Smorgasboarder Surfing Magazine issue 6

THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO SURFISSUE #6 JUL/AUG 2011

“TO PICK UP A BIG WAVE IS EASY, BUT TO SURVIVE A BIG WAVE IS ANOTHER STORY.” DAVID MESNARD

GOING SOLO, MONTO THE ISLANDS ...P54

TAKING SHAPEBEHIND VIC SURFBOARDS ...P66

SOUTHERN OCEAN ADVENTUREBITTERLY COLD, SHARKY AS HELL, MONSTROUS WAVES... WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE?

ROAD DOGGIN’

ASH GRUNWALD TAKES SURFING,

MUSIC, ART & FILM ON TOUR ...P22

July2011_Smorgas_Spread 001-F2.indd 1 20/06/11 12:06 PM

2 jul/aug 2011

AUST

RALI

AN

DES

IGN

- *

Lith

ium

Bat

tery

Pac

k O

ptio

nal

*LITHIUMPOWER ABSREGENERATIVE WIRELESSREMOTE

Stockist Enquiries - 1300 344 575

QLD Stockists Epiicentre - Springwood 1300 344 575Beach Beat - Alexandra Heads 07 5443 2777Beach Beat - Caloundra 07 5491 4711Beach Beat - Dicky Beach 07 5491 8215Coolum Surf - Coolum 07 5351 1742Concept Hobbies - Oxenford 07 5609 7000Fusion Skate - Mooloolaba 1300 55 69 79Darkside Skateboards - Miami 07 5570 1526Goodtime Surf - Woolloongabba 07 3391 8588Hurley Burleigh - Southport 07 5531 0013Jetski Warehouse - Labrador 07 5529 2125Kirra Surf - Coolangatta 07 5536 3922KTM Action Motorcycles - Nerang 07 5596 6622KTM - Brisbane 07 3386 0977Local Knowledge - Noosa 07 5474 1222Local Knowledge - Nobby Beach 07 5526 6377Primitive Surf - Nundah 07 3266 1001Roar Industries - Currumbin 07 5525 7003Roar Watermans – Labrador 07 5527 1912Sunshine Coast Kite Surfing 07 5479 2131Surf Connect - Brisbane Nth 07 3137 0500 NSW Stockists Aloha Manly - Style Manly 02 9977 3777Adrenalin Sk8 – Sydney 0419 692 688Bay Action - Byron Bay 02 6685 7819Coopers Surf - Coffs Harbour 02 6652 1782Coopers Surf - Jetty 02 6652 8146Coopers Surf - Park Beach 02 6652 5466Coopers Surf - Town 02 6652 6369Coopers Surf - Toormina 02 6658 8988Coopers Surf - Woolgoolga 02 6654 0033Core Surf Store - Nowra 02 4421 4108Dripping Wet - Manly 02 9907 2911D.S.C. Surfboards - Narooma 0424 867 962Kirra Surf - Coolangatta 07 5536 3922Line Up Surf - Dee Why 02 9971 8624Maddog – Byron Bay 02 6685 6466Natural Necessity – Gerringong 02 4234 1636OceanFire - Belmont 02 4945 8055Saltwater Wine - Port Macquarie 02 6584 1600 Sanbah Surf Shop – The Junction 02 4962 2420Skater HQ - Moore Park 02 9976 3780Skipp Surfboards - Wollongong 02 4229 1202Slimes Boardstore – Erina 02 4365 5511S.E. Mountain Biking Co. - Thredbo 02 6457 6282Surfection - Manly 02 9977 6955Surfection - Mosman 02 9969 1011Tathra Beach and Bike - Tathra 02 6494 4257Wind Surf “N” Snow – Sydney 02 9971 0999Zink Surf – Kiama 02 4233 1189 SA Stockists Fly boardriding – Seaford 08 8386 0100On Board - Glenelg 08 8294 3866On Board - Port Noarlunga 08 8382 6729Xtreme Kites & Paddle- Port Lincoln 0402 842 944VIC Stockist Extreme Skateboards - Sunbury 0419 354 330Mordy Surf - Mordialloc 03 9580 1716Zak Surfboards - Thornbury 03 9416 7384 WA Stockist AvantiPlus Busselton Cycles 08 9752 2550Cowie Surf - Cowaramup 08 9755 9669Momentum Skate Shop Claremont 08 9384 2427 ACT Stockist Trilogy - Tuggeranong Hyperdome 02 6293 9636Shifty’s - Canberra 02 6262 9162 NZ Stockist Amazon Surf Skate : Albany Mall, Auckland 09 414 4249 Parnell, Auckland 09 358 5574Backdoor Surf Snow Earth : Mt Maunganui 09 575 7831 Hamilton 07 839 0368 Takapuna 09 489 9755Ballistics - Takapuna, Auckland 09 489 4074

FFICIAL FIIKTM STOCKISTS

PERISHER SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF MUSICFriday, June 10Perisher, NSW PERISHER SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF MUSICSaturday, June 11Perisher, NSW

THE SANDBARThursday, July 28Mildura, Vic

THE GOVERNER HINDMARSHFriday, July 29Adelaide, SA

ECHUCA & MOAMA WINTER BLUESSaturday, July 30Moama, NSW

TORQUAY HOTELWed, August 03Torquay, Vic

PIER LIVEThursday, August 04Frankston, Vic

THE CORNER HOTELFriday, August 05Melbourne, Vic

WESTERNPORT HOTELSaturday, August 06Hastings, Vic

SNOWBIRD INNMonday, August 08Mount Hotham, Vic

THE SMIGGINS HOTELWed, August 10Perisher, NSW

ANU BARThursday, August 11Canberra, ACT

OXFORD ARTS FACTORYFriday, August 12Sydney, NSW

WAVESSaturday, August 13Wollongong, NSW CAMBRIDGE HOTELSunday, August 14Newcastle, NSW

