Smorgasboarder_09_January-2012

FREEBORD...
SIX WHEELS TO FREEDOM ...P168
URF
TOWN
CRONULLA
HOMEGROWN
INSPIRING PEOPLE UNDERTAKING
MOST INSPIRING PROJECTS ...P46
TRAVEL BUG
SNOW AND SURF ADVENTURES
ALL ‘ROUND THE GLOBE
ISSUE #9 JAN/FEB 2012
THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO SURF

North & South Male Charters:
We have 3 boats servicing the most
popular region in the Maldives starting
at only $190 per person per day and
you’ll be surprised how affordable our
top end boat Carpe Vita is!
South Male Resort: Kandooma
resort has a top class right hander
straight out the front and with the
surf guide being employed by The
Perfect Wave, you can be taken to
the best surrounding breaks daily.
Special Smorgasboarder Magazine Offer
For any 2012 booking that you
mention this ad you will receive a
perfect wave pack that includes:
discount travel voucher, DVD, T-Shirt,
Cap, Stubby holder & more goodie’s.
Southern Atoll Charter: From
February to April you can surf the outer
atolls without the crowds aboard Cobia
with an experienced Aussie surf guide to
get you the best waves on offer.
Maldives
Carpe VitaKandooma
Mentawai Charters: We represent Sumatra Resort: With Wavepark &
more charter boats than anyone else Macaronis & Aloita resorts in the
and with our staff and management Mentawai Islands and Ombak
doing regular visits to the region, we Losmen surf camp in South
make sure that each boat we offer is Sumatra, we have the land lovers
one of the best available.
well covered in Sumatra.
Cobia
West Java and
Panayian Islands: There are so many
world class waves in this remote
area, and Just Dreaming is the most
experienced surf charter operating in
this region.
Indonesia
Dbora
New Caledonia:
Only 2.5 hrs from the East Coast,
New Cal is an island paradise with many
great reef breaks and the awesome
culture and food of the French.
Wave Park
Caroline Islands:
No tourists, perfect 6 ft barrels, and
a surf quota of only 8 surfers….
Kosrae is the last frontier of epic
uncrowded waves.
Just Dreaming
Papua New Guinea: A must for
every surfer once in a lifetime, but
most people book year after year.
With two charters and two surf
retreats we have what you need to
experience this amazing destination.
South Pacific
New Caledonia Surf Charters
Kosrae
PNG Explorer

The perfect wave has the largest range
of products for you to choose from,
with options perfect for couples,
families or that ‘boys only’ getaway
Southern Atoll Charter:
The first ‘surf camp’ to open in the Maldives
and is exclusive to The Perfect Wave
Travel Co. Cokes Surf Camp is in the village
of Thulusdhoo in North Male Atoll where the
mighty ‘COKES’ point offers the best right
hand point break in the Maldives
Outer Atoll Charters: If you haven’t
discovered the central atolls then it
is time to, with so many uncrowded
breaks on offer you will want to keep
going back, year after year.
info@theperfectwave.com.au
North Male Resort:
An old favourite in North Male,
you have Lohis surf break at
your doorstep and another 6
top class waves within a few
kilometres.
Cokes Surf Camp
Roti & Timor: With the most experienced
surf charter in the area, Sri Noa
Noa, you can enjoy this relatively undiscovered
area with confidence.
Nautilus
Bali and Lembongan: From Balian to
Nusa Lembongan we have a massive
amount of quality accommodation
from surf camps to villas to 5 star
resorts, we can make sure you make
the right choice.
Hudhuran Fushi
Lombok and Sumbawa Surf world
famous breaks like, Desert Point, Scar
Reef, Lakey Peak & Outside Ekas from
one of our popular charter boats or
surf camps.
Sri Noa Noa
Fiji: We have more resorts and accommodation
that will give you access to
the world class waves of Fiji, and we also
have a surf charter that can take you to
many other less known breaks.
Batu Karang Resort
Samoa: Recovery of the Islands has
been a big job, but the Samoans
are ready to welcome you back to
enjoy their island paradise.
Dreamweaver
Tahiti: Teahupoo needs no introduction
and we have some great accommodation
right at the break. The rest of
Tahiti has many other breaks that we
can help you get to as well
Matanvusi Eco Resort
Sinalei
Ph: 1300 00WAVE
Intercontinental Moorea
www.theperfectwave.com.au

DETAILS & THINGS
WHERE TO PICK SMORGASBOARDER UP
Quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafes on the coast of Queensland,
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. 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, please support them! They’ll also have the lion’s share
of mags in your area. smorgasboarder is published six times a year.
CAN’T GET THERE? SUBSCRIBE
If you can’t get to a store, have smorgasboarder delivered to
your door. The mag’s still free, but Australia Post need to get paid.
$18 IN AUSTRALIA GETS YOU SIX EDITIONS.
Sign up at www.smorgasboarder.com.au. It’ll arrive
every two months. Back issues are available for $5 per copy.
THE COVER SHOT
Terapai Richmond is well respected in Cronulla. He is one of
those talented people that can do anything and he doesn’t
seem to be trying. He is obviously an excellent tube rider.
He charges the reefs around Cronulla with no fanfare. He’s
a ridiculously talented soccer player and drummer, in the
The Whitlams, his own band called Directions In Groove.
and he often works as a session drummer for all the
international touring stars. Here’s “The Pieman” standing
tall at Cronulla Point in June 2011. Photo Brad Whittaker/
oceanart.com.au courtesy of Sutherland Shire Council.
For more about Cronulla, see Page 110.
BOYS & GIRLS OF SMORGASBOARDER
LOTS OF STUFF & ADVERTISING
Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au
0401 345 201
SYDNEY STUFF
Ben Horvath
ben@smorgasboarder.com.au
0401 362 788
LOTS OF STUFF & DESIGN
Mark Chapman mark@smorgasboarder.com.au
0400 875 884
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUFF
James Ellis james@smorgasboarder.com.au
0410 175 552
STUFF, ACCOUNTS & EVERYTHING ELSE
Louise Gough advertising@smorgasboarder.com.au
MORE DESIGN STUFF: Dean Slockee
PROOFING, TEST STUFF & STUNTS: Gus Brown
CONTRIBUTORS
Thank you so much to all you talented champions. Without you, we would
only have stories about two bald guys doing dumb crap all the time.
Ideas & submissions: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU
smorgasboarder is published by Huge C Media Pty Ltd
ABN 30944673055. All information is correct at time of going to press.
The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors in articles or
advertisements, or unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations.
The opinions and words of the authors do not necessarily represent those
of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly
prohibited without prior permission.
We print with Pep Central
and Craft Inprint Group, an
environmentally aware and
committed printer whose business
is founded upon the principles of
minimising waste and maximising
recycling. Nice work.
6 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
7

LATEST: WELCOME
IMITATION
IS THE
SINCEREST
FORM OF
FLATTERY
It’s true. You may have a unique idea or an innovative approach to
something that soon has everyone copying you.
At first it’s hard to take, after all it’s ‘yours’ not ‘theirs’. After a while you
settle down, simply content in knowing you were ‘right’ and not going crazy.
It’s the theme on which we’ve based this latest edition of smorgasboarder.
We talk with a number of home board builders about their passion for
shaping boards, namely wooden ones. This ‘Splinter Group’ of amateur
enthusiasts are truly paying the ultimate homage to the artisan skills of
shapers by striving to replicate their masterwork, all the while gaining a
true appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
Mark and I join in and try our hand at shaping alaias for the first time.
Inspired by the work of renowned shapers such as Tom Wegener and
Geoff McCoy, I looked to employ a number of their design theories within
my own board. Mark, on the other hand, tried his best to recreate a
wooden version of the rocket ship from Lost in Space.
Speaking of Geoff McCoy, we talk with the ever-candid, legendary shaper
about the evolution of his thick, wide-tailed, single fin designs - from the
Lazor Zap through to the Astron Zot. Challenged by many through the
years over the validity of his designs, it’s interesting to note how often the
latest models from shapers today take on a similar plan shape.
On the skate side of things, we feature the revolutionary Freebord, a
skateboard that is not really anything like a skateboard. It in fact imitates
the feel of a snowboard, just on wheels.
And on that note, I’ll leave you to get stuck into this exciting new edition
and sign off with my imitation signature.
Dave
8 jan/feb 2012

Bob McTavish
Fireball - 9’1” & 9’6”
Stylist - 9’0”
Carver - 7’6” & 8’0”
MAIN: Shellharbour photographer-on-holiday Jay Schmitzer
imitates a dolphin to snap this beautiful empty in Coffs Harbour
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au
jan/feb 2012
9
02 4226 1322

R: Rodger Eales | P: Aaron Schall
SEE OUR ENTIRE
WATCH OUR VIDEOS AT
YOUTUBE.COM/ARBORCOLLECTIVE
DEALER: INFO@FUTURESPORT.COM.AU PH: (02) 4365 1838
CONNECT WITH US AT: FACEBOOK.COM/ARBORCOLLECTIVE
10 jan/feb 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
12
35
46
66
86
LADIES FIRST
Enjoy a double-dose
of the better half of
the surfing family
A CLICK IN TIME
Celebrate 100 years
of Australian surfing
photography
HOME BUILDERS
Take a look inside the
lives of passionate
backyard board builders
ROUND TWO
The second clash of
wannabes - Dave and
Mark shape-off again
INDIAN OCEAN
Take a trip to Reunion
Island with travel
character, Jay Killvan
ALL THE USUAL BITS
THE LATEST
16 Feedback & Reader Photos
28 News & Community
TRAVEL
86 Surfing Reunion Island
96 Snowboarding in Niseko
GEAR
139 The shaper’s apprentice
140 Theories of Geoff McCoy
148 New board designs
167 Skate safety
176 Test everything
CLOSEOUT
180 Reviews and fashion
184 Counter culture: Underground
192 Relax
FEET
FIRST
110
168
182
CRONULLA
Local Ben Horvath
introduces us to the
people and the place
SIX WHEEL PSYCHO
SKATEBOARDING
FEATURE: Discover the
revolutionary Freebord
TO THE GALLERY
We talk to a Gold Coast
surfboard spray artist
turned fine artist
A very classy dismount caught by
Wollongong photographer Clarrie
Bouma - our featured snapper this
edition. For more about the man, his
life and his fantastic work, see the
interview starting on Page 76
jan/feb 2012
11

LADIES FIRST
Tammy and friend Tash enjoying Caloundra’s mellow days. PHOTOS: Supplied
INTRODUCED TO SURFING
LATE IN LIFE, TAMMY
PASCOE DISCOVERED
SHE WAS A FANATICAL
SURFER AT HEART.
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
12 jan/feb 2012

“I was living in London, really homesick. I met
this guy and we planned to buy a Bedford van to
travel around Europe.
“When the guy we were buying the van from
heard we were from Australia, his eyes lit up.
He thought being from there we must know how
to surf. He was just so animated when he talked
about surfing that I thought to myself there really
must be something to it.
“He said to us, ‘That’s how you should travel
Europe. Follow the surf.’
“I rang my cousin back in Australia and asked him
where I might be able to get a board. He told me
the only place he really knew of was Goodtime.
So I rang them.
“I was working as a nurse on night shift at the
time and during a break decided it was the
perfect time to ring Australia, given the time
difference. So here I was feeding coins into a pay
phone and Gail Austen, the owner of Goodtime,
picks up the phone. I started asking her whether
I was too old to learn to surf. I told her I was 26
years of age and all my friends back on the Gold
Coast thought I was nuts, particularly considering
the fact I was living in England.
“Gail arranged to send me over this mini mal. The
board bag arrived and to my surprise, Gail had
also packed it with all these surf clothes and a
note that just said, ‘Good on you for giving it a
shot. Go for it. Surfing will change your life.’ That
was in 1998.
“When I got the board I went straight down
to Croyde Bay near Devon. It was the middle
of winter and I was too tight to hire a wetsuit,
because I wanted to have beers that night
(laughs) so I went out with just a wetshirt. I
stayed out there though because I was really
interested.
“I had no idea what I was doing. The first day I
didn’t do anything. On the second day I caught my
first wave. I thought it was the best thing.”
Tammy had officially caught the bug and headed
off to surf spots such Ericeira and Figueira do Foz
in Portugal, Mundaka in Spain and Hossegor in
France. She soon came to realise learning
to surf in Europe was a lot harder than it
could be back home and decided to move
back to the Gold Coast.
For the next eight months she worked
as a nurse on the late shift and surfed
every morning for three hours or
more. But what was it exactly that
got her hooked so well and truly?
“Surfing changed my whole body,
my whole attitude,” she says
enthusiastically.
“I was a pretty impatient person.
When it came to surfing, I was
a slow learner. It challenged
me to show a little more heart
and be patient with myself. It
also gave me a great deal more
respect for the ocean. I had no idea how much
you could get out of it.
“I still remember getting that rush for the first
time when I caught my first green wave... My
eyes felt bigger than my head.”
Tammy’s other great love is yoga, which she
discovered thanks to surfing.
“I was told yoga would help with my surfing and
make me be a nicer person (laughs)... Well, at
least a little more patient. Patience didn’t come
naturally to me.
“When I first started practicing yoga, I found it
taught me to concentrate, focus and just enjoy
what was happening at that particular moment
and to not take everything so seriously... To learn
to laugh at myself.
“Power yoga helped with my upper body strength.
I was a stick-person with no upper body strength
and I found it really hard to push myself up on my
board. Power yoga changed that.”
So dedicated was Tammy to yoga that she
became an instructor, registering her own
business, Yoga NRG, in 2006.
“I used to go down to Moffs (Moffat Beach,
Caloundra) to practice yoga and watch the
sunrise. A few ladies asked if I taught, and having
just completed my teaching training, I started a
class on Friday mornings. More and more ladies
started coming down and I thought maybe I would
like to do this full time.”
The combined passion for yoga and surfing led
Tammy to the next phase of her business career
- surf and yoga retreats that she now runs with a
close friend, Belinda Wehner.
“Surfing and yoga had changed my life, so I just
created my business around what I love.”
Gerry LOpez
Surf Music - 9’6” & 10’
Big Darling - 10’6” & 11’2”
Lil’ Darling - 8’11”
Sweetie Pie - 8’10”
Sweetie Pie Ultraflx - 8’5” & 9’4”
TAMMY PASCOE is the founder of Yoga NRG. As well as a range of yoga classes, including the
popular beach sessions, they schedule regular surf and yoga retreats. www.yoga-nrg.com
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au
jan/feb 2012
13
02 4226 1322

LADIES FIRST
First Love, a surf movie released in early 2011, tells
the story of three local girls from Phillip Island, Jess
Laing, Nikki Van Dijk and India Payne in a quest to
cut it with the pros in Hawaii.
Along the way, we follow their lives and see what
it’s like to surf through a freezing winter in Victoria,
cope with school, illness and injuries and how it all
affects their lives and their families. We also get to
see some amazing surfing from these talented young
women as they show the training, determination
and fun you can have when you dedicate yourself to
something you love.
I caught up with Jess Laing - narrator and co-star of
the film - to discuss surfing, life and how things have
changed in the past year since the movie’s release.
HOW DID YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN ‘FIRST LOVE’
COME ABOUT?
Director Claire Gorman started filming Nikki and then
she contacted me via email and asked if she could
do some filming of me and I was like ‘yeah sure’. I
remember asking her, ‘How about we get India on
board as well?’ So, she just started filming all three
of us and it all grew from there. It was pretty weird
how it all happened.
14 jan/feb 2012
HOW DID THE EXPERIENCE CHANGE YOU AS A
SURFER AND A PERSON?
I got used to having a camera in my face all the time.
And it was just really weird, all of a sudden we’ve
gone from just being surfers on the island and then
were standing in front of big crowds and everyone’s
coming to watch us film and we’re answering
questions in front of four hundred people, which was
really big and scary and really cool to be able to do
something like that.
HAVE PEOPLE CONTACTED YOU FROM ANY
STRANGE PLACES?
Well, First Love has a website and people have been
saying ‘When’s the film coming to Germany or the
US?’ and stuff like that. I never expected because
we thought it would be just a local surf film.
A lot of people have also come to me on Facebook
and messaged me through there and said the movie
has influenced them to surf, or they’ve been through
an injury like I had during filming, so it’s good that
people are actually getting something out of it. It
has mostly been people from Australia that have
contacted me so far.
YOUR CO-CONSPIRATORS IN FIRST LOVE, NIKKI
AND INDIA... WHAT ARE THEY UP TO NOW?
India’s busy doing Year 12 but she’s almost finished.
Nikki’s in Year 11 and she’s doing as much school as
she can as well as travelling around and competing
in places like Sri Lanka. She’ll finish school next year.
YOU’VE BATTLED THE ‘TIRED WAR’ AGAINST
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME FOR SEVEN
LONG YEARS AND YOU ENDURED A SHOULDER
RECONSTRUCTION DURING THE FILMING OF FIRST
LOVE. HOW HAS THIS IMPACTED YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
The chronic fatigue was really hard and the family
had to deal with me every day being grumpy, sick,
tired... well... exhausted and, I guess, I couldn’t do
things that my friends were doing, like sleepovers
and stuff like that. It made it really hard, not just for
me, but everyone in my family.
But my surfing was just something that could help
me push through. Then I had to have the shoulder
reconstruction, which made it so much harder
because I couldn’t surf and was just lying on the
couch going crazy in the middle of winter. It was so
hard for everyone, not just me.

WHEN THE SWELL DIES OR THE WINDS GO
ONSHORE WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY GROUNDED?
There’s always surf around here, but I do catch
up with friends and I like reading, even though
I haven’t read in ages. I like to take photos and
that’s something I’m always going to do. I like most
modern music, as well as Dad’s old music because
it has actual words and it’s music that you can sing
along to.
BEING PART OF A FAMILY THAT ARE ALL
INVOLVED IN SURFING, HOW MUCH ABOUT THE
HISTORY OF SURFING, SURFERS AND OLD BOARDS
HAVE RUBBED OFF ON YOU?
I don’t know. I’ve never really got into it but that’s
something that I will do because Dad’s old boards
are cool and I like that sort of stuff. But Dad and
Dano are telling me to get on an old single fin to
slow my surfing down, and I do it, but I just get
really angry because it’s so different and it’s not
going anywhere. (laughs)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HOW FEMALE SURFERS
ARE PORTRAYED IN TODAY’S SURF MEDIA?
I think it’s getting better with the fact that female
surfers are getting better and there are more girls in
the water. There are girls out there now that would
kick some of the guy’s butts, which would have not
happened a few years ago.
But they’re not getting enough attention. That’s why
I think the whole competition thing is just dropping
off. We go to a competition and get half the amount
of money the guys do and it’s not right, because it’s
costing us the same amount to get there. But you
hardly see girl surfers in surf magazines. I think the
media has just turned, actually and their looking
for the whole lifestyle, someone who’s a surfer and
plays guitar or is an artist.
WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘LOVE’ MEAN TO YOU?
I’ll relate it back to surfing. It’s something that’s
always there for you and something you can have
fun with. It’s not going to let you down and you can
trust it. You can’t live without love in your life.
FOR MORE ON THE MOVIE AND TO WATCH THE TRAILER, VISIT WWW.FIRSTLOVETHEFILM.COM
jan/feb 2012
15

Somewhere in Western Australia.
Jarrod Slatter lets us in on a fun little wave from the west.
Photo: Jarrod Slatter
16 jan/feb 2012

READER PICS
jan/feb 2012
17

Miles Livingstone, Moffat Beach
Photo: Peter Pacoe
READER PICS
18 jan/feb 2012

Lives in Toowoomba, surfs on the Sunshine Coast . Now that’s
dedication. GoPro self-portraits by Matthew Rutherfoord
Hobie ATR
Standup Paddle Board
Ideal for Flat Water,
Downwind and Surf
12’ 11’2” 10’6”
Deck grip included.
Hobie
innovators in the
surf industry for over
50 years.
Check our website or
drop in to see the full
range of Hobie surf &
race SUPs.
SCOTT LOVIG HOBIE
12c Satu Way, Mornington, VIC 3931
TEL: (03) 59 756 399
FAX: (03) 59 756 311
9am till 5pm Monday to Saturday
Closed Sundays and Public Holidays
www.slhobie.com.au
jan/feb 2012
19

Since 1971
“is what surfing is all about”
www.goodtime.com.au
Goodtime Surf & Sail
29 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane
07 3391 8588
info@goodtime.com.au
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF
THE SHOP WITH OUR ONLINE
VIDEO WALK-THROUGH
Come 20 and jan/feb see 2012 Gail and the Goodtime team at the Gabba

letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
LETTERS
“MICK RE-AFFIRMED THAT
THERE ARE PLENTY OF
GREAT SPORTSMEN AND
WOMEN WHO HAVEN’T
FORGOTTEN WHERE THEY
CAME FROM.”
MICK’S A HIT
My 13 year old son, Ben, is an avid
‘smorgasboarder’ who tells me
that your magazine is not about
name brands and is for everyday
surfers like him and his mates.
Flicking through one of your recent
issues I see what Ben meant when
I noticed the absence of “name
brand” ads and read articles about
beaches like Caloundra, where
Ben surfs. The fact your magazine
is free is an absolute bonus for
us parents and also instills in kids
that there is more to surfing than
brands and sponsored surfers.
However, I’d love to let your
readers know about a recent
encounter Ben had with Mick
Fanning at Snapper Rocks just
before Christmas. While you
hear many stories about sports
stars behaving badly, Mick was
absolutely sensational when Ben
asked him for a photo.
Mick was very engaging and took
the time to shake hands and ask
Ben how he was going. Mick
re-affirmed that there are plenty
of great sportsmen and women
who haven’t forgotten where they
came from. Mick has a lifelong fan
in Ben (and Ben’s parents!) now,
what a legend!
Tania Cross, Shorncliffe, Qld
Good blokes are good blokes, pro
or no. Good job, mum!
STAY STUCK...
Lake surfing... Mike rides
one of his handmade boards
Stick It wax was formulated to stick to your board
better than any other wax on the global market. Stick It
doesn’t get bare patches and will often last over 3 times
longer than your average wax giving you a longer more
comfortable surfing session time after time!
LOVE FROM THE LAKES
Mike Roberson from the USA. I just wanted to let you know I thought
your last magazine was the best yet. You got me longing to get down
to Australia. I even looked into airfare. Once my kids get a little older
we are going to make the trip.
Mike Roberson, Grand Haven, Michigan USA
For more information, see
WWW.STICKITGROUP.COM
TROPICAL • WARM • COOL • COLD • ALL WATER
Jake Thompson
Thanks Mike - it’s great to know the word is spreading so far and
wide. Make sure you book that holiday!
jan/feb 2012
21

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22 jan/feb 2012
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10 Piper Drive, Ballina NSW 2478 | 1300 483 634 | +61 2 66190469 | Skype: triple-x-wetsuits
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WINNER
THE XXX! MOMENT
A SNAPBACK
LIKE NO OTHER
I was surfing Turtles on Java with one other - a bloke called Guy from WA. My
wife and another surfer sat on the beach watching.
We both caught bombs and were paddling out together with the sound of the
two spectators hooting from the beach when Guy says, “Sounds like Kym’s
shouting crocodile?!”
Now my hearing ain’t great at the best of times but when we looked around and
saw both of them giving the internationally recognised symbol for crocodile (you
know the one: arms out jaw like, fingers like teeth, open and close) we decided
it was probably best to catch one in.
Turns out they’d seen something just along the beach, gone to investigate and
as they got closer realised it was a three-metre salty, just as the critter slipped
back into the sea! It didn’t stay there for long though and was soon back to
sunbaking.
Locals called other locals who turned up with ropes and ‘Irwined’ it. The obvious
question was, what the hell is a salty doing on a beach on Java? It turns out the
answer was more incredible than the fact.
A new power station is being built about 50km north of Turtles and the site
kept getting ripped off, so some bright spark decides to build a moat around the
site and import six crocs to put in it. I’m not even making this up. Anyhow, wet
season comes, moat fills up, four of them go walkabout. One had already turned
up at Cimaja, much to the delight of the restaurant owners. Ours at Turtles was
taken away by Park Rangers and two were/are still at large.
Only in Indo!
Gary Young, Kiels Mountain, QLD Enjoy your new Triple-X wetsuit, Gary!
“What the hell is
a salty doing on a
beach on Java?”
Share your Triple X moment and win a terrific
Long-Arm Spring suit from Triple X Wetsuits,
The hottest wetsuit you’ll ever wear.
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
jan/feb 2012
23

Short boards, mini
mals, mals, logs, fishes,
alaias, whatever you
have laying around in
the shed or even your
pride and joy sitting
in the lounge room...
We want it!
HOW IT WORKS...
1. Get in touch! Either call or e-mail us
2. Tell us about the board you want to trade and
what new gear you’re after - SUP, surf, kite or wake!
3. Send us a current picture of your
board. We’ll evaluate the trade-in
price and let you know how much it
is worth against your purchase
4. We agree on a price and organise the
collection of your old surfboard and freight
your new board or gear to your door!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
CONTACT US TODAY and trade that
old surfboard for some new gear!
SAVE $!!
Trade in your old
SURFBOARD
against a brand new SUP,
surfboard, kiteboard or
other gear
INTERSTATE?
NO WORRIES!
We’ll even arrange
freight and collection!
SWITCH YOUR THINKING
The sport of surfing has spawned many other board sports. Skateboarding,
windsurfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding and kiteboarding come to mind.
All of these offshoots of surfing have left surfing for dead in one area:
riding ambidextrous - or going switchfoot.
Most surfers go through their whole lives without even trying to surf the
other way. Their ego stops them as they don’t want to look like a kook. As
a goofy footer on the North Coast surfing mostly right handers, if the wave
has an easy take-off, I go switch. The excitement level is raised just doing
any turn, and getting barreled is amazing.
Anybody out there that wants to try, start going switchfoot on your
skateboard down a gentle slope. Getting your back foot to learn how to
turn is the hardest bit. When you feel comfortable turning the skateboard
into tighter turns, the next step is trying to surf switchfoot. The easiest way
is find a nice, peeling wave, about a metre high. Take off kneeling up and
when you feel in control jump up switchfoot with your hands on the rails
until you stabilize.
Jeffrey’s Bay is pumping three-metre waves. A surfer takes off goofy and
blasts a couple of vertical backhand re-entries on the big walls of the Bay.
He does a cutback, switches feet and then flies along the Supertubes
section getting barreled naturally...
We have tow in surfing, carving surfing and aerial surfing. The future of
surfing is being able to do all types of surfing switchfoot.
Ian Brown, Broken Head
You are spot on Ian - switch is the way to go. Plus, it will give me a better
excuse for being a kook in general.
LE LEGROPE... HAW! HAW!
Hi Just writing to let you know that the history of the
leash is wrong. Enclosed are some notes from a mag dated June 1965 -
International Surfing Vol 1 No 4.
Mick Kershler, Anna Bay
NOTE: The little article (above) shows a French man, Durcodoy, with
‘new device to keep from losing his board.’ The writer goes on to say
‘Personally, I’d rather take a swim than have my leg snapped off.’
Thanks Mick! We followed up on that for you... According to our history
man, Ondi, there were most definitely a number of earlier ways that
people were trying as leg ropes in a personal capacity. They tied all
sorts to themselves to avoid the swim, but the 70s kudos to Pat O’Neill
is specifically for the first leash to go into production - essentially the
beginning of the leash as we know it today.
LEFT: Leash history BELOW: Mick with his surf collection
letters@smorgasboarder.com.au
LETTERS
24 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
25

SURFECTION • MICKEY RAT SURF • SHOP TAHITI • SURFRIDER TAHITI • SALTWATER
WINE • MARINE CORAIL • EVOLUTION • ATOLL ADVENTURES • SAVAII SURFARIS • LOCAL
MOTION • GOLDEN BREED • GLOBAL SURFTAG • FAITH • SALTWATER SURF SCHOOL •
TRENT MUNRO SURF • ACADEMY • CHEYNE HORAN SURF SCHOOL • LEE WINKLER SURF
SCHOOL • SOULRIDER SURF SCHOOL • SURF CAMP AUSTRALIA • MARGARET RIVER SURF
SCHOOL • PORT STEPHENS SURF SCHOOL • ASP EVENTS • LE-BA BOARDRIDERS • BAR
BEACH BOARDRIDERS • MERIMBULA BOARDRIDERS • YURAYGIR BOARDRIDERS • ALBANY
BOARDRIDERS • SCOTT HEAD BOARDRIDERS • HALF TIDE BOARDRIDERS • EVANS HEAD
LONGBOARDERS • NSW LONGBOARDERS • LENNOX LONGBOARDERS • BALLINA MALIBU
Get your
personalised
gear printed by
Triple-X today!
HERE
Contact us for
a FREE custom
order quote for
your personalised
RASHIES
info@triple-X.com.au
FREE STUFF!
We just love free stuff and have heaps to give away, so here it all is...
1. BE SOMEBODY
Fancy yourself as a surfboard designer or shaper? Well,
you can learn from one of the best! The man credited with
developing the skills of manufacturers around the world, Peter
White from Classic Malibu, is giving you the chance to show
your skills, learn some new ones and become... The Shaper’s
Apprentice. See page 139 for more information.
2. OUT OF BODY
Have you experienced a XXX! moment? Got a scary tale to
tell or a death-defying photo of you in the surf? Send it in to
win a terrific long-arm spring suit from Triple X Wetsuits. The
hottest wetsuit you will ever wear. See page 23 for more.
3. EVERYBODY
Send us a photo of your ‘tribe’ on a wave, whether it be your
family or friends - we want them all together in the one shot.
The winning photo will get this great backpack, leg rope and
cork eco deck grip from the guys at Wave Tribe.
4. ABLE BODY
We’re the mag for everyday people and everyday people like
you, me in demand. Arbor Skateboards are looking for a new
team rider to be the face of their next marketing campaign.
If you can skate, look like a normal dude or dudette, send us
some photos of you ripping and you may just end up in here,
sporting some free Arbor gear!
5. ANYBODY
Speaking of skating, new retro cruiser brand OBFive
Skateboards has given us a couple of limited edition
skateboards to hand over. That’s right - two of only 10 out
there, so you can feel extra special. Tell us which of their
boards is your favourite and why. To decide, check out their
facebook page (look for obfiveskateboards on Facebook) and
hey, like their page while you’re there! Say g’day from us.
6. COVER THAT BODY
The latest beach fashion from Amsterdam, Zand Skirts is here!
To be the first to own one of these funky wraparound skirts,
just drop us an email and tell us why you need one!
7. EVEN NOBODY
Even nobody’s are in demand. If you can’t really make claim
to any sort of greatness but can surf and have a mate who
will snap some photos, send them in and you just may be the
face of GAS Fins in our March edition. See the GAS Fins ad on
page 151 for more details.
8. AND EVERYBODY ELSE
We just want to see more and more of you in the mag.
Hopefully you get the picture by now, and better still, will send
it to us! Send us photos of you surfing, skating, snowboarding
or most-anything-boarding. If it goes into the mag, you get
yourself a cool t-shirt, cap or beanie from Surf Decals!
Zand Skirts
Wave Tribe gear
GAS Fins
Surf Decals
gear
OB Five Skateboards
Arbor
Skateboards
1300 483 634
WWW.TRIPLE-X.COM.AU
26 jan/feb 2012
Or vent, praise, discuss... Send us an interesting letter, email
or rant and if it makes its way into our next edition you win
yourself a copy of the surf thriller Caught Inside personally
signed by none other than Ben Oxenbould!
SO SIMPLE
Just hit us up on competitions@smorgasboarder.com.au with
what you’re entering as the subject.
Caught Inside DVD

jan/feb 2012
27

Surf Fitness Training
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
MANLY
SURFBOARDS
46 NORTH STEYNE RD, MANLY NSW 2095 T 02 9976 0591
More boards than
you can poke a log at.
Best ding repairs in town.
392 Harbour Drive, The Jetty Strip, Coffs Harbour NSW
Phone: 02 6658 0223 www.thelogshack.com.au
THIS IS THE
NEWS
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND OUR SIDE OF THE COAST
editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au
OUT OF THE BLUE, INTO
THE POWDER
If you’re looking for a break from
the crowds out on the waves, now
is the time to score some cracking
packages to the snowfields of
Japan. It’s a great way to help
the people of Japan get back on
their feet after the devastating
earthquake and tsunami that hit in
March 2011. Snow and Surf Travel
Company and SkiJapan.com have
unbelievable packages to the Land
of the Rising Sun. To read more see
our story on Page 96.
EARTH FRIENDLY RESIN
Speaking of natural disasters,
let’s avoid making matters worse
by doing our best to protect
the environment. Entropy Resin
is the industry’s FIRST USDA
BioPreferredSM Certified liquid
epoxy resin product. Apparently
this resin has low sensitising
ingredients for increased user
safety. Its low viscosity means it
can be used on all foam and wood
blanks. For more details see www.
surfinggreen.com.au
AWARDS GALORE
FOR HOLIDAY PARKS
North Coast Holiday Parks’ 23
holiday parks along the NSW
North Coast have recently won a
stack of awards. Clarkes Beach
at Byron Bay has won all this
in 2011 – The Gold Gumnut for
sustainable environmental and
socially responsible management,
Environmental Excellence Award,
Eco-friendly star accreditation
from AAA and was voted one of
Australia’s Top 10 Eco parks for
2011 by the readers of Holiday
with Kids magazine. Other parks
received awards including Scotts
Head, Nambucca Headland and
Ballina Central.
facebook.com/smorgasboarder
HIT THE ROAD
twitter.com/smorgasboarder
If you enjoy feasting on anything
surf related from surfing to SUP,
kiteboarding to wakeboarding
and live on the Sunshine Coast,
a truckload of gear may be
heading your way. The Ocean
Addicts mobile demo centre will
be travelling around various local
breaks, so keep your eyes peeled.
www.oceanaddicts.com.au
TO THE POINT
Surfboard noses are certainly in
the news of late after a surfer in
NZ recently had a surfboard nose
penetrate 7cm into his face going
through to the roof of his mouth,
before it broke off, leaving 20cm
of it protruding from his cheek.
(You can now let out a collective
‘aaarrgghhh!’)
For more gore read www.
heraldsun.com.au/news/
world/surfer-survives-afterchunk-of-surfboard-becomesembedded-in-his-head/storye6frf7lf-1225954967493.
Sydney University’s ‘Save Sight
Institute’ are about to conclude
a study attempting to quantify
the number of NSW surfers
who injure their eyes every year
through surfboards accidents.
George Greenough, famous
surfer and filmmaker has long
campaigned to take sharp edges
off surfboards to reduce risk
of a penetrating injury. Others,
like Mona Vale shaper Ron
Wade, believe surfers should be
responsible for the risks they take.
Ron reasons, ‘’Do we need to
use rubber golf balls because you
might get hit? People on the golf
course have been killed.’’
It is certainly a contentious issue
that is on the nose with surfers
and shapers alike. Accidents do
happen. Just look at Page 178.
28 jan/feb 2012

PHOTO: Nana
photo: Shane Newman
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
A TRIP TO SURF HEAVEN
2012 marks 20 years operation for Freeline Indonesian Surf
Adventures. As part of the celebrations there is a trip for two up for grabs
to Ombak Indah Losmen in South Sumatra, including airfares.
Nev Hines started Freeline back in 1992 with a land based trip to West
Java. Stu Horstman joined Nev in partnership 5 years later in 1997.
Stu recently had this to say, “It was a fun but rocky road with all the Indo
trouble years from about 1997 to 2006 but we had heaps of great waves
and made a lot of good friends along the way. Nev passed away last year
and we talked about making it to 20 years: ‘All you have to do is hang in
there and keep surfing’… Nev didn’t quite make it, but we’re stoked to still
be going strong, hence the big prize of a trip for two, flights included.”
Entering the competition is easy. It basically entails going onto Freeline’s
Facebook page, clicking ‘Like’ and completing the Competition Signup
form and answering the question, ‘What is the name of the break located
in front of Ombak Indah Losmen, South Sumatra?’ Full details of the comp
are available at www.freelinesurf.com.au/freeline-20-year-anniversarycompetition.htm
To read more about Freeline and surfing in heaven, see Page 84.
To drive
the point
home, see
page 178
UNDERDOG LOVERS
We love all kinds of dogs but most
notably, underdogs. And it’s high time
for us to show some extra affection.
Times are tight. Everyone is feeling
the pinch. But you know the old
saying, ‘You don’t know what you
have got until it is gone’.
Well, our iconic surfboard shaping
industry, so much a part of the fabric
of Australian beach culture is under
threat of disappearing altogether.
With news reports of shonky, supercheap
and substandard Chinese
import boards very topical in the news
at the moment, you have to ask, ‘Will
we just sit back and do nothing, only
to wonder in years to come if we
should have tried harder? ‘
We may not have been able to save
the likes of Vegemite from overseas
hands, but let’s keep a few things
for ourselves. Re-ignite your national
pride and buy an Australian made
surfboard, from a local shaper, in your
local area. It’s good for the soul and
our community.
jan/feb 2012
29

HIGH QUALITY, HANDCRAFTED
AND UNIQUE, ECO FRIENDLY
RECYCLED TIMBER FURNITURE.
BEST SURF
DOCUMENTARY
Splinters, the directorial debut of
filmmaker Adam Pesce, took home
the Best Surf Documentary gong
at the 41st annual SURFER Poll,
which was held at the Turtle Bay
Resort on the North Shore of Oahu,
Hawaii. It follows other first place
awards at the London Surf Film
Festival and Hawaii International
Film Festival.
The film is the first feature-length
documentary about the evolution
of indigenous surfing in Papua
New Guinea and is currently doing
the rounds across the globe.
For the trailer and more
information, see the website:
splintersmovie.com
SMORGASBOARDINGS
You can now read every edition of
smorgasboarder on the Ipad... and
the iphone... as well as online, all
at www.smorgasboarder.com.au
Don’t go looking for us on iTunes
because - WE ARE FREE - print or
online. Any platform you choose.
The mag for everyday surfers,
completely free...
And if that is not enough, you
can check us out on Facebook
and twitter, where we apparently
do interesting stuff to keep you
regularly entertained. Buggered if
we know what that is. By the way
@reader Did I mention I just had a
ham sandwich – YUM. Hey,
@reader... Mark is watching me
type this silly message.
Facebook.com/smorgasboarder
twitter.com/smorgasboarder
CALL 0413 061 727
WWW.BYRONBAYFURNITURE.COM
Can’t find MAGNETIC DECK GRIPS in your favourite shop?
ORDER DIRECT! $29.50 delivered anywhere in Australia.
Order 3 and get a free Magnetic Grip T-shirt.
LATEST IN SKATE
There’s a new skateboard label on
the Gold Coast, OBFive. Doing cool
little retro cruisers, there’s also
some sweet limited edition ranges
available.
To win yourself your own ‘Sailor
Jerry’ cruiser, see Page 26.
www.obfiveskateboards.com.au
COMMUNITY
MUM’S THE WORD
We’re onto these ladies in
Adelaide... Very sneaky, this
babysitting club on the beach.
SurferMums is for mums with
young kids who still want to get
out on the water.
The mums meet once a month to
chat, share news and tell tall tales
about their husbands. The club
will be launched at the inaugural
SurferMums meeting on Australia
Day, 26th January 2012, at Moana
surf beach.
WWW.MAGNETICGRIP.COM
30 jan/feb 2012
FIIK have released sweet new
decks for their complete range of
powered skateboards. They also
have a brand new clip featuring
Joel Parkinson.
Check it out at www.
fiikskateboards.com and
connect on www.facebook.
com/pages/FiiK- Electric-
Skateboards/105025949529866
New to Australia is the super
schmick range of Koastal
Longboards from California.
Beautiful unique wood inlaid
stringer decks, revolutionary Lucid
Grip and Revenge Trucks add to
the appeal of these cruisers.
www.streetsup.com.au
From time to time there will be
extra activities organised, such as
camping weekends near the beach
and surf lessons for mums and
young kids.
At all monthly meetings there will
be a large sunshade, a roped-off
area for the safety of the kids and
a First Aid kit. Mums pay a $90
membership fee per year.
To join or to find out more,
contact the coordinator Damia
Ettakadoumi on 0408 683 088 or
visit the SurferMums webpage
www.surfergirls.com.au

LITTLE BROWN DOG
A huge congratulations to our
stunt dummy, test pilot and
good mate, Gus Brown, and
his beautiful wife Tammy on
the birth of their son Harvey
Charles Russell Brown - from
now on affectionately known
to us as ‘The Wallbanger.’
We can’t wait to get him out
on the water, testing gear
and doing his dad out of a
successful, unpaid job.
photo: Shane Newman
FESTIVE SEASON FOR SURFERS
With so many festivals and events coming, it feels like Christmas all over again!
SURFN’INK
13-15 January
More than just an international
tattoo convention attracting some
of the world’s most renowned tattoo
artists, it is a celebration of skin
featuring body piercing to body
painting, industry workshops, art
exhibitions and live music.
With so many in the surf industry
sporting some ink, there’s also a
healthy representation of shapers
including the latest Inkside
Surfboards from Dino Tziolis
featuring artwork from event
organiser Marco Ventura.
www.tattoosurfnink.com
BLEACH: SURFING THE FRINGE
11-26 Feb, Southern Gold Coast
It’s the first year of this event and
one we are super keen to check out.
It runs from the start of the Burleigh
Breaker Pro through to the Quiky
Pro but the focus of the festivities
will not be the comps, but rather
all things surf culture - music, art,
writing, film and photography.
Instead of traditional gallery style
set-ups though there will be a series
of beachside and casual indoor
pop up events liberally scattered
across the coast from Currumbin to
Snapper Rocks. There will be work
from the likes of the talented Sean
Scott and Jack McCoy, music by
Blue King Brown and one of the best
vintage surfboard swap meets going
around at Underground on Sunday
26th. www.bleachfestival.com.au
ALLEY FISH FRY
4th March, Currumbin
The initial idea of the Fry was to
revisit the past to reignite some
old school craftsmanship and
inspired thinking centred on the
fish surfboard design. What has
transpired, particularly in recent
years, is it has driven numerous
professional shapers and home
board builders alike to really push
the boundaries of design and apply
modern theory and materials to a
range of other retro style boards
such as mini Simmons, hulls and
logs along with fish. Today the
event is a melting pot of creativity
all on display to see for surfing
enthusiasts. To read more about the
fry, how it all started and the man
behind it, see our story on page 46.
www.thealleyfishfry.blogspot.com
NOOSA FESTIVAL OF SURFING
11-17 March
Back to the roots. Gone are the
ticketed events in favour of a range
of free entertainment. Aside from
the action out in the water at First
Point, a beach bar will be the centre
of attention throughout the week
with music, movies, fashion parades
and chat shows every evening.
With no pro events this year, its
all amateur contests including the
Noserider, Logger, Old Mal, SUP
5km race, Teams event and Finless.
www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com
CALOUNDRA SURF FESTIVAL
6-8 April
Centred around the second oldest
running surf contest in Australia, the
Ma and Pa Bendall, this new festival
will celebrate surf culture with
competitions for aspiring amateur
surf photographers, film makers,
artists and shapers. These include
The Art of Surfing, Short Film and
Board Art. All works will be displayed
and played at Caloundra RSL, the
official sponsor of the event.
A number of celebrity guest speakers
are planned along with, surf
displays, discussions and live music
throughout the Easter long weekend,
with a swap meet down at Moffat
Beach on Saturday, April 7.
For more details contact Matt Kelly
on 0414 929 898 or visit
www.caloundrasurffestival.org.
jan/feb 2012
31

