion and to be frank, it is at the
enth degree of ‘techni-crap’. It will
keep you warm but is as heavy as buggery.
A woollen footy jumper shoved
down your wettie will do the same job
and weigh about the same.
“So in essence, a quality wetsuit really
comes down to the quality of the
neoprene, or the cell as it is called,
the jersey lining and how they are
intertwined or laminated so to speak.”
POWER HEATING
“As for battery powered heating devices
and so forth, I guess they sound
good in theory, but then again, so did
the neutron bomb. There are problems
with the batteries and recharging…
The industry tells me there is a fair
fail rate with this kind of technology
and of course, I am pretty close to the
industry.”
AND WHAT OF DEVELOPMENTS
OF THE NEOPRENE ITSELF? DOES
IT MATTER WHAT COUNTRY IT
COMES FROM AND WHAT IS SBR?
“As for where the neoprene comes
from and its associated quality, I think
that is quite subjective. Comments
are made with respect to Japanese
neoprene but I suppose it is just like
saying Japanese cars are better. There
is a company now in Taiwan that
easily produces the best neoprene in
the world in my opinion. They have a
full-blown research and development
department, not just a token effort.
“As for SBR, it isn’t actually neoprene.
It feels like neoprene, looks like it and
smells like it but it is not neoprene.
It’s a different chemical formula and
is very stiff and not flexible at all. It is
still warm and significantly cheaper
but the durability, stretch and comfort
is not even close to neoprene. These
are the low price-point kinds of
wetsuits you find in BCF, Aldi, Big W
and the like.”
such, will buy one that is too big. The
problem is, a wetsuit needs to fit to
work. We convince our customers to
buy the correct size and to come back
and trade it in for their next suit when
they grow out of it.”
PRICING
“Price doesn’t always mean a wetsuit
is superior. With regards to the big
brands, our materials, construction
and technology are the same. The only
difference is that all of our wetsuits
(bar the chest zip model) are made
locally on the Sunshine Coast and have
Zee written on them. The reason why
we are so affordable is we’ve spent
less on marketing bullshit and I don’t
sponsor any pro surfers or have a ski
chalet in Chamonix.”
WHERE TO GET A ZEE WETSUIT
“I only supply a select range of stores
and direct to the public. My reason
for this is simple. The big brands have
gone straight vertical - they own the
whole process from manufacturing
through to retail. They dictate terms
via crush and rule. Because they own
the market from start to finish, Joe
Average surf shop down the corner
has got his proverbials squeezed.
Other than that, many of the top surf
shops are dictated to by the major
brands and as a result, they cannot
purchase from us.”
may/jun 2011
107

GEAR: WETSUITS
INTERESTING FACT
Water can sap heat from the
body up to 25 times faster
than air, people can get
hypothermia much faster in
water than on land.
WETSUITS:
TURN UP THE HEAT
GOING
CUSTOM
Wetsuits have come a long way since their birth in the early 1950’s. New
construction methods, patterns and materials have enabled wetsuits to
become warmer, lighter and more flexible.
Not only can you walk into a most good surf stores these days and get
kitted out with almost everything from a small warm vest for up north
through to the full hoods-and-booties setup for the south, you can
even get a wetsuit made from scratch - a custom-fit suit, made to your
measurements and local break requirements that’s a perfect fit for your
body and a perfect match for your local conditions.
We look at how one comes together.
1.
4.
108 may/jun 2011
2.
5.
3.
1-2. DRAWING AND CUTTING THE PATTERN.
3. PRINTING THE DESIGNS AND LOGOS.
4. THE CUT, PRINTED PATTERN PIECES.
5-7. GLUEING 8-11. STITCHING
12. LINING THE INSIDE WITH MELCO TAPE
13. ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCHES
14. THE FINAL SUIT, READY TO SEND
15. JOE MORETTI - MAKING THE MOST OF IT

What’s the most critical feature of a comfy wetsuit?
It needs to fit. A well-fitted wetsuit is so important
for warmth and flexibility. You can have all the bells
and whistles but if it doesn’t fit you’ve wasted your
money. A bad fit means your suit might flush water,
bunch up and of course make for a miserable surf on
those nasty winter mornings. One company providing
this sort of custom service - Seventhwave Wetsuits
in New Zealand – gave us a behind-the-scenes look
into what goes into the making of a custom suit and
showed us how they are cut, printed and sewn by
hand on site in Christchurch, New Zealand.
First the suit is ordered (in this case using an online
custom fit chart) and the customer’s measurements
are run through the in-house system to create the
pattern. The pattern is drawn onto the neoprene
and any custom alterations are made. This includes
what you may have specified for choice of colour,
thickness, and any other special features.
The material being used is limestone-based
Japanese Yamamoto neoprene, designed to
absorb next to no water, last longer, and be more
environmentally friendly.
This nitrogen-infused neoprene is said to have a
30% higher air count than petrol-based neoprene
and weighs nearly the same wet or dry. With less
absorption - and therefore lighter neoprene - paddle
fatigue is reduced, with flexibility and warmth
increased, which means a more fun day surfing.
The pattern pieces for the wetsuit are cut out and
any decals, logos or pictures are printed by hand
using a silkscreening process. Then the stitching
begins. In this particular case, the suit pictured is
the MAX winter model, which means the seams are
double glued and blind-stitched with a curved needle.
This technique means the seams are watertight as
the needle never passes right through the neoprene.
The inside of the suit is then lined with melco tape
for added warmth and comfort.
With the body of the suit assembled, the last few
bits of trim are added, the stitching is tied down to
prevent it coming apart and the zip is sewn in. After
a thorough series of checks and re-checks, the suit is
ready to be packaged up and sent you.
To watch a video of this wetsuit being made, check
out: http://seventhwave.co.nz/about
Over 24 years of wetsuit-making experience goes
into each suit and Seventhwave offer a lifetime
warranty on the construction and workmanship.
While you could pop in to try a wetsuit to get your
very own custom-fit in person, Seventhwave’s
measurement chart, online process and free
worldwide shipping mean you can do it from
anwhere. They’ve sent suits to Peru, Canada, Ireland,
South Africa, Japan and even Switzerland. For more
info, check out www.seventhwave.co.nz
6.
8.
10.
12.
7.
9.
11.
13.
14.
15.
may/jun 2011
109

GEAR: WETSUITS
WETSUIT CARE
As for caring for your wetsuit,
all manufacturers agreed on the
following:
RINSE IN COLD WATER ONLY?
Cold or hot, it doesn’t really matter,
unless the water is scalding
whereby it will actually cook the
fabric. Fresh water is the key
ingredient.
WHY RINSE IN FRESH WATER?
It gets rid of the salty sea dog smell
plus the seam of your wetsuit can
accumulate salt. If you do not rinse
the salt out of your wetsuit it becomes
like sandpaper on your skin.
DON’T DRY IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT?
The sun kills them. The UV detoriates
the fabric. The jersey actually
cooks and it will crack and the
wetsuit loses all of its stretch and
its memory. You only have to see
how rapidly your wettie fades in the
sun to see the damage it is doing.
PEEING IN YOUR WETSUIT?
It probably makes you warmer in
Torquay but aside from that doesn’t
damage the suit. Sanitisation and
smell could be an issue leading
many to question hiring a wetsuit.
They also say peeing in your
wetsuit can attract sharks so there’s
enough reason to abstain.
IRON, DRY CLEAN OR BLEACH?
As for these care instructions, we
didn’t ask the manufacturers. If
you’re not smart enough to figure
out why you shouldn’t do this
to your wettie, deck yourself in
spandex and take up bike-riding.
X RATED
WITH DON MUNRO OF TRIPLE X WETSUITS
Don Munro, like Bernie Filer, has been in the surf
industry for a lifetime. Don travelled around the world
with his young family in the early seventies with his
first surf label Close to Earth. Later on he made his
first fortune with a surf label he developed in Australia
called Mango.
Back then, the big three were just starting out. Rip Curl
were focused on their wetsuits and both Billabong and
Quiksilver on their boardshorts. Don had the idea to
focus on screen-printed surf t-shirts. It took off.
Following on from Mango, Triple X was born in 1993
starting with rash shirts and later wetsuits. With the
big three brands diversifying into other categories, Don
believed their focus had drifted and seized upon the
opportunity to become a specialist wetsuit company.
18 years on, Triple X have a following of core surfers.
WHAT EXACTLY IS TITANIUM?
“It is a derivative of Titanium, which is of course a
metal, combined with several other things.
“The Titanium is extruded to its liquid form and
laminated onto the neoprene like ink. It flexes and
moves with the material.
“Because of how it is applied, we don’t have any
issues with it flaking or cracking. With our earlier
suits it did eventually wear off with general wear and
tear as your body rubbed up against the laminate. To
combat this we now cover the laminate with the latest
multi-stretch jersey.”
SO WHAT DOES THE TITANIUM
ACTUALLY DO?
“Every one of our suits has a titanium insulation shield.
It stops windchill and increases thermal warmth by
recycling your body heat. It extracts your body heat and
reflects it back at you.
“That is why it is laminated onto the inside of the neoprene
and not the outside. Scientific tests have proven
titanium laminated suits work.
“We make lots of suits for commercial abalone divers
around Australia and tuna farmers in Port Lincoln,
South Australia. Down there the water is not only
bitterly cold but these guys are exposed to extreme
windchill. They leave the offshore tuna farms, still in
their Triple X wetsuits, and travel back to port in a boat.
Before using our wetsuits they would have to change
back into their clothes to return to port.”
“TITANIUM
INSULATION:
IT STOPS
WINDCHILL
AND INCREASES
THERMAL
WARMTH”
110 may/jun 2011