BEACHCOMBER HOTELWed, August 17Toukley, NSW

SOUTH WEST ROCKS COUNTRY CLUBThursday, August 18South West Rocks, NSW

HOEY MOEYFriday, August 19Coffs Harbour, NSW

PACIFIC HOTELSaturday, August 20Yamba, NSW

COOLUM CIVIC CENTRESunday, August 21Coolum, Qld

BEACH HOTELThursday, August 25Byron Bay, NSW

COOLANGATTA HOTELFriday, August 26Coolangatta, Qld

THE HIFISaturday, August 27 Brisbane, Qld

GYMPIE MUSTERSunday, August 28Gympie, Qld

MAINSTREET NIGHTCLUBThursday, Sept 01Mackay, Qld

A.J HACKETTSFriday, Sept 02Cairns, Qld

UNI CLUBSaturday, Sept 03Townsville, Qld

FUNK N’ GROOVES FESTIVALSaturday, Sept 10Pokolbin, NSW

www.ashgrunwald.comTOUR150

150

July2011_Smorgas_Spread 002-003.indd 2 16/06/11 4:09 PM

3jul/aug 2011

AUST

RALI

AN

DES

IGN

- *

Lith

ium

Bat

tery

Pac

k O

ptio

nal

*LITHIUMPOWER ABSREGENERATIVE WIRELESSREMOTE

Stockist Enquiries - 1300 344 575

QLD Stockists Epiicentre - Springwood 1300 344 575Beach Beat - Alexandra Heads 07 5443 2777Beach Beat - Caloundra 07 5491 4711Beach Beat - Dicky Beach 07 5491 8215Coolum Surf - Coolum 07 5351 1742Concept Hobbies - Oxenford 07 5609 7000Fusion Skate - Mooloolaba 1300 55 69 79Darkside Skateboards - Miami 07 5570 1526Goodtime Surf - Woolloongabba 07 3391 8588Hurley Burleigh - Southport 07 5531 0013Jetski Warehouse - Labrador 07 5529 2125Kirra Surf - Coolangatta 07 5536 3922KTM Action Motorcycles - Nerang 07 5596 6622KTM - Brisbane 07 3386 0977Local Knowledge - Noosa 07 5474 1222Local Knowledge - Nobby Beach 07 5526 6377Primitive Surf - Nundah 07 3266 1001Roar Industries - Currumbin 07 5525 7003Roar Watermans – Labrador 07 5527 1912Sunshine Coast Kite Surfing 07 5479 2131Surf Connect - Brisbane Nth 07 3137 0500 NSW Stockists Aloha Manly - Style Manly 02 9977 3777Adrenalin Sk8 – Sydney 0419 692 688Bay Action - Byron Bay 02 6685 7819Coopers Surf - Coffs Harbour 02 6652 1782Coopers Surf - Jetty 02 6652 8146Coopers Surf - Park Beach 02 6652 5466Coopers Surf - Town 02 6652 6369Coopers Surf - Toormina 02 6658 8988Coopers Surf - Woolgoolga 02 6654 0033Core Surf Store - Nowra 02 4421 4108Dripping Wet - Manly 02 9907 2911D.S.C. Surfboards - Narooma 0424 867 962Kirra Surf - Coolangatta 07 5536 3922Line Up Surf - Dee Why 02 9971 8624Maddog – Byron Bay 02 6685 6466Natural Necessity – Gerringong 02 4234 1636OceanFire - Belmont 02 4945 8055Saltwater Wine - Port Macquarie 02 6584 1600 Sanbah Surf Shop – The Junction 02 4962 2420Skater HQ - Moore Park 02 9976 3780Skipp Surfboards - Wollongong 02 4229 1202Slimes Boardstore – Erina 02 4365 5511S.E. Mountain Biking Co. - Thredbo 02 6457 6282Surfection - Manly 02 9977 6955Surfection - Mosman 02 9969 1011Tathra Beach and Bike - Tathra 02 6494 4257Wind Surf “N” Snow – Sydney 02 9971 0999Zink Surf – Kiama 02 4233 1189 SA Stockists Fly boardriding – Seaford 08 8386 0100On Board - Glenelg 08 8294 3866On Board - Port Noarlunga 08 8382 6729Xtreme Kites & Paddle- Port Lincoln 0402 842 944VIC Stockist Extreme Skateboards - Sunbury 0419 354 330Mordy Surf - Mordialloc 03 9580 1716Zak Surfboards - Thornbury 03 9416 7384 WA Stockist AvantiPlus Busselton Cycles 08 9752 2550Cowie Surf - Cowaramup 08 9755 9669Momentum Skate Shop Claremont 08 9384 2427 ACT Stockist Trilogy - Tuggeranong Hyperdome 02 6293 9636Shifty’s - Canberra 02 6262 9162 NZ Stockist Amazon Surf Skate : Albany Mall, Auckland 09 414 4249 Parnell, Auckland 09 358 5574Backdoor Surf Snow Earth : Mt Maunganui 09 575 7831 Hamilton 07 839 0368 Takapuna 09 489 9755Ballistics - Takapuna, Auckland 09 489 4074

FFICIAL FIIKTM STOCKISTS

PERISHER SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF MUSICFriday, June 10Perisher, NSW PERISHER SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF MUSICSaturday, June 11Perisher, NSW

THE SANDBARThursday, July 28Mildura, Vic

THE GOVERNER HINDMARSHFriday, July 29Adelaide, SA

ECHUCA & MOAMA WINTER BLUESSaturday, July 30Moama, NSW

TORQUAY HOTELWed, August 03Torquay, Vic

PIER LIVEThursday, August 04Frankston, Vic

THE CORNER HOTELFriday, August 05Melbourne, Vic

WESTERNPORT HOTELSaturday, August 06Hastings, Vic

SNOWBIRD INNMonday, August 08Mount Hotham, Vic

THE SMIGGINS HOTELWed, August 10Perisher, NSW

ANU BARThursday, August 11Canberra, ACT

OXFORD ARTS FACTORYFriday, August 12Sydney, NSW

WAVESSaturday, August 13Wollongong, NSW CAMBRIDGE HOTELSunday, August 14Newcastle, NSW