Paddling the calm
waters of Northern
QLD - the perfect way
to take in the scenery
RIVERS? WHAT RIVERS?
Well, surprise, surprise - Mother Nature doesn’t always play along. Covering
the travel tales around Tommy Jacobson’s plan to paddle the longest rivers in
Australia was torpedoed this past November due to bad weather. Tommy tells
us that his first planned trip, of all things, on the Murrumbidgee River was
unfortunately put on hold due to storms and wild weather.
Not that it’s kept him out of the water, though. He sent us some pics from a
road trip to Northern QLD instead where he spent a month up there traveling,
exploring and riding different boards. Here’s a few snaps of the paddling and
training around the idyllic islands and bays of the North.
Bring on the river trips and tales. Keep abreast of it all at tommyjacobson.com
32 jan/feb 2012

Get packing
We love Wasp Bags. And they keep
getting better, with a brand new duffel
bag, the waterproof MegaWasp. $79.99
gets you one slick and sensible sack.
www.waspbags.com.au
LATEST: & GREATEST
+Two
Six wheels are
better than four.
What? See
Page 168
So much
space... pack
plenty for
that surf trip
Make a
stand
Show your support for local
Aussie shapers, loud and
proud! $30 plus postage from
smorgasboarder.com.au
Zandy
bottoms
All the way from Amsterdam, these clever wrap skirts, with a handy pouch
for your phone are the perfect girly beach accessory. The promo code SMOR
gets you 10% off online, or see Page 26 for how to win one!
www.zand.com.au
And the bag
makes a cool
wax pouch!
Heaps of
colours and
patterns to
choose from!
Go your
own way
For around $50 you can brighten
up your deck with your own
personalised combination of
Owen Wright’s Customix mix-andmatch
tail pads by Ocean & Earth.
www.oceanearth.com
Hit the gas
GAS Fins have a great selection of fins
to breathe new life into an old board or
perfectly finish off your new stick. Ask your
shaper for them, or check out
www.gasfins.com.au
jan/feb 2012
33

Tommy Walker, by Osric Notley - 1911
THE MORE
THINGS CHANGE
34 jan/feb 2012

LATEST: CENTURY
Marcus Greig - 2009
THE MORE THEY
STAY THE SAME
Looking back over 100 years of surf photography, you can really witness the progress that’s been made in surfing: the changes
in surfboards, style, maneuvers and basically what waves psychos are willing to take on. At the same time, it’s truly strange to
look back on photos taken long before most of us were a twinkle in the eye and see those no longer with us, getting the same
thrills from the same ocean, just as we do today. Yamba’s Deb Novak has put in a lot of hard work to bring together an amazing
collection of visuals, documenting our very own surfing history. We’re stoked to be able to share a little bit of it with you.
jan/feb 2012
35

LATEST: CENTURY
David Brandon - 2007
FROM HUMBLE
BEGINNINGS
You’re not the first. And you
certainly won’t be the last.
In fact, this surfing thing has
been on the boil a lot longer
than most of us know. Sure,
we’ve all heard about the Duke
formally introducing surfing at
Freshwater and we’ve recently
seen the Tommy Walker
photograph that officially
gazumped him as the first man
on a board in our waters, but
to take stock of the constant
and growing popularity of our
favourite addiction through the
eyes of 75-odd photographers
is something special indeed.
Where better to hold this
exhibition than in Yamba – the
beautiful backdrop for the shot
that started it all...
Hardworking journo, surf
history devotee and an active
member of the Yamba surfing
community, Deb Novak, has
brought together a body of
work that marks and celebrates
the centenary of Australian
surfing photography - and what
a journey it takes you on.
The exhibition honours the
pioneer of surfing photography,
18-year-old Maclean
photographer Osric Notley
who captured Australia’s first
surfing photo at Main Beach
Yamba in late 1911. Osric was
a member of the newly formed
Yamba Surf Life Saving Brigade
and photographed his friend
and Manly surf club member,
Tommy Walker.
It’s interesting to note that
only seven years before this
historical photo was taken
it was against the law to
swim during daylight - hard
to fathom when you consider
that there are around 2 million
Australians that surf today.
Back in the early days,
swimming was only permitted
at dusk and dawn, but things
changed dramatically when a
man - the editor of the Manly
Daily - openly defied this law
by taking a midday dip. He
was promptly arrested, but no
charges were laid and soon
after the laws were changed.
Around the same time that
people were stripping down
and standing up to silly laws,
and while Australian surf
culture was in its infancy, a
new range of photographic
equipment was about to
enable the masses to
create, capture and record
the world around them.
In 1888 Kodak launched
a new camera with the
slogan, “You press the
button, we do the rest” and
then three short years later
launched its first daylightloading
camera. In 1900 the
famous Brownie cameras
were introduced, selling
for $1 and costing 15 cents
to run. This opened the
floodgates for photographic
hobbyists all over.
The legacy of Osric
Notley’s first surfing
photograph is absolutely
mirrored 100 years later,
as technological advances
have again given the wider
community an opportunity
to pick up a camera - or
even a mobile phone -and
take a decent photo, many
of which are well worthy
of print.
This leveling of the
playing field is evident in
the 100 years of Surfing
Photography exhibition
where, in the true spirit
of surfing, legends of the
lens like John Witzig,
Albe Falzon, Jack McCoy
and Christo Reid are hung
36 jan/feb 2012

Duke Kahanamoku, by Donald McIntyre - 1915
side-by-side images from
lesser-known and unknown
photographers - even
an 11-year-old Yamba
grommet, Phoenix Short has
his work on display.
Some of the gems on
exhibit include the first tube
ride captured by George
Greenough as well as the
two cover shots from the
1962 surfing bibles of their
day, the first Surfing World
and Surfabout magazines.
Historical images like that
of female surfer Isabel
Letham and the Duke
surfing at Freshwater
in Sydney in 1915 is an
absolute rare find as are
images of Australian surfing
legends Ma and Pa Bendall
from the Sunshine Coast.
The 100 photographs
showcased at the exhibition
are not for sale and will
form a permanent collection
to be housed in Yamba. You
can visit the exhibition at
the Yamba Museum until
February 3, 2012. Entry is
$5 and the money raised
goes to Disabled Surfing
and the Yamba Museum.
jan/feb 2012
37

LATEST: CENTURY
SOME OF THE MANY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
EXHIBITION INCLUDE:
• The first tube shot taken in
Australia by George Greenough
• Witzig with the headless McTavish
• Cyclops and Shipsterns
• First time published Bobby Brown
• Byron’s old Blood and Guts with
the wharf intact circa 1963
• Vintage and retro camera gear
Martin Tullermans - 1977
Rod Owen - 2010
38 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
39

40 jan/feb 2012

“YOU PRESS THE
BUTTON,
WE DO THE REST”
Kodak - 1888
Jarrason Bitton - 2010
Russell Ord - 2006
jan/feb 2012
41

LATEST: CENTURY
V Gadsby - 1950
ONE CLICK IN
TIME
CENTENARY OF
AUSTRALIAN
SURFING
PHOTOGRAPHY
For more information on the
exhibition, visit the Yamba
Museum website at
www.pyhsmuseum.org.au
Sean Davey - 2001
42 jan/feb 2012

IT’S HIGH TIME YOU PAID A VISIT TO WALLY’S...
UNIQUE AND INDIVIDUAL HANDCRAFTED SURFBOARDS BY JORDIE BROWN NOW IN STOCK
Photos by Scotty Wintle. Recycled timber frame by Phil Johnson
It’s all about the beach 6 Lorraine Ave • Marcoola Beach 07 5448 8560
NOW STOCKING: HIGH TIDE, BUSHRAT, BLACK APACHE, TOM WEGENER, SAS
surf art • shells • driftwood things • chenille shorts • beach stuff • retro sunnies • thongs • stripy towels • umbrellas • hammocks • GoPro cameras
jan/feb 2012
43

The man, his workshop and one
of the many fruits of his labour.
PHOTO: Mark Chapman
Grant Newby. Who is he? Who is this man who has become
the poster child for home board builders across Australia and
around the globe? How did he end up behind the two most
notable surfboard exhibitions in the country – the Alley Fish Fry
and Wooden Surfboards Show & Ride?
20 years as a Production Manager at busy Gold Coast advertising
agency Quadrant means he has a creative streak, but what lead Grant
to try his hand at board building in the first place, let alone inspire loads
of others to do the same? We find out.
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
46 jan/feb 2012

LATEST: PROJECTS
PART ONE: GRANT NEWBY
THE
ACCIDENTAL
MOTIVATOR
jan/feb 2012
47

48 jan/feb 2012

“It seemed
only natural,
with my love
of surfing, to
eventually
build a wooden
board.”
Josh Punch enjoying
one of Grant’s boards -
a 5ft Simmons - in Bali.
Growing up in Dargal, a small timber town
on the north island of New Zealand above
Auckland, established Grant’s affinity with
water and wood.
He first caught the surfing bug when he took
out a Dunlop longboard he had inherited from
a family friend who owned a local sports shop.
Their daughter and Grant used to surf the board
together, as it took the two of them to carry it
down to the beach. In due course, Grant’s dad
saw to making the board a more manageable
size taking a metre out of the middle and
joining it together again using two broomsticks
as dowel.
“Where we learnt to surf, there was 70 miles of
open beach. We used to surf probably the 4th
reef form of the waves belting in on the coast.
When you came in from the water you would
be a mile away from where you started.
“Like most kids in NZ, you surf, kayak or sail as
none of us lived that far from the coast. For me
I have always liked getting out on the water.
It is somewhere I just feel comfortable. When
you go fishing or surfing you just go somewhere
else. When you come back in, you feel totally
relaxed. You are in a different place.“
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO BUILDING
BOARDS?
“I always liked building things since I was a
young fella. My dad had lots of tools and timber
was in abundance. It seemed only natural,
with my love of surfing, to eventually build a
wooden board. I think there is certain amount
of romance with timber.“
“The first board I ever built was 9 or 10 years
ago now. I still have it. It’s a 7’6” fish with
plywood frame, ply deck and bottom and
laminated cork rails.
“I was initially going to build a toothpick but
then I thought, if I am going to go to that effort,
what else is around? I got hold of some ideas
from Paul Jensen and built a board along the
lines of his style where it takes the form of a
hollow ribbed construction. He was really the
only one out there promoting the building of
wooden surfboards at the time.
“I was drafting up the plans on butcher paper. It
was a very long laborious way to build a board
but you learn an awful lot. You also learn an
awful lot about yourself during the process.
What it really shows is how much you take for
granted. You sit on a surfboard for hours and
hours and hours and you never really take in
what goes in to making one, all the little bits
that make up a board.
“You find there is nothing better than building
something that you then surf. That is a hell of a
buzz. At the end of the day it is a huge learning
curve and the whole thing is really a journey
because as you build it, especially a wood
one, a lot of time and effort goes into it. There
is a lot of you that goes into it, so you have a
strong connection with the outcome. And when
you put it into the water and go ‘shit it floats’
(laughter), that is one revelation.”
To many first time shapers this is the appeal
of building a board with your bare hands. It
also gives you a greater appreciation of the
craftsmanship entailed in shaping a surfboard,
along with a little hint of nostalgia. There is a
sense you are following in the footsteps of our
forefathers, many who shaped and surfed their
own craft. But for Grant, building a board was
never going to be a ‘one off’ experience. It was
a hobby that was to become an addictive.
LATEST: PROJECTS
“.I like to
jump on
a board
and find
out what
makes it
tick”
jan/feb 2012
49

50 jan/feb 2012

WHERE THE FISH FRY STARTED
“I love my surfing but I am not a great surfer. I do it
for fun. I just enjoy the camaraderie of surfing and
the social side of it and I am not alone. There are way
more of us out there that surf for the hell of it than
people that hope to be in a heat with Kelly Slater.
“I pretty much enjoy surfing anything. I like to jump on a
board and find out what makes it tick. I like discovering
the feeling of boards. I like being inspired by seeing
things. This is what surfing is all about to me.“
Through the years, as Grant’s passion for surfing
and board building grew, he found himself regularly
trawling the web for board building sites and blogs
but sought a forum beyond the internet. On a trip to
California he briefly met respected hollow wood board
builder Danny Hess in Oceanside. It was there Grant
came across an article promoting a Fish Fry organised
by well known surf identities Sean Madison (former
pro surfer and USA surf team coach) and Scott Bass
(Director of the US Sacred Craft surfboard shaper
exhibitions).
Back in Australia, he got in touch with Sean and
subsequently timed his next visit to California around
the Fish Fry. When Grant returned home the second
time, he started planning the first ever Fish Fry at
Currumbin Alley, some five years ago.
“I had learnt so much through the years but instead of
travelling all over the place, I told people to, ‘Meet me
in the park!’ Since then all sorts of dudes have turned
up. I have met so many people without having to move
anywhere from where I surf. That is a bonus in itself.
“I thought there was a common interest out there. I put
the word out on where to meet and thought to myself, ‘At
the worst, I will end up in a park across from the beach I
surf at, for the day, by myself – I can live with that.’
But many did come that first Sunday on March 4th
March 2007. Five years on and going strong, the key
to the Fish Fry’s success has been its simplicity.
“I don’t promise anything and as such I don’t create any
expectation. I just say, ‘Hey, we’re meeting in the park.’
“I don’t have any sponsorship and I don’t owe anybody.
And I have kept it that way because the commercial
side corrupts it all. People say to me, ‘What is in it for
you?’ Well there is nothing in it for me. I just dedicate
my time and effort into making it happen.”
LATEST: PROJECTS
WOODEN SURFBOARD DAY
The Wooden Surfboard Day, also at Currumbin Alley,
followed some 2 years after the first ever Alley Fish
Fry. Grant used the same simple format.
“It was kind of a natural progression as there seemed
to be a lot of interest in the wooden surfboard. I
could see that there was a lot of development and
experiment with regards to wood board building.
I started a blog to share the knowledge of how to
construct one and share experiences and the event
grew from there. 400,000 people have now visited
that blog.”
Some 150 wooden surfboards were on display at the
first ever event.
“I don’t promise
anything... I just say,
‘Hey, we’re meeting in
the park.’”
Dan McDonald of DMS,
California’s Rich Pavel,
Queensland shaper Tony
Dempsey... A few of the
many faces at the annual
Fish Fry over the years.
jan/feb 2012
51

LATEST: PROJECTS
APPRECIATION FOR THE FINER THINGS
Grant’s other motivation for organising such
events is to shine the light on surfboard
shapers and design.
“Shapers have never had a forum that is
about them. There is so much skill involved
in the art of shaping a surfboard. Their
craftsmanship is too often taken for granted.”
It’s this approach that has seen both events
attract innovative shapers from around the
world strutting their stuff, many showing off
classic hand made designs, beautiful resin
tints and hand-foiled fibreglass and wood fins.
“It gives the shapers a reason to shape
something different and showcase their
experiments. Those same innovative guys
have now got into Simmons and hulls and
old school boards. A lot of guys are getting
those old plan shapes out and applying their
theories on modern board design to them
along with the latest materials to see how
they surf. I want to embrace that.”
However, we asked Grant if it was difficult
to have a coming together of minds from
professional shapers through to backyard
board builders.
“Guys like Richard Pavel (world famous
Californian shaper) who comes out every year
for the Alley Fish Fry thinks it’s great as there
is a new wave of interest and inspiration.
Backyard board building is where the whole
surfboard movement began. How can that be
a bad thing?
“Look at the old photos of Dick Van Straalen
and Bob McTavish, they were shaping in old
farmhouses. That is where it came from.
Everyday they shaped a different board and
shaped 6 inches off it and put more V in it. It
was a continual path of discovery.”
We couldn’t agree more. Not only do days
like these encourage shapers to push the
boundaries of design, they have shone the
light on emerging talent and given everyday
surfers a greater appreciation for quality
craftsmanship. This can only be a step in the
right direction of protecting our industry from
the onslaught of cheap Chinese imports – a
greater understanding of the difference
between price and quality.
GRANT’S TIPS FOR BUILDING YOUR
OWN BOARD
“Go to the Fish Fry or Wood Board Expo. It
is a welcoming forum of people willing to
share. You can sit around and talk about
what works and what doesn’t.”
Grant goes on to explain that these days
are not only an opportunity to talk with
other professional shapers and amateur
enthusiasts, it is great to see first hand
what they are shaping and trying to achieve
with the design, along with the construction
techniques and materials used.
The blogs Grant has set up -
thealleyfishfry.blogspot.com and
woodensurfboards.blogspot.com - are also
another valuable source of information and
inspiration along with design forum sites
such as www.swaylocks.com
“What it really shows is how
much you take for granted. You
sit on a surfboard for hours and
hours and hours and you never
really take in what goes into
making one, all the little bits
that make up a board.”
Josh Punch
52 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
53

The MC
Quiver
MICHAEL CUNDITH
SURF DESIGNS
Danny Wills Rippa 5’10” x 19” x 2 1 / 8”
Dart Fish 6’2” x 21 ¾” x 2 ½”
CUSTOM ORDERS
ON ANY MODEL
Islander 6’8” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾”
Stubbie 6’8” x 22 ½” x 3”
Davenport Disc 6’10” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾”
Whale Fish 8’0” x 25 ½” x 3 ½”
The Man Gun 9’1” x 22 ¼” x 3 ¼”
High Performance Mal 9’1” x 22 ¾” x 2 ¾”
As for his recommendation on what type of board to try first,
“Start with a small board – a fish or something that’s easy to
get your head around, so you are not bewildered by it all - a
board that’s an enhancement of what you regularly surf. It will
challenge you to think about what you ride.
“You will discover what makes sense. Why the rails are shaped
a certain way, what they do, how water flows around the plan
shape and its curves. There are a lot of questions that need to be
asked and then answered.
“You start to look and admire things in a different way. It is a
giant learning curve but an intriguing journey.”
FOAM OR WOOD?
“Foam is the easiest to start with. It is a lot less cost and you
can get an outcome in a lot less time. Then there are guys like
Richard Harvey who runs a shaping course. He will teach you the
right way to shape a board.
“Building a wooden board is not an easy way to build a board. It
takes an awful lot of time. You are forever trying to build within
the limitations of your tools, your ability and your imagination.
But on top of all that, you are building a board inside out. It’s not
until you have spent 75% of your time and effort, when you put
the skin on and realise what the final shape looks like. With that
said, you do have a tremendous sense of achievement when you
build a wood board.
“No matter what the outcome, you are happy with what you
have done and what you have learnt. Not a lot of people get that
feeling in life. If you enjoy surfing and you make a tool that you
enjoy surfing – what a great feeling.”
Telephone: 02 66858778
Fax: 02 66808932
Factory Showroom:
3 Banksia Drive
Byron Bay Industrial Estate
BYRON BAY NSW 2481
email: info@mcsurf.com.au
www.mcsurf.com.au
Balsa Mal 9’6” x 24” x 3 ¼”
FREIGHT
IT NOW!
We’ll send
boards
anywhere in
Australia for
reasonable rates
AS FOR HOW MANY BOARDS GRANT HAS BUILT HIMSELF.
“I don’t know. I don’t count and I don’t put sizes on them because
people pick it up and go, ‘Oh, I can’t ride that.’ They pre-judge
it and yet they have never even ridden it. It’s always best to
experience things firsthand to fully appreciate what you have.”
www.surfboardsbygrantnewby.blogspot.com
54 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
55

56 jan/feb 2012

PART TWO: DAMON BEREZIAT
OH, WHAT A
LOVELY BUNCH
OF COCONUTS
ONE BIG IDEA, MANY HELPING
HANDS AND A JOURNEY
THAT READS LIKE A TRAVEL
BROCHURE OF THE SUNSHINE
COAST LATER, DAMON BEREZIAT
HAS TURNED A DECADE-OLD
DREAM INTO A REALITY.
WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
LATEST: PROJECTS
“My coconut board is finally finished. It’s been a
long, drawn-out process since conception of the
idea and at times I thought it wouldn’t happen.
Many people I asked for assistance told me to ‘go
away’, ‘not interested’, ‘it won’t work’ or ‘I don’t
want anything to do with it...’
But being determined, stubborn and persistent,
Damon Bereziat is now the proud owner of a very
usable surfboard made out of… coconut – an
idea born sixteen years ago when he saw coconut
wood floating in a lagoon in New Ireland, PNG.
Now, coconut is not an easy material to source, we
understand. Some research, a Frenchman called
Henri and a borrowed ute with a GPS later, Damon
set off for the wilds of Eudlo, in the Sunshine Coast
hinterland to get his board under way.
“Bardo is an eccentric and gifted master wood
craftsman, missing lots of fingers and parts
thereof, machined the four-by-twos straight,
blunting all his tools in the process.”
It turns out coconut is full of silica and not ideal
to machine and cut.
“He also helped me build my blank and allowed
me access to his workshop and bandsaw!”
The nut wood was then glued with newspaper
and diluted Aquadhere glue (a non-toxic, quick
setting PVA wood glue suitable for all types of
wood) and with blank ready and waiting, Damon
got stuck into the all-important design phase of
the project.
“My little bro, Beau, helped me design the
shape with some AKU Shaper software we
downloaded free from the internet. John Gillis
from C.E.T. Surf in Warana then transformed my
idea into a 3D computer file, and introduced me to
a talented, passionate surfer and yachtsman who
makes dreams become realities through state of
the art computer technology and 3D modeling -
Mark Greystone”
Damon travelled up to Cooroy after Mark agreed
to cut the rough shape on his 3D routing machine,
despite the clear and present danger to the
delicate equipment.
“I broke his router in the first 60 seconds of
cutting, but he kindly replaced the broken part
and continued while I stood there for four hours
mesmerised as the machine went back and forth,
back and forth...”
The rough was shape done and Damon was left
with a heavy, solid piece of coconut, far too heavy
jan/feb 2012
57

LATEST: PROJECTS
4.
1.
“It’s been a
long, drawn-out
process...”
5.
2.
3.
6.
THE PROCESS: 1. A pile of wood and a Factory surfboard for inspiration. 2. The magical world of
a Eudlo workshop. 3. The blank’s temporary glue-up. 4-5. Breaking the cutting machine.
6. At the Factory Paul Carson explains to Tom Wegener that Damon is a lunatic. 7-10. Creating
the chambers, step by step. The blank is taken apart, the chambers are drawn on, cut out, and the
blank is re-glued. 11. Nephew Brenden staking his claim to a soon-to-be family heirloom.
7.
8. 9. 10.
11.
to surf, so he decided to pay a visit
to his good friend and local shaper,
Paul Carson at Factory Surfboards in
Caloundra.
“It won’t work Damon. It’s too heavy.
You’re a tripper...” was Paul’s initial
reaction, says Damon.
“I expected this reaction and nothing
less from Paul as he’s a straight shooter
and a realist, which I appreciate most
times. But I knew he could be talked
round if I annoyed him every Saturday
for several weeks to get him to come
on board with my idea.
“He caved in. He agreed to glass the
board and assist with making fins and
refining my original shape.
To lighten it, the board needed to be
chambered. This involves taking the
individual strips of the blank apart and
then routing, cutting or even drilling
holes through each individual piece to
create hollow sections. After several
nights of painstaking work, Damon
gently and carefully broke apart the
shaped blank and re-glued the strips
into something that now had the
weight and feel of an actual surfboard.
“I was stoked and on the home stretch
- finally able to see some light at the
end of the tunnel, so to speak.”
To allow for drainage, a brass bung
purchased from a plumbing supplies
shop was modified and inserted along
with the some special trim - an inlay
of two coconut palm trees.
“Paul started me off and supervised
shaping of the rails, finishing the fins
and sanding her up prior to glassing
after I burnt the name ‘Alize’ into my
board and a bit into my skin - I stood on
the soldering iron branding my bare foot.
“It’s the French word for the trade
winds and the name I gave to my new
coconut board. My heritage, along with
my trips to French Polynesia and Tahiti
inspired me to name her the Alize.”
“I then cut paua (abalone) shell into
disks to represent coconuts and
inlayed them into the deck.
With the end in sight, Damon then
foiled the coconut-inlayed fins and
sanded the board, finishing it with a
coat, a pro-finish and finally a light rub
with a 400 grit wet-and-dry to produce
one fine looking surfboard.
“Almost sixteen years after I first had
the idea I held the board under my arm
and just looked at her lines for ages
grinning like an idiot and so stoked! The
board is my second most prized material
possession - next to a ring my grandfather
left to me when he passed away.
“What’s made it more special is
that as far as I can gather from my
research, it’s one of a kind and that it
was made by me - an average bloke
– with the help of so many great,
talented people who live and work on
the Sunshine Coast.”
58 jan/feb 2012

take PrIDe
Make your dream board with the highest quality
surfboard kits from $620, complete with wood,
epoxies, glass, fittings, manual and more.
www.caPeboatworks.com.au
37-39 Chapman St, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519 Phone: 02 4283 1115
jan/feb 2012
59

PART THREE: GEOFF RIPPINGALE
LAND OF THE
RIPPING SUN
THE MILKO BUILDER
STEP BY STEP: 1. Make a frame and start with a spar which is the piece up the centre and every 12 inches put a rib in. Connect them all up with stringers to get the basic
shape. You can take the initial shape from an old surfboard - the width, thickness and rocker. 2. Glue all your strips of timber together to make a deck and a bottom. 3. Once
they’re all together, epoxy glue them to the frame and wait until it all dries and trim up the excess. 4. Start gluing on all the 4mm solid rails on, then make and attach the tail
and nose blocks. The nose block can be tricky matching up the deck and the bottom of the board. 5. Get your fins ready to go. 6. Glass and polish the board. 7. All done.
1. 2. 3.
60 jan/feb 2012

MILK TRUCK DRIVER BY DAY AND WOODEN BOARD BUILDER BY NIGHT, GEOFF THE RIPPER OF KORUMBURRA, VICTORIA
SHARES A LITTLE ABOUT HIS PASSION FOR PAULOWNIA LONGBOARDS AND MINI-MALS. WORDS: SIMON R KETTLE
Geoff Rippingale started surfing in 1968 at
Port Phillip Bay on a Coolite board before
later graduating to a 8’ 3 George Rice.
Through his teens, his father would take
him to Point Leo as often as he could to ride
the waves of First Reef, but what he really
looked forward to was Christmas, when his
family would head down the towards Lorne
and surf at Wye River. Today, Geoff lives
with his family at Korumburra and still likes
to surf with his mates down at Kilcunda on
the Bass Coast as often as he can, on one of
the many beautiful handcrafted Paulownia
surfboards he builds at home.
INSPIRATION
“I envisaged making an old paddleboard,
because my dad had one of the old
16-footers that took three of us to carry
down to the water. I thought I’d like to build
one, but when I looked into it I found that
people all around the world were building
these hollow wooden surfboards, so that’s
what I went for.”
WHY PAULOWNIA
“It’s a really light timber and it’s easy to
work with because there are no knots in
it, unlike pine. I like to put a bit of western
red cedar in the boards to give them a bit
of variety. I’m interested in wood anyway
- I like to build a bit of furniture too. I’d
tried making fiberglass boards when I was
younger and buggered them up, so I wasn’t
going to try it again. I’m not a shaper.”
LONGBOARDS
“They are easy to make, but I’d like to
make a fish too. I can ride these longboards
at Cat Bay in Victoria or on small days at
Kilcunda.”
THE WORKSHOP
“I build the boards in the large backyard
shed I put together myself and use a long,
converted table and desk for shaping. I’ve
also made stands from car wheels for doing
the rails on the boards and they double as
glassing stands.
“I spend a lot of time in the shed. Other
jobs around the house can get neglected.
My wife would like to see me more often,
but I get home from work from a night shift
and I’ll go straight into the shed and glue
some rails on before I’d go to bed.”
HANDY BACKGROUND
“When I left school I became a survey
draftsman for about seven years. I’ve
taught myself to weld and I built my shed.
I think if someone before me built it, than
I can too. You should always have a go at
doing something once.”
GETTING STARTED
“I just Googled ‘wooden surfboard plans’
and came up with a guy in California, Jack
Young. I paid $25, and he sent me the plans
to print out. I looked at them and thought, ‘If
that’s how you do it, then that’s what I’ll do.’
“So, I basically followed his plans but
then I went my own way. There was a lot
of research looking for vent plugs which
I eventually found from a guy in Western
Australia who makes SUPs. The fins... Well,
I just copied off boards and photos I have
and made a template from there.”
SHAPING PROBLEMS
“Heat, too much heat in the shed on a hot
day. And humidity is no good either. If it’s
too cold I go in and light the pot belly and
glass them in there. You have to pick your
times, otherwise you finish up with air
bubbles, as a glasser would know.
“I also sanded right through the deck once,
which buggered me right up! But I took out
the whole strip and replaced it.
“The first board, the 9-footer, was the
hardest to build, but I think it was my
best because I put about 60 hours into it.
I learned so much from the making of the
first board and I’ve got it down to about 40
hours to make a board now.”
MISTAKES
“Oh yeah, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Look
at all the resin on the floor. I don’t know
how many fins I’ve made and buggered
up! I could go and buy some FCS fins, but I
wanted to keep with the tradition of these
types of wooden boards.”
PERFORMANCE
“I used to ride the first one all the time. It
was good because you can walk the board
a bit and the extra weight helps you paddle
in and hang in the wave easily.
“The 8-footers I’ve done are easier to turn
especially because I built it with a 70/30
rail instead of a 50/50’.
“Friends who have ridden them say they
love them and that they think they look
great. One mate, it’s the main board he
rides and he says he always gets asked
about where he got his board from when he
paddles out. When they finish surfing the
boards they hang them in the lounge.”
‘BYOB’ ADVICE
“Do as much research as you can, tap into
the internet and just go for it!”
LATEST: PROJECTS
4. 5. 6. 7.
jan/feb 2012
61

LATEST: PROJECTS
P A R T F O U R : G R E G W H E E L D O N
ART, FORM &
FUNCTION
BOARD ARCHITECTURE
Ribs, glue and a
whole lot of patience
“You’re essentially surfing a soundboard. They have
a lot of character and are a lot of fun to surf.”
MAIN PHOTO: Greg disoplays his boards
at the Currumbin Wooden Board Day.
RIGHT: Details from the kiteboard and
parquetry fish, and at work with son, Matt.
62 jan/feb 2012

EVER WONDERED WHAT ARCHITECTS DO IN THEIR SPARE TIME? UNFORTUNATELY WE
FOUND OUT - THEY PUT MOST OF US TO SHAME IN THE SHED. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
“I have always surfed, ever since I was a
young bloke. I surfed down the Gold Coast in
my younger years and then we moved to the
northside of Brisbane and I now tend to surf up
on the Sunshine Coast.
“I have always enjoyed building things. From the
age of 13, I used to build model gliders with 6ft
to 8ft wingspans. They used similar principles of
ribs and spars covered by a sheet that I use today
in my boards. Aside from that, I often tinkered
around making furniture and other bits and
pieces so it was a natural progression to move
into making wood boards.
The first board Greg ever built was when he
undertook a course with Californian wood board
builder Paul Jensen organised by Grant Newby
prior to the Wooden Board Day. Paul did a weeklong
course at the Eco Village in Currumbin.
“I took a week off work. We started Monday
morning and by Friday we had a board finished. It
was a great week with a bunch of about 10 guys.
We would be up each morning at 5am for a surf,
grab a bit of breakfast and we had to be at the
workshop by 8.30am. We would work through
to about 4:30pm, head off for another surf and
then to the pub, enjoy some beers and pizza. A
lot of fun.
“I built a 9’ Mal very similar to a Bill Wallace
Okanui with a slightly pointed nose and squared
squash tail. I made it from paulownia and
western red cedar with a plywood frame. Paul
provided the frames.
“At the end of the workshop everyone traced off
everyone else’s frames. I now have tracings for a
9-footer, a 7-footer, a fish and an 8’ funboard.
Greg decided it was too hard to trace those onto
plywood and hand cut them with a fretsaw, as
the process all up would take a week in itself. He
worked out he could redraw them and have the
ribs and frame sent to a laser cutter. It limited
waste, significantly cut down laborious work and
the ribs and frame were supplied flat. Plus the
accuracy of the laser cut is millimetre perfect.
From there it takes Greg about 40 hours to
construct each board. Obviously boards that
feature intricate designs such as the parquetry
board, take any where up to 80 hours. Such a
pursuit obviously requires dedication, patience, a
fair bit of skill and surely an understanding wife?
“I guess so. I tend to mow the lawn in the
morning and then in the afternoon, when it’s too
hot, I sit down with a couple of beers on the back
deck with the Kookaburras and spend some time
on a board. You just sit down and off you go.
“You can build these style boards with home
handyman tools. I don’t have any special
equipment really. I bought a little bench saw for
$120 with a 200mm fine tooth wheel, a small belt
sander, an orbital detail sander and a little mitre
box for $5 to cut 45° for my parquetry designs.”
Greg has now built six boards this way. He’s built a
fat fish with his youngest son Matt, who is 16.
“I simply watched over him to make sure he
didn’t cut his fingers off but he pretty much did
the whole thing himself.”
Greg has built a double-ender kite board for his
next oldest son Andrew and his next project is now
near complete - a single fin pintail complete with
Rising Sun design for his eldest son Josh modeled
off an old favourite San Juan board of Greg’s.
As for how the boards perform out in the water?
“They are slightly heavier than a foam board but
not by much, maybe ½ kilo. I figure I could eat
a pizza, have some beers and put on that much
weight. Does it really make that much difference?
“The feel of the board on the water is something
else. Because they’re made of tensioned timber
and are hollow, they sing like an acoustic guitar.
You’re essentially surfing a soundboard. They have
a lot of character and are a lot of fun to surf.”
“You get a lot of comments from people saying,
‘You aren’t going to put that in the water? It’s too
nice.’ But there is no need to be too concerned
about getting these boards dinged. They are more
sturdy than a standard fibreglass board.
jan/feb 2012
63

HANDCRAFTED,
FREE-STANDING,
RECYCLED
TIMBER BOARD
RACKS...
CALL 0413 061 727
WWW.BYRONBAYBOARDRACKS.COM
Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle
A kit board
is a great
way to
experience
wooden board
building
PART FIVE: TOD DEXTER
FOLLOWING
THE GRAIN
BISCUIT IN A BOX
MAIN:Tod and Tim with the Wood Biscuit and INSET: The creamy centre
WHEN GRAIN RECENTLY PARTNERED WITH AL MERRICK ON THE RELEASE OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
WOOD BISCUIT SURFBOARD KIT, TOD DEXTER KNEW IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT BOARD FOR HIS SON.
Lessons, Tours, Board Hire
www.jervisbaystanduppaddle.com.au
0403 354 716
Open every day for Breakfast, lunch
and Dinner Tapas till late every night.
Fresh local produce.
Mediterranean/Spanish influence with
a great cocktail bar and wine list.
WHAT INSPIRED THE BUILD?
I had built a strip plank kayak the previous winter
and needed a new project. In the 80s I shaped and
glassed an 8’ sailboard from foam and the desire
to do it again out of wood has been lingering since
then. My son Tim graduated from Uni this last year,
so I decided to build him a board as a graduation
present. Cape Boat Works had Grain Kits, so it was
an easy decision to make - a CI Biscuit for the small
summer surf we get down here in Victoria.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE?
Overall, about 3 months but probably about 50
hours of construction time.
HIGHLIGHTS & CHALLENGES
Having built the kayak I was well prepared, but
there were a few new challenges. I’ve always
liked the lines and shapes of surfboards, and to be
able to create one out of timber was particularly
satisfying. So much so that I have ordered an 8ft
mini mal kit for myself and have plans to design
and construct a 6’1” performance board for my
son. He also wants an 8’6” gun for big days on the
south coast of Victoria.
SO, HOW DOES IT GO?
Tim says: “My initial fears of a sluggish log were
thrown out the window after a first surf in small,
1-2ft beachbreaks. Whilst the ‘fishy’ board shape
lends itself towards crappy summer waves, the
wood construction creates less flex. From this, it
feels like the board has more drive than it should,
considering the shape.
“In waves that the board’s intended for, it responds
in a drivey and loose way. It’s fun and perfect for
flying over fat sections. The characteristics of less
flex and more drive are even more prominent when
wave heights increase. In fact, the board seems to
come to life with a bit more wave-power behind it.
The drive into and out of turns is amazing.”
Cnr Lawson & Jonson, Byron Bay
02 6680 9666 www.balcony.com.au
Inspired? We hope so...
Building yur own board
is incredibly rewarding. If
you’ve ever considered it...
Just do it. And send us the
photos. Happy building!
64 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
65

PART FIVE: GOING GREEN
BACK
TO NATURE
THE SHAPE-OFF
Mark vs. Dave
66 jan/feb 2012

LATEST: PROJECTS
DAVE: Now before you get started
with the ‘you have seen it all before’
routine and that the idea of shaping
an alaia is not original, let me just say,
this is different.
Sure other guys and girls have
made alaias before but in the spirit
of our ‘projects’ edition, Mark and
I had to make something. Having
already completely mastered the
art of shaping a standard PU board,
with the mighty Stumpy Duck
revolutionising the world of surfboard
design, it was time to make
something different… so we thought
about an ark. After all, Queensland
had so much rain last summer a
watercraft such as this was no doubt
going to come in handy in the near
future. However considering how
much time the ark was going to take,
we decided to make alaias instead.
Now this was not some spiritually
enlightening experience where we all
smoked sinsemilla from the chalice
of love and sipped herbal infused
chai tea while incense burned in the
background. There was no positive
karma experience, it was outright
bloody warfare. It was the skill of my
bare hands pitted against the clumsy
fingers of my somewhat challenged
South African associate.
jan/feb 2012
67

Our
benchmark...
Some freshlyoiled
Surfing
Green Alaias
‘TWAS THE NIGHT
BEFORE D-DAY (DESIGN DAY)
DAVE: I admit I was nervous. I felt a little
like Rocky Balboa before the big fight. I had
put an enormous amount of pressure on
myself knowing the immense design talent
I possessed. The contest was mine to lose
and Mark’s to win.
Other thoughts kept entering my head as
well, further clouding my judgement. When
shaping the board could I manage to pull
off one of those cool ‘blue-steel’ Derek
Zoolander model poses? Would my alaia
design be trendy enough for the boys at the
Sugar Mill to stock in their store?
PLAN SHAPE
So what was I after with regards to my
design? To be honest, I really found settling
on a certain design for my alaia a bit of
challenge. I mean I had set the benchmark
so high with my first board, The Stumpy
Duck, that it was unnerving. You know,
could I come up with yet another revolution
in shaping design?
For Mark, it was obviously less daunting. I
mean his main challenge was just making
a thing that floated. And let’s face it,
driftwood floats. But I digress.
I decided to stray from traditional Hawaiian
plan shapes. After all, what if the ancient
Hawaiians were wrong? Sure they invented
a lot of surfing stuff but they can’t always
be right. Or can they...
So I thought of something inspired a little
more by me, with say, a big fat arse. Why
not throw in a bit of the McCoy Lazor Zap
design theory, a bit of crazy cat Glen Cat
Collins teaspoon theory and some elements
from the alaia king himself Tom Wegener
with regards to the nose and there we have
it – a very schizophrenic board.
Ultimately, what I wanted to achieve was a
board that I could perform 360° spins with
and ride both ways, much the same as a
snowboard. In essence I wanted to shape a
double-ender or what is commonly referred
to by masters of the wood as a ‘peanut’
model. So basically the inspiration for my
design was Mark’s brain.
QUESTIONS
What if the arse of the board is too fat?
They say if it is too wide on an alaia it
will wildly slide out everywhere. What if
the nose is too narrow. If it is, I will have
no paddle power and that’s a problem
considering there is less than an inch of
wood to float me.
I considered what problems I may encounter
with the plan shape but determined that
surely my innate finless surfing skills will
counter any such technical flaws and if the
design really sucks, I can always shave
some unnecessary width. After all the board
is made from wood. If it is too narrow, it is
not as if I can stick the wood back on.
THE VENUE
We decided our battle would take place at
the home of Dave - for clarity in this story to
be known as Dave #2 - and Nicola O’Reilly
of Surfing Green. These guys carry every
environmentally-friendly bit of surf gear
you can imagine from fins and board bags
through to alaias... and aside from that,
they were the only ones who would have
us. Let it begin...
68 jan/feb 2012

1.
3. 4.
2.
DAY ONE
DAVE: When it came to shaping an alaia,
I honestly thought we would be there a couple
of hours and be surfing later that afternoon.
What we experienced was a hell of a lot of
hard work. Day one certainly confirmed a few
things in my mind:
1. I am crap with my hands.
2. I should not be allowed anywhere near
power tools.
3. Mark sucks
4. Just maybe my poor form and skills may lead
to an accidental discovery in alaia design
Cutting out the plan shape wasn’t too hard but
scooping out the teaspoon from the bottom
of the blank was a nightmare. I abandoned
all power tools because I could see myself
accidentally shaving away my board so I
took to painstakingly hacking a deep uneven
canyon by hand. Many blisters later the
efforts of my hard labour unearthed…. a
piece of crud.
MARK: It’s been good to see the terrified look
in Dave’s eyes today. After all the bluster, pregame
taunts and early sledging, the wheels
have fallen off as he creates the world’s
shallowest fruit bowl.
As far as my design goes, other than a little
indecision on the depth of the tail, all has
worked out well really well so far. Working
with wood is so much easier on the senses
than foam and Paulownia is a really friendly
wood to work with. The rocket takes shape.
LATEST: PROJECTS
5. 6.
7.
8.
1 - 4: Drawing our plan shape onto the blanks 5 - 6: Cutting the plan shape out with an
electronic jig 7- 9: Draw on your rail bands and take to it with a sander
9.
jan/feb 2012
69

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email. shaneclark@newirelandsurf.com
web. www.newirelandsurf.com
70 jan/feb 2012
www.facebook.com/surfingpapuanewguinea