WETSUITS:
TURN UP THE HEAT
THAT’S MAGIC
WELL I FAILED SCIENCE CLASS IN SCHOOL SO
I‘LL BE BUGGERED IF I CAN EXPLAIN WHAT IS
GOING ON HERE APART FROM THIS:
TRIPLE X FEATURES
A WIDE RANGE OF RUBBER
“We have an extensive range of suits that all
feature our titanium insulation shield from 1/1
through to a 5/5 for surfers. Our neoprene also
resists compression – often a standard 5/5 suit
will eventually end up a millimetre or so thinner.”
STITCHING
“All our steamers in the mega-stretch range
feature the latest technology in sealed seam glue
welding. We do that on the inside of the suit.
On the outside we use a blind stitch to give the
seam support and strength without penetrating
the fabric so it doesn’t leak water into the suit.
We chose this over liquid seams because we
found these crack over time and are a nightmare
to repair.”
ZIP HOOP
“We found pulling up a zip needed to be made
easier. How many times have you seen surfers
doing a funny little dance trying to wrestle their
zip up whilst holding the base of their wettie
near their lower back with the other hand? With
the new super stretch materials, this area is also
prone to tearing. We reinforced the area at the
base of the zip to prevent just that and stitched
in a hoop to hold onto.
ZIPS
“We discovered a new heavy-duty zip that
because of the way it locks off, stops water
leakage. This enabled us to resist going with
the trend of what is called a ‘batwing’ as many
surfers had commented to us they didn’t like how
restrictive these were.
“Our substantial following of surfers and coldwater
divers have never complained about water
leakage. As a further measure to minimise any
water penetrating the suit we have a pocket at
the base of the zip with drain holes in it.”
PRICING?
Triple X is not only priced substantially
below the major brands, they also offer a
warranty considered ridiculous by many. Many
manufacturers give a lifetime guarantee on
workmanship; Triple X goes one step further. If
anything goes wrong with one of their suits in
the first twelve months Triple X will replace it.
They will also repair a suit for life free, if it is
repairable. Hence, they are pretty confident in
the quality and make of their wetsuits.
WHERE TO GET A TRIPLE X WETTIE?
Whilst still supplying a couple of select stores,
Triple X predominantly sells direct to the public
through their online site and warehouse in
Ballina.
Their broad range of styles and sizes from XS
through to XXXL, coupled with suits using the
latest multi-stretch material means they can fit
a wide range of body sizes. Triple X ships their
suits all around Australia for free and if the fit
isn’t what you want, they’ll happily exchange it.
There is also a service line customers can call to
speak with knowledgeable staff
The Magic Heater is like a kidney belt
made out of wetsuit material and is fixed
around your waist with velcro and goes
under your wetsuit.
It is not reliant on batteries so you don’t
have to worry if they are fully charged or
any of that business.
Within the belt is a pouch and inside that
is a bag filled with some kind of gel or
‘crystals’, as they call it.
You press the button on the bag and some
mighty weird shit goes on, the crystals
change colour and next minute, the thing is
as hot as hell.
You wack the bag back in the pouch, affix
the belt to your waist, pull up your wettie
and away you go.
The heat lasts for an hour.
The Magic Heater can be reused again
and again.
It is friggin’ amazing and one of the coolest
things I have ever seen plus it works. You
can check it out on http://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=-3PD9cAMa08
As Caspian De Looze, Sydney north shore
artist and surfer explains it, “That’s twisted
alien technology.” That it is Caspian, and
coming from you means it really is ‘out there’.
The Magic Heater retails for $184.95.
Stockists of Tools can be found on
WWW.TOOLSSURFAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
may/jun 2011
111

GEAR: WETSUITS
WETSUITS:
TURN UP THE HEAT
THE
SKIN I AM IN
WITH TOMAS MARTIN FROM C-SKINS
WHY FIT IS SO
IMPORTANT
A wetsuit is arguably the most
exacting item of clothing you will
ever wear. The fit should be tight
but not so you can’t move freely.
If it is too loose, it’s useless. Your
wettie will continually flush with
cold water and you will end up
carrying around heaps of water
causing you to resemble the
Michelin Man or someone suffering
from severe incontinence.
BRIEF BACKGROUND ON
C-SKINS
Carey Brown founded C-Skins after originally working
with a company called Gull in the UK, a huge surf brand
that manufacturers everything surf related from boards
to apparel. Carey’s uncle, Dennis Cross, was the founder
of Gull and together they developed the first ever surfing
steamers in Europe back in 1969.
After Gull was sold in the late nineties, Carey set up
C-Skins in 2000 as a specialist wetsuit company. Their
focus was, and still is, to specialise in manufacturing
quality wetsuits and neoprene products for the core
surfer.
Their first item they produced was the C-Skins Original -
apparently a world first lightweight vest with a titanium
laminate. You only have to look at where we are today
to realise these guys are at the forefront of wetsuit
innovation.
FIT
“The fit is such a key aspect of a good wetsuit. If the fit
isn’t right, it won’t matter what the suit is made out of,
it will not keep you warm. The fit is the most important
thing bar none.
“Not every wetsuit is perfect for everybody but that’s
why it is important manufacturers carry a broad and diverse
range of sizes. Our C-Skins range for men consists
of XS, S, M, as well as M short and M tall, L, as well as
L short, L tall, XL, XXL and XXXL.”
HOW CAN YOU TEST IF THE FIT
IS RIGHT?
“You want a neoprene with a great deal of stretch so
your suit moves with you. You can test it in a number
of ways. First, grab a hold of either arm of a wetsuit
with a mate and pull it apart. Try the various brands and
price points. You will see a notable difference as to the
grade of neoprene used. Secondly, try on heaps of suits.
A wetsuit is a significant and important investment
that will enable you to enjoy your surfing in the cooler
months, so take the time to properly research what you
are after. With the suit on, simulate the movements you
would do while surfing including general stretches. In
particular, perform kinetic movements not just static
poses. You want to be able to move freely and not feel
like you are in a straightjacket.”
WARMTH
“You want a wetsuit that is super stretchy but not at
the expense of durability or warmth. With our C-Skins
suits we pride ourselves on specking up the neoprene. If
you were to take a close look at some suits and actually
measured their thickness with a caliper, you would
notice they are specked down. In their efforts to make
a suit super light or super stretchy, many manufacturers
actually spec down the rubber. What you end up with
instead of a 3/2 wetsuit is a 2.5/1.5 wettie. You are
not as warm and because the stitch holding the various
panels together has less to hold onto, it is more prone
to tearing.”
112 may/jun 2011

5
KEY TIPS
TO FINDING
THE RIGHT
WETSUIT
Bettina with Steve of Skipp Surfboards
C-SKINS FEATURES
QUALITY FIRST
“Our C-Skins suits often end up being a half-millimeter
thicker because we appreciate neoprene will compress over
time and we don’t wish to skimp on rubber. For us it doesn’t
matter if a suit costs another dollar to make because we
don’t make as many as the big boys. Our focus isn’t on continuously
increasing profit margins for shareholders. Saving
a dollar by cutting a corner doesn’t make a difference to
us. We are all about quality. Why buy a wetsuit from a
company that has spent more money on marketing than the
raw materials that go into it?”
WATER REPELLATION
“A number of our suits have various features to keep water out.
• Lockdown cuffs -the circumference is reduced by about
a third so you have this incredible watertight seal on
your wrist.
• Opti-wick in the legs to draw water away from your body.
• Liquid seams on the outside of the suit to repel water
off the suit. Liquid seams on the inside tend to grip the
skin and are uncomfortable. Liquid seams inside and
outside restrict the stretch.”
DURABILITY
“Some manufacturers lay claim to the fact their suit will
last at least three seasons. Having been recently developed
and released onto the market, how do they know? The fact
is, some surfers simply wear through their wetties quicker
because of the way they surf and where. Rather than make
unsubstantiated claims we have focused on the areas prone
to wear and tear.”
SMOOTH-SKIN RUBBER
• great at stopping windchill but it’s not durable
• we have replaced it with our ultraflex neoprene on the
outside and quick-dry polypropylene on the inside
CHEST ZIPS
“Asymmetric chest zips zip down one shoulder and are an
absolute nightmare to get on and off. As a result you place
a lot of strain on the suit getting in and out of it. That’s
where most people do the damage to their suits. Having
one shoulder closed off also makes you feel somewhat
lop-sided.
“Our suits have an overhead collar instead with a diagonal
chest zipper, bungee fixers and a double clamshell.The
double clamshell, as opposed to the single, means you can
open the top of your wetsuit up wider to assist ease of
entry.
MINIMAL SEAMS
“Less seams means more stretch, a lesser likelihood of
water entry and less areas for joins to deteriorate. “
PRICING?
“Many manufacturers have benefitted from a strong Aussie
dollar because they manufacture overseas and the subsequent
cost of materials and the make have come down
substantially but this has not been reflected in their price.
“As C-Skins is new to the market, we have based our prices
on the current state of affairs and that’s why we are up to
$200 cheaper on a basic steamer than the big brands. Either
that or you can get a wettie with a stack more features for
the same price.
WHERE TO GET A C-SKIN WETTIE?
Stockists are listed on www.c-skins.com If your local
doesn’t stock it encourage them to do so or contact C-Skins
direct on 61 (0) 412 081 546 or email: tomas@c-skins.com
Bettina Huckel is possibly the
longest serving employee in the
surf industry. She has worked for
John Skipp in Wollongong for
close to 35 years, starting back
on the 23rd October 1976. Skipp
Surfboards incidentally was
the first ever account for a then
fledgling surf label that specialised
in wetsuits called Rip Curl.
Bettina has fitted plenty of
wetsuits in her time, so we asked
her for some tips on finding the
right wetsuit.
1. Support and shop at your
100% local surf shop
2. Talk to a wetsuit specialist –
someone who takes the time
to ensure you get a proper
fitting wettie and provides
you with personalised
service
3. Know your weight and height
for the fitting
4. Know your budget
5. Take the time for a proper
fitting and be patient
Next time you are in The Gong
and in the market for wettie, drop
by and have a chat to Bettina. She
is a lovely lady who knows her
stuff and a real spunk to boot.
may/jun 2011
113

GEAR: FORUM
EXPORTING
AUSSIE BOARDS
WORDS: DAVE SWAN AND TOMMY LEITCH
Classic Malibu’s Peter White has been heavily ensconced in surfboard
manufacture for over forty years. His Classic Malibu label, based in
Noosa Heads, has been established for almost twenty years, and has
been exporting for well over half of that. Destinations for Classic Malibu
boards include New Zealand, France, the US and across the Asia Pacific.
He had this to say about the exportation of Australian boards:
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON EXPORTING BOARDS AS A NATION?
We could and should be exporting a lot more boards than we probably
do because of the quality and the fact that, of the top professional
surfers, the majority seem to be Australian, therefore our equipment
must work better. But with the Australian dollar at an all-time high, it’s
very difficult at the moment.
HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR EXPORT MARKET?
From a lot of early overseas travel making friends and acquaintances
within the industry, general research, making trips to countries that we
wanted to deal with, sounding out what they needed and wanted and
giving them exactly that.
“JUST CROSS YOUR ‘T’S AND DOT
YOUR ‘I’S AND MAKE SURE ALL
YOUR PAPERWORK IS IN PLACE
WAS IT SOMETHING YOU INSTIGATED?
In a lot of cases, they approached us, through word of mouth, quality,
and obviously our team riders achieving results in national and
international events.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE PHYSICAL EXPORTATION OF
BOARDS AND ALSO THE BUSINESS GENERATED?
It’s helped our business – there’s no doubt about it. We rely a lot on
export. Probably 20 percent or more of our manufacturing is for export.
It can get a little awkward with the different seasons: in summer here,
we’re usually busy, but it’s the time when Europe wants boards for their
pre-summer deliveries.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS
WISHING TO BEGIN EXPORT?
We’ve travelled some rough roads – it’s not easy. They’ll screw you
down every chance they get, promise you payment that you don’t
receive until you’re at the very end of your tether. But basically, just
cross your ‘t’s and dot your ‘i’s and make sure all your paperwork is in
place and you’ve got an agreement that you can hold them to.
114 may/jun 2011