BEACHCOMBER HOTELWed, August 17Toukley, NSW

SOUTH WEST ROCKS COUNTRY CLUBThursday, August 18South West Rocks, NSW

HOEY MOEYFriday, August 19Coffs Harbour, NSW

PACIFIC HOTELSaturday, August 20Yamba, NSW

COOLUM CIVIC CENTRESunday, August 21Coolum, Qld

BEACH HOTELThursday, August 25Byron Bay, NSW

COOLANGATTA HOTELFriday, August 26Coolangatta, Qld

THE HIFISaturday, August 27 Brisbane, Qld

GYMPIE MUSTERSunday, August 28Gympie, Qld

MAINSTREET NIGHTCLUBThursday, Sept 01Mackay, Qld

A.J HACKETTSFriday, Sept 02Cairns, Qld

UNI CLUBSaturday, Sept 03Townsville, Qld

FUNK N’ GROOVES FESTIVALSaturday, Sept 10Pokolbin, NSW

www.ashgrunwald.comTOUR150

150

July2011_Smorgas_Spread 002-003.indd 3 16/06/11 4:06 PM

DETAILS & THINGSSMORGASBOARDER IS FOR ALL OF US THAT LOVE SURFING, WHETHER IT’S TO RELAX, UNWIND, GET IN A HEALTHY BIT OF EXERCISE OR TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

WHERE TO PICK US UPQuality surf stores, shapers and cool cafes within 10kms of the coast through Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. For a full list of distributors, visit the directory in the back of the mag or just get to your local surf shop and talk to some real people, in the flesh. If you see a local store advertising, they’re sure to have the lion’s share of mags in your area. smorgasboarder is published six times a year - September, November, January, March, May, July.

CAN’T GET THERE? SUBSCRIBEIf you can’t get to a store, have smorgasboarder delivered to your door by becoming a home subscriber. The mag is free, but Australia Post need to get paid. $18 IN AUSTRALIA GETS YOU SIX EDITIONS. Sign up at www.smorgasboarder.com.au and wait by your mailbox. It’ll arrive every two months. Back issues are available for $5 per copy. We have limited copies of the previous editions left... When they’re gone, they’re gone.

THANK YOUThank you to all our creative contributing writers, fantastic photographers and excellent people who made this edition possible. Special thanks to Louise Gough, John Pickering and Gus Brown for the ever-helping hands as well as Helen Chapman and Katie Swan for endless patience. Thanks to Garry Palmer and Phil Pfeiffer for their sales help.

THE TEAMSALES & EDITORIAL: Dave Swan [email protected] 0401 345 201

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION:Mark Chapman [email protected] 0400 875 884

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION & SALESJames Ellis [email protected] 0412 194 383

CONTRIBUTORSWRITING TALENT & PHOTOGRAPHIC GENIUS Thanks to all the talented photographers and writers involved in this edition. Extra special thanks to Joel & Sherrie Coleman, Jenny Willams and Swilly, Dom McGeachie, Emma Webb and Roie Hughes. Feel free to get involved! Drop us a line... Ideas & submissions: [email protected] Distribution: [email protected]

WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AUsmorgasboarder 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.

4 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread 004-005 copy.indd 4 20/06/11 12:51 PM

5jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread 004-005 copy.indd 5 20/06/11 12:52 PM

6 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread indside.indd 6 10/06/11 9:47 PM

ALL THE USUAL BITSTHE LATEST Feedback P13And greatest P14 Community P16News P20Shop Pitstops P30

TRAVELSomewhere in Victoria P40Going Solo, mon P54

GEAR Latest surfboard designs P76 History P82Test everything P84

CLOSEOUT Fitness P90 People out and about P98

After the last’s edition’s hearty feedback on the classic wipeout sequence of our history hero, Helmet, we opted to keep the comedy coming! This great sequence was taken at Point Cartwright. Is that you? Let us know! Got cool wipeout shots of you or your mates? Send them in! Photo: Chris Munro. See more of his work at www.redhotshotz.com.

ONE TOUR TO CHANGE IT ALLAsh Grunwald’s Road Dog Diaries offer more than just music

22

READERS’PHOTOGRAPHY You are a talented bunch - see pages of your surfing photos

36IN

SIDE T

HIS I

SSUE

Big plans &

a big tour

VICTORIAN SHAPERS UNITE Zak Koniaris brings together legendary talent and skills

66

7mar/apr 2011

SHOOT YOUR OWN MOVIES WITH THE GOPRO HERO

CAMERA RANGE Up to 56 minutes of video

5 Megapixel camera

[email protected]

02 4226 1322

GoPro’s HD Surf HERO The world’s only 1080p HD on-board video & still photo camera.

GoPro_SB_13_20110610.indd 1 10/06/11 2:53 PM

July2011_Smorgas_Spread indside.indd 7 13/06/11 2:14 AM

8 jul/aug 2011

It’s all about the beachsurf art • shells driftwood things chenille shorts wood surf boards beach stuff • retro sunnies • thongs stripy towels umbrellas

6 Lorraine AveMarcoola Beach07 5448 8560

Mini-Simmons, Fish and more by Jesse Watson

NOW STOCKING:

Black ApacheSurfboards

july2011_Smorgas_Spread intro.indd 8 13/06/11 4:09 AM

Enjoyment, relaxation, exercise, mateship, escapism… These are all reasons why we surf. Our motivations are all different. We all want to keep enjoying these good times and so it’s important not to forget those who provide us with the craft and the gear to realise our own sacred sense of fulfillment.

Perhaps it’s the guy around the corner who shaped your first board when you were seven years old. Maybe it’s the local surf shop you walked into as a child and smelt resin for the first time, or that sweet smell of coconut scented surf wax.

If we want them to remain there, we need to consider what steps we’re taking to ensure they survive. Sure, everyone is tight on money at present but even the smallest gesture of goodwill and support can make the biggest difference to a small business.

To us the surfing community means everything and despite being newcomers to it all, we’re as passionate about the survival of our homegrown surfing industry as a 40-year veteran of the game. Not for one second of any day would we trade what we do now for our old, soulless corporate jobs. Because now we get to deal with real people. Good people. Down-to-earth people. Shapers, surf shop owners, manufacturers and you guys and girls – all surfers.

Wherever you can, support the people who have enabled us to share good times with family and friends out in the water.