DAY TWO
DAVE: Well, it surely couldn’t get any
worse than day one. Mark was laughing.
He was well and truly in the box seat and
my dugout canoe looked no better than the
day before.
LATEST: PROJECTS
10.
I was hoping I could redeem myself or
at least finish something with some
semblance of an alaia. I was determined to
get ‘my eye in’ and by goodness, for some
reason it all clicked. What I had learnt
from my first shaping experience all came
flooding back. I was in the zone and Mark
was back on the ropes.
14.
11.
Hand sanding suited me way more than
the planer and allowed me to discover my
zen or whatever it is called. I even had my
‘blue-steel’ gaze down pat. I gently and
gradually brought my board back to life. I
was in a state of shock. Unbelievably at
the end of the day it actually looked pretty
bloody good.
MARK: With rough-shaped blanks waiting,
we got stuck into the sanding for the day.
As Dave is challenged by any tool more
complicated than a rock or a stick, he keeps
hand-sanding, while I opt for the noisier,
yet quicker, electric version.
15.
16.
Paying extra special attention to just how
soft this wood is, I work through the grades
of sandpaper to get a remarkably smooth
finish and a not-too-shabby concave.
12.
A bit of hand sanding on the rails later and
we grab a beer while we wait for Captain
Clumsy to finish. He’s pretending to look for
bumps he can’t really see, as he rounds his
Peanut’s tail with a small planer.
Yes, Dave’s pre-school-skill wood reduction
project is coming along nicely. If he
keeps going, he’ll only have a Pauwlonia
skateboard deck left. His saving grace is his
cheating - getting Dave #2 to do his work
for him. Slacker.
18.
13.
Mercifully, he finally stops and we move
onto the big, scary router which is going to
make holes in our fantastical creations to
fit a leash plug. ‘Leash plug?!’ the purists
scoff! Damn straight. When you’re as bad
a swimmer as I am, that ‘kook cord’ is your
best friend.
Ever the bandwagon-hopper, Dave decides
he wants one too.
After a little demo, the router turns out to
be not so scary and Dave #2 helps us both
by setting the plugs with Epoxy.
Our work is done for the day.
10: Draw on your rail bands
and take to it with a sander
11 - 12: Carving our concaves
13: Shaping the nose (Mark
has a big one)
14 - 15: Finishing touches -
sanding 40 grit, 80, 120...
16: Shaping the tail on the
peanut with a small planer
17: Setting the plug with epoxy
jan/feb 2012
71

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19.
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ARTWORK
DAVE: Righto. I looked at my alaia and
wondered how in hell I had got away
with that one. I mean, it didn’t look half
bad and I was in with a fighting chance
against the South African.
Now the artwork. This is where I
struggled in the fibreglass board
challenge (see smorgasboarder #4).
After all, Mark is a graphic designer/
artist - I am neither. Anyhow, thank
goodness I’m comfortable with the
concept of cheating, so I promptly
briefed my kids - who can draw...
I found the design I was after on the
internet. I printed it and the kids traced
it (hey, I said I was comfortable with the
concept of cheating.) They transferred it
onto the board with pencil and I took to it
with what I think was a soldering iron
(I am not into this technical jargon). It
was family bonding stuff.
The finishing touch, a nose dip of
Blue Loo. That’s right, toilet cleaner
(thanks Simon Skerry.) Tip - You need
to seal the Blue Loo artwork with either
a marine or polyurethane varnish, as it
will be literally flushed away by the surf.
As I would later find out. Kind of makes
sense really.
The end result was... It looked bloody
magnificent. The kids and I agreed that
Mark was rooted. I promptly took a
photo of the board and sent it to Mark
to taunt him.
20.
21.
Laser engraving by Dean at
iburnthings.com
72 jan/feb 2012

MARK: I had been pretty cocky and confident that
I was doing okay. I took my eye off the ball for a
minute and Dave gazumps me with getting his kids
to do it. Seriously?! I’m stuffed... My own artwork
will be irrelevant now, because I can’t beat the
sentiment and I can’t get my own littlies onto the
job because the idea’s taken. I’m no copycat.
After a lot of quiet sweat and consideration,
pondering excuses like a vague, minimalist
rationale that may allow me to get away with no
artwork at all, I finally realise I need to go as far
opposite as I can. Bring on technology!
A friend, Dean Slockee, happens to own an
industrial laser engraving machine and agrees to
take on the task of burning something witty into
the wood for me.
Thanks to one large machine whizzing away, I
was soon the owner of a cool engraving of the
logo HMS PFD... His Majesty’s Surfboard the
Personal Floatation Device.
22.
OIL UP
DAVE: A 50/50 ratio mix of
Linseed Oil and Gum Turpentine to
ensure maximum penetration and
water protection. Paint on, wipe
of excess after half an hour, wait
12 hours, apply the next coat.
You then proceed with further
coats reducing the Gum Turps
percentage each time.
I decided it was family bonding
time again so all four of us
took to the task at hand. Liquid
mixture sprayed everywhere from
wayward brushes. At the finish
the board was good but I felt like
a corner shop kebab.
This baby was now ready to surf.
“This baby
was now
ready to surf”
23.
19: A hairy man with
big cutlery
20: Crisp lines on the
test piece of MDF,
as technology meets
ancient craft...
21: Fire the... “lay-zer”
22: Oiling the boards
with the help of the
Swan clan.
23: The final craft
jan/feb 2012
73

LATEST: PROJECTS
TEST DAY
Given I was still a cripple because of my injury
and couldn’t surf, and Mark can’t surf, it was
up to Dave #2 from Surfing Green to give the
boards a test run. Nic and the kids were also
there to judge the artwork on the boards. All
disciplines formed part of our competition.
ARTWORK SCORE
NIC: “Given my love of all things
symmetrical, Mark’s the winner
hands down. Mark’s a 9. You
(Dave) are a 7.”
DAVE: In fairness it was a terribly
hot day and Nic was obviously
feeling the affects of sun stroke.
DAVE #2: “I have named yours
the Paddlepop Stick’ and Mark’s
the ‘Money Clip’. I must say I
like a curve instead of a straight
line. So I would have to say ‘The
Paddlepop stick’.
“Also, because it’s handmade,
you know. Machine designs
are not quite the go on alaias.
Plus your design features King
Neptune, ruler of the sea. You
can’t go past that.”
MARK: That is because I am a
machine.
DAVE: Dave #2 makes a fair point
and I must say I agree. Mark might
as well have machine-shaped his
blank as well.
MARK: And as to your Peanut...
with Blue Loo on it. I’m sure I’m
not the only one who sees the
irony of the peanut/loo connection
here. Hilarious, my friend. I do
believe that might have been a
subconscious admission of defeat.
PADDLE POWER
DAVE #2: “Mark’s board is easier
to paddle because it has a bit
more length. And your style of
board tends to slide around and
spin under you.”
DAVE: Fair point, Dave #2, but I
had accounted for our test pilot to
have a little more friggin’ skill. Of
course it’s difficult! This board was
made for pros, you kook.
MARK: Dave #2, you are a
champion and truly know your
stuff. I have often been told that
the extra length is a bonus. I am so
happy and humbled to have been
judged by such an adept rider and
proficient surfer.
THE RIDE SCORE
DAVE #2: “I would say I probably
got better waves on Mark’s, but I
liked the feel of your one. I have
used boards like yours before and I
prefer that shape, but today I think
I got a couple of better waves on
Mark’s one.”
DAVE: That’s good Dave #2 but to
be honest I don’t really trust your
comments anyway.
My thoughts on the conditions for
our test day was that the surf was
crap and as such rendered judging
of each board’s glide inconclusive.
Therefore there will be a rematch.
To be continued...
MARK: I appreciate your
sensitive response, Dave #2.
I know how hard it is to be
blunt when Dave’s bottom lip
is wobbling and little tears are
welling in his eyes.
“Nobody doesn’t
like peanuts”
Dave
74 jan/feb 2012

ACROSS: Dave #2 and Nic judge the artwork.LEFT: Dave #2 hangs his
head in shame having to carry the peanut in public. BELOW: Rocket ride,
even on tiny dribblers. True art, true craftsmanship of the HMS PFD.
LEADING SURF
AND STREET WEAR,
SURFBOARDS, WETSUITS
AND ACCESSORIES...
WE ONLY SELL THE GEAR
THAT WE USE IN THE
WATER OURSELVES!
SURFWAREAUSTRALIA
SUNSHINE COAST SUPERSTORE
2 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD 4551 Tel (07) 5491 3620
Open Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm and Sun 9am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day
BULK BOARDS of every description at the
BIG BLUE BUILDING
“The HMS PFD...
Craft of the day”
Mark
And there you have it
dear readers, another
inconclusive and incredibly
biased end to a very
enjoyable process.
Building your own board is
just an amazing experience,
no matter how much
heckling is involved along
the way. We hope you find
some inspiration within
these pages to plan your
own project very soon.
THANK YOU
A big thanks to Dave
and Nicola O’Reilly for
welcoming us into their
home and shaping bay,
putting up with our antics
and sharing knowledge of
shaping alaias and other
various tricks of the trade.
It’s greatly appreciated.
surfinggreen.com.au
FACTS AND TIPS:
Shaping kit - $169 for a blank, leash
plug and shaping manual.
Gum Turpentine and Linseed Oil will
set you back a couple of bucks but
should last six months or so.
DAVE #2’ ADVICE: There is lot of
satisfaction in making something out
of wood, no matter what it is. If you
make a surfboard and you can surf it,
it’s even better.
MARK’S ADVICE: Don’t ever plan
to do anything with someone with a
nasty competitive streak like Dave #1.
Drying time: After oiling your board
give it a week to dry otherwise she is
a bit slippery.
Maintenance: After 4 or 5 surfs
give the board a light sand with 120
grit and then re-oil it.
Those interested in taking an alaia
shaping course can contact Dave and
Nic at nicola@surfinggreen.com.au
Surfing.Skating.Wakeboarding
And a great range of gear & clothes
Open 7 days
150 Main Road, Toukley 02 4397 1092
jan/feb 2012
75

LATEST: IMAGES
CLARRIE OF
THE COAL COAST
A portfolio of photography by Wollongong’s Clarrie Bouma
WORDS: BEN HORVATH
“It doesn’t get much better than this. The ENE swell with westerly wind combo sets much of the Coal Coast alight.”
76 jan/feb 2012

The name Clarrie Bouma rolls off the tongue
sounding like an unusual, high-brow, name from
years past. You could be forgiven for conjuring
up visions of a greying Dutch explorer or English
prep school teacher rather than a Sandon Point
surf photographer.
Clarrie as an individual however, defies such
stereotypes. While he’s well-educated, his
vernacular is more colloquial than campus, his
threads more flanno than formal. The adage that
you are a product of your environment certainly
applies. Clarrie is renowned for calling it as he
sees it, yet at the same time he is approachable,
hard working and down to earth - like most of
his contemporaries from The Gong.
“Standing on the beach or headland shooting
surfing when it’s pumping is a fantastic way to
spend my time,” says the 61-year-old snapper,
who still has as much passion for the surf at
Sandon Point as ever before.
“I started surfing in 1962 on a second hand
9’2” Jackson and Cansdell. I’ve been in bands;
played music professionally, studied, taught, and
nowadays nothing gives me more job satisfaction
than shooting surfing in my local area.”
Educated in Wollongong, Clarrie then spent a
year in the Australian Army as a conscript at the
tail end of the Vietnam War. After the war he
found himself heading overseas on an extended
overland journey through Asia, the Middle East,
Europe and North Africa for two years.
When Clarrie eventually returned to The Gong
from his rite of passage tour, he nailed down a
real job teaching PE, becoming Sports Master
at Edmund Rice College for six years, while
at the same time started a career in music in
an exotically titled band Ersatz Kitsch. He has
played music professionally both in bands and
as a solo musician since.
jan/feb 2012
77

LATEST: IMAGES
“There was a ‘discussion’ after this wave.”
78 jan/feb 2012

“AIM TO ENJOY YOURSELF, NOT TO MAKE A LIVING FROM IT.”
CLARRIE, ON PHOTOGRAPHING SURFING
Ever busy, Clarrie returned to Wollongong University
completing a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in
Geography. He scored six distinctions and six high
distinctions, before becoming a tutor in the Geography
Department at Wollongong University whilst majoring
in Coastal Geomorphology, so it should come as no
surprise that these days Clarrie literally spends much
of his time exploring northern Wollongong coastal
geography, camera in hand documenting all the action
whenever there are waves.
Clarrie’s Coal Coast exploration is an almost daily
ritual. He rises early, scoping his favourite surf
forecasting websites and cams. If there’s swell, he
drives around surveying the surf, before settling on
a suitable location to shoot. If a mate or local legend
texts or rings through a tip off, he may ponder a short
drive up or down the coast to shoot wherever it is
pumping, but most days it’s a case of heading straight
down to his beloved local – Sandon Point, barely 800
metres from the family home.
For the benefit of interstate readers or those
unfamiliar with Sandon, The Point is one of, if not the
most consistent, right point break on the east coast of
Australia. Despite Sandon’s revered status as a class
wave, in the seventies, eighties and nineties travelling
surfers were always hesitant to visit. “The Jetty” as it
was affectionately known by older locals was virtually
a visitors no-go zone. The Point crew maintained a
fierce reputation as being the most proud, protective,
locals on the coast.
Clarrie’s caper - standing patiently on the rock platform
or headland taking photos and video footage of all
and sundry - is a sign of the changing times. It’s
unimaginable at old Sandon, but attitudes change, and
so too does technology.
His work is based on the premise that every surfer
who paddles out into the line up would love to see an
image or footage of themselves surfing. Documenting
this love, he has released nine local DVDs and
catalogued thousands upon thousands of still images.
Clarrie says: “I figure I am a pretty normal person in the
sense that I have always appreciated all the images I
have of myself participating in a variety of activities.”
The success and continued growth of Clarrie’s website
sandonpointphotos.com vindicates his hunch.To give
you some idea of sandonpointphotos.com popularity,
site traffic peaked in May 2010 with 1.3 million hits for
that month, with over 10,000 unique views.
“Surfers come up to me on a daily basis and ask me
who I’m shooting?” he says with a smile. “I take great
pleasure telling them I shoot anyone who takes off on
a good wave.”
jan/feb 2012
79

LATEST: IMAGES
“SPEND YOUR MONEY ON ONE OR
MORE HIGH QUALITY LENSES”
CLARRIE, ON EQUIPMENT
Rainbow at Sandon Point
80 jan/feb 2012

THE STILLS QUIVER
Clarrie uses Sony A700 DSLR
camera bodies with quality lenses.
Minolta 600 mm f4 G Series lens
Sony 300 mm f2.8 G Series lens
Minolta 1.4 X and 2 X G Series
convertors
Minolta 80 – 200 mm f2.8 G
Series lens
Minolta 50 mm f1.7 lens
Minolta 28 mm f2.8 lens
Carl Zeiss 16 – 80 mm f3.5 lens
Sigma 10 -20 mm f3.5 lens
THE VIDEO QUIVER
Sony HDR FX1000 camera, and
also a Sony SLT A77 camera.
Clarrie prefers a dedicated video
camera like the HDR FX1000 due
to the ergonomics of the unit.
Clarrie says, “The G Series 20X
zoom lens on the FX1000 does
a great job and zooming and
panning is so much easier. The
day will come when the two
formats can be combined into
one unit and achieve the desired
high quality results on a regular
basis. It is there already for
anything up to 200mm lenses,
but beyond that, actually handing
a DSLR with a 600 mm lens
attached as a video camera is
challenging to say the least.”
jan/feb 2012
81

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“ALWAYS SHOOT IN RAW. THE JPG FORMAT
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A LEGACY OF A DIFFERENT ERA WHEN COMPUTERS AND INTERNET WERE MUCH SLOWER.”
CLARRIE, ON TIPS FOR NEW PHOTOGRAPHERS
“In a sense I shoot the wave first and the surfer who happens to be on
that wave fills in the picture.”
Clarrie generally shoots between Woonona and Stanwell Park, an
area blessed with a myriad of quality reefs, pointbreaks, bombies and
beachies that work under a variety of conditions.
“I personally prefer pulled back surfing photos that allow you to see
both the surfer and the wave, as opposed to photos that just show the
surfer. Surfing mags seem to be overflowing with tightly cropped close up
images of sponsored surfers doing critical moves. Of course those frames
have their place, but more diversity would be cool.“
Clarrie’s library of local surfing images fills over 10 terabytes of hard
disk space. Local surfers now posses well over a thousand high quality
images of themselves surfing courtesy of Clarrie’s dedication - everyday
Coal Coast surfers who would otherwise never have seen any decent
footage of themselves now have high quality enlargements of themselves
hanging up on their walls, or even a personal video to enjoy forever.
“My favourite images are classic line up shots with three or more waves,
ideally with surfers on them and some sort of landform somewhere in
the picture,” Clarrie says. “I suppose that personal preference reflects
my love of nature and the environment. My journeys to over 60 countries
have always been to destinations where there are either waves or
mountains.”
One can’t put a price on how valuable such photos or footage is. When
you consider how much time an average surfer puts into his or her
passionate pursuit and rarely gets to see themselves in action, you can
see how important a role Clarrie now plays in the local community. Not
only is he making hundreds of surfers happy, the job satisfaction and
working conditions are pretty hard to match.
Peru Aventura
A U S T R A L I A
CALL US ON: 0414 475 273
INFO@PERU-AVENTURA.COM
WWW.PERU-AVENTURA.COM
MORE OF CLARRIE’S WORK
Visit his website, www.sandonpointphotos.com where you can browse
through album after album of imagery and order photos to be printed
to canvas. You can also purchase DVDs for only $10 or his 2012 surf
calendar for only $30.
82 jan/feb 2012

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jan/feb 2012
83

TRAVEL: INDO TRIP
RE-STOKE
THE FIRE
The one common bond that surfers all over the world have is the sense of adventure, the goal to surf a new wave, the
excitement of finding something new. Whether it’s a trip up or down the coast or the overseas trip only a few of us
are able to afford, the sense of adventure lies within us all. Jason Robertson shares his particular adventure with us.
WORDS BY JASON ROBERTSON. PHOTOS BY JASON ROBERTSON & LOCAL SURF GUIDE AND RIPPER NANA
“...THE SUN CAME OUT, THE WIND TURNED OFFSHORE AND THE WAVES PUMPED”
84 jan/feb 2012

THE DREAM Like so many of you I have done countless trips up and down the
east coast of Oz, a little bit of the west and a few trips to the Goldy but had never
cracked the overseas frontier.
There are so many great overseas options these days but being in my late 30’s
and having a family, it’s been a long time since I have been able to get back to my
surfing roots and go on a boy’s surf trip. When we finally decided to do the trip, we
all agreed to do what we always wanted to do but never had the opportunity to do.
We had grown up watching footage of that new Indo wave or guys way out of their
comfort zone greeted by the perfect wave. While we’re not in our teens or even our
twenties, we still have all the same desires for the unforgettable... So Indo it was.
THE PLAN Looking through countless options available for our trip, Freeline
Indonesian Surf Adventures and their South Sumatran Ombak Indah Losmen deal
ticked all our boxes. South Sumatra was the perfect location, still a fairly new
frontier, not overly crowded, plenty of adventures to be had and unknown spots to be
found - all organised by a professional and friendly company as was evident form the
start with Annie - wife of the Freeline co-founder Nev Hines - who made all booking
details a breeze.
THE TRIP From Jakarta International, we were transferred onto Bandarlampung
Sumatra, where we were picked up by our drivers. With boards and bags loaded, we
settled in for a six-hour road trip to our camp. Adventure we wanted and adventure
is what we got. Being my first trip overseas, the road trip to Ombak Indah was an
eye opener, by which I mean WIDE open and white-knuckled. Anyone who has
experienced Sumatran traffic and the trip I’m talking about will know - imagine six
hours at top speed, overtaking on blind corners, squeezing between cars, bikes and
trucks moments before head-on collisions, alongside an endless sea of mopeds
loaded up with anything from a family of five to boxes full of ducks to drums of fuel.
THE SPOT We arrived at Ombak Indah late that night. As tired as I was, the first
thing I did was wax up, ready for the first surf day of the trip. I must have woken up
every half hour or so waiting for first light. It was a rainy day and the surf looked stormy
and slightly onshore, but the excitement was running through every one of my senses.
We were straight out there after seeing a solid set run the full length of the point.
That night, sitting around the dining area with a Bintang in hand, the stories from
other travellers started to flow. A guy on his last night there showed us footage of
his first day at the point and it looked insane. We all agreed we would be happy if it
was only half that good for us. If someone told us then that his footage was only half
as good as what we were going to get, we would have never believed it.
The next day - and what would turn out to be close to the whole trip - the sun came
out, the wind turned offshore and the waves pumped. Almost every day of the 14-
day trip, you could have surfed three times a day. The surf ranged from 3-8ft (sorry
Eddie, I mean 4ft) with slight changes in direction changing the wave slightly. If you
could say there was one negative to 3-8ft perfection, it was that a lot of the other
breaks in the area only break when it’s too big or too small at the point, but while we
spent most of our time at the point, we still got to sample a few other quality waves.
THE GRATITUDE The Sumatran people and the staff at Ombak Indah where
absolutely amazing and we were all humbled by the hospitality shown to us by
Annie and her staff. Unfortunately, the week before we arrived the great Nev Hines
lost his battle will ill health and passed away. The way his team treated us through
our trip in their time of grief would have made him extremely proud and this will be
something we will all treasure for the rest of our lives.
On behalf of our whole crew I would like to thank Annie, Stu, Nana, Eddie, the whole
Freeline crew and the late and great Nev for the trip of a lifetime. It might have
taken me 39 years to get my first overseas surf trip but it has rekindled the spirit of
surf adventure in me. It won’t be my last.
jan/feb 2012
85

R É UN
The wedging reef break at St Pierre provides plenty
of opportunity to blow up. With a sharp bottom and a
strong current it’s got the ability to kick your ass.
86 jan/feb 2012

INDIAN
O C E A N N O T E S
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
ION
“I’ve heard speak of an island.
A difficult to reach, seldom
ventured place requiring
courage, faith and the ability
to remain calm in your own
loneliness. Apparently, it’s a
mysterious land clouded in
danger and a crucible to old
cultures.
“We don’t have much time, if the
waves are good shall we go?
“If we choose to, we’ll need to
embrace it with open minds, and
of course, ride its treacherous
waves with no fear.
“Sounds intense. We go”.
WORDLY-WISE TRAVELLER JAY KILLVAN
PAINTS A POETIC PICTURE OF AN
AFRICAN ISLE, EAST OF MADAGASCAR
AND SOUTH WEST OF MAURITIUS IN
THE INDIAN OCEAN. THIS IS REUNION.
WORDS AND PHOTOS: JAY KILLVAN
jan/feb 2012
87

It was one of the shortest conversations on choosing a surf location I’ve ever
had, though the anticipation had it feeling as though it’d be one of the longest.
The airport terminal is fresh this morning, busy with dizzy people unsure of
what to do and nervously shuffling towards departure gates, onwards to
transfer, their souls being shipped somewhere else. This adventure fits right in.
Winter tarmac in disarray as a Chilean volcano spews forth ash miles high,
troubling engines of aircrafts wanting safe passage around the southern
latitudes. But not this jet, humming West. The digital portal in the seat
back attempts to contain the fury of an island very much alive. A black rock
embedded in a sea of mineral blue, complete with voluminous rain, lava and
swell, squashed awkwardly into the in-flight video. It was now known that this
modest island has a fiery heart and is constantly in motion.
A few hours in we’re served a view of our lands red heart and cuisine-like
airline food, the captain playing tour guide, hostess playing chef, positions of
yogi sutra in tight seats prove testing and damn, a Valium would’ve been a
good idea right now. Twelve hours of confined air transfer, it isn’t pretty, though
the hostess is.
W E L C O M E
Arriving in the dead of night amplified the secrecy. Cool humid air and a red
Hawaiian-like soil at Roland Garros airport are small clues heightening the
thrill. Driving south was a night rush, crazy mental drivers belting along at
ludicrous speeds, on a highway that hung off a cliff face, it takes an effort to
maintain concentration. The arduous flight coupled with this manual wagon, its
steering wheel flipped to the left side, has entry into this island being testing,
almost tricky.
Slowing on approach to our supposed accommodation we can hear the ocean,
a sonorous roar belted through the still night as we navigated up a steep
hillside. The higher we weaved the more savage it became. It was a spook.
What lay out there in this black abyss will be revealed in the light of day as the
stage for our surfing games.
An early darkness held in by the towering extinct volcanic peak of Cirque de
Mafate gave time to observe and slowed the morning down, wiping off the
initial froth most surf adventures have. We’re on island time now, dawn is very
different here, and the eastern sun’s lazy rise ensures the people of the west
coast start late, so we should too.
Finding Bruno’s surfer’s temple from the Internet wasn’t easy; with foot on
ground it was clear why. Hundreds of holiday dwellings lie scattered across
the western side of the steep mountain face, all looking private and secluded,
hidden away amongst a low lying dark green scrub. His wooden hand shaped
two-story home perched up high overlooking the bay at St Leu is simply
winning. A Frenchman with a local wife, parasailing gear in the garage,
telescopes and huge glass windows - he knows how to live on the water.
A view over the broadest scope of Indian Ocean had it floating on the sea and in
the clouds. The first sunrays switched on the cobalt blue, with palms filtering the
view straight down the barrel of one of the World’s better left-handers, centre
stage was revealed. High enough to watch swell lines hit the outside of the reef
and refract down the line, close enough to mind-surf the bending walls.
ABOVE: The hike to the top
of Piton De La Fourniase, one
of the worlds most active
volcanoes, is not an easy one,
especially in thongs. Looking
east into the Indian above the
clouds.
BELOW: The west coast of
the island has no real quality
surf, though it does have some
amazing natural features. The
idyllic Niagara Waterfall.
BOTTOM: Reunion Island is
a celebration of many things,
and it’s the people of this island
that make it happen.
C A R N A V A L
A stroll through the ambience of the classy coastal town St Gillie had us
becoming absorbed, perhaps lost. A small grid of clean streets peppered
with the French way and tight with European cars, it could’ve been a summer
in Hossegor for all we knew. Cute beach girls with not much on, tourists
meandering absently, grommets on a small breakwall right… A real kick.
Turning a corner we’re confronted with a streaming mass of people. Noise and
energy paint the day in vibrant colour, costumes and smiles become alive in a
swirl of expression, the people are about to dance. Anticipation sets the heart
racing, screams and jungle beats echo through the laneways and within an
hour an exotic parade is happening down main street. Things went from sleepy
French to boisterous Brazilian in a blink.
The mix of people is broad, they’re celebrating darker days of slavery and
pirates, sugar and coffee, rum and revolutions, African, Indian, French,
88 jan/feb 2012

Chinese and Madagascan to name a few, simply
interpreted as Creole which works just fine right
now, this harmony doesn’t seem to care for
orientation.
Surf adventures deliver all kinds of magic; right
now it’s under the footsteps of a procession
of extravagantly dressed women in costumes,
surging through the crowd. Headpieces captivate,
alluring are the ornate fabrics and their deep
smiles offer an attractive portal into history.
Confident men perform supreme displays of
coordination and strength, flipping and twisting
to loud rhythms from simple taught skins being
beaten to hell. Howls and high music like you’ve
never heard it, clashing symbols, steel clanging,
exhibited by a flamboyant excited people.
Carts of curious food and steaming hotplates
send fierce clouds of aromatic bliss, the scents
of the old world light up a salivating palette.
The mass of people in a Carnaval mood wrap up
around out of sight, island life is bigger than it
seems in the cultural hot pot of this little town.
Wandering into such an intimate display of their
lives make us feel fortunate, out of respect it is
hard to leave.
With the swell now smacking the breakwall
down in the port, we have to make a choice. Hit
that small bar packed with pretty people, or go
ride those waves?
M A R I N E
Black intrusive lava headlands and absent lineups
played testament to the islands mysterious
character. It’s not so much the live coral reefs
riddled with urchins that prove testing - it’s the
past and the present activity from toothed beasts
in the west coasts marine park.
Two months prior to arrival a surfer had been
dismembered up the coast at Boucan. A few
days ago a bodyboarder was mauled and floated
past others in the line up, minus limbs with a
stomach, to be stretchered off the beach in a
body bag. His soul is not the first, or last that this
sea will consume.
It isn’t a free ride here. Knowing your maker
may lie in the dark blue shadows of the channel
continuously haunts the mind, making every
surf a nervous one, so you can forgive the local
fraternity if they seem a little high-strung.
While St Leu is the centerpiece that seems to
have avoided fatalities, the immediate path south
to St Pierre, which is packed tight with numerous
reefs and points that are mostly empty, tells
another story. Head north towards l’Hermitage
there are more regularly surfed locations though
statistically, the water is tainted a darker red.
Talking with a slim Madagascan girl, watching
a left-hander peel off down the line on a river
mouth reef started off like all conversations we’d
been having. She believed that the Bulls are the
notorious pests of these waters that hunt the
fresh waters of the river mouths, where after
heavy rain you’ll be surfing alone. It was the first
or second topic of conversation with tourists and
locals alike, ensuring this surf adventure was
plagued with reminders.
We found solace riding the portside waves of
St Pierre. A high-energy youthful community,
where breakdancing, skateboarding and parkour
are alive on the streets and high performance
surfing is in the water. Watching a group of
European pros working on sponsor photos made
it hard to gauge the local talent, as Le Jetty was
like most surf locations of the island, clustered
packs of surfers paddling over each other hunting
set waves. Sessions ranging from overhead
oily smooth perfection to summer side-shore
mush were great canvases, enabling all types of
surfers some breathing space and moments to let
the feet dangle.
As the sun heads toward the horizon the crowd
thins, though with hours left to surf it’s a race
against the power of the mind to stay out. Dusk
is the time for a higher state of awareness. Play
it safe, or paddle out for one more wave?
F U R N A C E
Circumnavigating the island took a full day.
The south was picturesque, Jurassic, and an
abundance of empty waves. The west coast
from the south is divided up by lava flows that
smoked hot in the morning sun, and stony
riverbeds that carry mountain rain seaward in
the wet season. Further north, idyllic stretches
provide postcard moments but little in the way
of surf. The northern tip with murky waters and
murkier towns didn’t inspire a surf or a photo,
and the surrounds of the countries capital, St
Denis, with it’s industrious city hustle, black sand
and pebbled beaches, concluded a contrasting
collective that had the west coast feeling like the
only place to be. The diversity of this trip around
the island was closer to experiencing a mission
across the world.
On this island, you can reach the top of the
world. High above the clouds with a full view
of the ocean is Piton de la Fournaise, one of the
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
“It isn’t a free ride here.
Knowing your maker may
lie in the dark blue shadows
of the channel continuously
haunts the mind”
Dusk sessions, even here in the shorebreak at
St Leu, are sketchy moments.
jan/feb 2012
89

É UNION
world’s most active volcanos. With
an hour drive and a 3-hour hike you
can peer into the steaming gateway
to hell, unguided. It’s all very intense,
consequential if you make a bad
decision. The experience of a lifetime
requires preparation and a high level
of physical fitness - no fakers at 8,600
feet. If you really want to stand on the
roof of the world, perhaps get closer
to your God, you can do it here.
Reunion is a French Island, and it feels
like that on land. Though in the deep blue
its a mysterious and unforgiving domain.
P O W E R
The wave data was obvious on the
computer, though as I looked at the
stretch of reef directly in front of
Bruno’s, it was concerning. The ledge
on the point was blasting fountains
of water a mile high. Triple overhead
and stacked to the horizon, it was an
awesome display of power.
This most recent computer model was
indicating waves three times this size
for the next coming days. The fetch of
this swell charging around South Africa
was lengthy - a monstrosity charging
our way. Every swell that hit the coast
had played true to its digital word,
and this 18 second 10- 12ft behemoth
wasn’t going to be any different.
A local board shaper made it simple.
“It’s always like this in winter’.
There would be a few days before
this new swell would erupt, and with
the existing swell still pumping, it
provided plenty of time to sample the
unique walls of St Leu.
At a size it’s washing the kids to the
end of the line while the old boys sit
super far out, and only the European
pros knew where to sit for the thicker
inside waves that grind more powerfully
through to the inside. Assessing the
impending dogleg more accurately and
picking off a keg was the key.
There is power in the water and in
the surfers. A local legend known
for enforcement confronted me with
garbled English, his name apparently
Tarzan. I laughed at his comedic size, a
huge man with massive hands gripping
the paddle of his SUP craft, waving
it in my face. A local supported my
chuckle as we both saw his act as a
harmless one. An Aussie compatriot
was told to f*ck off by a big, burly,
bearded Creole giant on the inside,
which kept his sessions short. Yet it’s
far from the aggressive gladiatorial
stadium it was rumoured to be.
The outside of the wave is relatively
slow for a reef wave, though the
dogleg towards the inside delivers the
power. Reef surprise boiling in front
of you while the lip dances above,
waiting to be smashed. After a day
90 jan/feb 2012

The golden hour at dusk sees empty waves peel off everywhere.
With toothy beasts patrolling these w aters, it wouldn’t matter if
was flawless - the line up would still be empty.
The famous left-hander of
St Leu - it’s a canvas open
to all types of artists.
TRAVEL: PLANE TRIP
“After a day of riding this wave the fatigue is revealed through sore hips and legs... It’s a pleasurable pain”
jan/feb 2012
91

92 jan/feb 2012

“Closing days
the French
way is good
for morale.”
of riding this wave the fatigue is revealed through sore hips and legs, and
the back of the calf aching from being spring loaded for 20 seconds at a
time. It’s a pleasurable pain.
It was the fourth block of cheese and eighth bottle of wine. Closing days
the French way is good for morale. Sitting fireside at dusk we watched
the new swell march in with a front of low cloud and rain. The sound
we’d heard on arrival again made it’s way up into Bruno’s house, and at
daybreak a thick haze over St Leu revealed true Indian power. Bombs
exploded on the nearby reefs and the swell lines stacked to horizon made
it clear the boards in the bag were far too small.
The following three days were testing times to be in the hunt for waves.
Sets maxed out in the 15ft range, and winds howled offshore. There were
no surfers around, and St Leu was an out of control nightmare. Driving the
full length of the western side of the island numerous times only fuelled
the frustration. With an abundance of swell and no known locations to
surf, it became a souring taste by the third day. A ski would’ve been great,
so would’ve massive écrous, as any surf was going to be alone.
News came that The Cove up towards St Denis was firing, though with a
flight to make time was not on our side. St Leu would be the last shot and
be the closing chapter. Massive sets washed through and pushed wide
off the reef, the line up was empty, and so was the feeling in the pit of
the stomach. Having fears ruin an opportunity to close the surfing chapter
wasn’t going to happen was it?
C L O S I N G
An outpost of forgotten cultures, a full stop in the sea, this is an island
where you can simply be yourself. While it’s a land of many things, it’s in
the mind where you’ll find challenge and celebration. Towering peaks to
drift high, long ocean horizons to sail at peace and broad smiles creating
mystery and intrigue to delve into. You’ll take more with you than reef cuts
and tanned skin.
On Bourbon Island, the Reunion in the sea, you’ll have read many books.
Though as you’ll now know, it’s ok to have not finished.
Jay Killvan. www.killvan.com
jan/feb 2012
93

BUSINESS PROMOTION
TRAVEL: PEOPLE
WORLDLY WISE
THE KEY TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A CHARTERED SURF TRIP IS OBVIOUSLY ENLISTING THE HELP OF
SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE GO. GOOD GUIDE, GOOD TRIP. BAD GUIDE, A WASTE OF MONEY.
Let’s face it, if you are going to spend your hard-earned and book a surf travel package to another country, you sure as hell want your
money’s worth and to score some cracking waves. With the surf season kicking off in the Maldives in March, World Surfaris would like
to introduce you to their team of surf guide professionals in the area, so you know who you’ll be hanging out with when you arrive.
YUSREE ‘EASY’
Handhu (Outer Atolls, Male
and Central Atolls)
Easy by name and easy
by nature - YUSREE is
a laidback, chilled and
committed guide. Making
a study of swell charts and
gauging your ability early on
‘Easy’ creates crowd-dodging
itineraries and his almost
supernatural predictions
repeatedly land you in dream
swell. A local with local
knowledge, with Yusree it’s
all too ‘Easy’.
RICHARD & AMY
Hudhuranfushi Resort
(Male Atoll)
Married in 2009, RICHARD
AND AMY KOTCH live a
dreamy lifestyle, chasing
the southern swells in the
Maldives from Apr – Oct and
the North swells in Micronesia
Nov - Mar. The duo are an
unbeatable pair and very
handy with a camera snapping
at you happily as you surf
the best that Hudhuranfushi
and surrounding breaks have
to offer.
NAHU
Manta (Male Atolls)
NAHU is another local
Maldivian. His innate
knowledge of swell
directions, tidal behaviour
and wind effects on the
breaks in the Male Atolls is
the result of many years of
surfing in the area.
Nahu leaves the crowd
behind as he predicts the
right spots, days outside
of the arrival of the swell.
Repeated good feedback has
always highlighted Nahu as
a real asset to the vessel
- the super-comfortable
Manta. He’s one of your
best mates that you haven’t
met yet.
The Ocean Divine...
Serious luxury
complete with chef,
masseuse & more
GAVIN & ADRIAN
Ocean Divine (Male Atolls)
Ocean Divine is what you’d
get if you could float a 5-star
world class surf resort. It’s
the one vessel which we
recommend bringing a nonsurfing
partner.
GAVIN CLARK is a paramedic
for the Billabong team. When
he’s not stitching up the
pros in Tahiti he’s guiding on
the Ocean Divine. Having a
western guide that knows
the Male region well is real
treat. He’ll give you a full
rundown on break behaviour
and then keep a watchful
eye over you. Gavin’s surf
guiding fits in perfectly with
the Ocean Divine’s once-in-a
lifetime experience.
ADRIAN HOWE is an
Englishman with an
incredible passion for surfing
and travel, which he’s
done for the past decade.
An astute surfguide with
attention for detail, he
studies the swell models
and has intimate knowledge
of the Male Atoll breaks.
It’s safety first with Adrian,
as he ensures you’re well
supervised in the line-up.
Apart from that, he’s a great
guy with a big heart and gets
on well with everyone. When
he’s not in the Maldives he
calls Lennox Heads home.
STUMPY, PLAZO, DAVE & ANDY
Handhu-Fahli (Outer Atolls, Male
and Central Atolls)
Handhu Fahli is one of the
few vessels in the Maldives
that offer western guides, all
genuinely stoked on getting
you the swell of a lifetime.
As Aussies they’ll do the
best to pick the waves and
the breaks that suit your
groups expectations. With
the Sunshine Coast as home,
these guys work on a 6-10
week roster to ensure they
don’t burn out.
PETER ‘STUMPY’ WALLACE
Veteran surfer and well
known Sunshine Coast
shaper, Stumpy has enjoyed
eight years of surf guiding
on Handhu Fahli and is one
of the first crew to surf the
outer Atolls. He knows the
region better than any guide.
GRANT ‘PLAZO’ BANNING
started work for World
Surfaris in 2000 on Haveyli
and treasures his Maldives
stint each year. A handy
natural footer who likes to
pull into hollow end sections
on his single fin, Plazo is a
waterman who loves surfing,
fishing and diving... And
hates crowds. He’ll avoid
them at all costs and sneak
off to some secret spot to
max out your surf time.
ANDY SCHWARTZ
The grom of our guides and
new to the Handhu Fahli
as of last season, Andy is a
committed and surf focused
guide. When he’s not seeing
to your every surf need
on the Handhu Fahli he’s
charging 15ft Shipsterns or
guiding in Samoa for the
off-season. His knowledge of
the Male region is incredible
and his enthusiasm for life
is infectious. Andy will have
you amping for surfing,
fishing or just mucking
around in general.
DAVE BEASLEY
This big, smiley natural
footer has been guiding for
World Surfaris for the past
six seasons. Dave is super
surf focused with great
knowledge of the Male Atoll
breaks. Like all our guides, he
avoids crowds. With his very
relaxed and friendly manner
plus his didge playing skills,
Dave is sure to be a highlight
of your trip
Now you know the faces
and it’s time to discover the
places... To plan your next
Maldives surf trip, find all
the information you need at
www.worldsurfaris.com
94 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
95

ISE
While Australian surfers have descended on Bali in the
chase for wave perfection for decades, thanks to the rise
in popularity of snowboarding over the last ten years or
so, adventure-seeking Aussies are now heading to Japan
in the chase for snow perfection too. The Japanese snow
season coincides with the Australian summer and for those
who are keen to trade their boardies and rashie for a jacket
and beanie the rewards can be spectacular.
96 jan/feb 2012

KO
WORDS & PHOTOS: GUS BROWN
jan/feb 2012
97

Dreaming of white powder...
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JAPAN
SNOW
PACKAGES
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$790*
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SURF SAMOA OR THE MALDIVES FOR $650* Contact us for more details
WWW.SNOWSURFTRAVEL.COM.AU
98 jan/feb 2012
*see website for more details

THE TRIP
BEGINS...
With only a few previous
snowboarding experiences I headed
over to Niseko with my partner
and friends in the beginning of the
Japanese spring (early March) on the
promise of vast snowfields covered
in perfect powder. Although Japan
has a choice of highly-regarded
snowfields, some of my companions
had travelled to Niseko the year
before and come back with stories
of buckets of snow, long uncrowded
runs and hospitable locals. This
presented as a real opportunity to
fulfil my snowboarding dreams.
TRAVEL: SNOW
SAPPORO
NISEKO
HOKKAIDO
JAPAN
KYUSHU
SHIKOKU
HONSHU
HOKKAIDO
We arrived on the cusp of the peak
season (early February 2011), which
represented the beginning of the
“Japanese Spring.”
Spring is slightly misleading though,
as the snow hardly stopped falling
and during the two-week trip there
was only one mildly warm day where
the temperature rose above zero.
Perfect.
WHERE
WERE WE
On the southwest side of the northern
Japanese island of Hokkaido, Niseko
is located only 35km from the Sea of
Japan, which on a clear day can be
seen from the mountain tops.
Niseko has an average yearly
snowfall of about 14m, primarily
due to it’s location from which the
relatively warm ocean which meets
the cool airstreams from Siberia.
It has a reputation for some of the
finest, driest powder in the world and
consistently ranks as one of the top
ski resorts in the world.
jan/feb 2012
99

TOP: Ben and Mick in the gondola
chasing first tracks
FAR RIGHT: View of Mt Yoeti
RIGHT: The bar is open
MIDDLE: Tammy cruises along
100 jan/feb 2012

STAYING
Accommodation options are broad from
staying in a Pension (hostel) to a range
of high-end hotels and residences. We
chose to stay in the main Hirafu area,
as it has direct access to the largest of
the ski areas also walking access to a
range of restaurant and bar options.
The closer to the base of the mountains
you are, generally the more expensive
the accommodation is, however most
of your options are within walking
distance to the chairlifts.
TRAVEL: SNOW
EATING
While we came for the snow, the
food definitely represents another
great reason to travel to the Japanese
snowfields. There are enough dining
options within Hirafu village that during
our two week stay, we didn’t have to eat
at the same establishment twice.
The food on offer is very different to
our regular staples, with a large variety
of vegetables, seafood and meats
served in soups and with rice. Mind
you, be careful of what you order, as
it doesn’t always work out in favour
of the western palate - after a big day
of skiing, some cold raw mince and
noodles topped with a raw egg yolk
didn’t quite hit the spot, but hey, that’s
part of the experience...
SO?
For two weeks of snowboarding in
fantastic conditions you can get away
with about $5K per person - cheaper
or more expensive depending on what
your personal preferences are - but hey,
snowboarding has never been cheap.
I definitely rate myself as an average
snowboarder, but I had some of the
most exhilarating experiences of my
life claiming first tracks in the higher
parts of the Hirafu area. Floating on
half a metre of powder was a new
experience and the combined feelings
of weightlessness and speed - what
I imagine flight would be like - is a
sensation that made the trip to Niseko
well worth it. Future trips have a
lot to live up to. Continually stoked
Ben Hewitt, one of our travelling
companions, has been all over the
world snowboarding and rates Niseko
as his number one destination and the
lucky bugger is back again this year!
KNOW
THE NOSH
ETIMAMAY Boiled and salted soya
beans that keep the beer tasting great.
Chew the bean and spit out the husk,
this is the eastern equivalent to the
salted peanut.
GYOZA A Japanese style dumpling
that is boiled then fried and served
with a range of dipping sauces.
OKONOMYAKI This is best described
as Japanese savoury pancake.
Comprising of a batter, and ingredients
including cabbage, bacon, mayonnaise
and sweet sauce, although there are
many variants.
SUSHIMI Thinly sliced raw meats.
RAMEN Japanese noodle dish served
in a meat or seafood based broth with
extras including vegetable, meats,
seaweed and tofu.
TEPPANYAKI This refers to the
process of cooking meats and seafood
as well as vegetables on a flat hotplate
that is heated over gas. But the cool
trick is that it is generally you, the
patron that cooks the food.
TEMPURA Lightly battered vegetables
and seafood that is dipped in sauces.
Good stuff!
YAKITORI Skewered and grilled meats
and seafood.
jan/feb 2012
101