NO FREE RIDES THANKS
WORDS & PHOTO:
DEREK ELLENS
Boards
for land
and sea
This photo was shot in the Sunshine Coast
hinterland. We went up there to find the
hairpin turn that overlooks the Coast, under
construction.
The construction workers actually didn’t mind us
being there - Boardstore rider Millsy Makenzie
flying by on loose gravel was just entertainment
for them. But the hairpin had no cement left on
it, so we opted for some other turns down the
mountain. I remember holding the boot open
for Millsy, expecting him to put his board and
helmet in and ride down in the car, but there
he stood with a big cheesy grin on his face, all
padded up, longboard in hand.
“I didn’t come all the way up here just to ride
down in a car. I’ll meet you at the bottom” he
said, already giddy from the thought of how
many turns, sweeps and slides he was about to
under take in one solid run.
Needless to say he made it all the way to the
bottom in one piece and still giddy. All this on a
bum knee, two weeks after surgery.
Not just a surf shop,
Southern Man Surf has
a fantastic range of
skateboards - customs
and completes.
Skater: Simon Deutcher
Photo: Tim Saunders
EVERYBODY WANTS NEOPRENE
SAFE TO SAY, THE RESPONSE TO THE RISEN LONGBOARD GIVEAWAY
IN OUR LAST EDITION WAS HUGE. It seems that everyone who read
the piece loved the idea of the neoprene deck-grip and couldn’t wait to
get their feet onto it... With so many submissions, we asked the Trinity
Distribution boys to pick their favourite...
For personal
service and
great advice,
come in an
talk to Tim
to get kitted
out with the
perfect board
for you.
WINNER!
Congrats to Craig Stewart of Woonona, NSW. His dodgy feet and
dodgier photo got him the nod and a slightly used Risen longboard, with
neoprene deck-grip thanks to Trinity Distribution. Craig, please get on
your new board and get yourself to the pharmacy to get some heel balm.
HONORABLE
MENTIONS
As much as we’d like
to give everyone free
stuff, there can only be
one winner. However,
these creative folks
deserve a good backpat
for valiant efforts all
‘round. Well done...
Carrie wanted to
replace her dad’s 25
year old classic...
“It’s really heavy,
doesn’t move and
won’t turn. Dad says
there is nothing wrong
with it. How is that
going to help a girl
improve her surfing?”
Hey, Dad’s board rocks!
“I love to skate along the concrete
Especially in my size 12 bare feet.
But this can be a very painful feat
because of my deformed plates of meat.
To score a neoprene deck would be really neat.
Then I could board pain free along the street,
giving my dodgy toes a real sweat treat.”
Mike Jones
138 Princes Highway
Ulladulla, NSW 2539
www.southernman.com.au
may/jun 2011
115

Skateboards...
PHOTOS BY CHARLIE HARDY PHOTOGRAPHY
...for
surfers!
32” FLYING FISH TAIL SKATEBOARD
The ultimate in self-propelling skateboards
designed for surfers. For more info, call 0407 405 390 or visit
www.smoothstar.com.au
116 may/jun 2011
Check out video online!

DIFFERENT
SHAPES
GEAR: SKATE LOCAL
Adam Baldwin is a shaper of a different kind. He designs
and makes longboard skateboards. This Sunshine Coast
schoolteacher-by-day gets his kicks experimenting with
creating the perfect wheeled board under his label, Skatement
Speedboards. Derek Ellens of the Boardstore in Maroochydore
and Caloundra caught up with him to find out more.
WORDS AND PHOTOS: DEREK ELLENS
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START
LONGBOARDING?
Since I was a teenager my main focus
had always been surfing. I had ridden
a skateboard in the skate parks a fair
bit but it was never really any more
than transport and a bit of fun. My
first real exposure to longboarding
was when I was introduced to Yvon
Labarthe’s vimeo channel. His videos
were really the start of it all for me.
WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE
VIDEOS THAT MADE YOU WANT
TO LONGBOARD?
He travels to all of the events in the
european summer and gets footage
from right in the middle of the action.
He rides a street luge as well as a
stand up longboard, and the footage
makes you feel like you are right there
flying down the hill with him. He gets
permission to follow the final of each
of the standup events on his luge and
films the entire race, great footage,
great sound tracks. It just made me
want to try it.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BOARD?
I think I got a lime green plastic
skateboard for about my 10th
birthday. It was really flexible and you
could get the middle of the board to
touch the ground if you bounced on it.
Back then I thought the Tick Tack was
the coolest move and dropping off the
two-step gap off the patio at home.
I wish I still had it.
I had a secondhand 46” pintail given
to me around September 09, it was
really flexy and I just used it to cruise
to the beach to check the surf out. I
was introduced to Adrian at Cre8tive
Sk8 in Townsville to get bearings and
bushings for the “no name” trucks
that were on it and I started to see
the potential of having the right gear.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART
ABOUT LONGBOARDING?
Coming from a surfing background the
feeling of speed when rolling down
a hill, the feel of drive that you can
create when pumping the board along
flat ground. But I guess the one thing I
have really been enjoying lately is the
feel of breaking traction and drifting
around corners, not just sliding the
board sideways but tracking around
the corner, its hard to explain, like a
rally car going around a corner.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION
TO DESIGN YOUR OWN BOARDS?
Originally it was because I couldn’t
really afford to buy a production deck.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN
MAKING YOUR OWN BOARDS?
I made my first board in February 2010
HOW MANY BOARDS DID YOU
MAKE BEFORE YOU WERE
COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH
THE OUTCOME?
I am a perfectionist so I find little
things that I would like to change in
every deck. I would have to say that
my 4 th board was the first one I was
completely happy actually riding. I
had worked out the wheelbase that I
really liked and the last 15-20 boards
have all been based on that design
with small adjustments to the shape,
changes in materials and changing
specifications to suite individual
clients.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT “SKATEMENT
SPEEDBOARDS” THAT MAKE
THEM DIFFERENT?
The “W” concave is something I think
really sets them apart from what
most surfers see as a skateboard.
Although, the W concave is actually
something that would probably
appeal to most surfers, it lets you feel
where you foot is on the back of the
board very similar to a tail pad on a
surfboard.
One of Adam’s
Skatement creations
may/jun 2011
117

DIFFERENT
SHAPES
My current boards are made from a combination of timber veneers
specifically chosen for different strength requirements. Held together with
epoxy, carbon fibre and fibreglass the main aim has been to find materials
that can provide the strongest, most stable construction while keeping the
weight of the boards to a minimum.
I have tried to keep all my materials local, the veneer comes from Brisbane
the epoxy and composites come from a Sunshine Coast store, and of course
the artist I employ lives in the same house as me. (Laughs)
When I make a person a board they have input into the, specifications and
colour. The board is personalised for them, depending on their weight and
the level of flex they would like in the deck.
IS IT A STRUGGLE JUGGLING TEACHING, A FAMILY AND MAKING
LONGBOARDS?
Quite simply, yes.
IS IT JUST A HOBBY TO TAKE UP SOME DOWNTIME OR DO YOU
DAYDREAM ABOUT MAKING BOARDS ALL DAY?
I find time where I can. At the moment it’s a hobby, but I would like it to
be more, so I’ll keep working at it. I don’t really have any down time. It’s
teaching, renovating, jobs to live your life and a bit of time each week to
make or test something fun.
I do tend to think about making or riding all day in between work and life.
I used to think about surfing all day, but I haven’t been able to find time for
both. So building and riding skateboards has taken over. Some surfers will
say I’m crazy, but when there is a long flat spell I still have something to get
stoked about.
ANY LAST THOUGHTS BEFORE YOU GO?
Saftey gear really is cool. Being hurt, a vegetable or dead is not.
TEST
EVERYTHING
BOARDS OF LAND AND SEA: CRUISY DAYS WITH A SMOOTHSTAR
AND FIGHTING SURF SLOP WITH SOME GREAT SURFBOARDS
Smoothstar
Shortboard Cruiser
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
“After riding just
once, I bought one
immediately”
Columns such as this are not designed to pay ‘lip service’ to
manufacturers of surf and skate gear. Our ‘Test Everything’ section
is genuinely committed to providing readers with honest appraisals
of the latest and greatest products. To date we’ve been extremely
fortunate to have tested a number of products we really like. I
suppose it helps when you love everything about surfing and skating.
Anyhow, that all changed when we tested the new Smoothstar
skateboard.
Did I hook you in by making you think we were going to trash some
crappy product? If I did, I am sorry to disappoint.
Following the week we tested the Smoothstar Shortboard Cruiser
I bought one without hesitation. Believe me, I am on just as tight a
budget as everyone at the present moment but there was no question
of ‘if’ or ‘when’. The Smoothstar was my answer for those flat surf
days, ensuring I still got my fix of surf stoke.
In my opinion the Smoothstar Shortboard Cruiser is the closest thing
to surfing, just on land. If you suffer from terrible mood swings like
me when the surf is unfavourable do yourself, your family, your wife/
girlfriend and/or friends a favour and buy one immediately. It’s that good.
The board is so loose and responsive you can imagine yourself
cruising across the face of a wave or ripping it to shreds with an array
of cutbacks, roundhouses and bottom turns. You can even work the
board, just like you would a surfboard, and generate a huge amount
of speed even on flat roads and not just steep declines. I even got
it going up a slight incline, a real workout but an incredible way to
improve your surfing.
I give it the biggest thumbs up. In fact, I give it two thumbs and two
big toes. For more, see www.smoothstar.com.au
Go Adam, go...
FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOOK UP SKATEMENT SPEEDBOARDS ON FACEBOOK.
Check out the Yvon Labarthe vimeo channel that inspired Adam to start Skatement:
http://vimeo.com/user1990279.
118 may/jun 2011
Dave can’t do
this trick (or
much, of anything
really) so here’s
a cooler photo of
someone who can...