IN THIS EDITIONWe take a look at those great surf businesses supporting other surf businesses - people like Zak Koniaris, who has established somewhat of a collective of Victoria’s best shapers.

Also featured are a seemingly countless number of shapers proudly displaying their latest designs and the craftsmanship that comes with a lifetime dedicated to shaping surfboards.

We chat with Ash Grunwald and find out how surfing has inspired his lifestyle and many of his songs.

We venture to the Solomon Islands, a magical surf spot which is enough to inspire any surfer to get off the beaten track and discover something new.

And finally, on the note of surfing, the spirit of adventure and getting off the beaten track, we travel down to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. Guarded in secrecy and staunchly protected by local surfers, we respectfully talk about what makes this wild rugged coastline so special.

COME TOGETHER

Dave & Mark

The colder months in Burleigh Heads Photo: Michael Dawes flickr.com/photos/tk_five_0/

9july/aug 2011

It’s all about the beachsurf art • shells driftwood things chenille shorts wood surf boards beach stuff • retro sunnies • thongs stripy towels umbrellas

6 Lorraine AveMarcoola Beach07 5448 8560

Mini-Simmons, Fish and more by Jesse Watson

NOW STOCKING:

Black ApacheSurfboards

july2011_Smorgas_Spread intro.indd 9 13/06/11 4:36 AM

At only 19 years old, Currumbin’s Jess Roberts has

enjoyed a fair few surfing achievements in the

longboarding world including wins in local, state

and national competitions. But while she’s excelling

in surfing and racking up sponsors like Diverse Surf,

Kulu Bikinis, Willi Footwear and Ask Huey sunscreen

and sunglasses, she tells us her main focus is her Vet

Science uni degree. Good work.

STUDY“My most important goal in my life

right now is to finish my degree at

uni. I believe getting my education

first is imperative. However, I

also believe that maintaining my

surfing and the people close to me

is important, so I generally like to

combine everything!”

Jess is as passionate about her

education as she is about her

surfing.

“Kids reading this, stay in school.

You can surf at any point in your

life, join the WQS, compete against

Kelly and Mick, but what happens

if you tear all the ligaments in your

knee and can’t surf anymore? You

have nothing to fall back on. You

never know what will happen - you

could become world champ, but if

you’re 30 and can’t surf, didn’t finish

school, do a trade or go to uni, then

there aren’t many options. That’s

what I’ve learnt from people in those

shoes - they told me exactly that.

“I am currently in my second year

and love it! People consider Vet

Science harder than Medicine,

because we have to learn each

different type of animal, learn each

field of medicine - we have to be a

surgeon, dentist, ophthalmologist etc. -

and I think the biggest thing is that the

patient can’t tell us what’s wrong. Its

hard work and a lot of contact hours,

but it’s interesting and fun. My parents

are very supportive of me going to uni

and help me out a lot. When I finish

my degree I would love to go on to do

my PhD in marine animals.”

SHARKSWhere does a young Vet student

interested in marine animals

stand on the issue of the men in

grey suits?

“I’m still a bit uncertain about

these creatures. For starters, I have

a heart attack if I see one when

surfing, there is no mistaking that!

I do understand that they are a

predator, and it’s a tragedy for all

the people that have lost their lives

to sharks. I don’t think that sharks

should be hunted though. I don’t

think they purposely come and go

‘Oh there’s Tommy, the human over

there, lets go eat him.’ But, I do

think measures need to be taken

to keep sharks out of areas where

people swim and surf.”

SURFINGIt all started for Jess at the age

of 8, with her mum refusing to

let me be one of the girls sun-

baking on the beach watching

the boys have all the fun in the

surf. She started Jess on surfing

lessons and got her hooked.

“The memory I still look back on and

laugh about is when I started surfing

and got one of my friends from

school to join me. She believed that

getting barrelled was when white

wash went over your feet when you

were standing on the board. No joke,

she came in after our second lesson

saying ‘OMG! I got barrelled like five

times today!’ I still laugh about that

to this day.

Jess is doing well as a

longboarder these days, and

surprisingly the love of bigger

boards started quite early on.

“I did start out as a shortboarder

when I was a grom, but when I was

about 12 and down at Byron with

my cuzzie bros (read kiwis). It was

small and fat, and the short board

just wouldn’t go, so I jumped onto

an 8’6 mini mal and had the time

of my life! My parents then had a

chat to Wayne Deane and he made

a great custom board to suit my

physique, meaning I could carry it

under my arm.

“I’m currently riding a high

performance Diverse board, and

occasionally jump onto my pig/log

and have a go on my boyfriend’s SUP.

“I don’t generally ride shortboards

now, just because of the whole

mentality about them. You can just

chill out on a longboard and look

stylish or do the high performance

thing, where with shortboards, if

you’re not hacking the lip or busting

airs, then you’re classified a kook.”

Far from a kook, in her first year

with the Burleigh Longboard

Club, Jess made the President’s

Cup final in the Open Men’s

division - the first girl in

Burleigh club history to make

the final.

“I was stoked about that, but I think

I was more excited about beating

all the boys.” (laughs)

FAVOURITE WAVES

“Locally would definitely have to

be Currumbin Alley when the banks

are good, and Snapper when the

BOOKS, WORK & BOARDWALKING

10 jul/aug 2011

LADIE

S FIR

ST

July2011_Smorgas_Spread ladies first.indd 10 13/06/11 2:23 AM

“KIDS READING THIS, STAY IN SCHOOL. YOU CAN SURF AT ANY POINT

IN YOUR LIFE”

Photos by ‘Mum

my Roberts’

crowd isn’t agro. I like these spots

mainly due to my mates surfing

there too, so I have a good time

as well as a good surf. The only

places internationally I’ve been to

are Bali, NZ and PNG. My favourite

spot would easily be Medawii, a

mellow left-hander point break

about 3 hours from Kuta, Bali. I am

however set to go to the Maldives

in July so I think my favourite

international spot may change!”

If you’re in Currumbin and you

spot Jess cruising along on her

Diverse board, make sure to

say g’day!