HIRAFU
The largest ski field in the Mt
Niseko An’nupuri area. Hirafu
has enough for everyone with
beginner and family areas
ranging to advanced runs,
which can be accessed close to
the 1,308m summit.
The mountain is made up of
long, clear runs with large
areas of trees as you head
down the mountain. Night
skiing/boarding is also
available in this area up until
about 9pm at night.
UP &
ABOUT
HANAZONO
This area can be accessed by
bus or from the Hirafu area. It’s
for the guns and the beginners.
With a massive half-pipe and
plenty of big jumps for the
risk takers, this is where the
hot Japanese boarders hang
out. Also on this part of the
mountain are some of the
longest casual green runs that
really give newbies a chance to
develop their confidence.
NISEKO
VILLAGE
Fairly narrow and quite steep,
this appeared to be more
popular with skiers rather than
boarders.
Well worth a run down to
the imposing looking Hilton
building which dominates the
landscape.
ANNUPURI
This was one of our favourite
areas, well suited to the
beginner and intermediate
snowboarder. Serviced by one
main gondola that gets you
back high on the mountain
in one trip, it’s easy to cover
plenty of ground boarding for a
few hours here. This was also
the least crowded of the areas,
although overall, crowds were
not really an issue at all.
Moving between the different areas can be done by negotiating lifts and traversing the mountains,
or by catching the regular resort buses - which are included in ticket prices. Individual lift tickets can
be purchased for the Annupuri, Niseko Village, and Grand Hirafu - which includes Hirafu and
Hanazono - or alternately, as an all mountain pass, the Niseko United Pass. You’re looking at about
$75 for a one-day pass, or less, depending on the number of days you’re staying.
102 jan/feb 2012

The Niseko United ski field area is made up of 4 main areas; Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and
Hanazono. The Hirafu area was officially opened as a ski resort in 1961 and due to the consistency of conditions
and subsequent popularity has continued to develop into the vast network of lifts and resorts that it is today.
TRAVEL: SNOW
ELSEWHERE
If you’re keen to get off the
beaten track there are also a
range of backcountry boarding
experiences that can be
undertaken, but it’s important
to make use of professional
guides when doing so, as the
mountain is massive and the
snow is deep.
Each area has its day,
depending on the direction of
the wind, but between these
areas there’s plenty to explore.
Over the two weeks, even
though we were finding new
runs each day, I’m sure there
were plenty left unexplored.
jan/feb 2012
103

EQUIPMENT
DRINKS
Alcohol in general is
inexpensive, particularly
spirits, which can
be purchased at
convenience stores for
cheaper than duty free
prices.
The main beers include
Asashi, Sapporo and
Kirin but our choice on
tap and in the can was
definitely Sapporo. On
tap, beer is about $5
for the equivalent of a
schooner.
The famous rice wine,
Saki - which in my
assessment tastes
similar to fermented
urine - is a must try, if
only as an exercise in
cultural appreciation.
Other recommended
alcoholic beverages
include Sours (a fruit
flavoured spritzer) and
any of the countless
varieties of peach wine.
RELAXING
Onsens are popular in
Japan and there are
many around the area.
These are basically bathhouses
which utilise the
naturally geo-thermally
heated, mineral rich
waters which permeate
from the mountains.
They are the perfect cure
to a world of body pains
and aches after a big
day of boarding. But, it’s
important to note that
to use these onsens one
must be buck-naked...
It is cold... Bloody cold,
in Niseko... A lot colder
than in the Australian
snowfields, so make sure
you get some high quality
gear. The winds on top of
the slopes can go right
through you and given
there is so much powder
when you cook it, snow
goes everywhere.
I made the mistake of
getting some cheap, fake
crap off eBay and paid
the price. I eventually
had to endure the shame
of admitting defeat and
heading to one of the
snow shops for some
replacements. We were
advised that generally it’s
much cheaper and more
sensible to get gear at
home.
ABOVE: Pink pants are not only
fashionable, but a good safety
precaution in the powder
RIGHT: A surf shop in the snow... Check out the Gentem Stick Store when in Niseko
104 jan/feb 2012

JAPAN
jan/feb 2012
105

Classic Surf t-shirts from Surfing Legends
GETTING THERE
Flights leave from all capital cities to Tokyo.
From Tokyo, an internal flight is required to the
New Chitose Airport where you can access a
shuttle bus to take you to the mountains. The
more adventurous and time rich can take a train
journey from Tokyo to Sapporo, then to Kutchan
which is only a short distance to Niseko.
Bing, Blue Cheer, Weber, Brewer, Noll, Hansen, Harbour, Hobie, Holden, Ike,
Jacobs, August, Sunshine,Velzy, Tom Hale, Tyler, Walden, Yater & many more...
lastwaveoriginals@gmail.com • Call 0400 497 534 • www.lastwave.com
2011 TOHOKU
EARTHQUAKE &
TSUNAMI
On the second last day of our trip we turned
on the television in the hotel room and came
across live images of the devastation of
the Tsunami. Until that moment we were
completely unaware of the events unfolding
in the country we were staying. Although high
in the mountains and completely safe, the
emotions and reality of the unfolding disaster
really impacted.
Some of our travelling companions were in
Tokyo and experienced the tremors firsthand.
When flying over the Japanese coastline
returning to Tokyo there was clear evidence
of the devastation which claimed over 18,000
lives from up in the air. The passengers
were silent as they stared out the windows,
digesting what had occurred below and the
impacts on the country and it’s people.
It’s important to note that although a relatively
small country, the snowfields were completely
safe and removed from impact of this disaster.
Choosing to travel to Japan can only be of
benefit and will help the country in the efforts
to try and return to some form of normality.
LINKS
For more information and details on the
various runs, see the Niseko United Website
www.niseko.ne.jp/en/
For great ski holiday packages see:
www.snowsurftravel.com.au and
www.skijapan.com
106 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
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RONU
MY HOME TOWN
With a different approach to our regular local surf town focus, Ben Horvath gives us his own personal insight
into what makes the ‘The Nulla’ tick and the people who make up this tight-knit surf community along with a
rundown on the quality breaks in the region.
Here is Bate Bay and Beyond. A local perspective of the geography, proximity,
politics and people of The Nulla. WRITTEN AND EDITED BY BEN HORVATH
110 jan/feb 2012

LLA:
LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Looking south to Jibbon Head and The Royal National
Park from the southern confines of The Kurnell Peninsula
at Voodoo. Bate Bay is full of waves, powerful reefbreaks
and 5km of beachies. PHOTO: Craig Stroh
jan/feb 2012
111

THE GOOD
“Andy King and I were talking about how many reefs we
actually have to surf around Cronulla. We concluded that
we don’t know of anywhere in Australia that’s got as
many reefs within a 10 km radius. I reckon from Bundeena
to Kurnell Point we have a good 15 to 20 quality waves
that we hunt down and surf, and that’s not including the
beach breaks.”
Jeremy Hrbac underground Cronulla goofyfoot charger.
Jeremy’s quote highlights the fact that there are literally
dozens of hollow reef breaks of consequence in close
proximity. Cronulla’s reefs have bred generations of
committed, lifelong local surfers who charge. Add the
variety of almost 5 km’s of surfable beach breaks, then
factor in the beauty of the surrounding waterways and
take into account that Cronulla is close enough to the city
to be able to afford a cab ride home from a night out in
Central Sydney or Kings Cross.
“We’ve Got The Best
Of Both Worlds Here”
Therein lies the difference between Cronulla and most
surf enclaves in Australia. There’s world class waves all
within close proximity to the city, airport and a train line.
On the other hand at just over 30 clicks from central
Sydney, Cronulla is also far enough away to feel relaxed
and free. Look south from the beach and all you see is
the natural bushland of The Royal National Park. You
really can balance the best of both worlds, which is why
Cronulla is quite unique. Truth is these days it is pretty
urban, but there’s still a hint of the old relaxed coastal
town vibe and village atmosphere. It really is a great
place for a single surfer or family to live, or visit. A classic
Australian suburb steeped in surfing history.
Speaking of surfing history, make sure you log onto
Chris Stroh’s Cronulla Surfing Museum website. You can
read and view pictures of all the names from Cronulla’s
decorated past and keep abreast of emerging talent,
both contest surfers and local reef charging legends
alike. Go to www.cronullasurfingmuseum.com.au.
Alternatively for a glossy colour print version of Cronulla’s
recent surfing history get your hands on a copy of John
Veage’s “Southern Surf” at Jackson Surfboards, Unleash
bookstore at Westfield Miranda and Regallo gifts at
Woolooware.
You can also view the historic Surfing Gallery in Cronulla
Mall next to the library, or read info and view similar
photos online at:
www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
For more general tourism information and things to do at
Cronulla and the greater Sutherland Shire go to:
www.sutherlandshireaustralia.com.au
“I love it all, seriously.
I’m well aware of the
stereotype of living in
the Shire bubble, but I
wouldn’t have it any other
way. The bad points I
would say are the traffic
in summer and that
Voodoo doesn’t break
every day.”
Blake Johnston, Cronulla Surfing Academy
112 jan/feb 2012

LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Terapai laying into a cruisy, soul arch bottom
turn on an epic Winter’s day at Cronulla Point
in June 2011. PHOTO Whittaker/oceanart.com
jan/feb 2012
113

CRONULLA:
MY HOME TOWN
BOOK NOW
Adult Classes Daily
KIDS, BEGINNERS &
INTERMEDIATE
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL
& WEEKENDS
January to February
Tel 9544 0895
www.cronullasurfschool.com
You are able to now book and pay online
The Bad
It seems like just the other day that I
was first introduced to the hike over
the vast desert like sand dunes with
my older sister’s boyfriend and his
buddies at Greenhills. I vividly recall
struggling into my steamer before
bolting out into perfect empty winter
rip bowls on my Hot Buttered single
fin. That was back in the early 80s
when I was a wide - eyed grommet.
These days the dunes are long gone,
and work has just started on a new
subdivision right where the towering
dunes we once trudged over to
escape the crowds once lay.
Everyone who flies into Sydney pretty
much zooms straight over the top off
Kurnell - the birthplace of the nation,
Captain Cook’s original invading/settling
place. I must admit that whenever
I jet over the top, I can’t help but
flash on how ironic it is that the very
things that originally attracted Cook
to land just north of The Nulla – like
the natural beauty of the foreshore,
the safety of the sheltered mooring,
and the abundance of fish and wildlife
are barely recognisable today.
In fact against the modern backdrop
of raped sand dunes, the oil refinery,
desalination plant and associated
industrial pollution, most believe
the local council and various state
governments have a lot to answer for,
but I digress.
“The one and only gripe I have about
Cronulla is the people responsible
for raping our sand hills should be
flogged and banished for life. When
we were grommets we always had
sick rip bowls and banks because of
the dunes.”
Howie, Triple Bull/Cronulla Surf Design
The Ugly
The much publicised ugly racial
tensions or so called Cronulla Riots
that exploded that sad Sunday back
in December 2005 were part urban
growing pains, part insular localism,
but mostly a wave of antipathy to
multiculturism that swept through
the burbs during the Howard/Hanson/Bush
era. Exacerbated by fear
and hostility towards Muslims the
political fear campaign whipped up
by the talk back shock jocks with
their constant rallying against boat
people, terrorism and the then long
standing State Labour government
led by Lakemba based Premier Morris
Iemma virtually guaranteed electoral
populism at the time.
That sad, explosion of alcoholism,
poor policing and confused flag
waving patriotism mostly from day
trippers did taint Cronulla’s reputation
politically, financially and socially for
several years. It hurt innocent local
businesses, real estate prices and
even kept general beach going visitor
numbers down for a year or two.
Bright Future
In hindsight the Cronulla community
learnt that cultural interaction can
generate frictions: Communities can
and do learn from history regarding
what sociologists call ‘bridging social
capital’, that underpinning of trust
between communities that forms the
basis for productive diversity, or they
can choose not to learn and suffer the
consequences.
In Cronulla’s case, signs of positive
change are highly visible. Cronulla
is rapidly developing into a more
114 jan/feb 2012

I’m not saying there is anything bad about
Andy King’s nice pit behind the pools, but the
industrial backround the dunes once blocked
sure ain’t so pretty. PHOTO Craig Stroh.
Council maintenance of The Wall in
2008 cost millions. The sand slug will
help protect The Wall and improve
the waves. PHOTO Horvath.
tolerant, multicultural suburb with
a more diverse array of cafes and
restaurants. Equally encouraging
are signs that visiting day trippers
seem more respectful of the
local environment and the local
community. real estate prices are
again on the rise and comparable
to the northern beaches. What
went down those crazy few days
back in 05 really could have happened
anywhere – during the ugly
politics of that era, turns out most
of the protagonists caught the
train to town that day!
A Valued
Resource
In 2008, the Cronulla surfing fraternity
enjoyed a good news story.
Cronulla was named a National
Surfing Reserve.
Bate Bays iconic coastline
encompassing seven unique surf
spots known to local surfers as
Sandshoes, Shark Island, Cronulla
Point, North Cronulla, Greenhill’s,
Merries Reef and Voodoo were
recognised and will be protected.
Cronulla joined other iconic
Australian surf spots like Bells
Beach, Angourie, Lennox Head,
Crescent Head, Maroubra, North
Narrabeen, Margaret River and
Kalbarri on the revered list.
For more on the declaration of the
Cronulla surfing reserve visit the
National Surfing Reserves website
at www.surfingreserves.org
Sand Slug
After a big storm swell Cronulla’s
beaches can often be left devoid
of sand, particularly in front of
The Wall. In the last decade or
so Sutherland Shire Council have
spent millions on maintaining both
the structure of The Seawall and
replenishing sand after storms.
Andrew Pitt - a surfing reef
architect - organised a local Bate
Bay Sand Placement Committee to
consult with council back in 2010.
The committee - “Dippy” Depena,
Brad Whittaker, John Veage, Paul
“Tommy” Tyler and I decided that
when council next dredges nearby
Port Hacking to clear boating
channels the sand shouldn’t just
be dumped randomly off North
Cronulla Beach. As local surfers
we viewed such practices as a
missed opportunity.
In early 2012 the sand from the
Port Hacking dredge will be carefully
placed to form what Andrew
calls a ‘Sand Slug.’
Andrew said, “The sand will be
dumped in water between four
and eight metres deep to form
a two hectare sand slug about
250-400 metres offshore. The
sand slug should improve surfing
opportunities inshore by inducing
peaks instead of closeouts.”
For more on Andrew’s excellent
idea go to his website
www.surfingramps.com.au
jan/feb 2012
115

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116 jan/feb 2012

Joes Milkbar at The Alley was an epic old hang
and meeting place. Cronulla Boardriders crew
chilling outside Joes back in 92. - Photo Veage
LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Cronulla’s Colourful Past And Strong Club Culture
Generations of grommets have
been surfing in and around Bate
Bay since 1914, when Hawaiian
Olympic swimming champion Duke
Kahanamoko introduced his longboard
to an enthusiastic swimming public.
The fascination with surfing continued
to grow, spurred on by the Californians
in the 1950s when they brought their
short Malibu boards to Cronulla. The
new boards were embraced by the
members of the surf clubs along the
Cronulla beaches and a Sutherland
Shire surfing culture was born.
Bounded on three sides by water
Cronulla was fairly isolated with travel
in and out of the area fairly difficult
prior to the opening of Captain Cook
Bridge in the sixties. Hot summer
weekends in the fifties and early
sixties would bring thousands of
beachgoers to Cronulla by train and of
course they still do.
Long time local and Cronulla Surf
School owner Mark Aprilovic said,
“Beach culture has always been part
of Cronulla’s heritage and is deeply
entrenched in the make-up of its
people and traditions.” In the 50s Surf
Carnivals included Malibu boardriding
events and the late Bobby Brown, a
member of Wanda Surf Club started
winning everything.
Within a few years Malibu riders split
from the surf clubs and boardriders
clubs began to appear. The original
Cronulla Boardriders Club was
established in the early sixties, with
surfers such as Ken Williams, Brian
Jackson, Terry Tumeth and Frank Latta
being members. The Club was very
successful with a huge membership
and survived until 1966. According to
club historian Larry Beaver the ferry
cruise organised by the club turned out
to be a pretty wild night. Brian (Jacko)
Jackson hit the water even before the
ferry had left the wharf. Apparently the
aftermath of the ferry cruise was what
brought the club down.
The late Keith Paul was on that ferry
cruise. Keith was just one of many top
surfers of those days that had moved
to Cronulla. Graham Black, Peter
Townsend and Michael Peterson all
spent lengthy periods surfing in and
around Cronulla as did Martin Potter
in the 80s.
Bobby Brown was a member of the
elite Windansea Club and his younger
brother Terry, who had also performed
well in the Surf Club events, joined
Wanda Beach Boardriders Club. WBBR
as it was known was formed in 1965
and survived officially until the mid
70s, however past members will argue
that the club is still alive in spirit.
After Cronulla Boardriders folded it
didn’t take long for a new club to be
formed. Heaps of good surfers in that
period lived in the nearby St George
area, north of Botany Bay - Captain
Cook Bridge had opened. The new club
was named St. George Boardriders
Club. A lot of Cronulla surfers
followed the St. George Rugby League
team back then, prior to the Sharks
formation. St George was a very strong
club; however by 1972 there was
something like seven boardriders clubs
in Cronulla. Most of them folded during
the mid to late 70s.
In 1978 a new Cronulla Boardriders
Club was established. This club, known
as the Cronulla Sharks has been going
ever since and is one of the strongest
shortboard clubs in the country. 1999
world champion Mark Occhilupo is the
most famous member of the Sharks
and Occy still occasionally returns to
the Nulla to have a surf with the club.
A year or two later a second strong
shortboard club was formed – Elouera
Boardriders Club or EBC. According
to current club president Paul ‘Chook’
Holbrook EBC’s most famous son Glen
‘Ballboy’ Pringle has won 10 club titles,
several Aussie Titles and had a brief,
but successful stint on the ASP world
tour. EBC is arguably just as strong as
Cronulla these days and the friendly
rivalry between the two is legendary
in these parts. The annual King Of The
Beach interclub comp sponsored by
Triple Bull is always won by either EBC
or Cronulla Sharks.
Throughout the seventies and early
eighty’s a few mals were still being
ridden. In 1984 a Cronulla mal rider
named Dave Ryan won the Byron Bay
Malibu Classic from a field of 96. The
final was a tough one with John Giles
and Rusty Miller finishing second and
third respectively. At the presentation
Dave pledged that he would start up a
Malibu Club in Cronulla on his return.
Later that year in the spring, the
Southside Malibu Boardriders Club
was born. Within 3 months the club
had about 30 keen members. Luke
Streater, Paul Lawson and Paul Van
Dam were original members and are
still members today. Photographer
Tim Vanderlaan was an early member
of the club as was Dave Wilson and
son Dane. Initial sponsors were most
notably Jackson Surfboards and
Malibu Rum. Jackson Surfboards are
still a major sponsor of the club today.
Southside Malibu Club Cronulla Inc.
now has over 100 members.
jan/feb 2012
117

Michael Mackie was equally at home in the tube
at Shark Island or blazing on the beaches before
he moved down south to Ulludulla.
PHOTO Chris Stroh cronullasurfmuseum.com.au
The Surfing Fraternity
Cronulla surfers are generally well
travelled – honed on powerful
reefbreaks, most are competent tube
riders, but are equally adept in mushy
beachies and quite competitive due
to the historically strong boardriding
club culture. In 2012 Cronulla is
currently home to eight boardriding
clubs - Cronulla Sharks, EBC – Elouera
Boardriders Club, Cronulla Point, Cronulla
Christian Surfers, Sandshoes, Cronulla
Girls, Southside Malibu and North
Cronulla Juniors. Add Cronulla SUP, East
Coast SUP and Alliance SUP, three major
surf schools – Cronulla Surf School,
Cronulla Surfing Academy and Sutherland
Shire Standup Paddle School, plus the
strong bodyboarding community and it
can seem like there’s a junior, club, team,
longboard, pro am or surf school lesson
on every second bank some weekends,
not to mention the regular surf club
carnivals, nippers and the like. Somehow
though there are enough waves to go
around, and generally everyone respects
each other and gets along well.
The three strongest clubs have
embraced social media. Cronulla
Sharks have a facebook page www.
facebook.com/people/Cronulla-Sharks-
Boardriders/754069144. Elouera –
ebcsurf.com.au and Southside Malibu
Club – www.southsidemalibu.com.au
Everyone has heard of Cronulla’s most
famous competitive surfers – names
like Bobby Brown, Jim Banks, Mark
Occhilupo, Gary Green, Richard Marsh,
Adam Brown, Phil Macdonald and Kirk
Flintoff - are household names, surfers
synonymous with Cronulla’s evolution.
Perhaps more interesting and often
overlooked is the sheer number of
dedicated and incredibly talented every
day surfers from Cronulla – unheralded
crew who charge serious waves
whenever the swells up. At the risk of
sounding a tad parochial I truly believe
that Cronulla was and still is home to
some of the lowest key, competent
tube riding reef riders in Australia. Ross
Marshall, Michael Mackie, Alby Ross,
Kev Cassidy, Richard James, Mark
Ryan, Gary Hughes, Rod Baldwin, Rusty
Moran, Stuart Darcy, Rod Katis, Roachy,
Jonesy, Andrew Linegar, Mark Moylan,
James Bickerton, Dean Whiteman,
Mick Marjenovic, Simon Taylor, Matty
Hurworth, Damien Hodge, Stu Nettle,
Sparrow, Tweeky, Boots, Liddy and Barty
are all well known Cronulla surfers
who have moved away as crowds have
escalated, but they’re not forgotten.
They all cut their teeth and made a name
for themselves pulling into slabs on
Cronulla’s reefs or shredding the beaches
before resettling up and down the coast
in search of more chilled surrounds.
The Cronulla surfing fraternity has also
sadly lost too many brothers prematurely
over the years. Great surfers like Troy
‘Nugget’ Dennehy, Brett ‘Beaver’
Schwiekle, Andrew Murphy, Shane
Pringle, Pete Smith, Geoff Soleness,
Richard Herbert and Wilbar are local
legends that have passed prematurely in
my 30 plus years of surfing in Bate Bay’s
playground.
Thankfully stacks of individuals – core
committed surfers of the caliber of Chris
Iredale, Gerry Manion, Steve Austin,
Grant Coulter, Sean Charters, Jeremy
Hrbac, Matty Griggs, Andy King, Daryl
Van Der Polder, Fletch, Steve Hare, Graig
Naylor, Hendo, Ross Macdonald, The
Tyte brothers, Phil Carey, The Finbars,
Ashley Gee, Terepai Richmond, Scotty
Yealland, Grant Muir, Craig Cordingley,
Caleb Maclean, Greg and Dave McKinley,
Scotty Baxter, Glen Pringle, Stuart Gooch,
Gav Aked, Wylie Fowler, Danny Maloney,
Leigh Jackson, Luke Weinert, Todd
Mingram, Joel Ethrington, The Johnston
bros, Richie Brown, Ricky Marshall,
Maurer, Sullos, Hogan, Winney, Gaddes,
Macca, Batesy, Sharpy, Raindog, Smurf,
Muzz, Con, Cabbo, Ballard, Jenkins,
Brutzsky, Palmer, Cammo, Durbin,
Browny, Warren, Dewey, Tyler, Blue,
Bonning, Gorrell, Chooko, Brains, Muffin,
Wigs, The Mulders, Vassey, Irvine, The
Horner’s, The Wallace’s, Crispy, Madden
and dozens more I would love to mention
are doing a fine job of flying the flag.
There’s also a whole new gen of young
shredders led by Dyl Haylar, Dyl Hannah,
Rory Jenkins and The Robbo’s in Cronulla
and Jake Stalker, Conner O Leary, Joey
Sears and Ben Dewhurst in EBC who are
making a name for themselves on the
contest scene.
118 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
119

RONULL
So Many Surf
Bate Bay faces south southeast and
Voodoo and the rest of the offshore
Merries reefs serve as a block to
shorter period northeast swells, often
rendering the beachbreaks flat for
days on end at the height of summer.
That said, there are so many positive
aspects to being a Cronulla surfer. The
positives far outweigh the negatives
when comparing Cronulla to many
other sections of Australia’s surf
drenched coastline.
The close proximity of the Royal
National Park and the South Coast
makes it easy to escape south-ward
during summer’s northeast-induced
flat spells. Besides Sandshoes, Shelley
(if you’re desperate), Island lefts or
The Alley do offer some respite in
small northeast dribble.
During autumn, winter and sometimes
even spring, Cronulla can really turn
it on. There’s such a huge variety of
waves on offer, ranging from average
to sometimes perfect beach breaks.
Cronulla’s beachies from The Alley to
Greenhill’s encompassing The Wall,
Elouera, Midway; John Davey and
Wanda are more consistent than most
of Sydney’s beachbreaks in any swell
from the south.
Bate Bay houses Sydney’s longest
beach at 4.8 km in length with the
wilderness of the Greenhill’s Beach
and dunes in the north. The beach
sweeps in an arc beginning at Pimelwi
Rocks at Boat Harbour, through
Greenhill’s and along the patrolled
areas of Wanda, Elouera, North
Cronulla and The Alley.
The beachbreaks from Elouera North
through to Greenhill’s are generally
at their best in small to mediumsized
southeast to south swells in
the 3 to 6ft range, with offshore
southwest to northwest winds. Hills
can handle a slight northerly wind, but
a strengthening southwester starts
to chop into wave faces north from
Midway. Occasionally Wanda and
Elouera can handle solid swells but
they must be peaky, not straight long
– period groundswell lines, unless
there’s a stray outside finger of sand
in place.
The beachbreaks at The Alley and
The Wall are semi-sheltered from
southerly winds and occasionally get
really good. The rights at The Alley
occasionally line up nicely in a direct
south or southeast swell, while the
consistent inside left is generally best
from mid to high tide in most swell
directions.
Behind the Pools can be good in east
or north-east swells, while South
Cronulla lefts can also provide an
alternative if Cronulla Point is too
crowded on really big days.
You really do realise that Cronulla
is a standout wave zone when you
contemplate the number of seriously
120 jan/feb 2012

A:
LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Spots
LEFT: There’s more to Cronulla than the famous reefbreaks. The Alley lining up beautifully on a crisp winter morning. PHOTO
Horvath. TOP: Three times EBC club champion, now Cronulla SUP School and shop proprietor Todd Mingram slotted at Nth
Cronulla. PHOTO Veage. ABOVE: The beachbreaks at Wanda and Elouera are generally at their best on clean 3-4ft days.
Blake Johnston director of Cronulla Surfing Academy blasting on his backhand on one such day. PHOTO Whittaker/oceanart.
hollow reefbreaks in relative
proximity. On the northeastern tip
of Bate Bay lies Voodoo. There’s a
short hollow right reef just north of
Vooey called Suck Rock, that delivers
a quick, intense, barrel best in small
to medium-sized swells from the
southeast with offshore west or north
winds. Occasionally the lefts can turn
on in ENE swells too.
Voodoo is one mean, thick mother of
a wave that can handle a solid 15ft
south swell. It’s a south swell magnet
and, when the beaches are 6ft from
the south, Voodoo is 8 - 10ft and
packing Hawaiian-style punch.
Best in northwest winds, it also
handles the afternoon nor’easter, but
forget it in strong westerly’s. Straight
south or southeast swells at low to mid
tide are best. The take off is a gnarly,
ledgy bowl and the wave actually
grows in size as it heads down the line.
The rest of The Merries Reefs are
still semi-secret believe it or not,
so I won’t really go into too much
detail other than to say there’s an
assortment of lefts and rights varying
in quality. What I will say, though,
is the wider you go, the more swell
they handle. Fifth Left really only gets
ridden a couple of times a year. First
right, second right and second left are
the most frequented breaks. First and
Second reef generally operate best
in small to medium east or southeast
swells with west or northwest winds
on high tide dropping.
At the southern end of the long
expanse of beach breaks lies the
legendary Cronulla Point. The Point
consists of two separate reef sections,
First and Second Reef. First breaks
on small days, providing a hollow fun
initial section upon take off, before
backing off into a cutback pocket ahead
of the final drain section.
Second Reef comes into play when
the swell hits the 4-6ft range. On solid
days The Point is a seriously sucky,
cylindrical wave that bowls rapidly
across the reef with Hawaiian-like
power and class. It can handle 10ft
easily if conditions are right.
Best in a solid southeast or south swell
with west or even southwest to south
winds, The Point is rideable in any
swell direction and is actually more
performance-oriented in an east or
northeast swell. However, in a really
big east or northeast swell, the end
section has a tendency to shut down.
One hundred and fifty metres or so
offshore to the south east of The Point
lies the world famous Shark Island. In
recent years The Island has become a
bodyboarding haven simply because
boogers can take it on in all conditions,
even when the swell has north in it.
jan/feb 2012
121

“In terms of good
waves for Stand
Up, Bay surf’s good
to learn and ride,
because it’s small and
easy. The point’s not
to bad either for more
experienced riders.
Anywhere where
there’s not too much
of a crowd is good. A
few committed crew
have been getting out
Vooey too!”
Todd Mingram, Cronulla SUP
“After spending a fair bit of time
overseas it’s great to come
back and live in a place where
I know everyone. I love being
a part of the Cronulla surfing
community! It’s so strong here.”
Ryan Bridges, RB Shapes
“The surf is generally rideable
big or small and is ok in most
wind directions. The variety of
waves when it gets good can
be world class.”
Stuart Paterson,
PCC Paterson Contemporary Craft
“Voodoo. Good
hollow consistent
lefts and rights.”
Mark Riley,
Riley Balsa Surfboards
122 jan/feb 2012

“Voodoo and a
secret spot we call
Slingshots. The best
day/tube of my life
was out there and it’s
my favourite wave in
the world.”
Blake Johnston, Cronulla
Surfing Academy
Basically, The Island is for experienced
surfers only. It’s best in a straight southeast
swell with offshore winds light from the
west or north-west. Swell direction is critical.
If it’s too south the end ‘Surge’ section
doesn’t barrel, but if it’s too east there is
a shutdown factor. Medium to large, clean
east to southeast swells are generally the
ideal direction and 4 - 8ft is the optimum
size, though it can handle up to 10 feet if
conditions are perfect. Definitely only a mid
to high tide break and only go-for-it, fully
committed surfers should paddle out, as one
wrong move can land you on bone-dry reef.
Southward from Island Rights, Island Lefts
can be worth investigating in a northeast
swell. Then there’s Shelley (a fat, rarely
worthwhile reefbreak), Blackwoods (a fickle
strip of sand on rock), Pipeline (a complete
embarrassment to its namesake) and Windy
Point, which can be an interesting, though
sectioning, barrel when the swell is solid
from the E. Last but not least Sandshoes
is a peaky, sometimes hollow right that
offers some respite in NE windswells. In big
Sth swells there can also be a short, quite
intense left off the back of the pool.
With so many waves in the Cronulla region,
coupled with the fact that it’s the last stop
on the train, it can get very crowded during
summer. But in the winter (surfers’ season),
the local tribes dominate their break and
you will go a long way before you witness
a better standard of surfing on too many
beaches in Aus than what’s on show daily at
The Nulla.
LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Cronulla is home to several world class slabbing reef breaks.
Matty Griggs slotted on a fun day at the Island. PHOTO Craig Stroh
jan/feb 2012
123

Caleb always charges hard out
at Cape Fear. PHOTO Craig Stroh
LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Cape Fear
Cape Solander, Pikers Hole, ‘Ours’ or ‘Yours’
technically or geographically speaking lies
just outside of the confines of Bate Bay,
lying less than a kilometre north of Voodoo
on the Kurnell Peninsula. Its reputation as
Sydney’s and one of Australia’s heaviest
waves has seen it surpass even Shark
Island’s notoriority in recent years. There
has been that much insane footage in mags,
films and online in recent years that I won’t
add to the hype here, other than to say it is
an awe inspiring wave and the surfers that
charge it, whether they are from Cronulla,
Maroubra or anywhere else deserve the
utmost respect.
Novelty Waves
It is also comforting to know that whenever
a wild east coast low batters Sydney and
surrounds with cyclonic strength onshore
winds the Port Hacking and Botany Bay
waterways that surround Bate Bay offer
several surfable options on those wild and
woolly days when most can’t imagine venturing
outside let alone seeking out a surf.
Bay Surf inside Port Hacking is one such
option and there are one or two decent reef
and pointbreaks just inside Botany Bay too.
There’s some quality novelty waves
inside Cronulla’s surrounding
waterways when it gets too big for
Bate Bay. PHOTO Horvath
124 jan/feb 2012

TRIPLE BULL
SURF SNOW SKATE
Triple Bull Surf Cronulla
23 Kingsway Cronulla NSW, 2230
Phone: 02 9544 0354
Triple Bull Surf Menai
5 Carter Road Menai NSW, 2234
Phone 02 9541 1445
triplebull.com.au
facebook.com/triplebull
@3xBullCronulla
Triple Bull is the core surf store of Cronulla. First opening under the management of pro surfer Richard ‘Dog’ Marsh in the 1990’s, it has always been an
important destination to the local surfing community. Supporting all local clubs and competitions, Triple Bull is a supporter of local talent in and out of
the water. As the Sutherland Shires largest supplier of hardgoods with huge ranges of surfboards, wetsuits and accessories, and also a large range of
snowboard accessories in season, plus skate hardgoods all year, the core boardrider is well serviced. For the dames lasses and everyone else, Triple Bull
has the freshest ranges of swimwear, apparel, eyewear, watches and accessories for the beach, the street, the airport and after 5. Roll in and Rock out!
jan/feb 2012
125

Stand Up
Paddle Boards,
Carbon Paddles,
Soft Surfboards
and Accessories.
Demos Available
By Appointment.
Wholesale
and Retail.
The Shire’s 1st
SUP Manufacturer!
Sun Jam Australia.
PH: 0435 754 800
Cronulla NSW 2230
www.sunjampaddleboards.com.au
TOP: Peter Japp and Cronulla Sutherland Stand Up Paddle Club
organises many great SUP events in the area. PHOTO Supplied
ABOVE: There’s so much room to move for SUPers and
surfers in and around Cronulla as this photo proves. You have
Sandshoes reef in the foreground and Port Hacking in the
background. Waves or flat water. Take your pick. PHOTO Horvath
RIGHT: Lou from EastCoast Stand Up Paddle tackles the
waterways. PHOTO: Daniel Hampson/looktosea.com.au
126 jan/feb 2012

Waterways
“We are so blessed living near Port Hacking.
I have been to a lot of different bays in Aus,
but let me tell you, none of them are like The
Hacking. It is perfect for any type of boating or
water sport you’re into and so clean.”
Howie – Triple Bull and Cronulla Surf Design
“From a stand up paddlers point of view there
are so many wonderful and diverse waterways
just waiting to be explored including Port
Hacking River, Woronora River, Georges River
and Botany Bay. Don’t forget our legendary ‘Bay
Surf’ on the Port Hacking River which delivers
200 metre plus long rides when the tide and
swell are right.”
Peter Japp – East Coast Stand Up Paddle
“For SUPers I would suggest they get a lesson
in say The Bay first, get confident in flat water
before hitting the surf. I think in terms of safety
it is important that learners heed advice from
accredited coaches on surfing etiquette and
where to ride your SUP etc.
Safety comes first, so don’t put other people in
danger. Newbie’s should definitely not be surfing
on a SUP in crowds or on the main peaks on the
beach unless you’re absolutely killing it.
The beauty of Stand-up is you don’t have to ride
the best waves or surf the main spots to have
fun. Less crowds equals more waves!”
Todd Mingram, Cronulla SUP
jan/feb 2012
127

LOCAL: SURF TOWN
“El Sol Mexican
restaurant
cannot be beaten
for a good
night out. The
Scorpion Bar at
El Sol pumps on
a Sunday - it’s
the original and
owned by one
of the local lads.
Deano’s a legend
and he will
keep ya missus
entertained all
night!
Todd Mingram,
Cronulla SUP
More To The
Nulla Than Waves
First mapped in 1796 by explorers
Matthew Flinders and George Bass,
Cronulla remained a hidden gem for
several decades, known only to the
few who built estates there. But in
1885 when the railway arrived, the
Nulla’s beaches quickly became a
weekend attraction. Although hotels,
units and modern apartment blocks
have replaced the old beach shacks,
the region has retained its friendly
Australian personality.
It’s that down-to-earth quality that
has kept people like Deano Hughes
in the area. Dean grew up in the
area, and then took off backpacking
overseas. After spending quite a bit
of time in Mexico and South America
surfing and meeting people Deano
decided to open his own restaurant,
El Sol, so Nulla crew would have
somewhere to eat, have a drink and
hang out when they visited. Deano
says that while it’s important for
visitors to surf, Cronulla not only
offers great waves, but also a chance
to mix with locals.
After your day in the water, you can
either head to Northies for a relaxing
ale, or out to dinner. Cronulla’s dining
options range from the most basic
take away, to Italian to Thai, to
seafood restaurants or fine dining at
Sealevel, Summer Salt, Blue Parrot
or Zimzala. Alternatively you can just
invest in some freshly made fish and
chips and take them down to South
Cronulla beach or park with you.
You can head out for a night of live
music at The Brass Monkey or crash
early and Catch the Cronulla to
Bundeena Ferry, which runs every
hour, and is the oldest commuter ferry
operating to a timetable in Australia,
and offers a ride on sparkling waters.
There’s also a three hour Port Hacking
Scenic River Cruise, which retraces
the historic 1796 journey of Bass and
Flinders. On the Cronulla side of the
river you can admire the waterfront
mansions; on the other, there’s the
Royal National Park itself.
Cronulla Beach Peninsula harbours
a number of rock pools south of The
Alley at North Cronulla, and a bunch
more south of South Cronulla Beach.
There’s also The Promenade with
its scenic coastal walk to Bass and
Flinders, with views towards Port
Hacking and Bundeena.
Cronulla Mall has lots of eateries
including al fresco restaurants, great
coffee at Grind or Kafenio and varied
night life and a Multiplex cinema.
Massive Miranda Fair shopping
centre is less than 10 mins away by
car or train.
There’s some great coastal parks and
picnic facilities, swings for the kids
at Wanda, Elouera, Nth Cronulla, Sth
Cronulla, Shelley and Sandshoes.
Nearby Gunnamatta Park and Beach
also offers a shark netted pool, great
flat water Sup facilities and fishing.
In Autumn Cronulla hosts a great Food
and Wine Festival, Jazz and Shiraz
and in spring there is the annual
Spring Festival. Nearby Hazelhurst
gallery is the pick for art lovers and
Caringbah markets every fourth
Sunday is great for a bargain.
Live Music
Cronulla surfers have long been
renowned as live music lovers. Huge
contingents from the Nulla can
regularly be seen at festivals or inner
city music venues rocking out. Well
known local surfers like Gary Hughes
fronted bands like Charm School and
the Silent Types. Richard Herbert
formed the always entertaining Dick
Bent and The Bentnicks, Patch and
Rick punked out in Playground Of
Hate and Patto’s Yard Animals were a
Stooges inspired garage rock act.
128 jan/feb 2012

MAIN: El Sol - Deano and his chilled staff along with the food
and atmosphere make El Sol the premier casual bar and eatery
in the Nulla. ABOVE: Stuart Paterson of PCC Surfboards has
always been a dedicated muso. PHOTO: Veage
“I started playing guitar before I
started surfing, I was about 12,”
Says Patto. “My first band was Yard
Animals and later I was in another
called Forge. We did plenty of gigs
and had a great time along the
way. In my twenties I worked as
the in house audio guy at the Royal
Hotel at Sutherland. I saw so many
bands... All that music was a heavy
influence on my life. Looking back
it was a magic time around Sydney
for the live scene, a scene that is
sadly long gone.”
Other crews like Mick Hickey, JT,
Rojey and Adam Scott have been in
a bunch of cool bands too.
Local live music venues like
Caringbah Inn regularly hosted
epic touring acts in the 80s and
90s like The Damned, Citizen Fish
(ex Subhuman’s), Guttermouth
and Agent Orange not to mention
some of Australia’s finest like
Midnight Oil, Inxs, The Celibate
Rifles, The Sunnyboys, The New
Christ’s, The Melting Skyscrapers,
The Trilobites and The Psychotic
Turnbuckles. Sylvania played host
to Iggy, The old Cronulla Workers
Club Dead Kennedy’s gig in 83
is legendary and Carmen’s once
hosted the Anti Nowhere League.
The Sutho Royal flew the flag for
Australian independents like The
Lime Spiders, The Hard Ons, The
Hellmen, Mass Appeal and The
Happy Hate Me Nots.
More recently The Caringbah
Bizzo’s has been the venue to see
bands like Viscous Circle, Radio
Birdman and The US Bombs.
Extra special thanks to John Veage,
Brad Whittaker, Greg McCarthy, Chris
Stroh, Craig Stroh and Luke Sullivan
for their valued contributions.
jan/feb 2012
129