Truly awful surf conditions:
Proof that we’re silly
enough to test everything in
absolutely anything
Photos: Lucas Muro
www.lucasmuro.com.au GEAR: REVIEW
Diverse
Sonic Pro Model
• 5’10 x 18 ¼ x 2 3/16 Thruster
• 24.3 litres
• Epoxy with ‘Internal Integration Dynocore’
construction
Ok, for starters it is a high performance shortboard and
I am not a high performance surfer. I am not even a
medium performance surfer, I’m more of a performing
surfer... of various comedy routines, so I will do my best
to describe it.
I rarely ride performance shortboards. I am a strong
swimmer, so paddling is not a problem, but I still
find getting onto a wave late and getting your feet
placement right, on a small board that is not forgiving, a
challenge.
You can imagine what I thought when Dave Verall
selected a board for me that was only 18 ¼” wide and
2 3 / 16” thick. (I’m 6ft and about 82 kgs)
I gave the board a run in Newcastle and on the Sunshine
Coast and have to say I genuinely now want to own
a true performance shortboard – in fact, I want this
one. It’s weird. Even though it is narrow, it just sticks
to your feet. That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s
extremely steady underfoot, particularly for a board of
its size. It’s also quick off the mark, has good drive and
because it’s so small and light, I found myself doing
some manoeuvres I usually wouldn’t associate with my
personal surfing ability.
It’s easy to paddle and rather corky under chest and
seemingly indestructible – all the boards I ride get a solid
test in that department. I copped a beating this morning
and not the slightest dent in the board
My verdict? I am truly impressed. Whatever weird and
secret stuff that has gone into making this board, it
works. The Dynocore is dynamite.
More Surfboards
5’7” Swinger
• FUNctional design
• Quad fin with quite a different set-up
• Big flyer about halfway up the board
The first thing people do when they see this board is
raise their eyebrows. You can see them thinking to
themselves, “Another weird-arse, goofy design.” Every
one of my mates who saw it admitted that this is what
they thought at first glance– all show and no go.
Now I am far from being an expert shaper or a fountain
of knowledge on surfboard design but I do know one
thing, this board works. AND, every one of my mates
who tried it, liked it. In fact, they were all forthright and
glowing in their praise.
The board basically has the nose of a fish so it is easy
to paddle and get onto a wave. It has loads of stability
and the additional planing area gets you up and going
speedily without trying. It skips across flat sections with
ease. However when you turn the board, it handles like a
performance shortboard. You can turn it hard and tight.
So in essence it is half fish, half performance shortboard.
The nose allows you to generate speed easily and the
tail allows you to whip the board around. It is a great
board to ride and testament to the fact that Swingers
have more fun.
THE SWINGER: Guest-tester Karl De Wet took a
shine to the More Surfboards quad, going out twice the
same morning on this model. He couldn’t get enough.
THE NEAR-INDESTRUCTIBLE DYNOCORE: A performance
board that doesn’t make an average surfer feel like a total kook.
You can see by the wax we’ve made good use of the tester.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, IN THE BEACHSIDE
SUBURB OF MARCOOLA ON THE SUNSHINE
COAST, WALLY’S WATER GALLERY IS MOST
CERTAINLY NOT YOUR AVERAGE SURF SHOP.
A FAMILY
AFFAIR
WORDS & PHOTOS:
MARK CHAPMAN
How many people, at the age of 15, run their own surf shop? While
many other coast teenagers are hanging out at Sunshine Plaza,
you’ll find Wally Johnson behind the counter of his own, very unique
store - when the surf’s not on, anyway.
“It’s a shop full of different things, but it’s all about the beach,”
says Wally, standing amongst collections of shells, recycled timber
frames and a shelf of very cool looking Wegener boards. “You won’t
find a lot of what we have in here in most other surf shops.”
It’s all about
the beach
surf art • shells
driftwood things
chenille shorts
wood surf boards
beach stuff • retro
sunnies • thongs
stripy towels
umbrellas
The reason for this variety could be the family input - most
noticeably the beautiful recycled furniture and picture frames
displaying Wally’s own surf photography built by dad, Phil Johnson.
Seeing Phil’s creations made from old fence palings and assorted
bits of found timber is worth the visit alone. But there’s much more.
Wally’s sister Emma also contributes with her handmade coasters
and jewellery, and mum Debbie’s years of collecting shells on
Marcoola beach fills bowl upon bowl in store.
Wally’s Water Gallery is also all about supporting local
manufacturers, proudly displaying everything from Tom Wegener’s
boards to handmade chenille towels and shorts from Caloundra’s Jay
Ce Kay, retro sunnies from Savage in Noosa and local thongs, Souls.
You could pretty much completely kit yourself out for the beach and
redecorate and refurnish your home in just one visit. While you’re
there, you can even enjoy a surf movie in-store on a big projector
screen, or choose from the hire section to take one home overnight -
a great little service to get your surf movie fix.
A healthy, refreshing change from mass marketing and big brands,
this store is is truly something special worth supporting.
6 Lorraine Ave
Marcoola Beach
07 5448 8560
So where’s Wally? At Wally’s Water Gallery, 6 Lorraine
Ave, Marcoola Beach. Call (07) 5448 8560 for more info.
120 may/jun 2011

A one-of-a-kind surf shop with
one-of-a-kind products
COUNTER CULTURE
Main image: Inside Wally’s Water Gallery - is that a real jellyfish in glass?
Above: Wally Johnson with a Wegener timber fish
may/jun 2011
121

CLOSEOUT: FITNESS
BOOST YOUR PADDLE POWER
STRENGTHEN YOUR PADDLING MUSCLES AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE WINTER SWELLS WORDS: CLAYTON BEATTY
CLOSEOUT: FITNESS
With the winter swells hitting for the next few
months, it’s the perfect time to do a bit of dry land
surf training in order to boost your paddle power. We
all know that surfers who can paddle the fastest and
hardest generally get the most waves, especially
when the surf is bigger and there is more water
moving around.
Training your upper body with functional exercises
is one of the easiest ways to improve your paddle
power. However, as with training any part of your
body, it is important to keep your muscles in balance
by doing exercises that work both sides of your body.
Strengthen one muscle group too much more than
another and you will likely cause an imbalance and
increase your chance of injury.
As a general rule, for every upper body “push”
exercise you need to do an upper body “pull”
exercise. This will help keep your body’s muscular
system healthy and in balance.
Have a go at the following functional exercises
to help build your upper body strength and in turn
increase your paddle power.
The first exercise is a “push” dominant exercise and
is a variation of the standard pushup - one of the
best upper body strength exercises. Doing pushups
on a swiss ball increases the need for stabilisation of
your core and shoulders and will also help with your
popups. You can also substitute the swiss ball for a
balance board or BOSU balance trainer.
The second, which is a “pull” dominant exercise,
targets your back and arms, which both play a major
part in paddling strength. Using a resistance band
allows you to do more repetitions and build up your
strength fast so you can then advance to doing
pullups with just your bodyweight.
The final exercise is a great way to train your
paddling endurance at home between surf sessions.
All you need is a swiss ball and a resistance band
and you can have a great paddling workout. The
band’s resistance will help improve the power in your
paddling muscles so when you hit the water it will
feel like you have propellers for arms.
SWISS BALL PUSHUPS
• Start with your feet shoulder width apart
and hands on the swiss ball (you can also do
this exercise using a balance board or BOSU
balance trainer).
• Keeping your core braced, lower your chest
to touch the ball and then push back up to the
start position.
• Do 2-3 sets of 10-20 repetitions.
BAND ASSISTED PULLUPS
• Loop a resistance band over the bar and under
your feet/legs.
• Hold the bar with an overhand grip slightly
wider than shoulder width.
• Pull the top of your chest up to the bar and
then lower yourself back down until your arms
are straight.
• Perform 2-3 sets of as many repetitions as
you can.
RESISTANCE BAND PADDLING
• Loop a resistance band around a fixed object
hold onto the handles.
• Lie with your chest on a swiss ball and paddle
like you are on your surf board.
• Try doing intervals of 20 seconds paddling
followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat this
8 times for a total of 4 minutes. Rest for 2
minutes and then repeat the 4 minute paddle
workout 3-4 times.
TRAINING
TIP
ADD THESE EXERCISES INTO YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND WATCH
YOUR WAVE COUNT INCREASE THIS WINTER.
122 may/jun 2011
Clayton Beatty is a qualified Exercise Scientist with a BSc Human Movement Degree from the University of WA and is a member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia
(ESSA). He runs Total Surfing Fitness, created to help surfers improve their skills and reduce the risk of injury.
We’re all keen to improve our surfing, so check out his website for surf-specific functional training exercises. Go to
TotalSurfingFitness.com, and there’s even a free sample workout to get you started.

Photo: Lucas Muro
History...
A little bit of
Brought to you by
Underground Surf
CHECK YO’ NECK
PADDLING AND NERVE COMPRESSION IN THE NECK. WORDS: JOHN HART
While you are young this may not
seem an issue, however after many
years of surfing, nerve entrapment or
compression can become a real “pain
in the neck”.
Nerve compression in the cervical
region (neck) can result from many
years of paddling or even just a long
day of surfing with your neck extended
on your board.
Some of the symptoms can include
pins and needles in your triceps, arms
or hands, and a feeling of muscle
weakness. Often you may leave the
surf with a pounding headache on the
left or right side of your head.
YOUR NECK
In total there are seven vertebrae
in our necks - the cervical part of
our spine. Each vertebra has a bony
prominence called the spinous process
which is situated behind the spinal
cord protecting our nerve tissue.
Between each of the vertebrae
are discs which act like cushions
against impact on the spinal column
such as occurs with movement or
hyperextension when we paddle. Each
disc has a soft jelly-like substance in
the middle.
This area can rupture, bulge or herniate
through the surrounding outer ring
of the disc and even affect the nerve
tissue and injure our ligaments, which
are composed of fibrous tissue that hold
the vertebrae together and surround our
cervical discs.
The discs and the joints are stacked
on top of each other. Our facet joints
are then subject to wear and tear over
time and degenerate, which is when
we see dramatic changes occur.
This degeneration of the cervical discs
- often called cervical spondylosis -
then leads into osteoarthritis.
The nerve roots that come out of the
area in the neck can be affected by
sudden stretching, hyperextension or
compression. The pain and spasm in
the muscles of the neck tend to occur
as a result of this along with numbness
and severe headaches that can last
for days. Pain can also radiate to the
shoulder.
TREATMENT
It’s difficult to treat nerve pain. Drugs
can have little effect. Usual treatment
includes ice, rest, heat treatment,
painkillers, muscle relaxants and
physiotherapy. In most cases
symptoms will settle within a few
weeks, but there are no guarantees.
With severe prolonged pain and severe
impairment of function a localised
injection by your doctor to the facet
joint area may be recommended.
Surgery is rarely performed and the
exact nature of the procedure depends
on the overall condition of your spine,
your age and the severity of the
problem. However surgeons don’t
seem to like tackling this area.
PREVENTION
Positioning yourself on your board with
less hyperextension of your neck will
eliminate this problem. While it’s a bit
difficult to master, the surfer needs to
be aware and keep his/her neck to the
side and change the position from left
to right when paddling. Be conscious
of the neck being held up and facing
forward for long periods of time.
Strengthening the area will also assist.
IT’S BONZER!
WORDS AND PICS: ANDRÉ MARSAUS
Bonzer (Bon-zer) adj; Australian slang; extaordinary. unique.
The Bonzer was the first tri-fin surfboard made in a US garage by the
Campbell brothers in december 1970. It had a triangular fin arrangement of
three fins: two ‘keel’ like fins placed forward of a centre fin. The side fins
were placed 10 1/2” to 12” from the tail and 1 1/2” to 2” from the rail and
were towed in towards the nose.
The bottom shape was single to double concave - the first in the history
of surfboard design - which worked in conjunction with the fins to
organise water flow through the tail, making it fast, positive and ultra
maneuverable.
The early Bonzers were short: 5’4” to 5’8” based on the Aussie shortboard
designs, as the Campbell brothers - and the rest of the world - had a lot of
respect for our shapers and surfers. Aussies were a force in surfing.
During the early days the Bonzer’s were being made in the Campbell’s
garage and were constantly being improved.
After sending letters describing their unique surfboard design to the major
American manufacturers, the only response the brothers received was from
Bing and Mike Eaton, two of the most highly regarded shapers of the time.
Bing and Eaton were intrigued by the boards the boys showed them and
eagerly watched footage of the boards in action.
The guys decided to make a few boards together at the Bing Surfboards
factory and gave them to team riders to try out. The crew were stoked so
production of the Bonzers moved from the Campbells garage to the shaping
bay and into professional hands.
Aussie’s Pete ‘PT’ Townend and Brian ‘Fury’ Austin soon jumped on the
Bonzer bandwagon and boards started emerging from shaping bays all
over the country including Goodtime in Kirra, Gordon & Smith and Cooper
in NSW and Klemm Bell in Victoria. PT, Ian Cairns, Terry Richardrson and a
load of top Aussie surfers were enjoying great success in surf comps.
The Bonzer was historically the first tri-fin, overshadowed in the 80’s by
Simon Anderson’s thruster. The Campbell brothers let the hype of the
thruster die down keeping the Bonzer under wraps for eight years before
they revealed the Bonzer 5 designed in 1982 and released in 1990.
Pro surfers including Taylor Knox, Joel Tudor and Rob Machado started
riding the boards and Bonzer 5 earned it’s well-deserved respect.
Within months of Bonzer 5 hitting the water Rusty released its new 5-fin
design and the boys were overshadowed once again.
Over 40 years later, the Bonzer lives on, still shaped by those in the know
and a testament to its design. With thanks to the Campbell Brothers.
John Hart is a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer with a
Masters in education who also writes books, trains and rehabilitates
people, takes photos, directs movies and is always happy to share
what he’s learned.
• Masters In Education (Disability) Newcastle University Australia
• Grad Cert Education Newcastle University Australia
• Diploma Fitness/Recreation
• Diploma of Sport and Recreation
• Cert 4 Personal Training
• Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
WWW.JOHNHARTFITNESS.COM
New surf shop, old-school feel
RETRO LONGBOARDS & SHORTBOARDS
NEW & CUSTOM BOARDS • BOARD HIRE • REPAIRS
SKATEBOARDS • CLOTHING • AND MUCH MORE...
3/31 McLean St, Coolangatta, QLD Ph: 07 5599 1040
WWW.UNDERGROUNDSURF.COM.AU