For more action shots, check

out the team section on

www.diversesurf.com.au

Sage advice - Jess Roberts

11jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread ladies first.indd 11 13/06/11 2:24 AM

12 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread letters.indd 12 20/06/11 3:24 PM

SAVED MESSAGESWe get so many phone calls about the mag - even more so than emails - that we thought it was about time we published a reader’s comment from our message bank.

Hi guys. My name is Steve. You don’t know me. I just picked up your mag and wanted to congratulate you on it. I think it is so good. No competition stuff and so down to earth. Plenty of stories on surf destinations. I couldn’t believe it was for free. It is just a really good mag. Keep up the good work guys. I just wanted to ring and tell you that.

To be honest Steve, it is calls like yours that keep us going. We are wrecked from time to time, pulling it all together. Most weeks we’re working 70-80 hrs plus, so we appreciate such kind words of support. Emails, letters and phone calls like this also reinforce with those businesses who so kindly support us - and keep the mag FREE for all - that there are such loyal readers out there who love smorgasboarder. Thanks.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING?I have a friend who works at the local desal plant. He wasn’t allowed to talk to me about the desal plant itself, but I asked him few questions about the enviromental impact of the plant. He explained a few things they have put in place to prevent wildlife being harmed, so I tend to think this is a big cry about nothing. The shark nets off New South Wales kill more wildlife than ten desal plants and coming from a country that has real problems and real drought, I think Aussies take for granted how lucky they are.The only negative I could see is that it’s cost a lot of money that probably could have been spent on hospitals and schools, but as far as the environment goes, these hippies need to stop smoking ciggies, driving cars or even surfing as they all impact on the planet. In 20 years time when there is no water and we have the luxury of flicking a switch and making water, everyone will be stoked with the plant.Anyway that’s my two cents, mate. Great mag and keep ‘em coming.Charl, Phillip Island

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION:Email all your innermost thoughts, letters, stories, photos, praise, rants to [email protected] or send other contribution ideas, surf photography or fantastic ideas for stories to [email protected].

Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smorgasboarder-Surf-Magazine/133229320054947 (or easier, just search for smorgasboarder)

LATE

ST: F

EEDB

ACK

FREE STUFF FOR LETTERSSend in your letters and thoughts to be in line for

freebies! SOUTHERN SOUL wax up for grabs. Email us on [email protected]

*Letters may have been edited for length and clarityAbove: Holey hell... Most definitely time for new suit!

13jul/aug 2011

Quality Hand Shaped SurfboardsSimon Jones, Takayama, Bear, Morning of the Earth, Bing, Brewer, Heritage, Michael

Peterson, Daniel McDonald. Custom Made Boards our Specialty

Australia’s Best Range of Books & DVDsIncluding The Surfers Journal,

magazines & books.

With a wide range of gifts, collectables, photography, art & memorabilia.

Classic Clothing From Past & PresentPatagonia, Rhythm, Hippy Tree, The

Critical Slide Society, Reyn Spooner, Golden Breed, O’Neill, Okanui, Ocean & Earth,

Toes on the Nose, Sanuk, Rainbow Sandals, Rake, Captain Goodvibes, Deus Ex

Machina, Avanti Vintage Shirts& more.

Accessories & WetsuitsPatagonia, Imperial, O’Neill, Captain Fin Co., FCS, Ocean & Earth, True Ames Fins & more

24 Darley Road Manly NSW 2095Phone : (02) 9977 7623

[email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE STORE AT

www.heritagesurfaustralia.com

WIN!

WINNER

THE C-SKINS WETSUIT GIVEAWAYLast edition C-SKINS WETSUITS asked to see your oldest wetsuits. Taking pity on the owner of the oldest, stinkiest or most absolutely rotten wetsuit, they offered to generously replace said suit with a brand new C-SKINS Wired S2 3x2, valued at $475!

All we can say is... Damn, some of you should really clean out your wardrobe every ten years or so! Thanks for the entries and congrats to the winner, Karl. We reckon other beachgoers will be happy to not have to see his holey suit in the water ever again.

BUT IT’S NOT OVER! C-SKINS are feeling generous and giving you all a second chance to win one in September! Send your worst photos to [email protected]. The winner will be drawn in our September edition and their photo published alongside other finalists.

NOTE! C-SKINS phone number was incorrect in latst edition’s advertisement. The correct number for C-Skins is 0412 081 546.

*Prize suit for illustration only. Terms and conditions, see the smorgasboarder website.

STUFF UP FOR GRABS!

July2011_Smorgas_Spread letters.indd 13 20/06/11 3:24 PM

THE SURF PRAM?No, don’t be silly... This Phil & Ted Classic Buggy is just one of the baby essentials available from Yamba Nursery Hire. If you’re planning a family holiday around Yamba and Angourie, just forget packing in the baby gear... You can hire what you need at your destination and save the valuable travel space for other essentials, like an extra surfboard. For products, prices and more information, see www.yambanurseryhire.com or call 02 6646 3548.

GREAT TIME TO GET FIT!

It’s winter. Yes, it’s cold. But don’t let a little bit of chill stop you surfing! If you do forego the occasional paddle for a coffee or dodge a rather average day for a hot pie, don’t forget that summer is only a few months away and you’ll regret being a slacker when you’re missing waves. So now is the perfect time to get some extra training in and get fit, or even fitter.

Total Surfing Fitness is a very specific exercise program aimed at getting surfers catching more waves in five steps, by: increasing your paddle fitness; improving your core stability, strength and power; increasing your upper body endurance, improving your mobility and flexibility; and finally, improving your balance and lower body strength.

You can grab a free training session online, so check it out at www.totalsurfingfitness.com

Tired of looking like a billboard wearing the big name brands? Want to show your support for local shapers? Check out a new website that sells the latest and greatest gear from Australia’s best shapers and surf shops.

Better still, what you buy is shipped anywhere around the country completely free of charge. Go to www.ssstees.com.au

ONLINE T-SHIRTSSHAPING UP

Para

dise

by

Glen

n ‘C

at’ C

ollin

s.W

ait f

or th

e m

ovie

...

14 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread latest.indd 14 13/06/11 2:44 AM

STICK IT WHERE IT SHINES

A few editions back we made mention of the not-for-profit publication, Kurungabaa. With the latest edition recently arriving in the mail, we realised it just had to get another mention.