130 jan/feb 2012

Media
There has always been strong
media representation in Cronulla
too. Jack Eden published
Surfabout mag in the 60s, Steve
Core established Surf in the 70s,
Graham ‘Sid’ Cassidy edited Waves
magazine in the late 70s and early
80s before becoming sports editor
at The SMH and later ASP director
in the 80s. Peter Simons, then Paul
Sargeant were both photo editors
at Tracks in its 80s heyday, my
own Underground Surf magazine
went alright in the 90s and local
photographers like Andrew
“Shorty” Buckley, Johnny Frank,
John Veage, Steve Baccon, Chris
and Craig Stroh, Greg McCarthy,
Gary Birdsall and Matt Johnson
are highly sought-after surf
photographers on the international
stage.
More recently the two major
online surf forecasting websites
have had Cronulla based editors -
Coastalwatch myself and Swellnet
Stu Nettle. Matty Griggs has
written several best selling books
and a host of local websites have
been attracting plenty of attention
in the new media landscape.
For a sample of the best locally
produced new media sites check
out Greg McCarthy’s
ww.oceanart.com.au or www.
surfimages.com.au websites.
Chris and Craig Stroh’s informative
Cronulla Surf Museum site is a
must see at cronullasurfmuseum.
com.au and Luke Sullivan’s Killvan.
com is an open window into the
travel experiences of Jay Killvan.
Matt Johnsons surf photography
email called the sea life is free
and well worth subscribing to. Go
to www.thesealife.com.au and
you’ll receive a brief surf report and
photos from that day of the sunrise,
the waves and those sliding them.
Outside of shapers and media
personnel, Dennis Kitchener at
Saltwater boardshorts back in the
late 70s, Local kneelo Tony Wales
at Matt and Coe in the 80s, Eugene
King and Shane Moran at SMP in
the 90s, Mark Aprilovic at Cronulla
Surf Design forever, Dog and more
recently Howie at Triple Bull, Greg
Willet and Benny Johno at Willett
Johnston Partners, Schmoo and
Kurt at CSP, Greg, Ben and John at
Vestal, Todd Liddy at SDS, Deano
at El Sol, and Matty White at The
Realm and Carve Eyewear have
all been massive Cronulla Surfing
community supporters.
Finally a discussion about Cronulla
surf media is not complete without
mentioning the 1981 Australian film
Puberty Blues directed by Bruce
Beresford. The film is based on
the 1979 novel Puberty Blues, by
Gabrielle Carey and Kathy Lette.
It is kind of a proto-feminist teen
novel about two 13-year-old girls
from the Sutherland Shire. The girls
attempt to integrate themselves
into the then very masculine
domain of the “Greenhill’s gang” of
surfers in an attempt to meet guys
and become more popular.
It’s a pretty honest assessment of
male/female relationships in that
era and of course every view brings
back memories of the once grand
sand dunes at Hills, The Workers
Club, Joes, old Northies and the
main drag before Cronulla Street
became a pedestrian mall. For
some lengthy you tube preview
clips go to www.youtube.com/
watch?v=5xZn-9svNcA or better
still get it out on DVD.
ABOVE: Craig Stroh on the other end of
the lens. His second movie, “2” should
be out late this year. Craig’s amassed
hundreds of hours worth of mental footage
since Twenty Two Thirty. “2” will be
amazing because Craig is a perfectionist.
You know one average wave won’t make
the final edit.
LEFT: The ever bright Kathy Lette - author
of Puberty Blues. PHOTO courtesy
Sutherland Shire Council
jan/feb 2012
131

LOCAL: SURF TOWN
“At the end of the day I
love Cronulla so much. We
want to raise our kids and
live here forever.
My family have pretty solid
roots in the hood. I dig the
people that live around
the area. Everyone’s
super cool and always
up to say g’day and have
a chat. Everyone always
helps everyone one and
supports each other in
the area.”
Howie, Triple Bull and Cronulla
Surf Design Proprietor
MAIN: Nigel “Howie” Howell was a leading wakeboarder before he bought Triple Bull and Cronulla Surf Design. Howie
knows Bate Bay and every nook and cranny inside Port Hacking. He may be busy, but he still knows how to put it on rail.
RIGHT: Greg Willett with two of his clients - Cronulla icons Occy and Dog. PHOTO: JOHN VEAGE.
BOTTOM: Ben Johnston can bury a rail just like his four brothers and old man could too. PHOTO JOHN VEAGE.
ACROSS: Graham King of King Surfboards and Foam
The Surfing Industry
Cronulla boardriders president and local
media identity Johnny Veage said, “The
surfing industry in Cronulla really boomed
in the 70s. Raw materials were cheap and
more accessible, there was little industry
regulation and backyard business was
booming. The Colligan’s Southern Comfort
factory put a rocket up everyone and
pushed boundaries beyond safe.
Veagey talks of a time in the late 70s when
he worked at Gordon and Smith (Taren
Point) when Ross Longbottom (Dylan’s dad)
could glass 100 boards a week no problem
and their shaping and team roster was
legendary. MP even had a stint there.
Jim Lucas’s Force 9 and Steve Griffith’s
Emerald were dominant in the 80s and
Paul Armstrong’s Express label was very
popular too. Stuart Darcy’s Pottz Surfboards
and later Vudu were popular in the 90s and
then local guys like Wayne Roach, Stuart
Patterson, Craig Naylor, Rod Katis, Dennis
Wright, Matt Hurworth and Ryan Bridge
started their own labels. Jackson has been
ever present and iconic throughout.
In fact, the Jackson Surfboards name
is synonymous with Cronullla, and why
not? They are a part of the very fabric of
the place. Today Jim Parkinson and Dave
Mattison have carried on from Brian ‘Jacko’
Jackson and continued the meticulous
craftsmanship for which Jackson
Surfboards have become renowned.
But there are a number of other people,
prominent within the local surf community,
that are perhaps not known to those
outside of Cronulla.
Howie aka Nigel Howell has lived in the
Shire his whole life. He owns the two most
notable surf shops in town. Triple Bull and
Surf Design are massive well-established
businesses and are without doubt the two
biggest and most hardwear orientated surf
shops in the region. Both have their own
loyal local following servicing the various
board riding tribes both in and outside of
Cronulla.
Of the dozen or so surf shops in the area,
Howie’s services the vast board riding
community best. He sponsors all the board
riders clubs and helps bring events here.
Indeed The Nulla surfing community
has been fortunate to have a small but
supportive bunch of local businesses that
132 jan/feb 2012

kick in and help with prizes,
sponsorship and fundraising
whenever needed. However
when you think of such things
you immediately think of
shapers, accessories, and
clothing. Accountants just
don’t fit the stereotype. Greg
Willett and Ben Johnston
however aren’t your
stereotypical suit and spec
wearing accountants. Greg
and Ben are lifelong surfers
deeply embedded in the local
surfing fraternity and their
business is a burgeoning
octopus expanding into all
things surf culture.
Greg has always looked after
a number of famous names
in the surfing industry, guys
like Occy (Mark Occhilupo),
Richard Marsh and Sarge
(surf journalist Paul Sargeant)
along with many other clients
in the surf industry. Ben on
the other hand looks after
the new breed of pro surfers
such Craig Anderson, Jack
Freestone and Laura Enever
and successful filmmaker Kai
Neville. Not only that, Willett
Johnston recently started
Surkyl Media looking after the
likes of Owen, Tyler and Mikey
Wright and have even become
the Australasian licensee for
Vestal Watches.
In terms of shaping, Cronulla boasts several generations of master
craftsman, all with diverse backgrounds and different introductions to
the surf industry. We talk with a few of those who perhaps don’t get
the airplay they richly deserve. After all, we are always up for talking to
different people and not just the usual suspects.
The Stalwart:
All Hail the King
A man who has been around
since the beginning is Graham
King of King Surfboards.
“I’m not much of a hero around the
place. I just put head down, arse up
and pour blanks most of the time.”
As humble as they come, Graham
doesn’t make a big deal about what
he does, even though, truth be told,
he has pretty much been an integral
part of the surfboard industry in
Cronulla since the early days.
A little while after Jackson
Surfboards began in 1957, Graham
started making boards in the
Marrackville area before moving his
business to Kirrawee in the Cronulla-
Sutherland Shire in 1962. It was there
he first got in contact with Harold
Walker Foam in Los Angeles.
“Harold was the first ever guy
to poor a blank. Anyhow we
imported his blanks for quite a few
years and then we started making
our own foam and it went from
there. We now supply most of the
blanks in the area right down the
entire South Coast. 80% of the
manufacturers use my foam.”
Through the years Graham’s
knowledge has been called upon
by many and in 2006, following
the collapse of Clark Foam in the
States, a number of US shapers
sought his assistance. What
resulted was Graham and Rod
MacDonald, his business partner
in the venture, set up Kingmac,
a massive factory in Tijuana,
Mexico. They found themselves
working day and night pouring
some 300 moulds a day.
All the while his daughter Sharron
and the team kept things ticking
over at his factory in Kirrawee.
Sharron is still involved in the
business today and along with
Brad Turner, who now heads up
the operation, and Aaron, Kyle and
Robbie keeps King Surfboards and
Foam still knocking out some 250
blanks a week along with a range
of their own brand of surfboards
and a busy glass contracting and
CNC machine cutting service.
It has certainly been quite a
journey for the boy from Redfern
who worked as an apprentice
fitter and turner at the local
power station before going to
uni to undertake a mechanical
engineering degree and immersing
himself in the surfboard industry
from the age of 20.
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web development
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“There are all a bunch
of good guys who work
really hard. Everyone
seems to get on
reasonably well.”
Graham King of
King Surfboards on the local
surf industry
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133
2/01/12 12:50 PM

The Sculptor
Mind, body and spiritual expression
Stuart Paterson
134 jan/feb 2012
Stuart Paterson grew up in Engadine
in the sixties and early seventies
back when Engadine was almost
rural. He hung out at the river and
made it down the beach after school
with an older mate who had an
ancient Hillman wagon. Garie was
Patto’s place in his formative years of
surfing. He loved Garie and still does.
There came a time after Patto had
made a lot of boards, somewhere
between one and two thousand, that
he felt like he needed to access a
bigger pool of surfers to work with,
so he moved to Cronulla and started
surfing around The Nulla and shaping
for some of the top riders.
“Being hooked on surfing and coming
to a school leaving age I thought
being a surfboard artist would be
my dream job. My first idea was to
be the guy who painted the art on
surfboards, that is what I ended up
doing when I was sixteen going on
seventeen.
“Becoming a shaper was about trying
to build my own boards firstly. I was
working at G&S at the time, all the
equipment for building boards was
available and some timely advice
from my old departed friend Richard
Herbert and good mate Warren Hardie
helped me on my way. The boards
worked from the start and off I went
into design and shaping, learning to
do it over and over. The motivation
was not something I had considered, it
just happened.”
Today Patto is just as hands on and
just as passionate about the creative
process of crafting a board.
“I still paint every board; check the
fin set up on every board. I work
very closely with Roger and Shane
in the sanding and finishing. I am
not outwardly trying to set myself
apart from other makers. What I am
passionate about is design and every
aspect of what it takes to make a good
surfboard.”
TOP: Patto self portrait cruising with
Macca’s camera board there to capture
the moment, back before GoPros were
even thought of.
BOTTOM: Patto hard at work in his
shaping bay. PHOTO Veage
Patto shares the same
enthusiasm for utilising the latest
construction methods.
“The current applications of
materials are varied. At the highest
level of surfing most professionals
use the basic modern formula,
which is a light weight polyurethane
blank laminated with one ply four
ounce glass on each side. There
may be a patch of extra glass for
the feet positions but that is about
it. Lightweight and not strong at all.
These pro level boards have the best
flex and weight that has been tried
and tested since surfing began. The
catch is that if you want to use this
lightweight formula it only takes
a failed floater or an unmake-able
tube ride to snap your board into two
pieces. We can build strong boards
which can last for years but will
ride heavy with no lively flex like the
lighter builds.
“Today there is another way to go
that may become more popular in
time, hand shaped polystyrene blanks
that are glassed and finished entirely
in epoxy resin.
This process makes for a lighter and
therefore a more sensitive core that
can be glassed to last without losing
performance. In some ways, like in
the case of a bigger board with more
volume, the performance is actually
increased because of the huge saving
in the weight of the lighter foam as
opposed to traditional polyurethane.
We have developed a method of
glassing and finishing these styro
epoxy models that are tough, vibrant,
performers. I have also just started
using some new pigment colouring
methods that are very eye catching.”
And as for a specialty board he
is presently shaping, Patto has a
different take on an old classic, the
increasingly popular mini-Simmons.
“In the last three or four years I
have experimented with short wide
and flat boards.
Three summers ago I started making
and riding my own version of the
mini Simmons. I rode these for about
six months exclusively. I began to
experiment on a hybrid of what I
know worked in current, modern
shapes and what I thought worked
from the Simmons. The combination
evolved into something that one
of my good friends nicknamed the
‘Stuey Diver.’ Ultimately people
started coming in and asking if I
could make one of these wide square
tails for them. A large percentage of
people kept coming back with very
good feedback about how the board
had changed their surfing - all very
positive stuff.”

LOCAL: SURF TOWN
Ryan Bridges is a friendly, intelligent
shaper who puts a lot back into the
community getting out and about with
his unique Boardjam events.
The Jammer
It’s personal
Ryan Bridges was born in New York to
English parents. He moved to Australia
in the mid-80s when he was five and
grew up surfing with his older brother
around Cronulla. Ryan was hanging
out at Vudu Surfboards as a teenager
when a school project finally gave
him a reason to hit up D’Arcy (Stuart)
for shaping lessons. After sitting
and watching Darce shape for a few
months he was hooked. Eventually
Darce let Bridgey loose with the tools
just before he moved his family to QLD.
When Bridgey left school he jumped
the fence into Force 9 where he
continued to learn the craft from ‘Patto’
(Stuart Paterson) and Jim (Lucas).
When Patto moved on to start his own
label (PCC), Bridgey shared the shaping
duties at The Force with Dean Frazer
for a few years before upping stumps
and spending a few years living in
London and travelling around Europe. In
2009 he got the shaping bug back and
moved back to the Shire and set up RB
Shapes. These days Bridgey like Patto,
is one of the most in demand shapers
in the Nulla.
We asked Ryan what prompted him to
get into shaping in the first place.
“I just wanted to learn how boards
worked initially. I guess so I could be a
better surfer. When I started building
boards it was just for my mates so
I was really just motivated to make
boards that worked well for them. I had
a strong belief from very early on that
no one knew my mates or my surfing
better than I did so I figured I should
be able to make the best boards for
us. I guess that was the foundation for
the way I approach my job now. I take
it very personally that it’s up to me to
create the best boards for individuals,
and that means getting to know them,
surfing with them and forging good
working and personal relationships,
and that’s the best part of my job.”
In a day where a greater focus is on
mass production and producing things
at a price point, Ryan has focused
his energies on the other end of the
spectrum, spending a lot of time with
his customers and understanding
what they are specifically after in a
surfboard.
“Right now I guess it’s the fact that I’m
keen to get my hands dirty! I want to
be really involved with the local surfing
community, figure out what people
want to ride instead of assuming, or
worse, telling them! I see my job as a
custom surfboard maker. That means
half my job is physically being a shaper,
and the other half is engaging my
customers! Finding out what they want
Ryan Bridges
and giving them the best experience
I can.
“In an age where an increasing
percentage of boards are being mass
produced I think there’s never been a
more important time to focus on that
service. We’re heavily involved with the
local clubs, particularly Elouera Board
Riders and we sponsor a lot of the big
contests that come to Cronulla. Not
just for the publicity, but on one hand
to encourage these comps to come
here which helps our region and our
local surfers, and on the other just to
be amongst it, to learn as much as I can
about how everything works and where
I fit in.”
And to that end Ryan has even taken
things a step further.
“We came up with a concept called
BOARDJAM to better connect with
the surfing community. We take a
stack of our demo boards down to the
beach, usually with some of our team
riders and just hang out. People can
have a look or have a surf or a chat or
whatever.
“I find there is a certain type of
conversation you can have with
someone when they come into the shop
for a chat and another type you can
have with someone when you’re down
the beach or out in the water together.
What we’re trying to do is create an
atmosphere that makes people want
to learn about different board styles
and shapes. Somewhere they can ask
us anything about surfboard design
and not just have to take our word for
it. They can grab a board and go ride
it and see for themselves then come
back and continue that conversation -
hopefully learning enough for them to
realise or reaffirm that the knowledge a
shaper has is worth tapping into.
As for the shapes he is largely focused
on at present, there is a fishy flavour
but with a slightly different taste.
“We’ve always made a lot of fishes,
they suit our waves pretty well I think
and they’re just fun! Both to surf and to
shape! They can all be a little different
and that keeps it interesting. Lately
however there’s been a bit of a shift
away from fishes. People want stubby
shortboards to suit the waves where
they would normally be reaching for
their fish. Our ‘Frother’ model has been
our best seller this past year, actually
by miles! The goal is to incorporate
some of those characteristics that
make a fish easy and fun to surf into a
shortboard package so you can surf to
the highest possible standard in small
waves!”
jan/feb 2012
135

LOCAL: SURF TOWN
The Eco Warrior
Wooden it be nice Mini-interview by DAVE SWAN
Mark Riley
Environmental champion and champion bloke,
Mark Riley, is another shaper who calls The Shire
home. Many may know his name by way of his
stunning balsa surfboards but not much about the
man himself.
Well for starters, he is a bloody funny man who
likes a beer and has a real passion for board
building. After reading this little story, you may
know a little more about the life of Riley.
Even though he supports the Blues (NSW’s record
breaking State of Origin rugby league side - they
have now lost six series in a row to the mighty
Qld Maroons... Ouch!) Mark was in fact born in
Melbourne. His family moved to Gymea in the
Southerland Shire when he was ten years of age and
Mark developed a taste for surfing there and then.
Mark also developed a keen interest in rugby
league and played throughout his junior years for
Cronulla. In his senior years he played halfback
for the Illawarra Steelers and then the Gold Coast
Seagulls in the NSWRL following in the footsteps
of his father Johnny Riley who played alongside
rugby league immortals Reg Gasnier and Johnny
Raper for the St George Dragons.
Mark’s father was on the famous 1959 Kangaroo
Tour of the UK.
After badly breaking his leg for the third time in 1990
Mark turned his focus to carpentry. He finished his
apprenticeship and started his own business building
and renovating houses before he took off for a trip
travelling from Mexico down to South America. Aside
from a holiday, he was in search of a new business idea.
Having broken both the surfboards he brought along
for the trip, an idea dawned on him at his final stop
in Ecuador. Mark came across some balsa wood and
decided to take some sticks back to Australia and
made some boards. In 1996 he returned to Ecuador and
brought back a container.
Riley Balsa Surfboards was born and at first Mark
concentrated on making beautiful, high quality retro
style 50s and 60s Malibus. He recognised how well
they surfed even though they were quite heavy. Pretty
soon he started experimenting with polyurethane and
regular polystyrene with a balsa skin.
Three years later, Mark was convinced he had found an
alternative to polyurethane surfboards. Recycled EPS
foam in combination with a 2-3mm balsa ‘skin’ made
the boards super light but also very strong with great
flex properties. The boards had a nice feel to them and
looked bloody beautiful.
“I also realised that polyurethane, when blown, is bad
for the environment so I thought if I am going to make
a lighter board, it has to be eco-friendly to be in line
with the balsa (balsa is a very fast growing tree and
is almost like a weed in South America.) I found this
eco-friendly recycled polystyrene. What it is made from
is old TV, fridge and washing machine packing boxes.
The Polystyrene is regranulated and steamed together
to form a new 3m block that we cut our rocker template
from. All the waste from the block is then recycled as
well. I think my boards are one of the most eco-friendly
boards around.”
Today Mark still shapes his classic solid balsa malibus
but also a number of high performance lightweight
shortboards, retro fishes, minimals and longboards
utilsing the recycled EPS core and balsa skin
construction. He is particularly proud of the fact the
boards are 100% Australian made and guarantees they
will outlast and outperform the imported ‘pop outs’.
“We use tried and tested materials to ensure a quality
creation. I import my own quality balsa from South
America and regularly return to ensure the quality is of
the highest standard. I have been importing this balsa
for over 15 years now.”
Mark supplies a number of other shapers with high-end
quality balsa as well and has even started growing his
own balsa in Far North Queensland.
Riley Balsa makes stunning tide clocks and has a range
of supplies for the home board builder from complete
kits and instructional DVDs through to raw balsa, balsa
sheets, solid balsa and recycled EPS core/ balsa skin
blanks and preshaped blanks.
All in all, Mark has pretty much everything to do with
balsa and like we said, he is a great bloke to boot. We
can never pass through Cronulla without stopping by
to say g’day and neither should you, but make sure you
tee up a time to see him first though, so he can get
some beers on ice.
136 jan/feb 2012

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137

138 jan/feb 2012

BOARDS • SKATE • TESTS • REVIEWS • FASHION
CLASSIC IN NAME & NATURE
WHEN PETER WHITE OF CLASSIC MALIBU FAME
FIRST STARTED SHAPING SURFBOARDS HE HAD
ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT HE WAS DOING.
It was complete trial and error. As a matter of fact, the
first board he shaped was a lump of polystyrene he had
found washed up on the foreshore at Seaford Beach
that he promptly glassed with polyester resin only to
watch it completely disappear before his very eyes.
(For the uninitiated, polyester resin reacts with
polystyrene causing it to disintegrate.)
Although predominantly self-taught, Peter thankfully
met Phil Grace a little later on. He still humbly credits
Phil for developing his skills into the revered master
craftsman he is today.
The thing is, if there is someone to guide you when
you are starting out, the learning curve is a hell of a lot
quicker. We asked Peter a few questions about what it
was like finding his way around the factory.
HOW DID YOU EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START?
After my first disaster, my dad bought me a surfboard
kit from a company called Molford Plastics on my 13th
birthday. He said, ‘There you go. Have some fun.’ I
didn’t know laminating resin from filler resin. It was a
baptism of fire. For many years I floundered in the dark
but I did have a lot of fun.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST SHAPED
A BOARD?
Well I sort of shaped the polystyrene board when I was
12. Then from 13 onwards I just started making a board a
week for friends until they became some form of quality
and it just went from there. The biggest boost I ever got
was working with Phil Grace.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE IMPORTANT
LESSONS YOU LEARNT FROM PHIL?
Just absolute perfection and quality. Making sure, as
the old story goes, ‘you measure twice, cut once’. Phil
was innovative at the time and for him to move just a
couple of hundred metres up the road from me was like
absolute Nirvana. I just helped him out doing anything
like sweeping floors to laying out cloths. I got to learn
so much from resin mixes to how to run a tidy ship. His
setups were always so immaculately clean. To this
day, his whole approach was probably the best I have
ever come across.
WHAT ARE SKILLS OR PERSONAL TRAITS
ESSENTIAL TO BECOMING A GOOD SHAPER?
I look at a lot of the guys in the industry like Wayne
Dean who came from a building background, they have
an accurate eye for all things. From a hand shaping
point of view, you need that accuracy and attention
to detail. With the advent of the shaping machinery,
I mean anyone can do it. To hand shape it from a raw
blank, that’s another matter. Blanks aren’t perfect,
“Perserverance,
commitment, good listening
skills and a good mentor go
a long way to develop your
skills.”
MEET PETER WHITE
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
sometimes you have to shape the blank before you
shape the surfboard. You have to really get to know
board volumes, rail shapes, bottom shapes. Then there
are a lot of basic formulas in a design sense that we
continually play with. And with a hand made product
there are so many other variables to consider from air
moisture content that affects production to different
catalyst ratios on materials.
Perserverance, commitment, good listening skills and a
good mentor go a long way to develop your skills.
HOW DO YOU DEVELOP THAT TALENT?
I suppose I am a fairly hard taskmaster when it comes
to that. You just have to stand over and teach them.
You can’t expect people to do it from nothing. A little
bit of latitude here and there, allow the odd mistake
and explain what the mistake is and how to avoid it
next time.
We teach different glassing techniques – free lap,
cut lap, a zipper cut. There are so many different
techniques that people can learn from shaping to
glassing and spraying. Spraying is another dimension
in itself. Then there is polishing.
The other thing they have to learn is the sequence of
how to do things. Some guys take ages to glass a
board. But if you set it up properly you can glass three
boards in the time you can do one board. We teach
time management skills.
ARE ARTISAN SKILLS THE KEY TO COMBATING
CHEAP CHINESE IMPORTED SURFBOARDS?
Yes definitely. The type of work we do in Australia is to
my knowledge, not coming out of Asia at the moment.
Australian shapers make some of the best boards in
the world.
Chinese factories just do a basic style of glassing. I
don’t see any resin tints or resin art. What we do is
a high end product that is very time consuming. The
Asian style of thing is focused on volume – get it in,
get it out.
We can’t combat or avoid the imports. We export
so why shouldn’t they import but it is quality
craftsmanship that will differentiate us from the mass
produced stuff.
PETER IS CREDITED WITH DEVELOPING
THE SKILLS OF A NUMBER OF TODAY’S
MANUFACTURERS AROUND THE WORLD.
“I’d like to think that everyone that’s spent time
working with me over the 45 years I’ve been involved
in the industry, has gained some knowledge to the
betterment of surf boards.
“In 2010, we had Dick Brewer shaping with us. You
would think he’d know everything about shaping. After
a couple of weeks we had both learned something
new about shaping techniques from each other. There’s
always time to understand and learn!”
THE SHAPER’S
APPRENTICE
DO YOU HAVE
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A
SURFBOARD
DESIGNER?
CLASSIC MALIBU and smorgasboarder
present a unique opportunity to step into
the world of surfboard manufacturing.
IF YOU HAVE GREAT IDEAS
ABOUT SURFBOARD DESIGN WE
WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
CLASSIC MALIBU in Noosa is always
on the lookout for great talent to continue
producing surfboards of the highest quality
and innovative design. Many of today’s
top shapers have done their time in their
workshop and you could be next.
If you fancy yourself as an upcoming talent,
send us sketches of your best idea, with up
to 200 words telling us what it’s all about,
along with your name and contact details. If
yours is the favourite idea - as decided by a
panel of judges with over 45 years of shaping
experience between them - you will be be in
line for the experience of a lifetime:
Be involved in the manufacture of your
own board design, start to finish, under the
guidance of master shaper Peter White!
Perfect your design, get hands-on in the
shaping bay to shape your board and create a
name and logo for your board design.
For information, terms and conditions and to
submit your design, email us on
shapersapprentice@smorgasboarder.com.au
GET PLANNING!
jan/feb 2012
139

THE
POWER OF ONE
WITH THE RESURGENCE IN RETRO DESIGN AND RENEWED INTEREST IN SINGLE
FINS, IT’S AS GOOD A TIME AS ANY TO TALK WITH GEOFF McCOY ABOUT HIS
SINGLE-MINDED OBSESSION WITH THE POWER OF ONE – SINGLE FINS.
Geoff’s never been one to shy away from voicing his opinions on the virtues of single fin designs. While for
so long he appeared to be a lone wolf, there appears to be a growing chorus singing the same tune.
“It goes back to the twin fins I shaped and built many
years ago. To me the design brought with it wide,
thick tails, which I recognised as a major contributor
to the exciting performance and freedom the twin fin
offered at the time.
“After working intensely on the twin fin design for a
few years, in a wide range of surf conditions both in
Australia and Hawaii, I realised the shortcomings of
its performance in large waves. However what I did
recognise was the advantages of the wider, thicker
tail. Combined with my ‘energy theory’, it motivated
me to incorporate wide, thick tails with single fin
design, which I originally called the Lazor Zap.”
Initially Geoff was sceptical of wide, thick tails. Like
many others, he thought they would slide or spin out
in hollow waves. As a consequence the first models of
the Lazor Zap had three flyers starting 15” up from the
tail to reduce the tail area. He coupled the flyers with a
swallowtail to help hold the tail in.
“As time went by I began to realise the tail was not
spinning out or acting unusual so I reduced the flyers
back to 12” and 2 reductions into the swallow tail,
which held perfectly. Not only that, the performance
of the board actually improved. My next move was to
have only one flyer at 6” from the tail, which worked
even better.”
Excited about the future possibilities of the thick, wide
tail single fin design, Geoff continued to experiment.
In his opinion it was already far outperforming the
restricted twin fin design.
“My Lazor Zap was the most progressive surfboard
designed at the time. However, due to ego, greed
and ignorance, my competitors at the time decided
to discredit my single fin designs to diminish the
influence I held in the field of surfboard design.
“They did this by heavily promoting the restricted twin
fin design over my revolutionary single fin design and
mounting a slander campaign against the single fin. The
medium they used to do this was the Pro Tour.
“In collaboration with the magazine mafia, they
heaped false praise on the twin fin to the public at the
expense of the superior performing Lazor Zap single
fin design. By doing this they were able to become the
controllers of Pro Surfing and to dictate design, which
they have continued to do for 30 plus years now.
“Sadly what eventuated was pure ignorance in
relation to the practical functions of design. The result
of this ignorance is the most abstract dysfunctional
surfboard of all time – the so-called modern ‘Pro’
shortboard, which is the ultimate disaster for all but
the elite.
“The involvement of big companies with self-interest
and gain has done nothing for the everyday surfer. For
a long time they allowed nothing new, only the rank
and file kiss-arse designers with nothing or very little
to contribute but they were the ones given a voice.”
It is interesting to note that the McCoy name is
strangely absent from many annals of surfing history
considering his influence. Throughout our travels
with smorgasboarder, Geoff’s name is frequently
mentioned in our discussions with shapers, collectors,
historians and anyone with a passion for surfing and
in particular, surfboard design. Many make mention of
the design advancements the Lazor Zap introduced to
surfboard shaping. Considering such comments from
so many, his omission is rather odd.
With the advent of new technology however,
Geoff found a new voice and a means to reach
the everyday surfer through the internet. His
website delivered a platform to showcase
his designs and as he puts it, “without the
intervention of the power brokers, distorting
and misrepresenting my design theory.”
“Unsurprisingly my designs have attracted
new enthusiastic interest because of
their futuristic appearance and more to
the point, their amazing performance.”
140 jan/feb 2012

PHOTO: Mark Chapman
GEAR: SHAPER
jan/feb 2012
141

THE EVOLUTION
OF McCOY’S SINGLE FIN DESIGN
“I found the key to understanding surfboard design was to truly understand
the reaction water has on an object in motion and in particular, how
different contours produce a consistent reaction. I am forever trying to
neutralise the object’s reaction to allow for greater control in a wide variety
of wave sizes and conditions.”
To reach this level of awareness in respect to the more subtle aspects of
surfing it has taken Geoff many years of research and development and the
use of all available features that can be included in a design.
“The only reason I know anything is because I have experimented. Through
the years I have done some bizarre stuff and I now know what works.”
“With regards to the evolution and development of my shaping I was very
fortunate from early on. I knew a guy called Ray Richards, none other than
four-time world champion Mark Richard’s dad. He was a very clever man.
“Before I got to know him well, I encountered what I believed was a major
problem. Every time he came to pick up some of my boards he would
complain about the last lot. I got worried about it and started to wonder
whether or not my crew and I were good enough to make boards for the guy.
“Anyhow, one day I confronted him and said, ‘Ray, I’m sorry but I don’t
think I will be able to keep making boards for you. Every time you complain.
There’s always something you don’t like and we’re trying our best. Ray then
said to me, ‘The boards are magnificent son, but they might not be that good
if I didn’t complain and keep on your back.’ I never forgot it.
“To this day I like people to pull apart what we do because it ensures we
are at the top of our game. As much as you hate it, you must have someone
putting it on you all the time, otherwise you go off the rails.”
THE PROCESS & DESIGN FEATURES
SOFT CURVES
“I tried all available contours from V’s to flats, concaves, channels, rolls and
finally the dome concept, which I found by far outperformed all the others.
“Every shape causes a reaction. In essence you want to harness the wave’s
energy and be in harmony with it so you want a shape that is neutral.
“Flats, concaves and channels all dispel energy inefficiently and decrease
control for the surfer. For example, when you put together a flat bottom with
a hard edge you achieve maximum release, as the features of the design
repel water.
“It is a common belief in surfing today that edges hold water. They in fact
cut the water. That is why the boards are so thin now, so they can slice
through the wave. With hard edges the water sheers off. When hard edges
are combined with area and thickness, too much release is created causing
sliding and drifting through bottom turns and cutbacks, making controlling
the object very difficult.
ABOVE: Geoff explains... LEFT:
Various surfboard bottom shapes.
ACROSS: Geoff rides an 8ft Nugget.
PHOTO: Michelle Morrison
BOTTOM RIGHT: Examples of how
the rail interacts with the wave.
“As opposed to flat hard
surfaces that repel water, I have
found full soft curves hold water.
This effect is consistent and
predictable no matter where they
are located on the object.
“A wave is a smooth flowing
object so why put the opposite
in there – squares, straights,
flats? The water will simply
react or you can put something
a little softer and curvier like the
environment you are going to use
it in and it will fit in better.”
Geoff’s single fin wide, thick
tail design concept is based on
the subtle blending of what he
refers to as ‘full loaded curves’
to achieve optimum performance
and ease of control.
“That is why my wide thick tail
designs function so well. The
softened curves are designed
to achieve maximum hold for
control and hard edges are
only used sparingly to release
unnecessary used water.”
142 jan/feb 2012

“EVERY SHAPE
CAUSES A REACTION.
IN ESSENCE, YOU
WANT TO HARNESS
THE WAVE’S
ENERGY AND BE IN
HARMONY WITH
IT, SO YOU WANT
A SHAPE THAT IS
NEUTRAL.”
GEAR: SHAPER
jan/feb 2012
143

THE THICK WIDE TAILS
The distribution of the plan shape’s
balance and thickness is designed
to support the surfer where he “You bring the reaction of the object closer to your body and
needs it most - in the tail of the feet and this in turn gives the surfer greater overall control.
board. Geoff feels this is the most
efficient way of generating energy. “Another aspect I have discovered, which is contrary
to popular belief, is that the wider, thicker tail is better
suited to the single fin design. This is because with a
wide tail, multiple fins start to work independently from
each other with unsatisfactory results.”
As Geoff explains, by boosting the tail area and thickness
it gives the single fin design more energy with no need to
add fins to get thrust and forward motion. Plus less fins
reduces drag giving the object more natural speed and
maneuverability resulting in a free flowing easy to control
object that is in harmony with the flow of the wave.
“Not only that but by using accelerating curves such as
the dome, with only one fin in the centre of the board, it
allows the dome to perform more efficiently as there is
no obstruction to the flow of water by side fins. This gives
off a cleaner, smoother flow to the object and allows the
dome to perform its correct function.
NOTE: In order to explain how a ‘dome’ works it’s possibly best
to exaggerate its outline. Imagine the ‘dome’ as the back of
a large teaspoon built into the bottom of your board situated
between where you place your two feet. This dome not only
enhances the board’s hold to the wave, it enables you to
smoothly roll from rail to tail as you turn the board enhancing its
maneuverability.
Geoff sees another very important design feature as the
softening of the rails under edge. This allows the rails to
hold water, which provides extra hold for the single fin,
preventing sliding and spinning out and thus the need for
extra fins.
TOP: Astron Zot’s thick, wide tail
DIAGRAM: How design features
affect the reactivity of a board.
RIGHT: Alistair McDiarmid from Lennox Head,
Astron Zot spray art . PHOTO: Michelle Strain
144 jan/feb 2012

GEAR: SHAPER
TEST THE
TEASPOON
THEORY
Run a strong, steady
stream of water from
a tap. Lightly hold a
teaspoon between your
thumb and index finger
and introduce the back
of the spoon (dome-like
appearance) into the
water stream. The spoon
will suck into the water
stream and hold.
DIAGRAM: How
various design features
affect the way a board
interacts with the wave.
PLAN SHAPE
In years gone by, and in many cases today, single
fin designs taper from a wide point forward of the
middle of the board into a pintail.
“This reduced volume does not serve to support
the surfer and the narrow tail disperses energy.
I have found by boosting the volume in the tail
of the board it harnesses the energy of the wave
more efficiently giving the back of the board a
driving feeling as opposed to a dragging feeling.
“By changing the plan shape to feature a narrow
nose and wide tail, it allows the object to elevate
from the tail area because of the waves natural
action where water sucks up and spills over
it. This causes the widest part of the object to
elevate the most, so the wide tail is constantly
being elevated by the wave. There is no effort
required by the surfer.”
EVOLUTION:
From the 1972
McCoy single fin
(left) to the Astron
Zot of today (right.)
“Once you are aware of these reactions it is quite
simple to adjust them to suit different surfing
styles and abilities, as well as adapting them to
the various design categories such as hot dog,
mid range, big waves and tow boards. Being able
to incorporate these concepts through a whole
range of designs provides consistent performance
characteristics.”
jan/feb 2012
145

ILLUSTRATION: Robert ‘Gypo’ Fenech
GEAR: SHAPER
IT COMES AROUND
“For too long surfboard design has
only been about the pro surfer and the
equipment they ride but the wheel has
turned and common sense is returning.
There are once again wider, thicker
designs available. Mine are no longer the
only ones.”
As far as Geoff is concerned, the turn
around in thinking is long overdue and one
he has been advocating since he made
the first Nugget in 1994. The acceptance
and recognition of the design signals a
practical return to riding equipment that is
fun to surf.
“It does not matter what your ability level,
the main reason for surfing is to have fun
and if you are not having fun, you are on
the wrong equipment, it’s that simple.
“From my perspective it is also interesting
to note, that as the equipment focus has
changed from what the pros ride to a more
individual, practical approach. The average
surfer is back having fun again.
“For too long surfers struggled on
pro equipment to be defeated by the
experience. Instead of giving up in disgust,
believing they ‘weren’t up to it’ or ‘past it’
they have rediscovered the joy of surfing.”
SOME McCOYS OF TODAY: Refined designs that have stood the test of time. (Left -right)
The Lazor Zap, the Big Guy Nugget and the Astron Zot.
146 jan/feb 2012

As for Geoff’s single fin design, it
has been a long time maturing. In
fact, his personal preference for
the last 22 years has been nothing
but the single fin.
“My Astron Zot’s wide thick tail
is testimony to its new improved
all round performance and it gives
me a huge feeling of satisfaction
to know what I have learned along
the way and believed in for all
these years is now fact.
“My wide thick tail designs are
now being copied worldwide by
all the prominent guru designers
who for years have been talking
them down in complete ignorance.
What am I supposed to say...
They’re geniuses for taking some
30+ years to catch on.”
FOR MORE ON McCOY BOARDS:
Visit the showroom in Byron Bay
at 10 Acacia Street, call on
02 6685 3227 or visit
www.mccoysurfboards.com
PHOTO: Mark Chapman
jan/feb 2012
147

HAND PLANES
THE TRADITIONAL
THE ALLROUNDER
*MAGIC PEANUT
STRINGERLESS
Shaper: Dave O’Reilly
Specs: Varies a bit, but
18” x 8” x ¾”
Ideal: The bigger, the
better – test yourself!
Suits: Aquababies,
waterboys, ironmen,
swimsuit models, etc...
Ability: Everyone can
bodysurf. This just makes
each wave last longer.
Description: Headstone,
Phatbat, Eclipse, Seafood
Platter (and Pintail) or
one for each day of the
week. Bodysurf with unreal
results. Turn, carve and get
barrelled like never before.
Totally addictive.
Construction: 100%
Australian grown, milled
and shaped Paulownia
sealed with a raw linseed/
gum turpentine mix or a bio
varnish gloss finish.
Fins: Just the two you
can put on your feet. Not
compulsory but helps
when you’re diving under
the 8ft cleanup sets.
Shaper comment: I can’t
make these fast enough.
Turns unsurfable onshore
days into hours of fitness
and fun. Requires boardies
with a strong drawstring
as it’s not fun walking back
up the beach with just your
fins and hand plane!
Shaper: Dave O’Reilly
Specs: 6’5” x 16 ¾” x ¾”
Ideal: Small to
medium clean days.
Suits: Anyone who
wants to glide.
Ability: Beginner to pro –
give it a go.
Description: All custom
orders are shaped from the
best premium grade blanks
available. A flat deck with
deep bottom rails and a
single concave from just
behind the nose to the tail.
Thin the tail to give it some
looseness and hey presto!
– go slide!
Construction: 100%
Australian grown and milled
plantation Paulownia, sealed
with a mix of raw linseed oil
and gum turpentine.
Fins: No fins required –
let the rails do the work.
Shaper comment: Alaias
are made for time travel –
they will take you back to a
simple form of surfing that
gives you ultimate reward
– a smile you can’t wipe off
your face. Take the trip!
Shaper: Andrew Wells
Specs: 7’0” x 21½” x 2 5 /8”
Ideal: Anything you can
paddle into.
Suits: All levels
Description: This board
has a more traditional
outline blended with
modern rockers. Being
hollow timber, there’s
plenty of float and it easily
skips over any fat sections
while maintaining speed
and drive. Additional
weight of timber gives
smooth flow in the water.
Construction: Hollow
timber - plantation
grown Paulownia and
recycled cedar. Resin
tints available.
Fins: Single or 1 + 2.
Shaper comment:
As it’s name says, a
great Allrounder. All
individually handcrafted
from recycled/plantation
grown timber. Each board
takes over 30hrs to hand
craft and is completely
unique. These look great,
surf great and will give
you years of enjoyment.
Shaper: Adrian Knott
Dimensions: from 4’8 -5’8
Above :5’0” x 20” x 2 ½”
Ideal: Knee to head height
Suits: Average Joe to
local rip rat
Description: Magic
Peanut draws inspiration
from the Greenough,
Simmons and paipo family.
For those who find the
Mini-Simmons too wide
and bulky, I have narrowed
down the outline, rounded
out the tail and kept
the rocker relaxed for
speed. Little flip in the
nose to get into steeper
waves and added a quad
setup. A super fast and
manueverable little foam
nugget. Ride me super short!
Construction:
Stringerless PU, wetrub
finish, 4/4 oz deck + patch,
6oz bottom.Available in
full pigment or tint.
Fins: Quad FCS or glass
on, hand-foiled marine ply.
Shaper comment: I’ve
been riding the traditional
Mini-Simmons for a while
but when the surf is small
I now reach for the Peanut.
Get one in the quiver!
Shaper: Thomas Bexon
Dimensions:
9’9” x 23 ½” x 3”
Ideal conditions: Clean,
hollow point waves,
beachies and anything
with shape.
Description: A high
performance log, flex is
the secret with this one.
Inspired by mid-sixties
experiments and refined
with todays knowledge,
bottom roll, bladed rails,
flex fin and tail scoop.
Construction:
Stringerless heavyweight
blank, 8oz bottom double
8 deck with patch
Fins: Glassed on fin, box
also available.
Shaper comment:
This is a log that can be
thrown around a bit more
and handle a touch more
size. Call me.
SURFING GREEN
Coolum Beach, QLD
Mobile: 0412 042 811
surfinggreen.com.au
SURFING GREEN
Coolum Beach, QLD
Mobile: 0412 042 811
surfinggreen.com.au
GROWN SURFBOARDS
Lennox Head
PO Box 801, Ballina NSW 2478
Ph: 0407 889 049
sales@grownsurfboards.com.au
grownsurfboards.com.au
RAKE SURFBOARDS
Torquay Vic 3228
Ph : 0400560317
rakesurfboards@optusnet.com.au
rakesurfboards.blogspot.com
www.rakefoamshapes.com
THOMAS SURFBOARDS
PO Box 239
Noosa Heads Qld 4567
Ph: 0412 131 491
thomas_bexon@hotmail.com
thomassurfboards.com
148 jan/feb 2012