SURF DIRECTORY
Pick
QLD CENTRAL COAST
REEF 2 BEACH SURF SHOP
07 4974 9072
Shop 1, 10 Round Hill Road
Agnes Water/1770
www.reef2beachsurf.com
SUNSHINE COAST
NOOSA SURF WORKS
07 5474 4567
1/11 Bartlett St, Noosaville
www.shotgunsurf.com
www.lagunabaysurf.com
WATERLINE
07 5474 1010
2/15 Venture Dr, Noosaville
www.zeewetsuits.com
ILLUSIONS NOOSA
0488 686 206
2/2 Venture Dve, Noosaville
Shop 3A/11 Sunshine Beach Rd,
Noosa Junction, QLD 4566
CLASSIC MALIBU AUSTRALIA
07 5474 3122
Cnr Gibson and Eumundi Rds.
Noosaville
www.classicmalibu.com
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
07 5474 1222
3 Gibson Rd, Noosaville
ON SURFARI
07 5474 2162
197 Gympie Terrace
Noosaville
www.onsurfari.com.au
GOLDEN BREED
07 5455 3722
15 Noosa Drive,
Noosa Heads
www.goldenbreed.com.au
NOOSA LONGBOARDS
07 5447 2828
SHOP 2/55 Hastings St,
Noosa Heads
www.noosalongboards.com
SOLACE
07 5455 4826
20 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach
solacestore.blogspot.com
SURF SHOP
07 5471 3489
224 David Low Way,
Peregian Beach
www.surf-shop.org
COOLUM SURF
07 5351 1742
Shop 14, 8-26 Birtwill St
Coolum Beach
www.alexsurfshop.com.au
BLUE LINES
07 5351 1986
Shops 17 & 18 -
1776 The Esplanade,
Coolum Beach
124 may/jun 2011
WALLY’S WATER GALLERY
07 5448 8560
6 Lorraine Beach, Marcoola Beach
OLD WOMAN SURF SHOP
07 5448 7025
Santorini Shop 6,
15 Mudjimba Esp, Mudjimba
WEIR’S INSIDE EDGE
07 5443 4143
14 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore
DA BOMB
07 5451 0620
3/25 Plaza Pde, Maroochydore
(07) 5437 9201
7/12 Thunderbird Dr, Bokarina
www.dabombsurf.com.au
OCEAN ADDICTS
07 5309 6624
103-105 Aerodrome Rd
Maroochydore
www.oceanaddicts.com.au
ALEX SURF
07 5452 6276
188 Alexandra Pde
Alexandra Headlands
www.alexsurf.com.au
BEACH BEAT
07 5443 2777
164 Alexandra Pde
Alexandra Headlands
07 5491 8215
Shop 2&3 4-6 Beerburrum St
Dicky Beach
07 5491 4711
119 Bulcock Rd,
Caloundra
www.beachbeat.com.au
WORLD SURFARIS
1800 611 163
2/174 Brisbane Rd,
Mooloolaba
www.worldsurfaris.com
SURF PLANET
07 5476 6200
Shop 5, Buderim Marketplace
Buderim
www.surfplanet.com.au
THE FACTORY
07 5492 5838
15 Allen St, Caloundra
thefactrorysurf.com.au
SURFWARE AUSTRALIA
07 5491 3620
2 Bulcock St, Caloundra
BRISBANE
PRIMITIVE SURF
07 3266 1001
601 Nudgee Rd,
Nundah
www.primitivesurf.com
up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in July.
Businesses that advertise in smorgasboarder allow us to bring you the magazine for FREE. So, be sure to support them!
GOODTIME SURF & SAIL
07 3391 8588
29 Ipswich Rd, Wooloongabba
www.goodtime.com.au
FIIK
Unit 2/3366 Pacific Hwy,
Springwood
www.fiikskateboards.com
COD
07 3207 0116
25 Kestrel Crt, Victoria Pt
www.codsurfing.com.au
NORTH STRADBROKE
ISLAND
MINTY SURFBOARDS
07 3409 8334
Point Lookout
www.bobmintysurfboards.com
GOLDCOAST
SURF FX
07 5531 3199
127 Ferry Road, Southport
www.surf-fx.com
SIDEWAYS
07 5592 3849
3012 Surfers Blvd, Surfers Paradise
sidewaysboardsports.com.au
DUKE’S LONGBOARDS
07 5572 0477
2578 Gold Coast Hwy
Mermaid Beach
www.dukeslongboards.com
STUART SURF DESIGN
07 5572 0098
2576 Gold Coast Hwy,
Mermaid Beach
www.stuartsurf.com.au
GANGSTA SURF
07 5526 6969
Shop 1/ 2558 Gold Coast Hwy
Mermaid Beach
www.gangstasurf.com
GREENLINE
0412 398 585
2544 Gold Coast Hwy
Mermaid Beach
www.greenlinepaddlesurf.com
BOARD CULTURE
07 5572 9866
2438 Gold Coast Hwy,
Mermaid Beach
www.boardculture.com.au
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
07 5526 6377
2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
THE BOARDROOM
07 5527 7877
2084 Gold Coast Hwy,
Miami
LOWEN 88
07 5526 5161
2a/2172 Gold Coast Highway
Miami
www.lowen88.com
HARVEY SURF GALLERY
0414 557 624
Unit 3, 10 Pacific Ave, Miami
www.harveysurf.com
MT WOODGEE
07 5535 0288
1730 Gold Coast Hwy
Burleigh Heads
www.mtwoodgee.com.au
PATAGONIA BURLEIGH
116 Surfcoast Highway
Burleigh Heads
www.patagonia.com.au
WORLD SURFERS
07 5535 4037
63 Lower West Burleigh Road
Burleigh
SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
07 5520 2774
Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade,
Shop 10, Goodwin Tce,
Burleigh Heads
seanscottphotography.com.au
DALE CHAPMAN SURF DESIGNS
07 5593 8411
Unit 3/48 Junction Road
Burleigh Heads
www.chapmansurfboards.com
SOUTHCOAST FOAM
07 5522 1600
15 Greg Chappell Dr,
Burleigh Gdns Estate,
Andrews
www.southcoastfoam.com.au
MY PHOTO EXPERT
07 5535 2763
3/71 Township Drive
Burleigh Heads
www.myphotoexpert.com.au
GOLD COAST SURF WORLD
07 5525 6380
Tomewin Street,
Currumbin
www.surfworldgoldcoast.com
FIREWIRE SURFBOARDS
07 5587 7700
1/49 Currumbin Creek Rd
Currumbin
www.firewiresurfboards.com
DMS
07 5559 5949
3/56 Currumbin Creek Rd
Currumbin
www.dmshapes.com
D’ARCY HANDSHAPES
07 5559 5866
1/8 Hawker St,
Currumbin
www.darcysurfboards.com
LONG-EAZ
LONGARM BOARD HOLDER
Arms too short? Too far to
walk? Get a grip!
0408 092 122
www.long-eaz.com
SHAPERS
07 5534 4228
9/7 Traders Way, Currumbin
www.shapers.com.au
BURFORD REINFORCED PLASTICS
07 5534 3777
5 Stewart Rd, Currumbin
MT WOODGEE
07 5598 2188
2 Stewart Rd, Currumbin
www.mtwoodgee.com.au
DIVERSE SURF
07 5598 4848
476 Gold Coast Highway
Tugun
www.diversesurf.com.au
DORRINGTON SURFBOARDS
07 5599 4030
16 Musgrave Street, Kirra
www.dorringtonsurfboards.com
BOARD CULTURE
07 5536 5866
Gold Coast Hwy(outside airport)
Coolangatta
www.boardculture.com.au
KIRRA SURF/WORLD SURFARIS
07 5536 3922
Shop 6, 8 Creek St,
Bilinga
www.kirrasurf.com.au
UNDERGROUND SURF
07 5599 1040
Shop 3/31 McLean St,
Coolangatta
www.undergroundsurf.com.au
MT WOODGEE
07 5536 5937
122 Griffith St, Coolangatta
www.mtwoodgee.com.au
COOLANGATTA BOARD STORE
07 5536 7850
152 Griffith St, Coolangatta
www.cbsboardstore.com

SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
07 5599 1150
Shop 3, 110 Marine Pde,
Coolangatta
seanscottphotography.com.au
COOLY SURF
07 5536 1470
Cnr Dutton St & Marine Pde
Coolangatta
www.basesurfboards.com
NSW NORTH COAST
SIDEWAYS
07 5524 6699
2/13-21 Greenway Dr, Tweed Heads
sidewaysboardsports.com.au
FULL FORCE SURFBOARDS
07 5524 2933
Factory 18 / 48 Machinery Drive
Tweed Heads
SURF XCESS
02 6674 5350
88 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
CABARITA SURF SHOP
02 6676 3151
1/38 Tweed Coast Rd,
Cabarita Beach
BRUNSWICK SURF
02 6685 1283
1/12 The Terrace,
Brunswick Heads
www.brunswicksurf.com.au
MCTAVISH
02 6680 8807
91 Centenial Circuit, Byron Bay
www.mctavish.com.au
MADDOG SURF CENTRE
02 6685 6395
91 Jonson St, Byron Bay
02 6685 6466
4 Jonson St, Byron Bay
www.maddog.com.au
MC SURF DESIGNS
02 6685 8778
3 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay
www.mcsurf.com.au
NORTH COAST SURFBOARDS
02 6685 6896
1/29 Acacia St, Byron Bay
www.bearsurfboards.com.au
MUNRO SURFBOARDS
02 6685 6211
29 Acacia St, Byron Bay
www.munroesurfboards.com.au
T&C SURF DESIGN / MCCOY
02 6685 7485
10 Acacia Street, Byron Bay
BYRON BAY LONGBOARDS
02 6685 5244
Shop 1 - 89 Jonson St,
Byron Bay
HO’OKUPU
02 6685 8861
2/9 Lawson St, Byron Bay
hookupusurf.com
UNPLUGGED
02 6685 7441
Shop 1/ 2 Lawson Street,
Byron Bay
www.unpluggedbyronbay.com
ALL ABOVE BOARD
02 6687 7522
68 Ballina St, Lennox Head
MADDOG SURF CENTRES
02 6685 6094
45 River St, Ballina
www.maddog.com.au
TRIPLE X WETSUITS
02 6686 3939
10 Piper Drive, Ballina
www.triple-x.com.au
THE PLANK SHOP
02 6645 8362
Top of the Hill, Yamba
NSW MID NORTH COAST
XS SURF
02 6654 1049
76 Beach Street,
Woolgoolga
www.xssurf.com
COOPERS SURF CENTRES
02 6654 0033
56D Beach St,
Woolgoolga
02 6652 8146
28 Orlando St,
Coffs Harbour
www.cooperssurf.com.au
FLANAGAN SURFBOARDS
0432 361 694
Unit 26, 22 Lawson Cres,
Coffs Harbour
www.flanagansurfboards.com
WATER SURF+ART+CAFE
Distinctively relaxed
atmosphere, exceptional
food, coffee and tea, great
service, photographic
art from Australia’s best
photographers, exquisite
gifts and select surfwear and
boards.
(02) 6651 4500
370 Harbour Drive, Coffs
Harbour Jetty
www.watersurfartcafe.com
THE LOG SHACK
02 6658 0223
392 Harbour Drive,
The Jetty Strip,
Coffs Harbour
www.thelogshack.com.au
OUTER ISLAND SURFBOARDS
02 6655 7007
7 Bayldon Dr, Raleigh
www,outerislandsurfboards.com
VALLA SURFBOARDS
02 6568 8909
8 Monro St, Nambucca Heads
www.vallasurfboards.com.au
COASTAL CURVES
02 6568 6902
Ridge St, Nambucca Heads
www.coastalcurves.com
SONIC SURF
02 6568 4666
1 Cooper Street, Macksville
SCOTTS HEAD SURF SHOP
02 6569 8344
Scotts Head NSW 2447
scottsheadsurfschool.blogspot.com
WAVE WEAR
02 6566 5177
1/15 Livingstone St,
South West Rocks
CRESCENT HEAD SURF CO.
02 6562 8306
33 Smith St, Kempsey
CRESCENT HEAD SURF SHOP
02 6566 0550
1 Crescent Head Tavern
Crescent Head
CRESO EXPRESSO
4 Shore Holiday Park,
Crescent Heads
INNER VISION SURF ‘N’ SKATE
02 6583 7790
80 William St, Port Macquarie
SALTWATER WINE
02 6584 4877
1/125 Gordon St, Port
Macquarie
www.saltwaterwine.com.au
SANDY FEET
02 6584 1995
5/21 Clarence Street ,
Port Macquarie
www.sandyfeetsurf.com.au
JUNGLE SURF
02 6555 8556
86 Manning Street, Tuncurry
www.junglesurf.com.au
SALTWATER WINE
02 6554 7979
5 Wharf St,
Forster
www.saltwaterwine.com.au
BOOMERANG BEACH SURF
02 6554 0351
Shop 4, Boomerang Drive
Pacific Palms
GRAFFITI SURF DESIGNS
02 4981 3409
43 Donald St, Nelson Bay
NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE SURF DESIGNS
02 4968 9989
4 Maitland Rd, Mayfield
SAM EGAN SURFBOARDS
02 4969 7299
28 Maitland Rd,
Islington
www.samegan.com.au
SURF FACTORY
16 Maitland Rd
Islington
www.thesurffactory.com.au
MARK RICHARDS SURFSHOP
02 4961 3088
755 Hunter St,
Newcastle
markrichardssurfboards.com
SURFHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
61 Hunter Street
Newcastle
surfhousephotography.com
BREAKAWAY SURF
02 4929 1144
Shop 6 Hunter Street Mall,
Newcastle
PACIFIC DREAMS SURFSHOPS
02 4926 3355
7 Darby St, Newcastle
www.pacificdreams.com.au
SANBAH
02 4962 2420
Shop 27, The Junction Fair
Union Street,
Newcastle
www.sanbah.com.au
BREAKAWAY SURF CO
02 4943 2699
181 Pacific Hwy
Charlestown
EGANS
02 4945 8055
575 Pacific Hwy,
Belmont
THE SURF SHACK
02 4945 8965
703 Pacific Hwy
Belmont South
SWANSEA SURF SHOP
02 4971 4422
164 Pacific Hwy,
Swansea
www.swanseasurf.com.au
CENTRAL COAST
BEACHIN SURF
02 43 96 5159
262 Main Rd, Toukley
BOARD CITY
02 4397 1092
150 Main Road, Toukley
www.boardcity.com.au
ADRIFT SURF
02 4332 8355
133 The Entrance Road
The Entrance
www.adriftsurf.com.au
BOARDERLINE SURF SKATE
02 4332 7175
421 The Entrance Rd
Long Jetty
www.boarderlinesurfskate.com
SURFERS CHOICE
02 4334 6532
473 The Entrance Rd
Long Jetty
www.surferschoice.com.au
BATEAU BAY SURF N SPORT
02 4332 1157
101a Bateau Bay Road
Bateau Bay
ONE EIGHTY SURF COMPANY
02 4385 8440
Shop 2, 82a Ocean View Drive
Wamberal
www.180surfco.com.au
SLIMES
02 4365 5511
1/203 The Entrance Rd
Erina
ESS BOARDSTORE
251 The Entrance Rd
Erina
www.essboardstore.com.au
THREE POINTS SURF
02 4382 1541
170 Avoca Drive,
Avoca Beach
www.avocasurfscholl.com.au
STS THE BOARD CENTRE
02 4342 2555
326 West St, Umina
NORTHERN BEACHES
BEACH WITHOUT SAND
02 9918 2763
1a Nth Avalon Rd, Avalon
RAISED BY WOLVES
02 9918 8861
U 2/40 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon
www.raisedbywolves.com.au
02 9997 4838
9b Waratah St, Mona Vale
www.raisedbywolves.com.au
may/jun 2011
125

SURF DIRECTORY CONTINUED
Pick up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in July.
Businesses that advertise in smorgasboarder allow us to bring you the magazine for FREE. So, be sure to support them!
LITTLE DRAGON
0403 974 967
1 Bramley Lane, Newport Beach
RON WADE SURF DESIGN
02 9979 7071
0410 443 776
23 Bassett Street, Mona Vale
ronwadesurfboards.com.au
CHANNEL ISLAND SURFBOARDS
02 9997 8266
4/76 Darly St, Mona Vale
www.cisurfboards.com
QUIKSILVER MONA VALE
02 9999 3727
1729 Pitt Water Rd, Mona Vale
SUPER SWELL
02 9144 3229
166 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives
STAND UP PADDLE GEAR
AUSTRALIA
02 9986 3420
6/53 Myora Rd, Terrey Hills
www.supgearaustralia.com
SUGARMILL SURF EMPORIUM
02 9913 3332
2/1329 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen
www.sugarmillsurf.com
SIX OUNCE
0408 259 783
48-50 Pittwater Rd, Manly
www.sixounceboardstore.com
ALOHA MANLY STYLE
02 9977 3777
44 Pittwater Rd, Manly
www.alohasurfmanly.com.au
CRONULLA SURF DESIGN
02 9544 0433
8 Cronulla St, Cronulla
cronullasurfdesign.com.au
BUSTED SURF CO
02 4447 3485
10 Fairlands St, Culburra Beach
OCEAN & EARTH SURF STORE
02 4441 2482
12 Springs Road, Sussex Inlet
www.oceanearth.com
SERIOUS SURF STUFF
03 5674 2540
1 Williams Street , Inverloch
www.strapper.com.au
VORTEX SURF & SKATE
03 5672 4112
54 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi
www.strapper.com.au
POWERLINEZ
02 9913 2128
16a Waterloo St, Narrabeen
www.powerlinez.com.au
BALMORAL BOARDS
02 9970 8600
1228 Pitt Water Rd, Narrabeen
www.balmoralboards.com.au
WICKS SURF CENTRE
02 9971 0760
1103 Pittwater Road, Collaroy Beach
LONG REEF SURF
02 9982 4829
1012 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy
www.longreefsurf.com.au
WIND SURF ’N’ SNOW
02 9971 0999
17 Anzac Ave, Collaroy
www.windsurfnsnow.com.au
THE PERFECT WAVE
02 9939 0890
Suite 38, 42-46 Wattle Rd
Brookvale
www.theperfectwave.com.au
BENNETT SURFBOARDS
02 9905 5157
180 Harbord Rd, Brookvale
DRIPPING WET SURF CO
02 9977 3549
398 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale
02 9977 3549
93 North Steyne, Manly
www.dripwetsurf.com
SUNSHINE SURFING
02 9977 4399
89 Pittwater Rd, Manly
www.sunshinesurfing.com.au
BASE SURFBOARDS
02 9976 0591
46 North Steyne Rd,
Manly
www.basesurfboards.com
SALTMOTION
02 9976 6518
Market Place, Manly
www.saltmotion.com
MANLY LONGBOARD CO.
02 9977 0093
39 Belgrave Street, Manly
www.manlylongboard.com
SURFECTION
02 9977 6955
110 The Corso, Manly
www.surfectionmosman.com
HERITAGE SURF AUSTRALIA
02 9977 7623
24 Darley Rd,
Manly
www.heritagesurfaustralia.com
SURFECTION
02 9969 1011
522 Military Rd,
Mosman
www.surfectionmosman.com
SYDNEY SOUTH
BONDI UNDERGROUND
02 9365 0870
2/72 Campbell Pde,
Bondi Beach
DRIPPING WET SURF CO
02 9300 0055
180-186 Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach
www.drippingwetsurf.com
SURF CULTURE
02 93895477
40 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction
www.surfculture.com.au
CRONULLA SUTHERLAND
KING SURFBOARDS
02 9521 3645
577 Princes Hwy, Kirrawee
JACKSON SURFBOARDS
02 9524 2700
57 Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah
www.jacksonsurfboards.com.au
TRIPLE BULL
02 9524 4822
41 Captain Cook Dr, Caringbah
02 9544 0354
23 Kingsway, Cronulla
www.triplebullsurf.com
EASTCOAST STAND UP PADDLE
Dedicated to SUP - Sydney’s
original Stand Up Paddle
outlet. Performance,
flatwater, race, and distance
boards – we have a board to
suit all skill levels.
0413 456009
0418 294854
27 Throsby Close
Barden Ridge
eastcoaststanduppaddle.com.au
WOOLONGONG
FINBOX BOARDSTORE
02 4268 2050
1/ 269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
Thirroul
thefinbox.blogspot.com
SURF PIT
02 4283 7196
2/100 Railway St, Corrimal
www.surfpit.com.au
BYRNE SURF AND SKI
02 4226 1122
115 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow
byrnesurfboardsaustralia.com
SKIPP SURFBOARDS
02 4229 1202
231 Crown Street, Wollongong
(factory showroom)
02 4228 8878
24 Flinders St, Wollongong
www.skippsurfboards.com.au
CARABINE SURF DESIGNS
02 4229 9462
36 Flinders St,
Wollongong
NSW SOUTH COAST
ZINK SURF
02 4233 1189
136 Terralong St, Kiama
www.zinksurf.com.au
NATURAL NECESSITY SURF SHOP
02 4234 1636
115 Fern St,
Gerringong
www.nnss.com.au
AQUATIQUE
02 4464 1881
123a Queen Street, Berry
02 4421 8159
125-127 Junction St, Nowra
02 4441 5530
55 Owen St, Huskisson
www.aquatique.com.au
SUN & SURF SHOP
02 4441 1938
Shop 1, 168 Jacobs Drive
Sussex Inlet
AKWA SURF
02 4454 5222
Shop 1, Mellick’s Corner, Princess
Highway, Milton
www.akwasurf.com.au
SOUTHERN MAN SURF SHOP
02 4454 0343
138 Princes Hwy, Ulladulla
www.southernman.com.au
SALTWATER DREAM
02 4472 3811
2 Bay Central, Batemans Bay
OFFSHORE SURF SHOP
02 4474 4350
66 Vulcan St, Moruya
www.offshoresurf.com.au
NAROOMA SURF & SKATE
02 4476 1422
30 Princes Hwy, Narooma
DSC SURFBOARDS
0424 867 962
Princes Highway, Narooma
BERMAGUI SURF SHOP
02 6493 4849
4/28 Lamont St, Bermagui
RAW SURFBOARDS
02 6494 4466
Lot 1291 Tathra Road, Kalaru
www.rawsurfboards.com.au
MERIMBULA SURF SHOP
02 6495 1515
Merimbula Drive, Merimbula
SALTWATER DREAM
02 6495 1600
39 Market St, Merimbula
CORE SURF SKATE AND KITE
02 6494 3374
49 Toalla St, Pambula Village
www.pambulasurfshop.com.au
COUNTRY VIC
SURF SHACK
03 5155 4933
507 Esplanade,
Lakes Entrance
ATOLL TRAVEL
1800 622 310
4 Bridge Street,
Foster
www.atolltravel.com
PHILLIP ISLAND
OUTEREEF
03 5678 5677
73 Phillip Island Rd, San Remo
www.outereef.com.au
FULLCIRCLE SURF
03 5678 5873
115 Marine Pde, San Remo
www.fullcirclesurf.com.au
03 5956 7453
4-5 Vista Pl,
Cape Woolamai
www.fullcirclesurf.com.au
ISLANTIS
03 5956 7553
10-12 Phillip Island Rd
Newhaven
www.islantis.com.au
ISLAND SURF CENTRE
03 5952 2578
147 Thompson Ave,
Cowes
www.islandsurfboards.com.au
03 5952 3443
65 Smiths Beach Rd
Smiths Beach
www.islandsurfboards.com.au
ISLAND SURF SHACK
03 5952 1659
148 Thompson Ave,
Cowes
MELBOURNE
ZAK SURFBOARDS
03 9416 7384
319 Victoria Rd,
Thornbury
www.zaksurfboards.com
TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL
03 9537 3222
Shop 2, 1 St Kilda Rd,
St Kilda
www.triggerbros.com.au
REPEAT PERFORMANCE SURF
(THE BOARD STORE)
03 9525 6475
87 Ormond Rd,
Elwood
www.rpstheboardstore.com
BRIGHTON SURF CO.
03 9593 2211
43 Church St, Brighton
SHQ BOARDSPORTS
03 9598 2867
81 Beach Road,
Sandringham
www.shq.com.au
126 may/jun 2011