Celebrating it’s fourth year in print, the ‘journal of literature, history and ideas from the sea’ has undergone a major overhaul, with a full design revamp, a new format and new paper stock. All in all, the updated package truly reflects the quality of the thoughts and work inside.

Mostly black and white text, but with bursts of colour here and there, you can expect near 90 back-to-back pages of engaging and varied reading.

Strictly an anti-business, the Kurungabaa collective really don’t want your money, but your support to keep this unique forum for art and free thinking would help.

For only a few measly dollars, grab yourself a copy at kurungabaa.net and enjoy a very different surfing read.

MORE THAN A GOOD READ

Fancy surfing over deadly sharp ‘n shallow coral reefs in the remotest Mentawais? If you do, in all seriousness, it’s just common sense to have some insurance cover. Problem is, some insurers won’t touch surfers with a 10ft SUP paddle. Fortunately one will, and this has literally saved surfers’ lives thanks to airlifts from G-Land. You’re even covered riding a motorbike in Indo and for extra peace of mind, surfboards are covered for damage or theft in transit. Planning a big one locally? They’ll even cover you for surf trips in OZ. Get immediate cover 24 hours a day at www.indosurf.com.au

CRAZY LIKE A CATWe’ve had so many comments on Glenn ‘Cat’ Collins’ crazy-ass designs. Talking to industry insiders though, this guy is far from a fruit loop. This is what Craig Baird, curator of Torquay Surf World and someone who’s seen more boards than most of us had to say: “He could pretty much shape anything and ride it. He’s creative, free thinking and not restrained by design norms. “A lot of people may feel threatened by those who don’t conform but it’s people like Glen whose ideas filter down through the process into mainstream design. “Even if it is not adopted broadly, it gets people thinking about different avenues and possibilities.”

LATE

ST: &

GRE

ATES

T

OUCH. LET’S HOPE HIS INSURANCE COVERS THAT

Phot

o: W

ipeo

ut S

cuzz

, Sup

plie

d

15jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread latest.indd 15 20/06/11 1:16 PM

16 jul/aug 2011

2544 GOLD COAST HIGHWAY, MERMAID BEACH

[email protected]

WWW.GREENLINEPADDLESURF.COM 0412 398 585

Your one stop for STAND UP PADDLE SURF Sales, Hire, Accessories

& the best advice

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

THE BEST WAY TO GET YOURSELF ON

THE RIGHT BOARD FOR YOU

Talk to Scott and his expert staff.

They’ll get you on the right board!

Understand first-hand what you need

and what you get for your money.

LATE

ST: C

OMMU

NITY

“18 months ago Dan Bounty was a normal, happy little eight-year-old dude, just starting to get the hang of surfing. This all changed thanks to one Saturday afternoon in November 2009, body surfing with his Mum and sister, Chloe. “Dan caught a wave in the crowded, flagged section at Kings Beach, Caloundra and crashed head first into a large mans hip, hurting his neck. As a physiotherapist, I assessed him and felt he had just a minor neck strain. He seemed fine and ten minutes later he was racing around like nothing had happened. We didn’t think much of it.“The next morning, at about 7am, just as we were about to leave for nippers, Dan collapsed. The right side of his body was paralysed. We raced him to Caloundra Hospital who urgently transferred him to Royal Children’s Hospital Brisbane where he had an MRI, revealing that he had in fact damaged an artery in his neck. This had formed a blood clot that had dislodged and travelled to his brain, causing him to have a stroke.“Due to my line of work, I’m familiar with this condition, but usually in elderly folk. I’m

unfortunately also acutely aware of the possible consequences and outcomes. So we all, very nervously, spent the next six weeks slowly watching Dan recover. He went from wheelchair-bound, to learning to walk again to slowly regaining some of his sensation and function in his right arm. “Since the stroke, Dan’s been working hard on his rehab and although he still has a way to go, is doing well. He’s back to nippers and surfing and skateboarding. “With any brain injury you just don’t know how much recovery to expect, but fortunately for Dan there has been no cognitive loss and he’s still the same cheeky little bugger he always was. After the long road to recovery, it’s truly a reward to see Dan on his surfboard, back in the water with Chloe.”

It’s always good to have stories with happy endings like this in the mag. We wish you a full recovery and many happy years of surfing with the family to come, Dan!

Top: Dan’s back on the boards - if not in the water, at the local skatepark. Above left: Supportive sister, Chloe regularly shares surfing time with Dan. Right: Happy and healthy - the way all kids should be.

JUST ONE LITTLE BUMPIT’S AMAZING HOW ONE SMALL EVENT CAN DRAMATICALLY CHANGE THE COURSE OF LIFE. LITTLE SUNSHINE COASTER, DAN BOUNTY KNOWS ONLY TOO WELL. WORDS & PHOTOS: PAUL BOUNTY

July2011_Smorgas_Spread Dan story.indd 16 13/06/11 2:47 AM

17jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread Dan story.indd 17 13/06/11 2:48 AM

Chris Garrett (left) with happy owner of a new board, Wilba.

BOARDS TO PNGPaul Hickman of Retro Wombat in Thirroul knows the Three Rs intimately - Reducing, Re-using and Recycling is just how he rolls.

Happy to spread the love of pre-loved, he recently got involved with a push to get some used surfboards over to the local kids in PNG.

“I managed to get together ten small thrusters, a couple of leg ropes and some travel bags,” Paul tells us. Added to this, he found a few pairs of top-notch boardies while out at garage sales, to add to the package.

“My part in this is only a small one, as there are many people involved in the process of making it happen. I just couldn’t say no to helping out with suitable boards for such a good cause.”

“Sometimes, giving somebody something they can use is much better than money which just gets swallowed up by the capitalist world we live in.”