The bean
for those on
a high-carbon
diet...
GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
BONZAR
DYNOCORE FELIX
LITTLE BUDDHA
THE P2P
SMOKIN’BEAN
Shaper: Thomas Bexon
Dimensions:
6’5” x 19 ¾” x 2 ¾”
Ideal conditions:
Chest high and bigger
with push and shape.
Suits: Bigger, hollower
waves.
Description: A Cambell
Brothers inspired design,
this is a single to deep
double-bonzer - a getbarrelled
board, basically,
with drive, hold, speed
and flow.
Construction: Cedar
stringer, foam and
fiberglass with two
colour tint bottom with
pigment deck
Fins: Glassed on bonzer
4-fin and True Ames
bonzer center fin.
Shaper comment:
Call me.
Shaper: Dave Verrall
Dimensions:
5’2” x 19” x 2 3 /16” = 25.4L
Ideal conditions:
From average to
performance waves.
Suits: Accomplished
surfers who want
new feelings of higher
performance
Description: Originally a
shaping machine mishap,
but with Dave at the helm
and some inspiration from
Dan Thompson, this is
what you get! With all the
board parts you don’t need
removed, the Felix has
super high speed snappy
turning. Made only in our
Dynocore technology
with deck channels and
foot wells the board has
pop and life with no fear
of snap!
A healthy addiction this
summer to tighten your
turns and sharpen your
surfing.
Construction: Dynocore
incorporating a high-tech
fusion of epoxy resin, exotic
fibres and fused foam with
engineered flex return
Fins: FCS Fusion or Future
Shaper comment: The
best board you can get...
Shaper: Jason Wiggers
Dimensions:
6’2 ½” x 22 ¼” x 2 15 / 16”
Ideal conditions: Offshore
or cross shore 1 - 8 foot.
Suits: Beginner to advanced
Description: Our modern
fun board. Slight tail rocker
and tail outline has been
pulled in and rounded.
Combined with the slight
single into vee double
concave through the fins,
it gives you a good feeling
for nice rail-to-rail turns.
Construction: Ecofriendly
and custom-made.
Supersap Bio Epoxy
Resin, bamboo mesh
reinforcement, recycled
Marko EPS foam blank and
Probox fin boxes.
Fins: Five fin set up, quad
or thruster. FCS green fins.
Shaper comment:
Help the environment.
These custom made
boards are nearly 100%
eco-friendly and Samsara
Surfboards are one of
the leading Eco friendly
board manufacturers in
Australia at the moment.
Shaper: Paul Woodbry
Specs: 6’3” x 19 ½” x 2 7 /16”
Ideal: 3 - 6ft
Suits: Anyone who loves
to drive hard off the bottom
and attack the lip. Also
loves to tube ride.
Description: Paddles
well - goes really fast.
You can drive it as hard
as you want from bottom
to top. In waves from
3 - 6ft you can’t ask for a
better model.
Construction:
Polyester resin and
Southcoast blanks.
Australian made 100%,
Surfboardgraphics decal.
Fins: Thruster set up
Shaper comment: This
shape never lets you
down, heaps of speed and
control all wrapped in one
package.
Woody Surf Design
boards exclusively
available from:
Shaper: James Ellis -
OSX - APS3000
Specs: 5’11” x 22 1 / 8” x 3 1 / 16”
Ideal: 1-4 ft, all types
of surf.
Suits: At this width and
thickness, guys and girls
90kg+. Custom available.
Description: Flat, super
fast and resembles a black
jellybean. Tiny amount of
reverse V. Sharp rounded
tail, fishy nose, beautiful
full rails for excellent hold.
Construction: High-end. 200
GSM Cert. Japanese TORAY
Twill Weave Carbon fibre,
SCB PU foam, epoxy resin
and acrylic epoxy gloss coats.
Fins: Shapers plugs (5mm
forward and back travel)
with DVS (Dick Van Straalen)
carbon fibre/composite fins
from Shapers
Shaper comment:
Catches waves as easy as
a mal. Turns like a shorty.
Carbon construction gives
this board a rocketing
parabolic rail effect. A
team effort between
Distribution, D.D.S.A.
CREATIVE, Pete from OES.
THOMAS SURFBOARDS
PO Box 239
Noosa Heads Qld 4567
Ph: 0412 131 491
thomas_bexon@hotmail.com
thomassurfboards.com
DIVERSE SURFBOARDS
476 Gold Coast Hwy,
Tugun, QLD 4224
Ph: 07 5598 4848
dave@diversesurf.com.au
diversesurf.com.au
SAMSARA SURF
Ph: 03 5622 0651
Mob: 0422 190 223
97 Albert St,warragul,
3820 Victoria, Australia
jason@samsarasurfboards.com
samsarasurfboards.com
SURFWARE AUSTRALIA
2 Bulcock Street,
Caloundra QLD 4551
Ph: 07 5491 3620
surfwareaustralia.com
DISTRIBUTION SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0410 175 552
PO BOX 633 Willunga
SA 5172
james@ljdistribution.com.au
Available through
interested surf stores
jan/feb 2012
149

SINGLE FIN
8’ LONGBOARD
THE PUNTER
CORE 6’ SOFTBOARD
FLUID 7’ SOFTBOARD
Shaper: Mark Rabbidge
Dimensions:
6’2” x 20” x 2 ¾”
single flyer single fin
Ideal: All conditions,
small to mid range
Ability: All surfers who
want to have fun
Description: Modern
version of old standard.
Basically, find an old
good one, ride it and then
improve it.
Construction: Fantastic
polyester
Fins: One glass-on or box
Shaper comment: These
boards are not novelty
designs - they surf in an
all round modern way
without the hang-ups of
old 70’s technology.
Shaper: Mark Rabbidge
Dimensions:
8’ x 21” x 2 ¾”
Suits: Custom tailored to
suit the individual
Description: Double
ender well balanced
board. Trim concave
through middle, roll vee
through the tail.
Construction: Dion foam
blanks. I’ve been dealing
with them for 45 years
and for good reason.
Fins: 3 fin set up.
Shaper comment: I
have been making this
board since the 80’s. It’s
like a shortboard you can
noseride.
Shaper:
Terry “Snake” Bishop
Dimensions:
5’6” x 19” x 2 5 /16”
Ideal conditions:
Punchy beach breaks or
anything with a ramp.
Suits: Youngster who
want to pop airs.
Description: Short,
wide, flattened rocker and
as thick as your normal
shortboard. It’s fast and
really responsive.
Construction: PU Foam
and polyester resin.
Fins: Works well as
thruster and quad.
Shaper comment:
This board is one for the
trickster. Good if you want
something that rockets
around in the small stuff,
and great for air section.
Specs: 6’ x 20 7 / 8” x 2 ¼”
Ideal: Beach breaks for
learners and point breaks
for more advanced riders.
Suits: Learners and
advanced riders looking to
have fun.
Description: A softboard
that is easy to ride for the
learner but also a great fun
board for an established
rider. This is the most high
performance softboard on
the market.
Construction: EPS core,
double stringers, HDPE
slick, NXL deck, pin line
rail system.
Fins: Thruster with plastic
screw in fins.
El Nino comment:
Perfect for almost
anybody. This softboard
is a performance shape
that will help a beginner
advance quicker into
performing turns and
an advanced rider will
have a blast on this easy
paddling softboard. Take
the soft option!
Specs: 7’ x 21 ¾” x 2 ¾”
Ideal: Fun beach break or
point break set ups. Wave
conditions up to shoulder
height.
Suits: The learner, the
surfer returning to the sport
and the surfer who just
likes having fun. Plus, you
can ride your softboard
through the flags.
Description: It’s a
softboard designed
for fun. The board
is designed with a
performance template
that is great for zipping
through the crowded
summer line ups. You
will be paddling circles
around your mates!
Construction: EPS core,
double stringers, HDPE
slick, NXL deck.
Fins: Thruster with plastic
screw in fins.
El Nino comment:
A must have summer
item for catching waves
on during the busy
summer months. Take the
soft option!
RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN
Ph: 02 4456 4038
Mobile: 0427 767 176
Bendalong, NSW 2539
www.markrabbidge.com
RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN
Ph: 02 4456 4038
Mobile: 0427 767 176
Bendalong, NSW 2539
www.markrabbidge.com
CARABINE SURFBOARDS
36 Finders Street
Wollongong, NSW
Ph/Fax: 02 4229 9462
carabinesurfboards.com.au
MANTA SURF CO. PTY LTD
6 Woodfield Blvd,
Caringbah NSW 2229
Ph: 02 8536 4700
admin@elninosurf.com.au
www.elninosurf.com.au
MANTA SURF CO. PTY LTD
6 Woodfield Blvd,
Caringbah NSW 2229
Ph: 02 8536 4700
admin@elninosurf.com.au
www.elninosurf.com.au
150 jan/feb 2012

THE
Mitch Adams from the Sunshine Coast in the
YOU MAY BE
NOBODY
(BUT GASFins CARES WHO YOU ARE)
SEARCH FOR SORT-OF-GREATNESS
PHOTO: JACK DEKORT
JANUARY
NOBODY
MITCH ADAMS
HOME BREAK: Coolum Beach
BOARD: 5’7 Dumpster Diver
FINS: HPM and HPXS GASfins
FAVOURITE FOOD: Mexicana
BEST WEEKEND: Beers, chicks, mates.
Oh, and cracker surf.
THE PHOTO: Taken by my mate
Jack Dekort from Coolum Beach,
at Coolum Beach. Jack said the
conditions were really clean all day
but the lighting that arvo was great.
WE NEED HOME
TOWN HEROES!
At GASfins we reckon you should be able to enjoy the benefits
of a top quality product, without the price tag, whether you’re
a pro or not! And we reckon you deserve the fame too... Send
in a photo of yourself showing your skills on your shortboard,
longboard or the like to be in the running for GASfins gear and
more. Score yourself a pack of fins and accessories AND reach
the giddy heights of fame as our next nobody.
HPXS THRUSTER
Smaller version of the HPX. Centre fin is slightly
smaller to give you quick release through turns.
Great for small conditions or lighter surfers.
WWW.GASFINS.COM.AU
GET GAS POWER UNDER YOUR BOARD Ask your local shaper for GASfins
PROUDLY USED BY SHAPERS ALL DOWN THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA AND INTERNATONALLY.
SHAPERS: Get in touch to try GASfins yourself. Quality and performance for your customers without the price tag for you. 0417 980 524 • gasfins@gmail.com
jan/feb 2012
151

GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
WAYNE
MCKEWEN
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
PHOTO: MARK CHAPMAN
You’re widely recognised
as a top-notch competitive
surfer in your time. Do you
have to be an elite surfer to
be an accomplished shaper?
Unless you have really good team
of riders, it’s hard to get the indepth
feedback you require without
feeling it yourself. Al Merrick, for
example, was never the best surfer
but he has an exceptional team (none
other than Kelly Slater).
With me, Bede Durbidge (currently
ranked in the top 15) is really good at
communicating what he wants. Having
also been a competitive surfer, I can
relate to what he is after.
This no doubt assists with your work
with the likes of Bede but how about
the average Joe Blow or Jane Doe?
When you are working with elite surfers
your eye for detail has to pick up so much
more. You have to tune in to the finer details.
This attention to detail certainly assists
shaping boards for the average punter. You
simply adapt and refine those design principles
so they are more forgiving.
Straight pro boards however don’t work for the
average, everyday surfer. It took the public five
years to figure that out. They saw what the best
surfers were riding in the mags and wanted to
surf those models, but unless you’re a pro they are
dysfunctional.
What’s your take on the growing trend towards
surfers riding shorter boards and retro styles?
Boards in the 80s were a lot better for the all-round
surfer than recent wafer-thin models. The concave of a
modern board only works in premium conditions.
80s boards were shorter because they had
fuller outlines and less rocker. You could ride
a wider variety of waves. I fully understand
them because I was riding those boards back
then at comp level and then began shaping
them too.
Speaking of such styles, you have thrown
a fair bit of energy behind development
of The Bullet. Would you like to briefly
explain the progression of the design?
I have been going for 3-4 years on its design
from when fishes became popular again. Fishes
are great in small surf but with such a wide
nose and tail, they just skip out when the surf
gets over 3ft. I wanted something that had a
performance aspect to the design as well so it
could handle waves when it got up around 4-6ft.
The Bullet has an 80s style to it with a flatter
rocker and a bit of vee but with refined design
elements and curves that have been developed
over a prolonged and intense testing period.
Finally, is there a particular shaper you
look up to or that has mentored you through
the years?
I have enormous respect for the Hawaiian shaper
Eric Arakawa. In Australia, I have always looked up
to guys like Allan and Ian Byrne. I worked under Alan
for about 10 years when he was widely considered
one of the world’s best, and have been shaping
alongside Ian for around 15 years.
I also have a great deal of respect for Rodney
Dahlberg. These guys aren’t in it for the money, they
are turned on by the art of shaping.
But the guy who has truly mentored me and provided
with so much more than a bit of guidance is Gill
Glover, former shaper to Rabbit Bartholomew. He is a
meticulous craftsman and has developed my skills and
instilled in me a lot of confidence as a shaper.
SHAPER
Wayne McKewen
MT WOODGEE
Currumbin, Gold Coast, QLD
SHAPING
Just on 30 years
BRIEF BACKGROUND
Fomer champion surfer who came 2 nd to Tom
Curren in the 1980 World Title race. Arrived on the
Gold Coast in 1972 and started shaping for Hot Stuff
under Alan Byrne. Joined Mt Woodgee in 1985.
MORE INFORMATION
WWW.MTWOODGEE.COM.AU
152 jan/feb 2012

MINI BULLET
CHANNEL BOTTOM
THE WOMBAT
BIG DADDY SKULL
THE BIG KOI
Shaper: Wayne McKewen
Specs: 5’11” x 19 ¼” x 2 7 / 16”
Ideal: Anywhere from
small beachies to medium
point or reef waves.
Suits: Surfers looking for
better performance in a
small wave board
Description: These
boards are stringerless to
maximise flex. They have
flatter rockers and a bit
more volume as they need
to be quite short to get
the maximum benefit from
the design. Most are vee
bottoms and there are nine
tail variations. Length is
from 5’7” to 6’0”.
Construction:
PU Burford blank, 4 x 4oz
decks and 4oz bottom.
Fins: All have FCS 5-fin set
ups to allow you to use as a
thruster or a quad.
Shaper comment:
Added flex translates
to a whippy feel and
acceleration through
turns. Customer and
team feedback has been
excellent.
MT WOODGEE
SURFBOARDS
Stores at Coolangatta,
Currumbin, Burleigh Heads
Ph: 07 5535 0288
www.mtwoodgee.com.au
Shaper: Ian Byrne
Specs: 6’2” x 18 ½” x 2 ¼”
Ideal conditions:
3-6ft good quality waves.
Suits: Anyone looking
for extra drive speed and
hold in hollow point or
reef waves
Ability: Int. to competition
Description:
A thoroughbred that comes
into its own when the
waves are clean, fast and
hollow. Stock range is from
6’2”- 6’6” in round pin tails
or swallows. Can be custom
made to any size including
7 foot+ Hawaiian guns.
Construction:
PU Burford blank, 4 x 4oz
decks and 4oz bottom.
Fins: FCS thruster set up.
Shaper comment:
Ian has made Channel
Bottoms for over 20
years. The design has
been proven in the best
waves on the planet.
This is for serious surfing
destinations like G-land
or Hawaii and works well
on points and beachies.
If you’re looking for a
superfast, down-the-line
board, this will deliver.
MT WOODGEE
SURFBOARDS
Stores at Coolangatta,
Currumbin, Burleigh Heads
Ph: 07 5535 0288
www.mtwoodgee.com.au
Shaper: Lee Cheyne
Dimensions:
6’2” x 19 ¼” x 2 3 /8”
Ideal: Small waves
Suits: Everyone
Description:
Short, thick and wide.
Construction: Burford
PU foam, Surf 9 4oz glass
and Silmar resin.
Fins: Yes. however
many you need.
Shaper comment:
Small wave summer
board that should go ok in
winter too.
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
www.facebook.com/
people/Lee-Cheyne-
Surfboards/1620685674
Shaper: Dean “Dino” Tziolis
Specs: 5’10” x 20 ¼” x 2 3 /8”
Ideal: If you’re not sure
about buying a fish or a
shortboard, this is the
board you’re looking for -
two boards in one. Great
for point or beach breaks.
Description:
Unbelievable paddle
power, wave catcher,
super fun to ride. Easy
turns. High performance
on small waves and
plenty of rocker for
medium surf. Super
fast and very forgiving.
Custom tattoo art by one
of Australia’s cutting
edge and leading tattoo
artists, Marco Ventura.
Plenty of designs to
choose from and the
option to have custom
art developed for your
individual style.
Construction: PU Core
South Coast blanks, top
quality glassing, Future
or FCS Fusion fins. High
quality art decal inlays.
Shaper comment:
Inkside Surfboards are a
quality brand with tried
and tested experience,
producing boards from
three Gold Coast shapers
with over 30 years of
experience.
INKSIDE SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0431 455 928
info@tattoosurfnink.com
www.tattoosurfnink.com
Shaper: Dean “Dino” Tziolis
Specs: 5’10” x 20” x 2½”
Ideal: 1-4 ft beach breaks
and points. Great shorey
for summer waves. Suits
beginner to advanced.
Description: Fast, loose
and radical. Easy to
surf, great for airs and
reverses. Fish dimensions
that go like a short board!
Single concave, swallow
tail and custom tattoo
art by one of Australia’s
cutting edge and leading
tattoo artists, Marco
Ventura. Plenty of designs
to choose from and the
option to have custom
art developed for your
individual style.
Construction: PU Core
South Coast blanks, top
quality glassing, Future
or FCS Fusion fins. High
quality art decal inlays.
Shaper comment:
Inkside Surfboards are a
quality brand with tried
and tested experience,
producing boards from
three Gold Coast shapers
with over 30 years of
experience.
INKSIDE SURFBOARDS
1/2098 Gold Coast
Highway Miami QLD 4220
Ph: 0431 455 928
info@tattoosurfnink.com
www.tattoosurfnink.com
jan/feb 2012
153

B Y R O N B A Y . A U S T R A L I A
B Y R O N B A Y . A U S T R A L I A
THE EQUALISER
KNEEBOARD
Shaper: Dave Parkes
Specs: 6’2” x 24½” x 3 5 /8”
Ideal conditions:
Beach and point breaks.
Description: The same
outline as I surf myself,
this is my most popular
shape but made to suit
a surfer of 120kg plus -
Note, 3 5 /8” thickness. Not
just a floater or a blob!
Low rails, particularly
through tail, give bite
and a feeling of carve. A
single to double concave
for performance.
Construction: PU or EPS
and epoxy. Strong 6oz
glass and extra kneepatch
for heavy landings!
Fins: 4-fin set up using
bigger templates.
Shaper comment: If
you’re a big guy and want
performance but don’t
want an extra-long or
wide board just to get
bouyancy,then this is the
way to go. Adapatable to
tri-fin shapes and other
outlines like area rounded
pins and diamond tails.
DIAMOND TAIL
KNEEBOARD
Shaper: Dave Parkes
Specs: 6’0” x 24” x 3”
Ideal: Beach and point
breaks.
Suits: This board’s
dimensions are suited to
a rider in the 90-100kg
range for all-round surfing.
Description: Today’s
version of the boards I
surfed in the 80s, but
with modern refinements.
The flyer gives a release
point when wanted, but
the flute on the top rail
taps into the wave in
longer turns for drive.
Construction:
Top quality PU foam,
resin and glass.The
polished finish coat
accentuates this.
Fins: Mostly made as a 4
-fin or a tri with big sides
and small centre.
Shaper comment: An
easy-paddling all-rounder.
THROWDOWN
SKIMBOARD
Shaper: Leighton Clark
Which one to choose:
S - 50kg or below
M - 50-75kg
L - 75kg (pictured)
XL - 90kg +
Ideal: Shorey, with a sick
backwash or glistening
sandbars.
Suits: Anyone looking for
fun at the water's edge
Description: All
Throwdown skimboards
are vacuum-bagged using
5/8 or 3/4 Divinycell core,
epoxy resin, E glass with
double wraps.
Construction: Custom
options include taper
nose and tail, S glass,
carbon, carbon stringers,
board size and template,
colours and artwork,
decal placements. the
choice is yours!!
Fins: Don't be silly
Shaper comment: We
also supply Throwdown
tail pads and arch bars
BRAD’S MICRO MAL
Shaper: Paul Carson
Dimensions:
6’6” x 21¾ x 2 5 / 8 “
Ideal conditions:
Anything up to serious
size.
Suits: Anyone
Description: Mal nose
area, short board tail.
Nose width is 18” and
tail width 14 ½” with 5
½” diamond tail. Light
concave through to double
concave in tail.
Construction: Burford
blank, resin colour painted
on the blank.
Fins: Box single with
small sides.
Shaper comment:
Done a few variations
in this idea. Really
manoeuvrable and easy
to surf and can be a nose
rider.
CHRIS’
TRIPLE STRINGER
Shaper: Paul Carson
Dimensions:
9’3” x 23 ½” x 3”
Ideal conditions:
Anything, but definitely
great point board.
Suits: Anyone who wants
little more surface area =
stability.
Description: Light
concave under nose
running 2 / 3 to the tail into
slight vee.
Construction: Burford
blank, full 6oz glass job
(green tint) over green
resin brushed on panels.
Fins: Single fin box.
Shaper comment:
Great all round mal,
more pulled in tail for
maneuverability.
C U S T O M K N E E B O A R D S
PARKES AUSTRALIA
4/83 Centennial Circuit
Byron Bay, NSW
Ph: 02 6685 6627
E: d-par@bigpond.com
parkesaustralia.com
C U S T O M K N E E B O A R D S
PARKES AUSTRALIA
4/83 Centennial Circuit
Byron Bay, NSW
Ph: 02 6685 6627
E: d-par@bigpond.com
parkesaustralia.com
CLARK SURFBOARDS
20 Cottage Road,
Hackham SA
E: leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au
M: 0422 443 789
Available at
www.onboardsurf.com.au
THE FACTORY
SURFBOARDS
CALOUNDRA
17 Allen Street
Caloundra QLD 4551
Ph: 07 5492 5838
factorysurf@southernfoam.com.au
thefactorysurfboards.com.au
THE FACTORY
SURFBOARDS
CALOUNDRA
17 Allen Street
Caloundra QLD 4551
Ph: 07 5492 5838
factorysurf@southernfoam.com.au
thefactorysurfboards.com.au
154 jan/feb 2012

GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
THE LOG
SPIRIT BOARD
CARBON FIBRE MINI MAL
THE KING FISH
THE STUBBIE
Shaper: Mitchell Rae
Specs: 9’4” x 23” x 3 ¼”
Suits: Beach, reef and
point breaks
Description: Back to the
60’s... Walk, trim and glide.
This board features classic
lines, 50/50 rails rolled
bottom and nose concave.
Construction:
8oz glass, pigments tints,
gloss and polish
Fins: Single fin
Shaper comment:
Generating awesome
feedback from the beach.
These boards draw on
the shaper’s experience
of learning to surf on 60’s
longboards.
Shaper: Mitchell Rae
Specs: 6’8” x 18 ¾” x 2 ½”
Suits: Beach, reef and
point breaks
Description: V2 Flex
construction with a deep
single concave and spiral
chine entry.
Construction:
PU foam, strong, light
glassing, gloss and polish
Fins: Single fin
Shaper comment:
Designed for some serious
fun soul surfing in any kind
of waves. Broaden your
mind, elevate your spirit
Specs: 7’6” x 21 1 /8” x 2 7 /8”
Ideal Conditions: 1-4ft
Suits: Caters for all
types and age surfers
and handles well in most
conditions.
Description: Carbon
Fibre Mini Mal made
from recycled foam and
environmentally friendly
resin. Lightweight, super
strong and durable.
Polished mirror finish looks
amazing.
Construction: Carbon
fibre, recycled EPS foam,
low VOC epoxy resin
Fins: Comes Carbon fibre/
bamboo FCS-compatible
fins. Thruster setup.
Pricing: $1250 (inc GST)
Comes in a package
including hemp boardbag,
carbon fibre/bamboo
fins, recycled leash and
organic wax. Groovy
Baby!
Shaper: Michael Cundith
Length: 6’10” - 8’
Width: 22” - 24”
Thickness: 3” - 3 ½”
Ideal condition: Most
Suits: Older surfers
Description: This fish is
between the Dart and the
Whale fish.
Construction: Strong
Fins: Twin keels, or
alternately 4 or 5 fins.
Shaper comment: Great
fun performer that catches
waves easily, turns and
trims. The King Fish holds
in well as fins are set back
on the tail.
Shaper: Michael Cundith
Dimensions:
6’ x 21 ½” x 2 ¾” or
custom made to any size
Ideal: Small to medium surf
Suits: All types of surfer
Description: A remake of
my 1960’s model with an
updated bottom shape and
rocker, with slight concave
chines and bottom to tail
pod vee. Great for paddling
into waves, fantastic for
late take-offs as it’s wide
and stable, and accelerates
instantly. You can actually
feel it rise up on top of the
water. 5-fin setup works
perfectly for the wide tail.
It holds in, is still loose and
has heaps of drive with
amazing trim speed. It can
be made to any size.
Construction:
Strong and not too heavy
Fins: Single or twin keel,
3 ,4 and 5
Shaper comment: This
board is a winner - we
are getting heaps of
favorable feedback.
OUTER ISLAND
SURFBOARDS
7 Bayldon Drive,
Raleigh, NSW
Ph: 02 6655 7007
info@outerislandsurfboards.com
outerislandsurfboards.com
outerisland.blogspot.com
OUTER ISLAND
SURFBOARDS
7 Bayldon Drive,
Raleigh, NSW
Ph: 02 6655 7007
info@outerislandsurfboards.com
outerislandsurfboards.com
outerisland.blogspot.com
ECOTEC SURFBOARDS
Torquay, VIC
Ph: 0417 520 052
E: info@ecotecsurfboards.com
www.ecotecsurfboards.com
MICHAEL CUNDITH
SURF DESIGNS
Ph: 02 6685 8778
3 Banksia Dve,
Byron Bay Industrial Estate
BYRON BAY NSW 2481
E: info@mcsurf.com.au
www.mcsurf.com.au
MICHAEL CUNDITH
SURF DESIGNS
Ph: 02 6685 8778
3 Banksia Dve,
Byron Bay Industrial Estate
BYRON BAY NSW 2481
E: info@mcsurf.com.au
www.mcsurf.com.au
jan/feb 2012
155

SHAPER’S PROMOTION
GEAR: BOARDS
MANGROVE
JACK LOG
Shaper: Jed Done
Specs: 9’4” x 23” x 2 7 / 8”
Ideal: Ankle to head high,
depending on ability level.
Suits: Point beaks and fun
peelers.
Ability: Beginner to pro.
Description: Old school
log shape with roll bottom
and pinched 50/50 rails,
very light nose concave in
the front quarter.
Construction: Dion foam.
Hot chocolate pigment
bottom, orange tint deck,
white resin pinlines, full
gloss, 6 x 4 oz bottom, 6 x
6 x 4 oz deck.
Fins: I made a 9 ½” George
Greenough template
orange tint fin, in a 10” box.
Shaper comment:
Surfed it last night and it
was so much fun!.
Shaper: Greg Brown
Specs: 9’1” x 21 ¾” x 2 ¾”
Description: It’s a
performer, say no more.
Construction:
PU foam polyester resin,
6 oz bottom, 12 oz deck,
pigments, built to last
Fins: 2 + 1
Shaper comment: It’s a
performer hands down.
Stand on the back and
give it a wack. Stand on
the front and it bucks like
a &$!#.
Zak Surfboards has a
huge range of Bombora
surfboards in store.
Customs from Greg
Brown can be ordered
through Zak Surfboards in
Melbourne.
THE BIG TOP
Shaper: Dave Boyd
Specs: 9’5” x 23 ¼” x 3 1 / 8”
Ideal: Comfortable 1-4ft,
anything from small points
to A-framed beachies.
Description: A modern
nose rider, it catches
waves and lets you
noseride with ease.
One of the most popular
models in the Imperial
range, this board is the for
the surfer looking to own
one longboard, or looking
to become more proficient
at noseriding without
sacrificing turning.
Construction: Bottom
shape has a single flow
nose concave that blends
to r/vee then spiral vee
through the tail. These
features allow the boards
turning and with its 19 ¾”
nose riding capabilities,
to really shine. PU blank
7.5mm stringer with
double 6oz deck and 6oz
bottom with tail patch.
Tinted and pigmented
polyester resins.
Fins: 2+1 fin set up
Shaper comment: the
Big Top has been one of
our best sellers because
of its versatility. One
board many options.
VANE LOG
Shaper: Sean Nettleton
Specs: 9’4” x 23” x 3”
Ideal: 2ft clean peelers
Suits: from 1 - 3ft surf.
Ability level: Beginner to
advanced.
Description: Concave
nose into rolled bottom,
a lot of tail rocker to aid
noseriding and turning.
Construction:
Surf Blanks hard grade
foam 6 x 6 x 6.
Fins: Single fin box.
Shaper comment:
Perfect board if you
wanna spend a bit more
time on the nose but still
want to do some turns...
If you call into Zaks and
want more info on the
boards, just get one of
the boys to give me a ring
to have a chat.
WAVE CONTROLLER
Shaper: Stewart Maxwell
Specs: 7’8” x 22” x 2 5 / 8”
Ideal conditions: 3-6ft
Ability: Medium to high
Description: Concave
bottom, 4mm vee and
double concave through fins.
Construction: 6 x 4oz
deck, 6oz bottom
Fins: Quad, Raptor system
Shaper’s Comment:
Not to be discounted,
high performance rail, this
board performs if pushed
and driven!!
Custom shaped to your
requirement. Fin combo,
your choice.
Fitted with SBT Surfboard
Tracker security systems.
As a custom specialist
with 40 years experience.
I make surfboards with
personality, talk with you,
find out exactly what you
require and then make it.
BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS
Merimbula NSW
Ph: 0409 813 431
E: jed@bushrat.com
www.bushrat.com
ZAK SURFBOARDS
307 Victoria Road
Thornbury VIC 3071
Ph: 03 9416 7384
Mobile: 0438 416 738
zak@zaksurfboards.com
zaksurfboards.com
ZAK SURFBOARDS
307 Victoria Road
Thornbury VIC 3071
Ph: 03 9416 7384
Mobile: 0438 416 738
zak@zaksurfboards.com
zaksurfboards.com
ZAK SURFBOARDS
307 Victoria Road
Thornbury VIC 3071
Ph: 03 9416 7384
Mobile: 0438 416 738
zak@zaksurfboards.com
zaksurfboards.com
MAXIMUM SURF PTY LTD
Currumbin QLD 4223
Ph: 07 5559 5940
Mob: 0400 338 098
maximumsurf@bigpond.com
maximumsurfdesigns.com
156 jan/feb 2012

decades of real curves for those
who can feel the difference since ‘76
surfboards direct call
robbie page ed sinnott
0401040862 040405932
espsurfboards.com
espsurfshop.com.au
jan/feb 2012
157

MISSING-LINK THE FROTHER THE FROW TRANSPLANT STUMPY-RAY
Shaper: Ryan Bridges
Shaper: Ryan Bridges
Dimensions:
5’10” x 19 ¼” x 2 7 /16”
Suits: Good surfer, 75-80kg
Ability: Intermediate to
advanced surfers.
Description: All about
high performance surfing
in small waves. We’ve
incorporated the ‘shorter,
wider, thicker, flatter’
principles that make
fishes work into a high
performance shortboard
package, so you don’t
have to compromise
performance when the
waves get tiny! Perfect
companion to your
standard shortboard or a
brilliant all-rounder, the
Frother has been by far our
most popular model over
the last year because it
suits Cronulla’s beaches
perfectly.
Shaper: Ryan Bridges
Dimensions:
5’11” x 19” x 2 3 /8”
Suits: Good surfer, 75-80kg
Ability: Intermediate to
advanced surfers.
Description: A super
short shortboard designed
to be ridden in a far
greater range of both
size and conditions than
the Frother. The secret is
both in the extended exit
rocker and the pulled-in
roundtail. They’ve been
added to the package to
help the board hold its rail
better when tighter in the
pocket, giving you more
control and more rail to
drive off, whilst still being
super responsive because
of its compact size.
Shaper: Ryan Bridges
Dimensions:
6’0” x 18 7 /8” x 2 5 /16”
Suits: Good surfer, 75kg
Ability: Intermediate to
advanced surfers.
Description: The result of
our long quest to create a
better beachbreak-oriented
shortboard. Ridden
around 1-2” shorter and
¼” - 3 /8” wider than your
traditional shortboard. A
more compact package at
home both in the pocket
and above the lip. The
foam has been centered
under your feet and chest
for control. The entry has
essentially been shortened
whilst its exit has been
wound up a gear. This is
the latest installment in
the evolution of the high
performance shortboard
and reflects the boards
being ridden by the world’s
best surfers today.
Shaper: Ryan Bridges
Dimensions:
Generous amount of
volume for an average sized
surfer. 5’8” x 20 ¼” x 2 ½”
Suits: A fun board for
everyone!
Description: A shorter,
thicker version of
the popular StingRay
model. Designed for
smaller, weaker summer
conditions. The rocker
and volume distribution
have been adjusted to
create a more dynamic
package and the outline
has been condensed to
create a tighter arc whilst
introducing straighter
sections between the feet
to increase drive. It’s a
truly modern take on the
age-old problem of a board
that will get you keen to go
surfing regardless of the
conditions!
Dimensions:
Custom made for you.
Above, 6’2” x 19 ½” x 2 5 /8”
Ability: Learning on a
foamy? This is your first
fibreglass board.
Description: Working
closely with Cronulla
Surfing Academy
we identified a need
for a better stepping
stone to progress from
beginner equipment to a
shortboard. This provides
a perfect balance of the
performance benefits of
a shortboard-style outline
with the ease of paddle
and balance of more
introductory equipment.
RBSHAPES : HAND MADE : IN CRONULLA
Force9 Surfboards, 43 Captain Cook Dr, Caringbah, 2229 Phone: 0432 154 740 Email: bridgy@rbshapes.com.au www.rbshapes.com.au
158 jan/feb 2012

GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
SWINE FLU
MINI SIMMONS DELUXE
THE WIZZ
DUMPSTER-ISH
RASTA TWIN FISH
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.
Shaper: Jesse Watson
Dimensions:
5’4” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾”
Ideal conditions: Up to
head high sliders
Ideal conditions:
Whatever you wanna try.
I ride mine from the goldy
to indo.
Suits: Ricky-Bobby
(Talledega Nights) “I just
wanna go fast!”
Description: Fast... so
fast it’ll peel your eyes
outta their sockets. Super
wide and stable, this
board has been dubbed
the “section connection.”
You’ll get the fastest,
longest rides of your life
on the Simmons.
Construction: 6/4oz
deck + 6oz bottom, full
resin art stripes gloss and
polish, glass on leash loop
- proper old skool.
Fins: Matching,
custom tint glass-ons.
Shaper comment: Are
you feeling uninspired with
your surfing, a little bored or
dull? The Simmons will put
the fun back into your life.
Just in time for summer.
Shaper: Peter Sheely
Length: 5” - 7”
Width: 21”- 22”
Thickness: 2 ¾”- 3 ¼ ”
Ideal conditions: Beach
and point breaks.
Suits: Anyone who wants
to have fun, it’s a fun
board that suits most
surfers from beginners to
experts.
Description: Fun
surfboard for all around
conditions.
Construction: Choice of
stringers, colours, tints,
pigment, or sprays. 4oz
or 6oz normal glass - you
choose!
Fins: Quad, tri-fin or
single fin.
Shaper comment:
Small, flexible fun board
with 70s/80s design
using modern technology.
Shaper: Steve Barber
Specs: 5’10” x 19 5 /8“ x 2 5 /16“
Ideal: Everyday surf
Suits: The surfer looking
for a fun, small board. They
average 5’5” to 5’9” and
can be easily scaled up in
size for the heavier surfer.
Ability: Average through
to punt masters.
Description: Flat rocker
allowed by the centre
width, so great paddler.
Construction: Still the best
way. i.e. Polyurethane...
Burford blank with Silmar
resin and Surf 9 4oz glass.
Fins: Customers choice of
brand of removable fins.
Shaper comment: A
great little all round
Dumpster Diver-style
board for all sorts of
conditions. Can be single
into double concave,
single concave, concave
to vee or simple rolled
vee... And any tail shape.
Shaper: Steve Barber
Specs: 5’11” x 20 5 /8“ x 2 3 /8“
Ideal: Designed for slop
but also loves hollow,
A-frame beachies
Suits: Anyone wanting a
summer board!
Ability: Anyone - even Kelly!
Description: Late nose
tweak for not catching in
hollow waves. Flat entry
and exit for speed. Single
to double concave with
tail vee.
Construction: Still the best
way. i.e. Polyurethane...
Burford blank with Silmar
resin and Surf 9 4oz glass.
Fins: Usually glass ons
Shaper comment: This
model has normal rails
with a chamfer to the flat
deck, giving it the ability
to hold in on hollow
waves as the rails are
able to penetrate, but the
flat, high-volume deck
won’t allow bogging in
summer slop.
black apache surfboards
BLACK APACHE
SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0410 419 791
blackapachesurfboards@live.com.au
blackapachesurfboards.com.au
black apache surfboards
BLACK APACHE
SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0410 419 791
blackapachesurfboards@live.com.au
blackapachesurfboards.com.au
PETER SHEELY
SURFBOARDS
Ph: 02 4957 3161
Mob: 0417 264 739
peter@sheelysurfboards.com
sheelysurfboards.com
STEVE BARBER/FULL FORCE
18/48 Machinery Drive
Tweed Heads South
Ph: 07 5524 2933
fullforcesurf@hotmail.com
Join us on Facebook
STEVE BARBER/FULL FORCE
18/48 Machinery Drive
Tweed Heads South
Ph: 07 5524 2933
fullforcesurf@hotmail.com
Join us on Facebook
jan/feb 2012
159

“Totally fell in
love with it and
it became an
absolute passion.”
A SALT-ENCRUSTED JOURNEY
Meet South Australian shaper, Bronte Bampton of Liquid Stix Surfboards. WORDS: DAVE SWAN
Bronte Bampton, shaper of Liquid Stix Surfboards
in South Australia, gives us an honest, matter of fact
account of where his shaping is today as only surfers
from these parts can: No time for grandstanding, just
straight to the point.
“Salt in the blood, from a young surfer to a
commercial fisherman working 20 years mostly on the
west coast of South Australia, 600km from Adelaide,
that’s me. Took up shaping six years ago, after having
made some boards in late 60s and early 70s.
“Totally fell in love with it and it became an absolute
passion. There were lots of ups and downs in the
early stages, especially when I was fishing and
trying to make boards at the same time. But with
lots of patience and small steps, the boards began to
improve in all areas.
“The west coast is such a great proving area for
surfboard design with such a great variety of waves
in one area.”
Bronte’s son, Chris was his first board tester and his
harshest critic, as only sons can be. But as Bronte
explains it, his son’s tough, honest feedback enabled
him to get his shortboards working really well.
Another young surfer helped develop the Liquid Stix
quad, the Skipjack, a board that has proven to be a
really good seller. Bronte himself is the shaper-comegear-tester,
along with South African surfer Craig
Potgieter, when it comes to his fishes and mals.
PHOTO: Kingsley Smith
Within a short period Bronte picked up quite a few
team riders who were competing in local and interstate
comps and what resulted was a lot of travelling
backwards and forwards to Adelaide. When a steady
stream of sales followed, it was time to take Liquid
Stix Surfboards to the big smoke and as Bronte puts
it, “stand up against the established shapers”.
“We are still settling into the city. The transition
from the pristine remoteness of the west coast to the
city has been difficult. What was particularly trying
initially was finding premises to work out of. I was
working here and there, trying to get boards made
and it wasn’t good. My delivery times blew out and a
couple of boards were a bit off the pace.
“I ended setting up my surfboard factory at the back
of Cutloose’s premises in Lonsdale and the boys
at Cutloose and Preece’s South Port Surf at Port
Noarlunga South now handle all my custom orders.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams I would go
from a tin shed on a remote property to surf central in
Adelaide with a number of team riders doing well on
my boards. With my team riders, who are all pretty
close to me now, the challenge is to make boards that
not only perform well, but suit their individual surfing
style. They are all such different surfers.”
But honing boards to suit diverse surfing styles has
developed Bronte’s skills towards tailor-making finely
tuned custom craft for the everyday surfer.
“As a surfboard shaper it’s so difficult to break into
the marketplace. You are up against all the big names
on the east coast and overseas. It’s about building
confidence in your product. I find if I am in the wrong
surroundings or mindset, my boards are crap. You
have to be constantly thinking outside the square,
making and testing new ideas.
“I remember saying to someone if you’re not
passionate about surfboards, I don’t see how you can
make them. The Liquid Stix journey is only short
but there is positive progress. It’s fun making boards,
teaching surfing and surfing... living the dream.”
For more about Liquid Stix, pop into Cutloose or Preece’s in South Australia, or visit the Liquid Stix website at www.liquidstix.com.au
160 jan/feb 2012

GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
STANDARD MAL
SKIP JACK
FATHER AND SON
FUNNAMATTA
THE PEE WEE
Shaper: Bronte Bampton
Shaper: Bronte Bampton
Shaper: Woody Jack
Shaper: Rory Oke
Shaper: Peter White
Specs:
9’1” x 22 ½” x 2 3 /8”- 3”
Suits: 1-6 ft average to
quality surf
Description:
Standard mal for all level
surfers. Single concave
with slight doubles through
fins. Medium entry with
average tail lift med/low
rails.
Construction:
PU blank, FGI resins,
Aerolite cloth.
Stock: 6 x 6 x 6
Fins: Fin box plus
stabilisers – can be
ordered in quad.
Shaper comment:
This is our most
popular mal which suits
absolutely everyone
whether you are a
beginner or experienced.
Specs: 6’0” x 19 ½” x 2 3 /8”
Suits: Average to very
experienced surfer
Description: A good
all-round board that adapts
to most conditions. Great
wave catcher, fast and very
responsive. Single to deep
double quad. Available in
sizes from 5’ to 6’6”.
Construction:
PU foam, FGI polyester
resins, Aerolite cloth.
Fins: Quad.
Shaper comment:
This board was tested
on the West Coast of SA
and the prototype was
ridden in 1ft mush to 5ft+
quality surf. It just kept
performing extremely
well in all conditions.
This would have to be
one of my best selling
boards, each new owner
gives it the thumbs up
and great reviews.
Dimensions:
5’9” x 21 ½“ x 2 5 /8 “
Suits: Smaller waves
Ability: From 3 year old
beginners to advanced
surfers
Description: Slight single
to double concave.with
wider nose and tail - an
area short board designed
for my 3 ½ year old son.
Construction:
Burford blank glassed
with Surf 9 fiberglass and
Silmar resin
Fins: FCS FK2
Shaper comment: This
board is all about area and
stability, but with all the
elements of a performance
board (so that I can get a
few on the smaller days
after the little fellas done.)
Dimensions:
5’2” x 19 ¼” x 2 3 / 8”
Ideal conditions:
Sucky beachies
Suits: Everyone
Description: Super-deep
double concave. Heaps of
tail kick.
Construction: Ocean
Foam blank, hand-shaped.
Fins: 5 fin setup.
Speeedfins ceramic series.
Shaper comment: Team
rider Meatballs’ take on a
Nathan Fletcher/Stretch
design. Created for skateinspired
surfing.
Glasser: Brett White
Finishing: Ricky
Length: 6ft - 7’6”
Thickness: 2” - 2 ½”
Width: 18 ½” - 19 ½”
Ideal: Small to sizeable.
Beach break - Points -
Reef break.
Description: This board is
a scaled down model of a
proper 9ft board (not just a
mini mal). Generally made
as a custom to suit the size
and weight of the young
rider who use them.
Construction: PU Foam.
6mm stringer. 6oz bottom, 6
+ 4oz deck.
Fins: 2 + 1 or thruster fins.
Shaper comment: This
is a true nose-rider for the
grommets out there who
want to nose-ride and walk
the board like their dad’s
(usually better)!
LIQUID STIX
SURFBOARDS
Moana, South Australia
Ph: 0407 606 685
E: liquidstix@bigpond.com
www.liquidstix.com.au
Available @ MCS & Preece’s
LIQUID STIX
SURFBOARDS
Moana, South Australia
Ph: 0407 606 685
E: liquidstix@bigpond.com
www.liquidstix.com.au
Available @ MCS & Preece’s
WOODY JACK
SURFBOARDS AUSTRALIA
Unit 7, 25 Leonard Parade,
Currumbin QLD
Ph: 0415 789 706
E: wjboards@gmail.com
www.woodyjack.com
OKE SURFBOARDS
1/1-7 Canterbury Rd,
Braeside, VIC, 3195
Ph: 03 9587 3553
okesurfboards.com
CLASSIC MALIBU
Cnr Gibson & Eumundi Rd
Noosaville, QLD 4566
Ph: 07 5474 3122
info@classicmalibu.com
www.classicmalibu.com
jan/feb 2012
161