DING REPAIRS
MORDY SURF CENTRE
03 9580 1716
628 Main St, Mordialloc
www.mordysurf.com.au
PAULOWNIA SURFBOARD
SUPPLIES
03 9588 2533
45 Governor Road, Mordialloc
paulowniaparadise.com.au
OKE SURFBOARDS
03 9587 3553.
Factory 1 1-7 Canterbury Rd,
Braeside
www.okesurfboards.com
TRIGGER BROS SURF & SAIL
03 9770 2223
7 Rossmith St, Frankston
www.triggerbros.com.au
03 5989 8402
Point Leo Rd, Point Leo
www.triggerbros.com.au
03 5984 5670
46 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento
www.triggerbros.com.au
PENINSULA SURF CENTRE
03 9783 3811
40 Wells St, Frankston
03 5975 1800
835 Nepean Hwy, Mornington
03 5985 4637
2137 Pt Nepean Hwy, Rye
www.peninsulasurf.com.au
BEAN SURFING
03 5984 5199
4 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento
VIC SURF COAST
MURFS LONGBOARDS
03 5255 5525
82 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
www.murfslongboards.com.au
STRAPPER SURF
03 5255 2666
67b The Terrace, Ocean Grove
www.strapper.com.au
GREEN ROOM SURF SHOP
03 5256 2996
64 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
www.greenroom.com.au
RASTA’S EARTH & SURF SHOP
03 5254 3255
51 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads
www.rastasurfboards.com.au
TONIK SURF CENTRE
03 5254 1470
60/62 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads
www.tonik.com.au
STONKER TORQUAY
03 5261 6077
1a Baines Court, Torquay
www.stonker.com.au
HYDROPHILIC
0421 504 621
1C Baines Court, Torquay
www.southcoastlongboards.com.au
BLUNT
03 5261 7590
Shop 2, Surf City Plaza, Torquay
TORQUAY SURF WORLD
03 5261 4606
Surf City Plaza, Torquay
www.surfworld.org.au
PATAGONIA
03 5261 4420
116 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay
www.patagonia.com.au
BASE SURFBOARDS
03 5261 5666
3/108 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay
www.basesurfboards.com
STRAPPER
03 5261 3508
96 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay
03 5261 2312
106 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay
www.strapper.com.au
TORQUAY SURFING ACADEMY
03 5261 2022
34A Bell St, Torquay
www.torquaysurf.com.au
TIGERFISH
03 5264 7271
12/15 Bell St, Torquay
www.tigerfish.com.au
ANGLESEA SURF CENTRE
03 5263 1530
111 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea
www.secondhandsurfboards.com.au
LORNE SURF SHOP
03 5289 1673
130 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne
SHARKY’S
03 5289 2421
Mountjoy Pde, Lorne
HODGY’S SURF CENTRE
03 5237 7883
143 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay
www.hodgys.com
SHIPWRECK COAST
PORT CAMPBELL TRADING CO
03 5598 6444
27 Lord Street, Port Campbell
TAYLORS SURFODESY
03 5562 5681
132 Liebig Street, Warrnambool
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
CUTLOOSE SURF
08 8326 0939
4 Piping Lane, Lonsdale
www.cutloosesurf.com.au
MID COAST SURF
08 83845522
8/200 Dyson Road, Lonsdale
www.midcoastsurf.com.au
PREECE’S SOUTH PORT SURF
08 8386 0404
159 Esplanade,
Port Noarlunga South
www.preece-sthport-surf.com.au
BARREL SURF
08 8555 5422
10c Cadell Street, Goolwa
www.barrellsurf.com.au
BIG SURF AUSTRALIA
08 8554 2399
24 Goolwa Rd, Middleton
SOUTHERN SURF
08 8554 2375
36 North Tce, Port Elliot
THE SURF SHOP
08 8552 5466
15 Albert Place, Victor Harbor
www.thesurfshop.net.au
THE DING KING /
CLARK SURFBOARDS
0422 443 789
20 Cottage Road, Hackham
leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au
SURF ESTEEM
08 8557 7201
Aldinga Central Shopping Centre
www.surfesteem.com
ONBOARD SURF WIND SNOW
08 8294 3866
21 Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga SA
08 8294 3866
1-3 Lights Landing
Holdfast Shores, Glenelg
www.onboardsurf.com.au
JRS SURF & SKI
08 838 47466
Centro Colonnades
08 8377 0322
Westfield Marion
08 8223 5505
121 Grenfell St, Adelaide CBD
08 8231 9577
Myer Centre, Adelaide CBD
08 8396 4822
Tea Tree Plus
www.jrssurfandski.com.au
FLY BOARDRIDING
08 8386 0100
Shop 41
Seaford Shopping Centre
www.flyboardriding.com.au
ISLAND SURF
08 8296 9776
363 Brighton Road
Hove
EXTREME BOARDRIDERS
08 8295 1219
1/118 Jetty Rd, Glenelg
WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS
08 8376 4914
27 Oaklands Rd
Somerton Park
www.wallbridge.com.au
SANCTUARY SURFERS
0403 134 478
201 Waymouth Street
Adelaide City
www.sanctuary.net.au
SNOW & SURF CO.
08 8223 5277
187 Rundle Street
Adelaide 5000
www.snowsurf.com.au
AGNES WATER/1770
REEF 2 BEACH
(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)
07 4974 9072
SUNSHINE COAST
DA BOMB
(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)
07 5451 0620 - Maroochydore
07 5437 9201 - Bokarina
BRISBANE
PRIMITIVE SURF
(Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:30pm, Thurs
8:30am-8pm, Sat, 8:30-4pm,
Sun, 10-4pm)
07 3266 1001
SOUTHPORT
KOMA
(M-F 9-5pm, Sat 9-12pm)
0402 863 763
MIAMI
DINO’S DING REPAIRS
(M-F 9-5pm, Sat 9-12pm)
0409 727 735
TUGUN
DIVERSE
(M-F,8:30-5:30pm, Sat and
Sun, 9-4pm)
07 5598 4848
COOLANGATTA
UNDERGROUND SURF
(7 days, 9-5pm)
07 5599 1040
BYRON BAY
BYRON BAY DING REPAIRS
(Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30pm)
02 6685 6770
0409 849 442
YAMBA
THE PLANK SHOP
02 6645 8362
TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS
(Tues-Fri, 9-4pm, Sat, 9-12pm)
0432 330 826
COFFS HARBOUR
THE LOG SHACK
(M-F, 10-5pm, Sat & Sun
10-2:30pm)
02 6658 0223
NORAH HEAD
BUCKO’S SURFBOARD REPAIRS
& RESTORATIONS
(M-F, 10-5.30pm, weekends by
appointment
0422 304 078
LONG JETTY
S & D SURF DESIGNS
(M-F, 9-4pm, Sat 9-12pm)
0437 032 614
SYDNEY NORTH
BROOKVALE SURFBOARD
REPAIRS
(M-F,8:30-5:30pm, Sat and
Sun, 9-4pm)
0403 971 072
CHAOS SURFBOARDS
(M-F,9-6pm, Sat & Sun 8:30-
6pm)
02 9907 2769
BONDI JUNCTION
SIX OUNCE
(7 days , 9:30-6:30pm)
0408 259 783
WOOLONGONG
SKIPP SURFBOARDS
M-F,9-5:30, Thurs 9-7:30pm,
Sat 9-4, Sun 10-4)
02 4228 8878
JERVIS BAY
INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS
(7 days, 9-5pm)
02 4441 6756
NAROOMA
DSC SURFBOARDS
(7 days, 9-5pm)
0424 867 962
THORNBURY
ZAK SURFBOARDS
(Mon-Fri,10-6pm; Sat 10-5pm)
03 9416 7384
TORQUAY
STONKER TORQUAY
(Mon – Fri, 9-5pm)
03 5261 6077
PHILLIP ISLAND
ISLANTIS
(7 days , 9-5pm)
03 5956 7553
ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES
(7 days, 9-5pm)
03 5952 2578
FULLCIRCLE SURF
(7 days, 9-5pm)
03 5956 7453
SOUTH ADELAIDE
THE DING KING
(M-F, 9-5pm)
0422 443 789
ADELAIDE
WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS
08 8376 4914
FIX BROKEN BOARDS?
Promote your repair business for $15
an edition. Call 0401 345 201
may/jun 2011
127