BG SHORTBOARD
BD FISH
EARLY 90s STYLE
THRUSTER
9’8 NOSERIDER
FIVE FOOTER
Shaper: Greg Hogan
Length: 6’1” - 7’6”
Width: 19 ½” - 21”
Thickness: 2 ½” - 3”
Description: Perfect
for the intermediate,
heavier or older surfer
who still wants to surf
a shortboard. A fuller
outline and more nose
area, combined with
a round tail make this
board very easy to
paddle, yet keeps the
performance feel. Also
perfect for the next step
from your first board!
Construction: Handshaped
PU blank, 6 and
4oz deck, 6 or 4oz bottom.
Fins: FCS or Futures in a
thruster setup.
Shaper comment:
I really try to set the
dimensions to suit each
individual rider, but this
extension of my standard
performance shortboard
definitely has the same
feel. It can seem like
you’re riding something
a lot smaller than it
actually is.
Shaper: Glyndyn Ringrose
Length: 5’6” - 6’6”
Width: 19” - 21 ½"
Thickness: 2 ¼” - 2 ¾"
Description: A
loose and skatey
feel underfoot, this
performance fish works
well in small to medium
sized surf. A rounder
outline and bottom curve
combined with single/
double concave and a
diamond tail adds up to a
whole lot of summer fun!
Construction: Handshaped
PU blank, 6 and
4oz deck, 4oz bottom.
Fins: FCS or Futures in a
thruster or quad setup.
Shaper comment: Fast
becoming one of our
most popular designs,
especially leading into
the summer months.
As always, the custom
option allows you to
tweak specifications to
suit your needs.
Shaper: Jordie Brown
Specs: 6’3” x 19 ¼” x
12½” x 13 ¾” x 2 5 / 8 ”
Ideal: Anything with a bit
of juice.
Suits: The surfer looking
for an alternative to
your standard thruster
shortboard in progressive
waves.
Description: Based on
90s-style thrusters, with
low rocker and plenty of
volume.
Construction: Light
6oz/40z trimmed lap
glass-job, lime green
resin tint and a full gloss
coat with wet rubbed
finish.
Fins: Handmade glass-on
thruster.
Shaper comment:
This is one of the most
exciting sticks in my
quiver when the waves
are on, really!
Shaper: Jordie Brown
Board dimensions:
9’8” x 23 ¼” x 19” x 16” x 3 ”
Ideal: Waist to shoulder
high peelers.
Suits: Any surfer after
a stable nose rider that
surfs.
Description: The
combination of subtle
tail lift, wide, Californian
square tail, rolled vee
bottom and full 50/50
rails makes this noserider
design surprisingly
manoeuvrable without
losing any stability
trimming and on the
nose.
Construction: Heavy
tinted glass job with 2’’
solid paulownia stringer.
Fins: 10’’ pivot fin.
Shaper comment:
Based on the heavier
old school style of
construction of the
mid-sixties, this noserider
is the perfect board for
the surfer wanting to
experience the glide and
movement of a era past.
Shaper: Jordie Brown
Board dimensions:
5’0” x 21¾” x 17” x 17” x 2 ¾”
Ideal: Longboard waves.
Suits: The surfer looking
for a shortboard for
grovelly waves.
Description: Short flat
and fast!
Construction:
Light 6oz/4oz trimmed lap
glass-job
Fins: Handmade timber
twin keels.
Shaper comment:
The most surfed board in
my quiver!
ISLAND SURFBOARDS
147 Thompson Ave,
Cowes, Phillip Island VIC
Ph: 03 5952 2578
E: cowes@
islandsurfboards.com.au
islandsurfboards.com.au
ISLAND SURFBOARDS
147 Thompson Ave,
Cowes, Phillip Island VIC
Ph: 03 5952 2578
E: cowes@
islandsurfboards.com.au
islandsurfboards.com.au
HIGH TIDE
SURFBOARDS
Skenes Creek, Vic 3233
Ph: 0401 437 392
hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com
hightidesurfboards.com
HIGH TIDE
SURFBOARDS
Skenes Creek, Vic 3233
Ph: 0401 437 392
hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com
hightidesurfboards.com
HIGH TIDE
SURFBOARDS
Skenes Creek, Vic 3233
Ph: 0401 437 392
hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com
hightidesurfboards.com
162 jan/feb 2012

THE RODENT
Shaper: Scott Newman
Specs: 4’8” x 22 ¼” X 2 ½”
Ideal conditions:
Small to chest high.
Suits: Anyone that wants
to have fun and go fast!
Description: Small, wide
and fast. Deep single
concave, medium rail, flat
and fun. A great board for
the open-minded surfer.
Construction:
Foam and fibreglass
Fins: Future K2 twin fins
Shaper comment:
One of the fastest,
funnest boards I’ve ridden
in a while. Definitely
my favourite board this
summer.
MAIN: Jeames Young gets airborne. LEFT: Goofy footer Scott Newman gives the
Rodent a spin. RIGHT: Dean Chelin has a float about PHOTOS: Jarrason Bitton GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
SLS SURFBOARDS
2/57 George St,
Moffat Beach, QLD 4551
Ph: Scott 0424 314 183
slssurfboards.com.au
jan/feb 2012
163

95 PORNO SERIES
LAGUNA BAY SUP
BAMBOO WARRIOR
BAMBOO SUP
FISH SOFT BOARD
Shaper:
Glenn ‘Cat’ Collins
Shaping experience:
About six weeks
Boards made:
Don’t count
Description:
This was made for
right-handers, BUT to my
surprise I have had some
great lefts on it...
A challenge:
To Ralph Riddell...
I challenge you to a shape
off. One freak functional
and one non functional.
To be ready by next
summer and exposed in
smorgasboarder.
Rules: Boards have to
be made after this issue.
No ‘this is one I prepared
earlier’ crap. Anyone else
is free to challenge.
To the winner: Morning
glory, a mag of the same
description and a packet
of xtra-light alpine ciggies.
Shaper: Tully St.John
Size: 7ft to 11ft
Ideal conditions:
Small to medium size surf
Ability level:
Intermediate to advanced
Suits: All shapes and sizes
Description:
Performance SUP
Construction: Epoxy.
Inegra carbon sandwich.
Fin set-up: 2+1 or 4+1
Shaper comment: This
is my newest performance
model. The well-perfected
bottom rocker and hotted
up bottom contours create
a supa fast responsive sup.
I customise this model
and hand make each one,
with my well-groomed
team in our Noosa factory.
So if you’re looking to up
the performance level and
create something special,
give us a call or email.
Designer: Mark Proberts
Dimensions:
10’ x 30” x 4 ½”
Ideal: For up to 100kg
riders, in waves up to 6Ft.
Description: This is a
quad fin fish Stand Up
Paddle Board, with a
back fin box. You have
the choice to ride it as a
thruster or a quad.
Designed specifically for
the surf, it is a great board
for surfers who want to
start riding waves on a
SUP. It rides the same as
most fish surfboards - fast
through the flat sections
and turns on a dime.
Construction: High
density EPS Core, 6mm
wood stringer. Top: 2 x 6oz
glass deck + 2 bamboo
layers. Bottom: 2 x 6oz
glass + 1 bamboo layer.
Fins: 10” centre box + 4
FCS quad fins set up.
Designer comment: This
is the type of board that
suits most conditions with
the single into double
concave, and will leave a
big smile on your dial.
Designer: Mark Proberts
Dimensions:
10’6” x 31” x 4 ½”
Ideal: For everyone. Great
all rounder, flat water and
surf up to 3Ft.
Description: This is a
3 fin set up Stand Up
Paddle Board. 10” back fin
box with 2 FCS side fins.
This is our biggest seller.
Perfect first SUP board.
Double concave keeps it
paddling straight. Vee in
the pin tail makes for easy
turns.
Construction: High
density EPS Core, 6mm
wood stringer. Top: 2
x 6oz glass deck + 1
bamboo layer. Bottom: 2 x
6oz glass.
Fins: 10” centre box + 2
FCS side fins.
Designer comment:
This is our best design yet
for an all rounder board.
It comes in 11’, 10’6, 10’
and 9’6 to suit everyone.
Will leave a big smile on
your dial.
Designer: Mark Proberts
Dimensions:
5’10” x 20” x 2 ½”
Ideal: For fun beach
breaks. Can be ridden
within the flags.
Suits: Most kids learning
to surf, up to adults just
mucking around.
Description: This is a
fish style soft surfboard.
Fast and easy to turn.
Construction: EPS Core,
double wood stringer.
HDPE bottom (speed
skin). Deep fish tail. Heat
laminated.
Fins: Twin fin. Plastic,
screw in.
Designer comment:
This is a great board for
surf schools, kids or adults
to have fun on. It also
comes with EVA rail for
extra heavy duty use.
Surfboards and surfing
props for movies and ads
SURF1770NOOSA.COM
surf1770@bigpond.com
surf1770noosa.com
NOOSA SURFWORKS
11 Bartlett St,
Noosaville QLD
Ph: 07 5474 4567
E: info@noosasurfworks.com.au
noosasurfworks.com.au
SUN JAM AUSTRALIA
Po Box 1469,
Cronulla NSW 2230
Ph: 0435 754 800
info@sunjampaddleboards.com.au
sunjampaddleboards.com.au
SUN JAM AUSTRALIA
Po Box 1469,
Cronulla NSW 2230
Ph: 0435 754 800
info@sunjampaddleboards.com.au
sunjampaddleboards.com.au
SUN JAM AUSTRALIA
Po Box 1469,
Cronulla NSW 2230
Ph: 0435 754 800
info@sunjampaddleboards.com.au
sunjampaddleboards.com.au
164 jan/feb 2012

GEAR: BOARDS
SHAPER’S PROMOTION
PERFORMER
Shaper: Mark Riley
Length:9’0’’ - 9’4’’
Width: 22 1/4’’ - 23’
Thickness: 2 1/2’’ - 3’’’
Ideal conditions: ½ - 5 ft
Ability: Intermediate
Description: Recycled
EPS foam core and
2-3mm balsawood skin,
weighing only 7-8 kg.
Features triple stringer,
30mm apart, a Vee
bottom with a rounded
square tail. The rails are
70/30 on the nose, 80/20
in the centre and 90/10 in
the tail.
Construction: Balsa with
EPS foam core.
Fins: Single box fin and
two smaller stabiliser fins.
Shaper comment: The
Performer combines
the best of both worlds,
designed and shaped for
today’s high performance
longboarding.
Riley surfboards are
made in Australia, have
a 12-month warranty
and are Micro-tagged
to prevent theft. Custom
orders are welcome.
FLYING FISH
Shaper: Mark Riley
Length: 5’5’’ - 6’2’’
Width: 19 ½’’ - 21 ½’’
Thickness: 2 ½” - 3’’
Ideal conditions: ½ - 5 ft
Ability level: Advanced
to experienced
Description: An EPS
foam core performance
fish which features
stringerless flex and
memory return. Can
turn on a dime and drive
when required. The 2 ½’’
thickness of the board
under the chest area
makes this board a great
wave catcher. It’s flat
from nose to centre with
a double scoop concave
at the swallow tail.
Construction: Balsa with
EPS foam core.
Fins: Your choice of twin,
keels or quad.
Customer’s comment:
“Love this. It has become
my favourite board” Tom,
Southern NSW
Riley surfboards are
made in Australia, have
a 12-month warranty
and are Micro-tagged
to prevent theft. Custom
orders are welcome.
THE STICK
Shaper: Mark Riley
Length: 5’2’’ - 6’8’’
Width: 18 1/2’’-20’’
Thickness: 2 1/2’’ -3’’
Ideal conditions: ½ - 9 ft
Ability level: Advanced
to experienced
Description: A balsa
skinned EPS foam core
shortboard. No stringer
and recycled EPS foam
reduces weight, bringing
the Stick to around 3kg.
Features a Vee scoop in
the tail to concave centre
and concave nose, 80/20
rails and a swallow tail.
Construction: Balsa with
EPS foam core
Fins: Thruster or quad
Shaper comment:
For summer’s small to
medium waves, the Riley
Stick is also available as
a quad - way faster than
your standard thruster or
even twin fin and much
more responsive.
Riley surfboards are
environmentally friendly
and three times stronger
than a regular PU board.
THE NATIVE
Shaper: Mark Riley
Dimensions: 5’2’’- 6’8’’ x
18 ½’’- 20’’ x 2 ½ - 3’’
Ideal conditions: ½ - 6 ft
Ability level: Beginners
to mature
Description: A balsa
skinned EPS foam core
shortboard. The recycled
EPS foam and the absence
of a stringer create a
significant reduction in
weight bringing The Native
to merely 3kg (excluding
fins). The result is a high
performance surfboard with
far greater strength and
durability than your regular
polyurethane board.
Construction: Balsa with
EPS foam core
Fins: Thruster or quad
Shaper comment: For
summer and its small
waves, The Native is a
thruster thrasher for the
larger or older generation
who don’t want to go to a
longboard or a fish – this is
in between these.
THE MARLIN
Shaper: Mark Riley
Dimensions: 5’0’’- 6’8’’ x
19 ½’’- 21 ½’’ x 2 ½ - 3’’
Ideal conditions: ½ - 5 ft
Ability level: Advanced
to experienced
Description: The Marlin
is a EPS foam core
performance fish which
features our unparallel
stringers. During turns,
these drive the energy
to the tail of the board
for clean, crisp, powerful
carves. The 2 ½’’
thickness of the board
under the chest area
makes this board a great
wave catcher.
Construction: Balsa with
EPS foam core
Fins: Your choice of twin,
keels or quad
Shaper comment: The
Marlin is as light as a
regular polyurethane fish.
It’s easy to paddle making
it easy to catch waves,
and the swallow tail really
helps you in sharp turns.
RILEY SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0412 376 464
E: mark@riley.com.au
balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
RILEY SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0412 376 464
E: mark@riley.com.au
balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
RILEY SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0412 376 464
E: mark@riley.com.au
balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
RILEY SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0412 376 464
E: mark@riley.com.au
balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
RILEY SURFBOARDS
Ph: 0412 376 464
E: mark@riley.com.au
balsasurfboardsriley.com.au
jan/feb 2012
165

166 jan/feb 2012

BOARDS WITH WHEELS
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY
WHEN YOU SPEAK TO AUSTIN MONCRIEFF OF EARLY
SKATEBOARDS ABOUT SKATING, THE FIRST WORDS OUT
OF HIS MOUTH, WITHOUT FAIL, WILL BE ABOUT SAFETY.
“Safety first, for sure. Especially with downhill. Cruising at the beach
you might not need slide gloves, a helmet and kneepads, but going
downhill you can’t just jump off and run.”
But it’s not just talk. The Early team live it, and are only too happy
to educate kids and others new to skating about the dangers of
not wearing the right protective gear. Recently, Austin, along with
Early artist Tommy Franklin and team rider Flavio Biehl, visited
Nimbin Central School to share their stories and advice.
THIS IS YOUR MELON...
1.
Early Skateboards and Trinity Distribution
hooked us up with safety gear to demonstrate
what happens when you don’t armour up...
2.
3.
WITH HELMET = OK
4.
5.
Watching a video of Flavio taking a fall without a helmet a few
years ago, the kids got to see the immediate impact of a head
injury: Flavio dazed and confused, struggling to remember anything
for the next hour.
“If you’re gonna start skating, you need to think about safety.”
Austin says. “If you want to try it out and can’t afford to buy a
helmet, slide gloves and kneepads, make sure you borrow it off
a friend.
As far as slide gloves go, Austin suggests even making your own,
rather than risking injury.
“It’s not expensive to make. Go to your local hardware store, pick
up some leather gardening gloves - the more fitted, the better.
Get contact adhesive and perspex cutting board. Cut the board
to the shape of your palm - a circle or square - whatever’s most
comfortable for you. Use the adhesive to glue it to the glove.
That’s how we started doing it.”
The message seems to be getting out there as Austin says that
downhill riders seen not wearing helmets are most definitely
frowned upon.
What better way to test
melon protection than with a
ripe, ready-to-eat rockmelon?
Put it inbetween a couple of
helmets, fling it really high
in the air and watch it smack
down onto the bitumen...
On opening up our little
package, we were over
the moon to find that there
was absolutely no damage
whatsoever to our lunch and
that the helmets themselves
were intact, with only a few
scratches to show for it.
When we repeated the
experiment without the
helmets protecting the melon,
the result on impact was very,
very different...
While your head is a little
tougher than a rockmelon, it’s
good to put it in perspective
- protection is better than no
protection. Do it.
6.
WITHOUT
HELMET!
Ankle brace... A
good option for those
who like to walk.
There are more school workshops planned so if you would like the
Early team to visit your school, get in touch with them at www.
earlyskateboards.com and check out the following Early videos:
Why you should wear a helmet skateboarding
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNvgLfWUYAo
Nimbin Skate Safety Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjcqohNY6Ew
S-ONE helmet (blue - through
Trinity) Comfy as hell, with a
soft, sweat-sucking inliner.
RRP $59.95 www.s-one.com
NOODLES helmet (black, Early)
Solid snowboard crossover
with cool details like a chin
strap protector and removable
ear warmers RRP $59.95
earlyskateboards.com
TRINTY pads. Awesome value.
Sizes XS – XL. RRP $49.95
trinitydistribution.com.au
Wristguards, knee
and elbow pads make
up the Trinity pack
jan/feb 2012
167

168 jan/feb 2012

SIX WHEELS OF
SEPARATION
Getting sideways is part of the fun when you’re on a traditional
downhill skateboard. It’s not just about looking cool – it’s an
important part of controlling your board, controlling your speed,
slowing you down... So, it would be plain insane to have an
extra set wheels under your deck to actually make you roll
sideways. Insane? Yes. Unbelieveably exciting? Oh yes…
Here’s what separates the Freebord from any other out there.
WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
GEAR: SKATE
jan/feb 2012
169

GEAR: SKATE
LEFT: The “ Evolution Wall” shows the
development of the Freebord from the
earliest tests to the first final which Steen
Strand patented in 1998 - the “Alpha”
Freebords in 1998 which he began selling out
of his garage in San Francisco.
San Francisco is where Steen, the
inventor, was living at the time. It’s also
world-renowned for its hills, which is
what this board was made for.”
John Laudin
Production Manager at Freebord
"TO CARVE AND SLIDE IN AN INTEGRATED MOTION LIKE A SNOWBOARD DOES,
Take a traditional skateboard. Take a traditional
snowboard. Try and make them one and the
same. Add bindings, a helmet, a touch of
courage and the willingness to do a few spins
on the concrete and you’re well on your way to
experiencing one of the most fun rides ever on
an exciting new discovery for us – the Freebord.
Now, the interesting thing about new
discoveries is that often they’re not new at all.
While the Freebord was an amazing slap in
the face for me only a few short months ago,
it’s been under development and growing in
underground popularity for over 15 years now.
Rewind to 1996, when a University student in
Palo Alto, California started out on a project to
recreate the feel of a snowboard on the street.
Steen Strand, inventor of the Freebord chose
this idea of a skateboard that could drift and
slide as you would in the snow as the subject of
his thesis for a Masters in Product Design.
After graduating, Steen decided to keep at it.
With any new idea in development, there were
countless hours of experimentation as Steen
worked hard out of a garage. The original idea
for the rotating 360 degree wheel came from
Steen watching a rider dig in an edge during a
manouvre.
“I built two cam centre wheels and mounted
them on a test deck that I had already used for
earlier prototypes - it probably had a hundred
holes drilled into it from trying different things.”
he explains on the Freebord website.
Combination upon combination of trucks and
rotating wheels ultimately lead to the core
design - a rotating centre wheel with some
directional bias which allows for the sideways
motion and extra wide trucks which allow for
the unique style of board control.
“In order to carve and slide in an integrated
motion like a snowboard does, you have to have
the ability to move laterally onto the street,”
170 jan/feb 2012

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE LATERALLY ONTO THE STREET"
team rider Mike Hoppe explains.
“You have these centre wheels that allow you
to slide. These will basically turn in whichever
direction you’re going and the outside wheels
act like your edges. You actually rock back and
forth over the centre wheel onto each edge.”
The ride can pretty much be explained as
follows: When a rider weights one side of the
board (heelside or toeside), the opposite set
of edge wheels are off of the ground and the
board can then begin to slide in that direction.
The weighted wheels will drag along the
pavement, slowing the rider’s speed. As a
result, riders can use slides to slow down or
stop, to navigate tight terrain and to spin or drift
between carves.
“It took me quite a while to get the hang of the
Freebord,” says Mike. “It is a little bit tricky –
there’s a steep learning curve, so the main advice
that I would give to a new rider is to find other
Freeborders in your area. See it being ridden,
have them give you pointers on what to do, what
to look out for, how to set up your board.”
Finding Freeborders in your local area seems to
be becoming easier. From humble beginnings
on the hills of San Fransisco, well known to
have some of the steepest streets in California,
the Freebording movement has steadily gained
momentum with riders across the planet. All
you have to do is check out the video section
on the Freebord website to see all the locations
across the globe where the boards are being
put to good use, yet it’s far from a household
name, which is exactly how it’s supposed to be.
This is no overnight craze, but a legitimate new
vehicle and way to ride.
“I can’t really say that I’m sure it’s ever going to
go mainstream,” says Mike.
“I’m not really upset about that necessarily. It’s
not for everybody. It’s a very dangerous thing
and it’s difficult to learn as well, so it doesn’t
surprise me that it may not be the next big
jan/feb 2012
171

172 jan/feb 2012

thing. But for the people that are into
it, the people that are inspired by it
and are passionate about it, it’s just
the sickest thing ever. It’s so fun to
just go out and ride.”
And that’s what it’s all about. So, how
fun is it? See page 177.
BINDINGS
THE BEAST
GEAR: SKATE
For more information, excellent video
footage and to see the boards in
action, visit the website at
www.freebord.com and to order a
board in Australia or NZ, visit
www.freebordaustralia.com
Thanks To Nick Cruit and Freebord
for info and pics. Interview quotes
from the Freebord website and
video documentary by Payman
Najafpour, Eric Grimaldo, Britney
Alford and Pierre Nahoum online at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP_
XGAHbeDw
WIDE TRUCKS
The boards are available with decks of
varying sizes and materials, for riders
of all weights and heights and are
available as 7-ply maple, or Bamboo-
Maple hybrid decks, made with a 5 ply
Canadian Rock Maple core and 2 ply
(top and bottom) vertically laminated
Phyllostachys high grade bamboo - the
strongest natural material on earth
relative to its weight.
SWIVELLING
WHEELS UNDER
THE DECK
"FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE INTO IT, THE PEOPLE THAT ARE
INSPIRED BY IT AND ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT IT, IT'S JUST THE
SICKEST THING EVER. IT'S SO FUN TO JUST GO OUT AND RIDE."
jan/feb 2012
173

THE FIRST
LIMITED EDITION
PRODUCTION
BOARD
With cork deck!
BRAND
NEW DECK &
DESIGN!
“MEAT LOAF DELUXE”
BY KOASTAL
“DART GREEN”
BY GREMMIE
“RALLY”
BY ARBOR
“CIRCA 70”
BY OBFIVE
“STINGER”
BY FiiK ELECTRIC
RRP: $299
Dimensions: 33” x 9”
Deck: Aspen, Mahogany,
Purple Heart and a mixture
of green, blue, red, yellow,
and orange dyed maple
veneers with Lucid Grip.
The core is 5-ply Maple.
Deck shape: Slight
concave, reverse camber
Trucks: Revenge Alpha II,
single pivot 45° torsion
Bearings: Oil-filled
Koastal Abec-5
Wheels: Koastal 65mm /
83a Durometer
Description: Just
like mum used to
make, the Meat Loaf
is made from the best
of what’s leftover in
the wood shop. It’s
Koastal’s contribution to
minimising waste. Every
6th deck, the stringer
pattern changes. You’re
unlikely to see the same
board twice.
Comment: Designed for
carving, sidewalk surfing
and the pure thrill of
turning. Super tight turns
are thanks to the external
Revenge Truck locking
mechanism. Turning has
never been easier.
Dimensions: 28” x 8”
Wheels: Green Jelly
Gremmie 60mm 78A
Trucks:
Rukus with ½’’ risers
Bearings: Abec-3 Pigs
Description: The
Gremmie Dart Green
complete comes with that
collective quality. You
get the Gremmie logo
on top and bottom with
grip panels and great
colors. The Abec-3 Pig
bearings offer removable
red chromium steel dent
resistant shields, brass
ball retainers, a 7 ball
design. Grade 10 balls
with silver inner and outer
bearing steel. Super finish
for a faster spin and easy
to clean.
Comment: A solid set up.
Suits: Barefoot Rippers
Dimensions: 33.25” x 8.50”
Deck: 7 Ply Maple with a
Cork top sheet
Wheels: 65mm (78a) Arbor
Bio-Urethane Street Series
Trucks:
9’’ Gullwing Charger
Bearings: Abec-5
Description: BRAND
NEW STREET SKATE! The
cork surface is ideal for
barefoot skating, but can
weather any skate shoe
abuse. Ideal for around
town surf-inspired skating.
Comment: A standout
feature of this board is
the CORK DECK. Cork is
the original renewable
material. It has been used
as a valuable resource for
thousands of years. Cork
is a bark that is harvested
every nine years off cork
oak trees without harming
the tree. Cork is an
excellent natural insulator.
It dampens road vibration,
while providing grip for
barefoot skating.
RRP: $129.95
Suits: Groms and cool cats
Specs: 22” x 6.5”
Deck: 7-Ply 100%
Canadian Maple
Trucks: 3.25” Aluminium
Bearings: Abec-7
Wheels: 59mm 78A
Super High Rebound
Description: “Before
there was plastic, there
was timber”
This stylish little classic
will get you where you
need to be. The perfect
board for cruising the
streets, checking the
surf or tearing up the
gutters....
Comment: Check out the
full range of boards at
obfiveskateboards.com.au
Also, check out our
stockist link online to find
your local dealer.
Suits: Street speeders
Dimensions: Big
Deck: Classic, stylish
pintail design. The longer,
narrower board shape
with more length in the
nose offers versatile
weight distribution.
Wheels: Lightweight
polished aluminium alloy
street rims with highdensity
rubber tyres.
Power: Premium
performance, all alloy
construction Lithium-
Polymer LiFePo4 or sealed
lead acid battery
Description: Stability
and ride flexibility
combine for smooth and
versatile styling. Propelled
by a high-torque power
plant, STINGER’s heritage
inspired longboard profile,
puts you on a master of
high-paced street riding.
Comment: Ride back to
the future on a STINGER.
There’s nothing like it.
Step up onto a STINGER...
the longboard lives!
STREET SUP
Ph: 0466 264 232
koastal@streetsup.com.au
www.streetsup.com.au
Join us on Facebook
GOLIATH INDUSTRIES
Ph: 03 9380 1799
info@goliathskate.com
www.goliathskate.com
www.facebook.com/
goliathskate
ARBOR SKATEBOARDS
For local dealer information
please contact us by email:
info@futuresport.com.au,
call 02 4365 1838 or visit
arborcollective.com/skate
OBFIVE SKATEBOARDS
Trade enquiries:
kris@obfiveskateboards.com.au
obfiveskateboards.com.au
Like us on Facebook
obfiveskateboards
FIIK SKATEBOARDS
2/3366 Pacific Highway,
Springwood QLD
Ph: 07 3208 3208
E: sales@fiikskateboards.com
fiikskateboards.com
174 jan/feb 2012

jan/feb 2012
175

TEST
EVERYTHING
“DON’T KNOCK IT TILL
YOU’VE TRIED IT”
TREE TO STREET
IN A WORLD WHERE EVERY PRODUCT IS LIKE EVERY PRODUCT
AND IT SEEMS THAT EVERY BRAND IS PUMPED OUT OF THE
SAME NAMELESS FACTORY, A BRAND WITH ECO-CRED, AND
EYE FOR DETAIL AND UNBEATABLE QUALITY IS A RARITY
INDEED. LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO ARBOR...
ARBOR BLUNT
from the Roller Collection
Length: 44
Width: 9.25”
Wheelbase: 23.75”
Wheels: 78a durometer Street Series wheels
Bearings: ABEC 5
Trucks: Gullwing Charger
Arbor skateboards essentially perform the same
function as a normal longboard cruiser but it’s the
quality of the ride that sets them apart. Comparing
an Arbor to a lesser skateboard is like comparing a
Mercedes to a Ford. You can get where you’re going in
either, but man, can you just feel the difference? How
smoothly they handle on the road, paths, anything...
The quality of the deck, trucks, bearings and risers all
work together to give you absolute royal rolling.
Bikepath?
Ha! I laugh in
your face...
The Blunt is one of their most versatile shapes for all
round longboard cruising. It’s got a fat nose for hanging
ten and a rounded kick tail for added performance. This
baby flies. It handles so easily. The Blunt will take pride
of place in your skateboard quiver or be the all-round
longboard you use pretty much every day.
And it’s eco-friendly. As with all Arbor skateboards both
the maple and bamboo come from sustainable sources
of supply. Deck grips use recycled, long-lasting crushed
glass. All risers feature recycled plastic and finishes
are water-based. Essentially, it feels as good in your
soul as it does under your soles.
Topping this one will take a lot. ‘Nuff said. Off to roll.
Find out more at www.arborcollective.com
Above: Smooth and stable.
Right: Cool black and gold
artwork underneath makes
a great finishing detail and
complement to the beautiful
wooden deck.
176 jan/feb 2012

FREE YOUR MIND
PART SNOWBOARD, PART SKATEBOARD, PURE
EXHILARATION. WE HAPPILY GET OUR HANDS ON THE
FREEBORD AND FIND OUT ANY HYPE IS 200% JUSTIFIED.
NO FAD, NO FASHION... JUST PURE FUN.
Lego for
big kids... Get
building.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PART ONE: ASSEMBLY
The Freebord arrives in a compact little box. One
Phillips-head screwdriver and a shifting spanner later,
you’re about 20 minutes away from your first ride.
1. Bindings first... Connect the bindings’ base to the
board, but don’t tighten the bolts
2. Connect bindings to the base, but don’t fix them yet.
3. Step onto the deck, adjust the angle and height
according to your liking and tighten it all up.
4. Trucks on, single wheel to the inside.
5 & 6. All done and ready to roll!
PART TWO: THE RIDE
We must confess, these picture were NOT taken
on the first attempt. No, no, no... The first go was a
merciless pounding. I hadn’t fallen off any board as
much in years - and I fall a lot. In fact, without wrist
guards, I would now be dictating, not typing.
They say the learning curve on these boards is steep
and this, my friends, is beyond true. Firstly, because
the Freebord acts like a snowboard and you control it
by flicking from edge to edge, it’s absolutely nothing
like a skateboard - a fact that really messes with your
head if you’re used to skating. Hence the falls, over
and over again.
Pain and damaged pride aside, the feeling you get
when you do finally get it going, is nothing short of
amazing! While it’s designed to be a snowboard
simulator, it’s a hell of a lot like finless surfing too,
with free movement in every direction - a plus and a
minus of course. See above re: fall, pain, etc...
With the six wheels, you can never have both sides of
the main wide trucks on the ground at the same time.
You’re always on an edge and the centre swivelling
wheels. When you get comfy you can alloy yourself to
roll on those centre wheels to go sideways, do 360°
spins and the like - none of which I have mastered, of
course, but there’s a whole lot to aspire to. Read more
on page 168 or check out any of the great videos
online at www.freebord.com for endless inspiration.
Downside? You need a hill - there’s no pushing on
the flat with this baby. Grab your longboard cruiser for
that. It’s dangerous and it hurts to learn, but it’s worth
it. Safety gear is an absolute must.
Upside? It’s amazing, addictive and gets your
adrenaline pumping like nothing else on land.
So, while I’m still rolling like an old lady, I’m an
absolute convert and trust me, you will be too. For
around $350 or so, you can get your own Freebord
from www.freebordaustralia.com.au
No soft landings
here, so toughen up,
buttercup. You’ll be
glad you did.
Shown here is the
Bomber Bamboo Series
Core Package RRP - $325
jan/feb 2012
177

PERFORMANCE
FOR SURFERS
The best you expect from a fin system!
QUALITY
FOR SHAPERS
The best for your customers, without the
price tag. Enjoy the rewards of your work.
Introducing the
GASfins NITRO
fin plug...
TEST
EVERYTHING
“DON’T KNOCK IT TILL
YOU’VE TRIED IT”
BITTEN BY
THE PENGUIN
WORDS: DAVE SWAN
THE FAT PENGUIN
Shaper: Paul Cole
Size: Just under 6’5”
Fins: thruster
Features: Wings, nine intricate flow forms
Take that,
Dave!
• Less flex in the base of your fin
• Lightest, easiest fin system to install
• Compatible with GASfins and other
leading fin systems
• For all shapes and deck contours
• Variety of colours, from glass-filled
nylon to polycarbonate hybrids
• Extra long grub screws that lengthen
the life of the plug
Enjoy the benefits today
0417 980 524 • gasfins@gmail.com
WWW.GASFINS.COM.AU
First test run
I’m careful what I say, considering our family
audience, but the first time I took off on this
board, I just went, ‘*##*#@’.
I had barely ridden a wave over the last month
or so, due to a complete lack of surf on the
Sunshine Coast, let alone anything with some
size. I was drooling at the onset of some
decent swell and the chance to test a board
that apparently revels in big wave conditions.
The question was, had I completely forgotten
what it was like to tear down the face of wave
or did this board take off like a rocket? I mean
it absolutely took off.
Sure with some boards you can generate
awesome speed, but I didn’t do anything. I
pointed it, tore off down the wave and before
I could think of turning, was well ahead of
the crest. No pumping the board, just sheer
straight-line speed.
Wave after wave, I loved it. It took a little
getting used to, but I got such a buzz each time
it accelerated down a steep face. The super
sleek, pointy ‘speed machine’ nose certainly
took away some paddling power (from the
waist up it is less than 16.5” wide) but that
was compensated for by the wide arse and
wings. And when that wide tail came into play,
I found it steadied the ship enormously instead
of the board getting the speed wobbles.
2nd Test Run
Boxing Day. The remnants of ex-Tropical
Cyclone Fina started to hit our shores and
Moffat Beach delivered big, beautiful waves.
The ‘Happy Place’ was on song. Never a
nasty wave, the size of the swell just meant it
packed some punch. Only five others way out
the back meant it is was going to be special.
“Happy Feet’s
cousin is one
bloodthirsty bird”
178 jan/feb 2012

The toothless smile. Caloundra all the way, baby.
Three waves in and I was starting to
settle in with my new found friend
once more. Then came a good set.
Drilled into me by my dad since I was
a kid was, ‘don’t pike on the big ones’
so I turned and went. Down the face,
turn, back up towards the lip, turn
and then the mother pitched me off
the top.
Now a normal board would often
follow you through the air but the
Penguin had other ideas. It is unlike
other boards. It sucks onto a wave
and decided to keep track and meet
me at the bottom. And when I reentered
the water, she bit me!
The minute she chomped into my
skin I knew it wouldn’t be good. I
reached down and my fingers entered
what was now a mouth on my leg. I
whipped up my boardshorts to confirm
the attack. Bugger, bugger, bugger.
“Hello! nom,
nom nom...”
Unable to stand or even belly-board
it in because of the way the waves
were pitching, I had to paddle out into
the deep water of the bay. A slow
15 - 20 minute paddle in with a nice
slick of blood trailing behind had me
feeling somewhat like a Meals on
Wheels delivery...
Off to emergency. The ladies at
Caloundra Hospital were absolutely
fantastic and saw to me promptly.
Laying spread eagle on the bed,
the highly experienced nurse Jane
quipped, ‘she had seen bigger’ and
with a laugh promptly got on with
fixing me up - a few internal and
external stitches. Apparently the
Penguin had a penchant for snags.
The angry bird had eaten through
my skin into the fascia, which is a
sausage-like casing of the muscle.
At the conclusion of my ordeal I
considered myself lucky the nibble
was not further up my leg or I would
be now singing Soprano.
As for my verdict on the Fat Penguin,
my last words were the same as the
first. The board is a good one, the
rider however is not.
THE BOARD
This is, hands down, the most enjoyable board I have
ever ridden! I picked it up after riding my fish and have
not touched the fish since, in fact I am getting rid of
my fish and replacing it with this godly piece of work
shaped by Mark Gnech.
This board is a loose cannon on small waves. It’s
slightly nuggety shape and fatter tail made racing
along the face of waves effortless, not to mention the
incredible amount of drive and control I got through
turns with its thinner rails and thruster setup. Sticking
top turns became too easy on this board, and it certainly
wasn’t shy when you wanted to jam the tail out. Not only
will you tear the wave a new sphincter with this board,
you will look good doing it with its killer paint job!
GAS HPMs on the
Vampirate Rainbow...
Summer’s in the bag
FLight of the bumblebee
VAMPIRATE RAINBOW 5’8” x 20” x 2 3 /8” with GAS HPM fins
WORDS: DYLAN REID
CRAZY COOL
WORDS: DAVE SWAN (PRE-PENGUIN ATTACK)
SURF 1770 TWIN FIN
Size: About 6ft and unique
Features: Erle Pedersen Kewarra Flame Jet bottom,
teaspoon concave, whale tail tail
This was another board I was really looking
forward to riding. GlenCat is such a character I
hoped like hell the board would be fun to ride...
And it was.
She was a dream to paddle. It’s only 6ft put
paddles like a longboard. Plenty of volume to
get you about and once on the wave she was
nice and loose.
It surfed super smooth. It is almost hard to
describe the feeling.
The jet bottom and teaspoon concave worked
together to bust water tension and provide the
THE FINS
What’s not to like about Gas fins? They’re everything you
need in a fin and at a good price too.
I rode the medium fins in 3ft surf and they were awesome.
They had so much control and predictability when pumping
along the face of the wave and not to mention a solid
amount of drive when digging into that bottom turn.
They come in a few different designs and sizes, so you can
mix and match until you hit that sweet spot. Since riding
these fins, I see no point in riding anything else.
www.vampiratesurfboards.com
www.gasfins.com.au
Dylan + Rainbow + Crescent Head.
PHOTO: Mark Chapman
right amount of looseness, hold and control.
When combined with the specially designed
hand foiled fins, you had a great deal of drive
with the same level of maneuverability many
are accustomed to with a twin fin.
The fins are same thickness from base to tip.
They are solid foils with flex built into them so
they stay as a permanent flex without need for
the fin to bend. The end result overall is a twin
fin that you could ride in a variety of conditions
including overhead surf that didn’t skip out.
www.surf1770noosa.com
jan/feb 2012
179

MOVIES
MUSIC
CAUGHT INSIDE
UMBRELLA ENTERTAINMENT
The super-scary Aussie thriller
we featured in the last edition
is available on DVD!
The tale of a surf trip gone
bad is a must for your movie
collection. There’s the usual
extra material you expect of a
DVD, but the main feature is
the reason to own this.
www.caughtinside.com.au
Signed
copies up for
grabs! See
Page 26
Hightime party on
HIGHTIME
ISHI PRENDE
PEE RECORDS
There’s a party on the go. A
Cossack polka band is having a
few beers and jumping around
to Propaghandi doing a set of
Mr Bungle covers with a jazz
band on backing, who are all
listening to Sublime on their
iPods at the same time. Missy
Higgins and Lilly Allen arrive to
join in the festivities with their
daughter who was adopted
and raised by Gwen Stefani
on a steady diet of Jello Biafra
and social justice. A giant
stubbie of beery fun drops from
the sky and explodes, melting
all the party goers into a weird
mish-mash of musical genius.
Adelaide punks Hightime push
just about every boundary
that can be pushed in a raw,
rough and ready, yet incredibly
diverse and inspiring 13-track
release that could easily be a
standalone soundtrack to the
best skate video ever.
Pure energy and brilliant
musicianship flows through style
after style seamlessly, all bound
tightly together by unexpected
singing talents of Nina, a feisty
young lady with no fear of
busting a few vocal chords.
If you like your tunes safe and
predictable, this is definitely
not for you. Get into these guys
(and girl) before they get all
punky and disenchanted and
do something idiotic and selfdestructive
like split up.
$20 disc, or $11 download from
www.peerecords.com
ERNEST ELLIS &
THE PANAMAS
KINGS CANYON
ANTELOPE RECORDINGS/INERTIA
Epic, atmospheric and
ethereal... This ten-song
release is ripe for adjectives
- uplifting, melancholy
and relaxing all at once.
Packed with modern ballad
soundscapes, it’s one of those
albums that seems to grow a
little on you ever time you have
it on the player. While not the
same sound, fans of Andrew
Kidman’s work with the Windy
Hills will enjoy this very
comfortable recording. Nothing
sounds forced. Every sound and
instrument just seems to flow
together and even the more
upbeat songs - such as Save
Me - sound relaxed.
Ernest Ellis’ understated vocals
and moody, reverb-tinged
arrangements come together
perfectly in this beautiful piece
of art. Well worth grabbing.
Perfect music to just plain chill
out to.
For show info and more, see
www.ernestellis.com
DRIVEN FEAR
CONTENDER
PEE RECORDS
“All rivers lead back to the
ocean. Helps me realise where
I’m going...”
South Brisbane boys Driven
Fear have put together one
powerful release on their latest
offering, Contender. With its
tough title, and the fact the
Scotty Mac of Sydney legends
Toe-to-Toe does a guest
appearance, it’s as you would
expect it to be - tough as nails.
Heartfelt, honest hardcore.
A cool digipack with 12-page
booklet makes the physical
product well worth the buy,
but you can also get some
instant gratification with a
digital download and save a
few dollars.
$20 disc, or $11 download from
peerecords.com
www.peerecords.com.
SOUL SURFER
DVD: AUGUST 2011 (It may not
be the latest, but if you haven’t
seen it, make sure you do)
What a sensational movie! A
truly remarkable story about
an amazing young lady and the
importance of never giving up.
Pardon the cliché, but I kind of
knew the story, had read the
odd clipping or two about what
happened to Bethany Hamilton
but the movie brought it all
together beautifully. I loved it.
I watched it with my wife and
her parents and immediately
vowed my kids must watch this
movie. It is inspirational.
If you love surfing, have
kids that surf, particularly
daughters, this movie will have
you bawling like a baby. If it
doesn’t move you, you better
get your heart checked... to see
if you have one.
www.soulsurferthemovie.com
And if you enjoyed
that, check out...
HEART OF A SOUL SURFER - DVD
To find out more about this amazing lady, you may also like
to consider viewing the behind the scenes account of what
happened and the story behind her faith. After watching
this DVD you truly start to understand how Bethany
Hamilton overcame this adversity.
Her happiness and zest for life is incredible. There’s a
beautiful quote from the movie where Bethany says, “I do
sometimes get self conscious. You see all these beautiful
girls with perfect bodies, perfect everything. The way I
deal with it is to recognise beauty is not everything and in
your heart you can be beautiful and to just do your best to
ignore the fact you are not perfect.”
180 jan/feb 2012

OLD GUYS,
HOT GIRLS
Don’t be dirty... We mean the
clothing. Here’s some cool gear for
guys and girls this summer.
CLOSEOUT: FASHION
HIVE SWIMWEAR
After seeing this photo we couldn’t
help but run a sneak peak of the
upcoming Hive 2012/2013 collection.
For more: www.hiveswimwear.com
OLD GUYS RULE
If getting around in a cool retro t-shirt is more your
thing than skirts and bikinis, then these are for you.
T- shirts RRP $39.95
www.oldguysrule.com.au
WIN a
ZAND skirt!
See
Page 26
ZAND WRAP SKIRTS
Fresh from Amsterdam, these wraparound skirts
are hand crafted from beautiful fabrics, finished
with sequins, lace and other trimmings such as
a mobile phone pocket. Available in a range of
different lengths and fabrics. Each skirt is unique
and prices start from $65.
www.zand.com.au
jan/feb 2012
181

HEART
WORK
After twenty years of earning his bread and butter spraying
surfboards, NZ-born artist and Gold Coast local, Christian
Chapman has taken a big step out of the spray booth to find
himself hanging his art on the walls of galleries.
WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN
"WHEN YOU GO TO CANVAS, THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS
“Painting is something I’ve always done, but over the
last five years, it’s really taken off.” says Christian,
as he shows us his workspace in a backstreet of
Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. “As you can see
in this room, there’s hardly any surfboards around. It’s
just the direction its taken.”
Despite being a keen surfer, shaper and one so long
involved in the surf scene – even shaping surfboards -
he’s not too unhappy about the change of focus.
“Surfboard spraying is the epitome when you’re 16,
but as you get older the ‘froth’ sort of wears off. “
182 jan/feb 2012
But he’s quick to point out how grateful he is for the
experience, which he refers to as his ‘University degree.’
“I learned so much of my art spraying surfboards.
You have to be so diverse and be able to cover the
full spectrum - from Posca work, airbrush work,
pinlines… You’re catering to different breeds of
surfers, so it really develops your art.”
With an artist mother and designer father, Christian
seemed destined for a creative career. In the art
world, he saw a niche for himself, creating something
a little different to the standard oil-on-canvas.
“This is art. You can do whatever you want to do
- hand paint and airbrush,” he explains. “I love the
hand paintbrush for the lineal stuff and then the
airbrush is just awesome for the tonal stuff and I
think that’s a really good marriage.”
His current work is mostly portraits of tattooed
women – a juxtaposition of soft beauty and the
harsher image of tattoos. While this theme is
somewhat of a continuation of some of the surfboard
spray art, taking it out of the surf has given him
greater artistic freedom.