SURF TRIP ACCOMMODATION
QUEENSLAND
Planning a surfing holiday or weekend away? These fine accommodation options offer
great proximity to surf beaches in some of the country’s best surf spots. Get out there.
NEW SOUTH WALES
VICTORIA
PORTOBELLO BY THE SEA
6 Beerburrum St, Dicky Beach
Caloundra
Fantastic surf spots right on
your doorstep. Moffat, Neill
Street, Dicky Beach all within
a 5 minute walk. Luxury
accommodation within 50 m of
some of the best restaurants
Caloundra has to offer.
Proximity: Across from
patrolled Dicky Beach, on-site
dining and shopping.
Phone: 07 5491 9038
E: info@portobellobythesea.com.au
www.portobellobythesea.com.au
From $325 for two nights.
PANDANUS PALMS
HOLIDAY RESORT
21 Cumming Pde, Point Lookout,
North Stradbroke Island
High on a hill overlooking Home
Beach, looking north towards
Moreton Island, offering plenty
of open space for children to
play, full size tennis court and
swimming pool.
The two or three bedroom villas
are fully self-contained with
large living area and private
balcony, own BBQ and linen
is supplied. We can arrange
return vehicle ferry crossings at
a discounted rate.
Proximity: 500m walk to Home
Beach and Stradbroke Island
Beach Hotel. 2km to cafes,
shops and Gorge Walk.
P: 07 3409 8106
E: pandpalm@bigpond.net.au
pandanuspalmsresort.com
THE ISLANDER HOLIDAY RESORT
41 East Coast Rd, Point Lookout
North Stradbroke Island
Ideally located, whether it’s
adventure or relaxation you’re
after, there’s something for
everyone - pool, tennis court, bbq
area, kids playground, scooter &
car hire. Studio, 1 & 2 bedroom
apartments available, all fully
self-contained with foxtel, dvd
player, wireless internet access,
balconies and parking.
Proximity: 2 min walk to
hotel, pub, bowls club, shops
& restaurants. Opposite Home/
Cylinder beaches.
P: 07 3409 8388
E: islander@stradbrokeresorts.com.au
islander.stradbrokeresorts.com.au
From $225 for 2 nights
IBIS WOLLONGONG
Cnr Church and Market Street
Wollongong
3.5 star hotel in the heart of
Wollongong restaurant and
business district, minutes from
beautiful beaches. Winner Best
Standard Accommodation on the
South Coast 2008, 2009 & 2010.
Air conditioned rooms include
tea and coffee facilities, mini
bar fridges, flatscreen TV and
internet connectivity. Special
Access rooms and facilities are
also available.
Proximity: 10 minute
walk to the beach and WIN
Entertainment Centre. On the
doorstep of Crown St Mall
Phone: 02 4223 6000
E: H6377@accor.com
www.accorhotels.com/6377
PHILLIP ISLAND VISITOR
INFORMATION CENTRE
895 Phillip Island Road,
Newhaven, Phillip Island
Planning a surf trip to Phillip
Island? The island offers
over 2000 beds and over 100
accommodation businesses to
choose from.
Contact Phillip Island
Visitor Information Centre’s
accommodation specialists for
all your accommodation needs.
Let our friendly staff assist you
in finding the perfect place for
you to stay.
P: 1300 366 422
E: piinfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au
www.visitbasscoast.com
From $330.00 for two nights
From $119 per room per night
CALOUNDRA
HOLIDAY CENTRE
1/78 Bulcock St, Caloundra
Caloundra Holiday Centre has
been assisting holidaymakers
find their perfect Sunshine Coast
getaway for over 25 years. We
offer one of the largest portfolios
of holiday accommodation in
Caloundra, consisting of a great
choice of budget to luxury self
contained units and houses at
all beaches. With family friendly
prices and seniors’ discounts
available, we’re sure to have a
property to suit your needs at a
competitive price.
Our friendly and experienced
staff can assist you with
finding your perfect beach
break! Request our free colour
brochure and price list today!
P: 07 5491 5444
E: info@caloundraholidaycentre.com.au
caloundraholidaycentre.com.au
From $340 p/w, low season
WHALE WATCH OCEAN
BEACH RESORT
Samarinda Dve, Point Lookout,
North Stradbroke Island
Located at North Stradbroke
Island’s Point Lookout, Whale
Watch Ocean Beach Resort
provides endless views along
the main surfing beach (which
is one of the east’s coasts
renowned surf spots) and over
the Pacific Ocean, to the Gold
Coast and beyond.
Proximity: Short walk to Point
Lookout Surf Club and all the
major Point Lookout attractions.
P: 07 3409 8555
E: reservations@
whalewatchresort.com.au
www.whalewatchresort.com.au
STRADBROKE ISLAND
HOLIDAYS
Shop 2 Raby Bay Harbour
152 Shore Street West
Cleveland
North Stradbroke Island is the
ideal holiday destination for
families, couples or maybe
just a day trip. Located one
hour from Brisbane, Straddie is
easily accessible by Stradbroke
Ferries’ fast reliable vehicle
ferries or water taxi which
depart from Cleveland.
Stradbroke Island Holidays
offer an efficient booking
service to arrange all of your
accommodation and luxury
Stradbroke Ferry transfers to
and from North Stradbroke
Island.
P: 07 3821 0266
www.stradbrokeholidays.com.au
KIAMA COVE MOTEL
10 Bong Bong St, Kiama
Kiama Cove Motel is located in
the heart of Kiama, overlooking
Surf Beach with most rooms
having ocean views, airconditioning
and king sized
beds. All with complimentary
continental breakfasts.
Proximity: Right on Kiama
Beach. Short walk to the main
street of Kiama.
Phone: 02 4232 3000
E: kiamacove@bigpond.com
www.kiamacove.com.au
From $99-$169 per room
per night
SILVERWATER RESORT
17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo
Spacious one, two and
three-bedroom self-contained
apartments all with spectacular
bay views and modern
conveniences. Complementing
the 4.5 star accommodation
is an excellent range of resort
facilities including indoor
and outdoor pool, billiards
and games room, tennis and
basketball courts, restaurant
and bar.
Proximity: Five mins to surf
beach, two mins to town
Phone: 1800 033 403
res@silverwaterresort.com.au
www.silverwaterresort.com.au
From $175 per night
TV
gym
laundry
kitchen
parking wi-fi pool airconditioning family-friendly pet-friendly spa
bbq
128 may/jun 2011

1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
NOOSA
MOMENTS
Plenty of people and plenty on the go on
the opening weekend of the 2011 Noosa
Festival of Surfing... Two standout events
for spectator interest were most definitely
the two new additions to the calendar -
the GSI Finless Pro and the Laguna Bay
Longboards SUP Race.
CLOSEOUT: RELAX
6. 5.
6. 7.
PHOTOS:
1. Scott Penwarn of Greenline and Dale
Chapman in amongst the starter rush.
2. The ladies toughed it out as much as the
men in the SUP race.
3. Fred Branger shows off his other lady
4. Finless competitors line up
5. Alaia identity Jacob Stuth puts it on,
vintage-style.
6. Mr Finless Tom Wegener, loving the day
7. Beau Young reckons animals rock. Spot on.
WOODWORKERS
The Labour Day Long Weekend saw
the first two Tree 2 Sea workshops in
Australia held at Robert Ivers’ Hollow
Wooden Surfboards in Mt. Eliza, Victoria.
Participants came from as far a field as
South Australia,The Gold Coast, Byron
Bay and Lakes Entrance to work with Rich
Blundell - an original founder of Grain
Surfboards in the USA and most recently
the online forum, treetosea.org.
Using his specially developed system which
allows a wooden surfboard to be built to
the final sanding stage in two days, nine
beautiful wooden boards were created and
went home, ready for glassing.
The boards ranged in size from a 4’6”
Paipo to a 9’ Malibu, with the fish being
the most popular build. The timber of
choice was Australian-grown Paulownia
from the Coffs Harbour region - excellent
material for board making, interesting
grain patterns and very easy to work with.
The workshops will become regular events
throughout the year and the program
could possibly be rolled out into schools,
tailored to suit the kids abilities.
For more, see www.hwsb.com.au
MAIN PHOTO (L-R)
Mick Sowry, Paul Black, Rich Blundell
(squatting), Wazza Shanks, Robert Ivers of
Hollow Wooden Surfboards, Angus Goozee.
may/jun 2011
129

CLOSEOUT: RELAX
SOMETHING
SMELLS FISHY
There are some days we just won’t
miss for anything. The Alley Fish Fry at
Currumbin is one of those days. While
the 2010 community event was dogged
by mud and rain, this year was just a
perfect day to wander around checking out
amazing boards and ideas, and of course
get in a cheeky surf at the Alley.
1.
3.
2.
4.
5.
PHOTOS:
1. Every man, woman and dog...
2. Fish of every description and other
interesting boards on display for all to see.
3. Distinguished gentlemen: sunsmart Richard
Harvey of Harvey Surf and Jesse Watson of
Black Apache stop for a chat.
4. Jordie Brown of High Tide Surfboards, a
long way from Victoria
5. Fellow Vicco, Jordan Noble of Note
Surfboards displays his wares
6. Simon Skerry of Skerry Surf drew plenty
attention with his colourful creations
7. QLD shaping legend Tony Dempsey spends
some quality dad and daughter time.
6. 5.
6. 7.
For more information on the Fish Fry and some
great photos and fish-related material, see:
thealleyfishfry.blogspot.com
LET THE
RIVER RUN
ITS COURSE
That they did, and the Coreban River Race on
the Woronora River April was a huge success.
Fantastic conditions were enjoyed by all and
the day was fitting reward for the tireless
efforts of the Cronulla Sutherland Stand Up
Paddling Club.
1.
4.
2. 3.
The event, held at the Prince Edward
Park Reserve in New South Wales was
professional in every way with fun to be
had by all ages. Even top waterman Woogie
Marsh was on hand to conduct clinics on
mastering the art of stand-up paddling.
Photos of the Coreban River Race event
courtesy of Daniel Hampson
www.danielhampson.wordpress.com
5.
6.
PHOTOS:
1-2. Setting up.
3, 5. Fun in the Family Race
4. The SUP LeMans start
6. Launching at the 14ft race
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EVENT
If you have something on the go, let us know.
Email us on: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
130 may/jun 2011

ZE’ RIGHT TIME
FOR A NEW WETSUIT!
ZEE WETSUITS!
Sacre bleu! Wis years of local experience and ze ‘ighest quality materials, a ZEE wetsuit
is ze warmest and most comfortable wetsuit you can own. Most importantly, every ZEE
WETSUIT is built to last. Made locally and 100% Australian owned.
SHOWROOM SHE IS
OPEN ZEE 7 DAYS!
Call: 07 5474 1010
Fax: 07 5474 2111
Unit 2, 15 Venture Drive,
Noosaville, QLD
sales@zeewetsuits.com
www.zeewetsuits.com
may/jun 2011
131