Portrait photos: Mark Chapman. Artwork and surf photo: supplied
CLOSEOUT: ART
AND IT’S NOT GOING TO GET WAXED OVER, OR SNAPPED"
“Scale-wise, when you go to canvas, there are no
restrictions and it’s not going to get waxed over, or
snapped,“ he laughs.
While he’s taken his spraying down a notch or two,
Christian has made sure his art is available to surfers
through SurfDecals.com, who license a number of his
works as prints that get laminated to the surfboard as
part of the production process.
“He’s pumping it man, and what a product! A shaper
near here was using another product and it was plastic
and not staying down that well. Ian (Wallis – Surf
Decals) printed some up and it just worked. It’s porous
and light, so it just laminated straight onto the board.
It’s already cut out to your file… And it’s just great
quality printing.”
Squeezed in between painting and the business side
of being an artist, surfing still makes up a big part of
Christian’s life. Using his personally shaped boards, he
makes a habit of getting out in the water as often as
possible, with South Stradbroke his pick of the spots.
“It’s just so easy to get barreled! You go to make a turn
and you’re already in the barrel. It has so much power!
It’s pretty inundated with all the crowds these days,
but where isn’t? The beachies out here have their day
too…”
For more on Christian’s artwork check out his website
at www.christianchapmanart.com.au.
If you like what you see and would like to find
out more about getting one of his images on your
surfboard, visit www.surfdecals.com.
jan/feb 2012
183

“WE’RE FOCUSED ON THE
RETRO MOVEMENT – VINTAGE
SURFBOARDS, MODERN RETRO
SHAPES, RETRO GEAR AND A GOOD
RANGE OF SECONDHAND BOARDS.”
ANDRE ‘ONDI’ MARSAUS, UNDERGROUND SURF
184 jan/feb 2012

UNDERGROUND
CURRENTS
WORDS: DAVE SWAN, PHOTOS: MARK CHAPMAN
COUNTER CULTURE
There is an underground movement afoot in Noosa. Indeed the
owners of the store of the same name in Coolangatta, Andre ‘Ondi’
Marsaus and Maree O’Connor, have just opened their second
Underground store on Noosa Drive, just up from Noosa Junction
opposite the Koala Bar - a local bar and backpackers.
In fact it was beside the Koala Bar where Ondi first worked when he
arrived in Noosa in the late 70s.
“I love Noosa. I formerly spent 25 years here. I used to repair surfboards
in an old house beside where the Koala Bar is today. At night time I
would scrub pots and pans for extra cash and somehow ended up a chef.”
Not any old chef we might just add. For those who may recall a
previous article written about Ondi’s amazing vintage surfboard
collection, his culinary skills saw him travel the country cooking for
Prime Ministers, dignitries, celebrities and even Queen Elizabeth. We
asked Ondi about the reason for his return and why he and Maree
sought to open an Underground in Noosa.
“We’re about doing something different. We’re focused on the retro
movement – vintage surfboards, modern retro shapes, retro gear and
a good range of secondhand boards. Our own Underground boards
are all Australian made, right on the coast, by experienced shapers
including master craftsmen Tony Dempsey and Terry Glass. We also
have a few select Gordon & Smith shapes.”
‘Select’ being a key word. Indeed everything in Underground is hand
picked by Ondi to suit the shop. His philosophy is to give surfers
a break from the big commercial surf brands and offer something
different. As such, on the clothing side of things Underground carries
a number of independent brands such as Art Park, Hinano Tahiti and
Rhythm along with old shapers t-shirts from the likes of Michael
Peterson, Bobby Brown and Gordon & Smith.
“We don’t just flood the shop with one or two brands and in terms of
surf hardware, we stock brands that we know work and last because
they are quality. Gear that my friends and I use on a regular basis.
That is why we carry Ocean & Earth and Balin.”
Ondi continually looks to inject a bit of himself into everything
associated with the store. Many of the memorabilia pieces have not
only been bought specifically for Underground but are from his very
own personal collection.
When it comes to artworks from the likes of Von Weirdo or other
local artists, or original Storm Riders posters or even the range of
rereleased DVDs and CDs from the 60s and 70s, Ondi looks to add
that personal touch. He gets them signed to add value to the piece
for the customer.
And the same applies to his skateboard collection. Aside from the
likes of boards from Z-Flex, Penny, Early and Adjust there are some
truly unique skateboard decks signed Tony Alva and Christian Hosoi.
The two in store are some of only 200-odd worldwide.
Underground is a time warp for surfers and a true collectors haven.
But just wait until one of their famous swap meets rolls around.
UNDERGROUND SURF
3/77 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
3/31 McLean Street, Coolangatta, Gold Coast - 07 5599 1040
www.undergroundsurf.com.au
Surfboards new and secondhand, memorabilia, books, DVDs, CDs, clothing... Both
UNDERGOURND SURF stores are treasure troves of all sorts of great surf gear
jan/feb 2012
185

NAIL THOSE RE-ENTRIES
WORDS: ALISTAIR LAWSON, NEXT LEVEL SURF COACHING & GREAT OCEAN ROAD SURF TOURS
Nose & Paddle Guards,
Rail Tape & Leash Plugs
Pro Teck Fins
Travel Safe Repair Kts
In the November - December issue we looked
at the importance of the bottom turn in surfing.
Establishing it’s role in creating drive and speed
to be able to ride up to the top of the wave. We
are now going to look at what we do when we
get there.
What you do at the top of the wave will be
determined by what the wave and lip are doing
at the time. If the lip is feathering and looking
like it is on its way to breaking, we know that
the wave is steep enough for a more vertical
manoeuvre as the lip and wave will add some
‘push’ for us to turn sharply and come back down
the wave’s face. If the wave is slightly fatter
and more open, a manoeuvre such as a snap or
cutback will be a better option as they will then
take us back to the breaking part of the wave
and in turn the most powerful part of the wave.
This will then help us keep our speed and flow
throughout the waves’ duration.
Studying the conditions before you paddle out
can help you as you ‘mind surf’ the possibilities
of the waves on offer. This will help you make
educated decisions about what to do for each
section you face and create a faster reaction
time when surfing.
RE- ENTRY TRAINING
Let’s break down the manoeuvre into sections and
cue words to make it easy to remember.
1. TARGET. When coming out of the bottom
turn you need to be eyeing up the section you
are looking to do the turn in. Preferably for
this turn you are looking at a steep section.
2. ROTATE. When you are heading up the
waves face you need to start shifting your
weight onto your back foot at the same time
you start to rotate by turning your head and
upper body to open the chest. This will
help you turn the board and not get stuck
in the lip.
3. BOARD TO BEACH. As your board hits
the lip your rotation should have you turning
your head and chest to a position where
your board is facing the beach.
4. CHEST OVER FRONT FOOT. You need
to re-centre over your board by putting the
weight onto your front foot and stay in a
compressed position so you can come out of
the turn with speed and set yourself up for
the next turn.
COMMON ERRORS
• Keeping the body too straight as you approach
the lip. This then makes it harder to get a good
rotation and can put you off balance.
• Not rotating enough or early enough which will
either have you catching a rail or getting stuck
in the lip
• Not looking for the landing – back towards the
beach. This is important to complete the turn
and help you ride out.
SURFTECH AUSTRALIA
www.surftechaustralia.com.au
186 jan/feb 2012
02 4226 1322
Alistair Lawson is a qualified Level 2 Surf Coach and he’s been surfing for nearly 20 years
himself. Having studied Sports Science and Sports Coaching, Alistair worked as a qualified
personal trainer for 16 years. He now owns Great Ocean Road Surf Tours, which has been
running for 6 years, providing ‘the simplest, most enjoyable way to experience surfing.
For information on surf coaching, visit: www.gorsurftours.com.au

EXERCISES
FOR THE
TRAVELLING
SURFER
GRAB AN EXERCISE BAND AND TAKE
YOUR WORKOUT WITH YOU
WORDS: CLAYTON BEATTY
If you have to be away from home for work, holidays or even a surf trip (aren’t you
lucky), there is no excuse not to keep up your fitness routine. These days there are a
variety of different types of portable fitness equipment, and one that makes a great
travelling companion for any surfer is an exercise band.
Exercise bands are light and won’t take up much luggage space, and they allow you
to do a full body workout with lots of different exercises to keep you entertained. You
can even combine band exercises with bodyweight exercises (like push-ups and squat
jumps) for an even better workout.
When travelling you can often be pressed for time, so I recommend going for a fast
paced circuit workout lasting 20-30 minutes. Pick 5-8 exercises and do them back to
back with minimal rest, then repeat the circuit 2-3 times for a great total body workout.
Next time you’re travelling, take an exercise band and have a go at incorporating the
following exercises into your fitness routine so you can keep in shape and be physically
prepared to hit the surf.
CLOSEOUT: COLUMNS
BAND CORE ROTATIONS
• Use this exercise to develop rotational core strength for more powerful turns.
• Start holding the band in both hands out to the side of your body.
• Keeping your core braced to protect your lower back, rotate the band across
your body, making sure you move from your hips and pivot on the balls of
your feet.
• Perform 8-10 reps on each side of your body.
LUNGING CHEST PRESS
• This exercise will build chest, arm and leg strength.
• Start in a standing position holding an end of the band in each hand at
chest level.
• Lunge forward and simultaneously press the band out in front of your chest.
• Step back up to the start position, then alternate lunging on the other leg.
• Perform 5-8 repetitions on each leg.
STRAIGHT ARM PULL-DOWNS
• This exercise will help strengthen your paddling muscles.
• Bend forward at your hips whilst keeping your back straight and hold onto
the band with straight arms.
• Keeping your arms straight pull the band down to the side of your hips,
then slowly return to the start position
• Perform 10-15 repetitions.
SINGLE LEG SINGLE ARM ROW
• This exercise will help develop a strong back and arms as well as single
leg balance and trunk stability.
• Stand on one leg with your knee slightly bent, core braced, chest up and
shoulders back.
• Hold onto the exercise band in the opposite hand to your stance leg.
• Pull the band into the side of your torso whilst trying to maintain stability
through the rest of your body, then slowly extend your arm back to the
start position.
• Perform 8-12 repetitions on each side of your body.
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.
jan/feb 2012
187

CLOSEOUT: COLUMNS
A strange thing has happened in Australian surfing,
something that has gone almost completely unnoticed.
Australian’s have been surfing for over one hundred
years but due to a lack of documentation and recognition
of our earliest surfing pioneers, Australia’s surfing
centenary has slid by without so much as a whimper.
Information is the culprit, or rather, a lack of it. There
are a number of vague and sketchy reports about who
may have been surfing, when, where and what was
being ridden in those early days. Undoubtedly a few of
the early surf craft ridden in Australia may have been
crudely wrought, and some of the early surfers may
have struggled to ride these beasts with any style. The
point is several early Aussie surfers were taking on the
challenge of riding ocean waves and having a go over
one hundred years ago.
There was a relatively small group surfing in those
early years, at Manly and other Sydney surf breaks.
Surfing was a bit of a curiosity. It was just another
way for people to have fun in the surf once the beach
bathing bans had been lifted. Tommy Walker and his
brother Russell, nicknamed “Bustie” Walker, Fred
Notting, Geoff Wyld, Claude West, Norman Roberts,
Steve McKelvey, Basil Kirke. Dorothy “Doll” Reynolds
who rode a board with her husband Jack, Australia’s
first professional lifeguard and noted water enthusiast,
and Esma Amor are some of the locals reported to
have ridden surfboards in those early years.
There is little recorded of these surfer’s early efforts,
a problem compounded by the loss of much of the
public records of activities along Sydney’s northern
beaches. There are very few copies of the local media,
such as the Manly Daily, Manly Argus and the Manly
and North Sydney News, that have survived from that
period. What is clear, however, is that there was a
small group of dedicated beach goers that had given
surfing a serious try with Tommy Walker being the only
Snowy McAllister
at Manly. PHOTO:
C.J.McAllister SurfWorld
Museum collection
AUSTRALIA’S SILENT SURFING CENTENARY
one from that group that has surviving documentary
evidence of his early surfing efforts.
Imagine being Australia’s first surfer. Sand under your
feet, sun on your shoulders and the broad blue Pacific
spread out before you with waves unfolding along a
pristine coastline. What an evocative thought. People
love absolutes, but the origins of Australian surfing
like the genesis of surfing in the Pacific fade back into
the mists of time.
Osric Notley’s photographs of Tommy Walker surfing at
Yamba in the summer of 1911 - 1912 provides us with
a definitive moment in Australian surfing history, the
earliest recorded images of an Australian surfing. But
Aussies had been surfing for some time before that
photo was taken. Apart from taking those now iconic
images, a letter from Notley also describes the board
being delivered by the SS Kyogle to the Sydney docks
and the subsequent arrangements for the transport of
Walker’s board to Yamba. Notley also recorded some
hints about the board’s origins.
Some people seem keen to de-emphasise Duke
Kahanamoku’s impact on Australian surfing, by
pointing out Aussies had taken up the sport before
Duke even arrived in the country. However, Duke’s
name is linked with Walker’s surfboard as well as the
board imported by C.D. Patterson with various reports
citing the boards as having been sourced from Duke
Kahanamoku in Hawaii. There is undoubtedly a degree
of rose coloured rear vision mirrors being employed
here but it often seems that all roads lead back to
Waikiki, and to one man in particular.
Regardless of times, dates, places and names, it is
clear that Australia’s surfing heritage extends back
further than the summer of 1911/12. The upcoming
celebrations at Yamba of Osric Notley’s images of
Tommy Walker surfing are a great milestone and
something to commemorate, but there were other
Australian surfers whose stories remain untold and
an almost secret surfing history that has so far eluded
popular perceptions.
INSIDE THE GREEN ROOM
SERMON, PERSPECTIVE AND A LITTLE
ALANIS MORRISETTE…
A ‘green’ column. I can hear the collective groan.
Not another greenie trying to preach to us and add
surfing to the long list of life’s guilty pleasures I hear
you say. However, I can hand-on-my-heart promise
you that despite all the best intentions, I am no
bona fide greenie. I’d like to be, and maybe one day I
will be, but right now I’m still learning. I do however
love the ocean and am eternally grateful for the
pleasures it brings us as a surfing community. And
without sounding too Alanis Morissette here, the
irony within the surfing industry is not lost on me.
Which irony you say? Well let me explain...
As surfers we are assumed to be connected with the
ocean and to some extent we are – we know the
tides, the swell direction, can recognise surf breaks
from all over the world at first glance, we understand
the seasons and wind direction - but does this
really equate to a true connection with the ocean?
Many of the elements of surfing as a recreation
are contributors to environmental problems. The
industry relies heavily on petrochemical by-products
to produce not only surfboards but also wetsuits,
clothing and accessories. How many surfers are
aware that the majority of what they ride, wear
and do in the interest of surfing is supported by the
petroleum industry?
That said, I can understand the general reluctance
to learn about the meanings and ramifications of
big topic issues like ocean acidification, global
warming and climate change. It can be tedious,
somewhat contentious, and after all, the average
surfboard as an object is not the largest contributor
to a typical surfer’s negative environmental impact
(energy use from driving, flying and heating/cooling
the home are much bigger). But the dangers to the
waves that we ride are real. For example, there is
credible evidence that suggests that surf breaks on
coral reef passes (think Teahupo’o and Ulawatu) are
anticipated to degrade drastically, to the point of
being unrideable, in as little as 20-40 years’ time.
What can we as individuals do to reduce these risks?
Take notice. Listen to those diehard greenies
sometimes, especially those in surfing circles, as
without them the awesome waves Mother Nature
dishes up for us would be even more threatened.
We can’t change the world, but we can educate
ourselves and take small steps such as buying
locally made boards and products where possible,
recycling or reusing instead of discarding and
stopping and thinking before we buy. Embrace
consumer power. Choose a local shaper who has a
good clean production process. Spend a few extra
bucks to get that organic cotton tee. Check out
sustainable alternatives to traditional surf products.
It won’t kill you to think about it. But don’t get too
hung up on it. Live life and enjoy those waves. After
all, we don’t know just how much longer we’ll be
able to enjoy them for.
Craig Baird, Curator of SurfWorld Museum Torquay is the surf history buff you want on your
trivia night team. With a passion for all things that make up the ragtag history and culture
of hitting the waves, he’s always happy to chew the fat over the counter at the museum and
we’re lucky enough to have him commit some thought to paper here.
For information on the museum, visit: www.surfworld.com.au
Nicola O’Reilly is the better half of
the nice folks from Surfing Green, a
couple passionate about providing
sustainable surfing products.
www.surfinggreen.com.au
188 jan/feb 2012

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.
QUEENSLAND
SURF TRIP ACCOMMODATION
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: bookings@pandanuspalmsresort.com
www.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
jan/feb 2012
189

SURF DIRECTORY
Pick up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in March.
Businesses that advertise in smorgasboarder allow us to bring you the magazine for FREE. So, be sure to support them!
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 28
Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Junction
www.illusionsnoosa.com.au
CLASSIC MALIBU AUSTRALIA 07 5474 3122
Cnr Gibson and Eumundi Rds, Noosaville,
www.classicmalibu.com
ADVENTURE SPORTS NOOSA 07 5455 6677
Shop 6A, 203 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
www.kitesurfaustralia.com.au
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 07 5474 1222
3 Gibson Rd, Noosaville
GOLDEN BREED 07 5455 3722 - 15 Noosa Dr,
Noosa Heads, www.goldenbreed.com.au
NOOSA LONGBOARDS 07 5447 2828
2/55 Hastings St, Noosa Heads
www.noosalongboards.com
UNDERGROUND NOOSA
3/77 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
www.undergroundsurf.com.au
SURF SHOP 07 5471 3489 - 224 David Low
Way, Peregian Beach, www.surf-shop.org
COOLUM SURF 07 5351 1742 - Birtwill St
Coolum Beach www.alexsurfshop.com.au
BLUE LINES 07 5351 1986 - 1776 The
Esplanade, Coolum Beach
WALLY’S WATER GALLERY 07 5448 8560
6 Lorraine Beach, Marcoola Beach
BOARDSTORE SURF 07 5448 7025
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
ALTERNATIVE SURF 07 5475 4811
11/140 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland
BEACH BEAT 07 5443 2777 - 164 Alexandra
Pde, Alexandra Headlands; 07 5491 4711
119 Bulcock St, Caloundra
www.beachbeat.com.au
ALEX SURF 07 5452 6276
188 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland
www.alexsurf.com.au
WORLD SURFARIS 1800 611 163
2/174 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba
www.worldsurfaris.com
THE FACTORY 07 5492 5838 - 15 Allen St,
Caloundra thefactorysurf.com.au
SLS SURFBOARDS 0424 314 183
2/57 George St, Moffat Beach
www.slssurfboards.com.au
SURFWARE AUSTRALIA 07 5491 3620
2 Bulcock St, Caloundra
BRISBANE
PRIMITIVE SURF 07 3266 1001 - 601
Nudgee Rd, Nundah primitivesurf.com
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 - 51 Ziegenfusz Rd,
Thornlands www.codsurfing.com.au
N TH STRADBROKE ISLAND
MINTY SURFBOARDS 07 3409 8334 - Point
Lookout www.bobmintysurfboards.com
GOLD COAST
KOMA SURFBOARDS 0402 863 763
4/39 Bailey Crs, Southport komasurf.com
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
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
BOARD CULTURE 07 5572 9866
2442 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
HARVEY SURF GALLERY 0414 557 624
3/10 Pacific Ave, Miami www.harveysurf.com
MT WOODGEE 07 5535 0288
1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
07 5598 2188 - 2 Stewart Rd, Currumbin
07 5536 5937 - 122 Griffith St, Coolangatta
www.mtwoodgee.com.au
PATAGONIA BURLEIGH James Street,
Burleigh Heads www.patagonia.com.au
SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY 07 5520 2774
Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, Shop 10,
Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
07 5599 1150 - Shop 3, 120 Marine Pde,
Coolangatta seanscottphotography.com.au
DICK VAN STRAALEN/ CLASSIC WATERMAN
0409 262 729, 7/3 Ramly Dr, Burleigh Hds
dickvanstraalen.com, classicwaterman.com
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
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
SHAPERS 07 5534 4228 - 9/7 Traders Way,
Currumbin www.shapers.com.au
BURFORD REINFORCED PLASTICS
07 5534 3777 - 5 Stewart Rd, Currumbin
WOODY JACK SURFBOARDS
0415 789 706 - 7/25 Leonard Pde, Currumbin
DIVERSE SURF 07 5598 4848 - 476 Gold
Coast Hwy Tugun www.diversesurf.com.au
DORRINGTON SURFBOARDS 07 5599 4030
16 Musgrave Street, Kirra
www.dorringtonsurfboards.com
KIRRA SURF/WORLD SURFARIS 07 5536 3922
8 Creek St, Bilinga www.kirrasurf.com.au
UNDERGROUND SURF 07 5599 1040
Shop 3/31 McLean St, Coolangatta
www.undergroundsurf.com.au
COOLANGATTA BOARD STORE 07 5536 7850
152 Griffith St, Coolangatta
www.cbsboardstore.com
COOLY SURF 07 5536 1470 - Cnr Dutton St
& Marine Pde, Coolangatta
NSW NORTH COAST
SIDEWAYS 07 5524 6699 - 13-21 Greenway Dr,
Tweed Heads sidewaysboardsports.com.au
FULL FORCE SURFBOARDS 07 5524 2933
18/48 Machinery Dve,Tweed Heads
SURF XCESS 02 6674 5350
88 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
CABARITA SURF SHOP 02 6676 3151
1/38 Tweed Coast Rd, Cabarita Beach
ELUSIV SURFBOARDS
3/16 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
ESP SURFBOARDS 0404 059 321 - 2/81 Centennial
Circuit, Byron Bay www.espsurfshop.com.au
PARKES AUSTRALIA 02 6685 6627
4/83 Centennial Court, Byron Bay
www.parkesaustralia.com
MADDOG SURF CENTRE 02 6685 6022
Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay maddog.com.au
MC SURF DESIGNS 02 6685 8778 - 3 Banksia
Drive, Byron Bay www.mcsurf.com.au
MUNRO SURFBOARDS 02 6685 6211 - 29 Acacia
St, Byron Bay munrosurfboards.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
MADDOG BEACH SURF CENTRE 02 6685 6466
4 Jonson St, Byron Bay www.maddog.com.au
HO’OKUPU 02 6685 8861 - 2/9 Lawson St,
Byron Bay hookupusurf.com
UNPLUGGED 02 6685 7441 - Shop 1/ 2 Lawson
St, Byron Bay www.unpluggedbyronbay.com
LENNOX HEAD SURF SHOP 02 6687 7038
71 Ballina St, Lennox Head
ALL ABOVE BOARD 02 6687 7522
68 Ballina St, Lennox Head
MADDOG SURF CENTRE 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
GUNTHER ROHN 02 6681 5879 - 3/10 Piper
Drive, Ballina www.guntherrohn.com
THE PLANK SHOP 02 6645 8362 Top of the
Hill, Yamba
NSW MID NORTH COAST
GANGSTA SURF
1/15 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour
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
Dve, 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
CRESCENT HEAD SURF CO. 02 6562 8306
33 Smith St, Kempsey
CRESCENT HEAD SURF SHOP 02 6566 0550
Crescent Head Tavern, Crescent Head
CRESO EXPRESSO 4 Shore Holiday Park,
Crescent Head
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 St, 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 Dve, Pacific Palms
GRAFFITI SURF DESIGNS 02 4981 3409
43 Donald St, Nelson Bay, Newcastle
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
www.markrichardssurfboards.com
SURFHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY 61 Hunter St,
Newcastle surfhousephotography.com
BREAKAWAY SURF 02 4929 1144 - Shop 6
Hunter Street Mall, Newcastle
PACIFIC DREAMS 02 4926 3355 - 7 Darby St,
Newcastle www.pacificdreams.com.au
SANBAH SURF 02 4962 2420 - Shop 27, The
Junction Fair, Union St, Newcastle
www.sanbah.com.au
BREAKAWAY SURF CO. 02 4943 2699
181 Pacific Hwy Charlestown
EGAN’S 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 swanseasurf.com.au
CENTRAL COAST
BEACHIN’ SURF 02 43 96 5159
262 Main Rd, Toukley
BOARD CITY 02 4397 1092 - 150 Main Rd,
Toukley www.boardcity.com.au
ADRIFT SURF 02 4332 8355 - 133 The Entrance
Rd, 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 Dve, Wamberal
www.180surfco.com.au
ALPINE BEACH 02 4367 4944
177 The Entrance Road, Erina
www.alpinebeach.com.au
SLIMES 02 4365 5511
1/203 The Entrance Rd, Erina
THREE POINTS SURF 02 4382 1541
170 Avoca Dve, Avoca Beach
NORTHERN BEACHES
BEACH WITHOUT SAND 02 9918 2763
1a Nth Avalon Rd, Avalon
RAISED BY WOLVES 02 9918 8861 - 40 Old
Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon, 02 9997 4838
Shop 3, 8-10 Waratah St, Mona Vale
www.raisedbywolves.com.au
LITTLE DRAGON 0403 974 967
1 Bramley Lane, Newport Beach
RON WADE SURF DESIGN 02 9979 7071
23 Bassett Street, Mona Vale
ronwadesurfboards.com.au
CHANNEL ISLAND SURFBOARDS 02 9997 8266
4/76 Darly St, Mona Vale cisurfboards.com
QUIKSILVER MONA VALE 02 9999 3727
1729 Pitt Water Rd, Mona Vale
DIVISION SURF 02 9979 5334
Cnr Bungan & Waratah Sts, Mona Vale,
divisionsurf.com.au
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
BALMORAL BOARDS 02 9970 8600
1228 Pittwater 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
ALOHA MANLY STYLE 02 9977 3777
44 Pittwater Rd, Manly
www.alohasurfmanly.com.au
MANLY 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 St, Manly manlylongboard.com
SURFECTION 02 9969 1011 - 522 Military
Rd, Mosman www.surfectionmosman.com
SYDNEY
PATAGONIA 93 Bathurst St, Sydney
www.patagonia.com.au
BONDI UNDERGROUND 02 9365 0870
2/72 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach
DRIPPING WET SURF CO. 02 9300 0055 180-
186 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach
SURF CULTURE 02 9389 5477 - 40 Bronte Rd,
Bondi Junction www.surfculture.com.au
MAROUBRA SURF AND SKATE 02 9344 4250
198 Marine Parade Maroubra
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
LESSONS TOURS AND SALES
Call Peter Japp on
0488 887 SUP
or
0488 88 77 87
sutherlandshiresupschool.com.au
190 jan/feb 2012

CRONULLA STANDUP PADDLEBOARD
Everything to do with S.U.P
Lessons, Hire, Sales of
New and Used equipment,
Accesories, Apparel & more
02 9544 2293
0400 085 823
Shop 3,13-15 The Kingsway
Cronulla, NSW 2230
www.cronullasup.com
CRONULLA SUTHERLAND
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
CRONULLA SURF DESIGN 02 9544 0433
8 Cronulla St, Cronulla
www.cronullasurfdesign.com.au
KING SURFBOARDS 02 9521 3645
577 Princes Hwy, Kirrawee
WOLLONGONG
RETRO WOMBAT 02 4267 1322
228 Lawrence Hargrave Dve, Thirroul
www.retrowombat.com
FINBOX BOARDSTORE 02 4268 2050
1/269 Lawrence Hargrave Dve, Thirroul
thefinbox.blogspot.com
BYRNE SURF AND SKI 02 4268 3455
303 Lawrence Hargrave Dve, Thirroul
02 4226 1122 -115 Princes Highway, Fairy
Meadow byrnesurfboardsaustralia.com
SURF PIT 02 4283 7196 - 2/100 Railway St,
Corrimal www.surfpit.com.au
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
SHELLHARBOUR SURF & SKATE 02 4295 3373
1/16B Addison St, Shellharbour
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 4421 8159 - 125-127 Junction
St, Nowra; 02 4441 5530 - 55 Owen St,
Huskisson www.aquatique.com.au
BUSTED SURF CO. 02 4447 3485
10 Fairlands St, Culburra Beach
OCEAN & EARTH 02 4441 2482
12 Springs Rd, Sussex Inlet
www.oceanearth.com
SUN & SURF SHOP 02 4441 1938
Shop 1, 168 Jacobs Dve, Sussex Inlet
MARK RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN 0427 767 176
441A Bendalong Rd, Bendalong
www.markrabbidge.com
AKWA SURF 02 4454 5222 - Shop 1,
Mellick’s Corner, Princess Hwy, 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 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
1291 Tathra Road, Kalaru
www.rawsurfboards.com.au
BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS - 02 6495 9900
Widgeram Rd, Merimbula www.bushrat.com
MERIMBULA SURF SHOP 02 6495 1515
Merimbula Drive, Merimbula
SALTWATER DREAM 02 6495 1600
39 Market St, Merimbula
COUNTRY VIC
SURF SHACK 03 5155 4933
507 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
ATOLL TRAVEL 1800 622 310 - 4 Bridge
Street, Foster www.atolltravel.com
SERIOUS SURF STUFF 03 5674 2540
1 Williams St , Inverloch
VORTEX SURF & SKATE 03 5672 4112
54 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi
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; 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; 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
RPS (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 Rd, Sandringham www.shq.com.au
MORDY SURF CENTRE 03 9580 1716
628 Main St, Mordialloc 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; 03 5989 8402
Point Leo Rd, Point Leo; 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
BALIN 03 5986 6069 - 12 Newington Ave,
Rosebud www.balin.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
STONKER TORQUAY 03 5261 6077 - 1a Baines
Cr, Torquay www.stonker.com.au
HYDROPHILIC 0421 504 621 - 1C Baines Cr,
Torquay www.southcoastlongboards.com.au
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
TORQUAY SURF 03 5261 5666 - 3/108
Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay
STRAPPER 03 5261 3508 - 96 Surfcoast Hwy,
Torquay; 03 5261 2312 - 106 Surfcoast Hwy,
Torquay www.strapper.com.au
WATERMARKS PHOTO GALLERY 03 5264 7232
38-40 Bell Street, Torquay
www.watermarksphotogallery.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
HODGY’S SURF CENTRE 03 5237 7883
143 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay hodgys.com
SHIPWRECK COAST
PORT CAMPBELL TRADING CO. 03 5598 6444
27 Lord Street, Port Campbell
WARRNAMBOOL SURF CENTRE 03 5562 1981
136 Koroit Street, Warrnambool
SPOONS 03 5568 3452
42 Sackville Street, Port Fairy
TASMANIA
LONG POINT SURF 03 6375 1717
60 Burgess Street, Bicheno
BAY SURF SHOP 03 6376 1755
2 Pendrigh Place, St Helens TAS
SCAMANDER BEACH SURFSHOP 03 6372 5529
6 Lagoon Esplanade, Scamander
www.scamandersurf.com
RED HERRING www.redherringsurf.com.au
03 6231 9001 - 75 Liverpool Street, Hobart
03 6431 2455 - 12 Mount Street, Burnie
03 6331 0984 - 127 Charles Street, Launceston
03 6272 7552 - Shop 41, Northgate
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
BARREL SURF 08 8555 5422 - 10c Cadell St,
Goolwa www.barrellsurf.com.au
FLY BOARDRIDING (08) 8555 5331
Shop 18, Goolwa Shopping Centre, Goolwa
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 thesurfshop.net.au
SURF ESTEEM 08 8557 7201 - Aldinga Central
Shopping Centre www.surfesteem.com
THE DING KING / CLARK SURFBOARDS
0422 443 789 - 20 Cottage Road, Hackham
leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au
PREECE’S SOUTH PORT SURF 08 8386 0404
159 Esplanade, Port Noarlunga South
www.preece-sthport-surf.com.au
FLY BOARDRIDING 08 8386 0100
Shop 41 Seaford Shopping Centre
www.flyboardriding.com.au
ONBOARD SURF WIND SNOW 08 8294 3866
21 Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga; 1-3 Lights
Landing, Holdfast Shores, Glenelg
www.onboardsurf.com.au
MV2 08 8382 2468
36 Beach Road, Christies Beach
CUTLOOSE SURF
The largest range of surfboards, mals,
SUP’s, wetsuits & 2nd hand boards
is SA with over 300 boards in stock.
Custom boards and SA’s cheapest
ding repairs on site. 30 years and still
going strong…
OPEN 7 DAYS - 08 8326 0939
4 Piping Lane, Lonsdale, SA, 5160
www.cutloosesurf.com.au
MID COAST SURF 08 83845522 - 8/200 Dyson
Road, Lonsdale www.midcoastsurf.com.au
ISLAND SURF 08 8296 9776
363 Brighton Road Hove
EXTREME BOARDRIDERS 08 8295 1219
1/118 Jetty Rd, Glenelg
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
WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS 08 8376 4914
27 Oaklands Rd, Somerton Park
www.wallbridge.com.au
SNOW & SURF CO. 08 8223 5277
187 Rundle St, Adelaide; 08 8332 0900
177 The Parade, Norwood
www.snowsurf.com.au
MTB SURF 08 8391 3311 Mount Barker
YORKES SURF 08 8854 4008 Marion Bay
DING REPAIRS
AGNES WATER/1770
REEF 2 BEACH
(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)
07 4974 9072
MAROOCHYDORE
DA BOMB
(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)
07 5451 0620
MOFFAT BEACH
EPOXY BOARD REPAIRS
By appointment
0427 019 420
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
KIRRA
GRB SURFBOARDS
(M-F 10-4pm, Sat 10-2pm)
0408 701 467
COOLANGATTA
UNDERGROUND SURF
(7 days, 9-5pm)
07 5599 1040
FULL FORCE
(M-F, 9-5pm)
07 5524 2933
BYRON BAY
DR DING SURFBOARD REPAIRS
(Mon-Fri, 8-5pm, Sat 10-4pm,
Sun 10-2pm)
0431 740 940
MC SURF DESIGNS
(M-F 9-5pm, Sat 9-1pm)
02 6685 8778
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
BUDGEWOI
BUCKO’S SURFBOARD REPAIRS
& RESTORATIONS
(M-F, 10-5.30pm, weekends by
appointment
0422 304 078
LONG JETTY
SANDLOCK SURFBOARDS
(M-F, 9-4pm, Sat 9-12pm)
0437 032 614
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
ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES
(7 days, 9-5pm)
03 5952 2578
ADELAIDE
WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS
(M-F, 9-5.30pm, Sat 9-4pm)
08 8376 4914
SOUTH ADELAIDE
THE DING KING
(M-F, 9-5pm)
0422 443 789
FIX BROKEN BOARDS?
Promote your repair business for $15
an edition. Call 0401 345 201
jan/feb 2012
191

SURF
DIRECTORY
UNDERTOW?
FLASH RIPS?
KEEP KIDS
SAFE!
Jordie Brown, Grayme “Gally” Galbraith and Ray McIntosh
AS SEEN
ON TV
ONLY
$39.99
CAN YOU AFFORD
A $50,000
WIPEOUT?
SURF TRAVEL
INSURANCE
from INDO SURF & LINGO
indosurf.com.au
SURF BUSINESS
FOR SALE
www.learn2surfstrap.com
Includes website, stock,
patent, advertising and
marketing material
SELLING UNDER
STOCK VALUATION!
Cheap business. Enquiries
sales@learn2surfstrap.com
FRIENDLY COMPETITION FUNDRAISER
JAN JUC BEACH SAW A SUCCESFUL FUNDRAISING EFFORT AT THE 2011 SURF FEST, WITH A FEW BIG NAME VISITORS TO BOOT.
In late November, Victorian surfers slipped on the
rubber and got in the waves for SURF FEST - a
unique community surfing event organised by Surf
World Museum Torquay and students from the
SEDA education program based in Torquay.
The entire event, run by the students, saw a range
of shortboard, longboard and retro boards dragged
out of the back of cars at the contest including two
Mark Richard’s twins from the seventies.
To add a bit of extra excitement, world champions
Mark Richards, Simon Anderson and Martin Potter
helped make the day even more special for all by
coming along and getting involved.
All funds raised at this year’s SURF FEST went
to the Quiksilver Foundation in support of their
environmental, social and youth programs.
ADVERTISE IN THE
SURF DIRECTORY
Super-affordable rates for
the smallest of budgets.
Call 0401 345 201
Next time you’re in Torquay, make sure to
get your dose of surf history at Surf World
Museum Torquay at Surf City Plaza, Beach Road.
www.surfworld.com.au
LEFT: MR spends some time with the SEDA students
BOTTOM LEFT: Sam Suendermann and Molly Powell
PHOTOS supplied by Surf World Museum Torquay
192 jan/feb 2012

LOCAL ARTISTS
SKIPP TO IT
THE CREW AT SKIPP SURFBOARDS
RECENTLY HELD A PHOTOGRAPHIC
EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE
WORKS OF LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY
ENTHUSIASTS AND TO RAISE
MONEY FOR MOVEMBER.
1.
Each month for seven months local
artists had lodged photos on specific
topics ranging from destinations,
waves, action and the beach.
The exhibition was to exhibit the
winners and their works.
“It is a night to get to know and
support local up and coming
artists whilst raising money for
two fantastic foundations. “said
organiser Chloe Skipp. “Some
artists are as young as 16 years
old. They range from amateur to
professional.”
2.
4.
3.
IMPROVED
QUALITY
BETTER MEMORY
EXTREME
STRETCH
KEEPS ITS
SHAPE LONGER
On the evening popular local
photographer Aaron Hughes and
60s surf photographer Dave Milnes
also exhibited.
Despite torrential rain, the night
was a hit. Over 100 people attended
and raised just over $250 in support
for Movember. From 7pm, attendees
rocked the night away to the sweet
tunes of local girls Las Juanitas and
Wollongong born Swedish singer,
Amanda King. Coopers and Yalumba
wines were in steady supply along
with moustache-shaped short
breads and sushi.
5.
6.
New styles in the
latest superstretch
rubber.
Available
FEB
2012
Barberista removed numerous
beards and shaped interesting
moustaches on the night for a
donation to the foundation.
For more on Skipp Surfboards in
Wollongong, see the website:
www.skippsurfboards.com.au
7.
Wis years of local experience and ze
‘ighest quality materials, every ZEE
WETSUIT is built to last. Made locally
and 100% Australian owned.
BOTH STORES, SHE
IS OPEN ZEE 6 DAYS!
1. From left: Ryan Crasta, Rick Di
Pietro, Aaron Hughes, Jeremey Sharp
2. Chloé Skipp (Organiser)
3. Josh Skipp
4. Sarah Amadio
5. Wollongong-born now Swedish,
singer Amanda King
6. John Skipp
7. Enjoying the exhibition
8. Photographer for the evening Jose
Martinez (with moustache shortbread)
and exhibiter Aaron Hughes
8.
OPEN HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9 - 5
Sat: 9 - 12
NOOSA: 07 5474 1010
MOOLOOLABA: 07 5444 7007
Unit 2, 15 Venture Drive,
Noosaville, QLD
NEW
STORE!
122 Brisbane Road,
Mooloolaba, QLD
sales@zeewetsuits.com
www.zeewetsuits.com
jan/feb 2012
193

It’s what we can’t tell you that matters