A FEW GOOD MENIt is good to know in these tough times there are still some good guys and girls out there and you couldn’t meet anyone nicer than shaper Chris Garret. Upon hearing our plans to raise money to help those affected by the spate of natural disasters earlier this year, he was the first person on board. Not only did he custom make the board for the lucky bidder, he personally delivered it and shared the love. Keen on a Chris Garrett or Phantom board? Go to www.chrisgarrettshapes.com.au

Top: Paul of Retro WombatAbove: PNG kids get a surf lesson

from some travelling Aussies

15 ALLEN ST, CALOUNDRA • 07 5492 5838 • THEFACTORYSURFBOARDS.COM.AU

NO MODELS HERE Just hand-crafted boards,

specially made for you.Damon with

a Factory Single Fin

Hey mate... have you paid for that?

18 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread community.indd 18 20/06/11 11:45 AM

LATE

ST: C

OMMU

NITY

If you have any news and events that should be in these pages, please feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].

Mark Riley of Riley Balsa has lent his support to the Australia Wide Wood Naturally Better Program - a program designed to promote and educate people on the benefits, qualities and uses of wood.

More than just a great material for building surfboards, wood is a natural, renewable resource that provides wide-ranging benefits, including absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere combatting the effects of climate change; uses less energy compared with some other building materials; and as a fuel, sustainably grown and harvested wood provides a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. All said and done, wood is pretty good.

For more on the program, visit www.naturallybetter.com.au.

The SurfArt Expo held in Alexandra Headland has been hailed a huge success, with over 200 people turning up for the opening charity night where over $1000 was raised for Wishlist and Sunshine Coast Surfrider Foundation.

Artist Owen Cavanagh put together a collection of his own work and that of diverse, yet like-minded artists including Parrish Watts of Vintage Pacific Surfcraft, master shapers Richard Harvey and Tom Wegener - who opened the expo at the Friday night charity event - Phil and Jackie Jarratt, miniature surfboard artist Nathan Barker and more.

For any further info, contact Owen on 0459 477 728 or email [email protected]

IT’S ONLY NATURAL FOR RILEY

SURF ART WITH A BIG HEART

Further reinforcing the commitment to the environment, Riley Classic Balsawood Surfboards have sponsored environmentalist Parrys Raines of www.climategirl.com.au.

“This should be a great partnership between Parrys and Riley,” says Mark. “We have very similar views on the way life should be and how the future needs to be cared for by all of us”.

To read more about Riley and check out Mark’s balsa boards, see the website: www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au

19jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread community.indd 19 13/06/11 2:55 AM

LATE

ST: N

EWS

PIE IN THE SKY?Well, at least in the shaping bay... Pieter ‘Pie Eater’ Stockert has set up a live web stream from his shaping bay. Piet’s been shaping boards for Bennetts for over 8 years. To see what goes into shaping a board, check it out on: www.pieter.com.au

GET A REAL JOB... SKILLS WANTED Riley Balsawood Surfboards is after the part-time services of experienced glassers, sanders and polishers around the Cronulla area. Intererested? Please contact Mark on [email protected]

And if you’re an experienced surfboard spray artist, Gangsta Surf on the Gold Coast wants to hear from you. Get in touch with Monique if you reckon you have the skills and the style to suit. [email protected]

PUB WITH NO BEER. OR JUST NO PUB

One of our all-time favourite pitstops on our travels has been the Aireys Inlet Pub. After visiting surf stores all day, or after a sneaky surf, it was always the perfect place to finish the day, comfortable and warm, with a beer in front of the roaring fireplace.

On our last trip however, we arrived to find the old place boarded up and covered in grafitti. What an absolute disappointment.As we then discovered, the pub - originally built in 1890 and rebuilt after the Ash Wednesday fires - called last drinks on March 20 after the landlords decided to not renew the publican’s licence.The site had been put up for tender, which closed in May, but according to Frank Nagle of Biggin Scott Commercial, it was ‘too early to say’ if the site would indeed be a new residential development.Sadly, as another icon of our coastline falls victim to the ongoing race to become the richest when you die, it’s a bleak reminder that we need to appreciate - and actively support - what we have, while we have it, be it friends, family, local businesses or invaluable pieces of our culture and history. Cheers Airey’s. It was good knowing you.

Righ

t: Th

e sit

e in

Jun

e an

d be

low

: hap

pier

tim

es

UNDER ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT

Phil

and

Jono

- fr

esh

face

s at A

ltern

ative

Sur

f Alternative Surf in Alexandra Headland has had a facelift in more ways that one. With a new owner, new manager, new signage, new stock and exciting new lines its all, well... new! Owner Phil Giles is filling the store with unique brands, such as Seventhwave Wetsuits from NZ, Diamond Empire clothing and much more. Check it out.

SURFBOARD SUPPLIES

Our buoyant, lightweight timber floats all around the world.• Tom Wegener preferred alaia blanks• Alaia & Kite Boards• Long Boards• Hollow Boards• Chambered Boards

Contact David EvansP: 03 9588 2533E: [email protected]: www.paulowniasurfboardsupplies.com

Buy the BEST PAULOWNIA TIMBER Australia has to offer.

20 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread news.indd 20 13/06/11 3:10 AM

LUNATICWe say this not to cause offense but rather offer this word as a badge of honour awarded to none other than the fearless big wave charger Sandy Ryan of Island Surfboards. What he does for fun is just suicidal for mere mortals. In case you missed it, check out Sandy surfing Shipstern’s Bluff in Tasmania this May. www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH43LO5MCl0

MORE TO SWAPIf you’re on the Sunshine Coast and have surfboards to sell, swap or show off, get along to the July 3 Swap Meet at the Da Bomb Surf Centre in Maroochydore from 11am - 2pm. Entry is free. There will be all types of boards on display from retro to modern and even a sausage sizzle on the go. For more details go to www.moresurfboards.com

On my most recent roadtrip I had a number of people come up and ask about the latest skateboard from SmoothStar. Yes, I gave it a rave review in our last edition and yes it IS actually that good. When you have a ute chock-a-block with magazines to distribute down the entire coast, there’s little room for much else. BUT I made sure to squeeze in my SmoothStar and gave a few people a test run as I passed through their way.

But just when I thought I couldn’t love SmoothStar anymore, the new promo video hit the internet... And it is a cracker! Not only does it feature team rider Dom McGeachie making magic on his 32” Flying Fish, it also features a little cameo appearance by none other than your favourite free surf magazine!

Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQsH2TNp_wY and for a walkthrough for one of the tricks on the video, see page 83.

SMOOTH VIDEO CAMEO

Dom

get

s com

fy fl

ickin

g th

roug

h sm

orga

sboa

rder

be

fore

hitt

ing

the

ram

ps a

nd st

reet

s of N

ewca

stle

GREAT RESULT FOR GREAT OCEAN ROADVictoria’s picturesque Great Ocean Road has been placed on the national heritage list with the announcement being made recently by Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke. Thank goodness we have recognised, and will now preserve, one of the most magnificent coastal stretches in the country and indeed the world. Any future development in the region will have to be approved by the Federal Government. The region includes famous breaks such as Bell’s Beach, Winki and Cathedral.

Classic Surf T-shirts from Surfing Legends

[email protected] • Call 0400 497 534 • www.lastwave.com

+ +The newSymba

BoardCarver Surf rack

presents: the summer solution...

175 Eumundi Road, Noosaville Qld 4566 Phone: 07 5455 5249

www.scooterstyle.com.au

= FUN

10% off Carver Surf Racks with this ad

228 Lawrence Hargrave Dve

Thirroul02 42671322

vintage, old-school surf & skateboards, Antique, Vintage, retro furniture, Push bikes, junk and anything old pre-1980’s

We Buy Sell And RestoreRecycling Suburban Australia

21jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread news.indd 21 13/06/11 4:34 AM

LATE

ST: IN

TERV

IEW

CLEAR BLUE

DAYS,DEEP BLUES

NIGHTS

22 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread Ash2.indd 22 13/06/11 3:27 AM

Phot

o: E

mm

anue

l Nar

okob

i Mas

alai

Com

mun

icatio

ns

CLEAR BLUE

DAYS,DEEP BLUES

NIGHTS

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to document - just life on the road and the fun we get up to. We’re going to go out and do exactly that, just amplify it a little...”

Road Dog Diaries is an exciting new travelling music roadshow, kicking off in Mildura, Victoria this July and working all the way up to North Queensland in early September. Far from just another band-on-the-road affair, this particular tour is any surf fan’s dream come true. By day, the crew will be searching out waves, snowboarding or skating and then hitting the planks at night for a musical fest, punctuated with exhibitions of surf photography and surf films between sets. And all of this, captured on film for an upcoming documentary.

“Hopefully we get a fair bit of footage by the time we’re finished… of really good surfing and good locations from Torquay to Noosa,” Ash says of the very ambitious and incredibly cool project. “Also a lot of snowboarding and skating - we always get into a bit of downhill - and try and document the sort of stuff that happens.”

Personally, having the distorted slide guitar wail over the beat of a stomping foot or some infectiously dancey hip-hop loops, finished off perfectly with blues-tinged, soulful storytelling is plenty reason to get me to an Ash Grunwald gig. But the concept of the complete package that the music is delivered with on this particular tour is sheer genius.

In a very interesting twist, well-known surfers such as Beau and Nat Young, Neal Purchase Jr, Steph Gilmore and Matt Hoy will be making guest appearances on the tour.

“We’ve got Beau Young for a lot of it, if not most of it. The really good thing is that he’s going to come down south with us as well. That’s always a hard sell, because it’s cold. (laughs) So we appreciate that.”

Dave Rastovich will also be joining in for time in the water and on stage.

“That’s going to be really fun, because those two are good buddies. I go back a long way with Rasta and I surf with Beau a lot here in New Brighton. “

And of course it’s not just a surf fest – There are big-name musos on the bill as well, such as Kram of Spiderbait fame and – fingers crossed - roots master Xavier Rudd, who Ash used to play supports for in the early days of their careers.

“I’m hoping to get Xavier when we’re down in Torquay,” Ash says. “He’s a good buddy and I’ve known him for over a decade now. That’ll be really good for the doco. It will document a part of me, and I can talk about the beginnings of it all.”

Thank goodness ASH GRUNWALD is a patient guy. It’s Wednesday. I have my interview time set. As a long-time fan I’m ready, prepared and just so excited to get the chat on the go, but my phone has other plans for our morning. Four phonecalls later, terrible reception and one crackling, dodgy phone line after another - not to mention an hour late - I finally get to talk to the easy-going bluesman about surfing, music and the new ROAD DOG DIARIES tour. And as it turns out, there’s a whole lot to talk about.WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN

23jul/aug 2011


Photo: Swilly Swilly.com.auWith huge thanks to Jenny Williams!

Another major point of difference with the Road Dog Diaries tour is the standing invitation for local talent to get involved. The tour gives local surf photographers a chance to exhibit and sell their work and local filmmakers a chance to have their creations shown on screen during the show. In turn, it gives the audience an opportunity to discover some of their own homegrown talent… Possibly even catch a glimpse of themselves featured in a photo or local surf film.

“I lived five years in Torquay,” Ash explains. “There was one guy who used to shoot film when Winki was cranking and then, lo and behold, a year later someone would say ‘Hey! You’re on this video!’ You’ve got some good footage of you on a good day surfing your favourite local break!

“The same with the photographer down there - she’d have a few snaps of you, or line-ups of your local when it’s cranking at it’s best.

“I loved that when I was down there and thought that’s exactly what I want to have at these gigs.

“So, in theory, someone can turn up and see themselves, or their local on its day of days… and just get really excited.” (laughs)

“It’s more about the local, underground guys just going for a wave. High-performance surfers, we all get excited about, but this... I’m thinking about the guy like me in the crowd.”

Normal, everyday surfers he means, not touring bluesmen... Yes, he’s a multi-award-winning musician with a stellar history of releases and collaborations, but as a late starter in the water, Ash is really humble when it comes to his surfing.

“I’m by no means a ripper which is probably why I’ve still got my froth so in gear. I grew up in Melbourne, so access to waves was only ever an occasional thing when I was a kid. As an adult - and really once I started gigging - I could arrange things so that I could surf more.”

“I always loved it. To go to the beach was to go surfing. But being inland, I just didn’t have the opportunities to get into it as a kid. When you’re from Melbourne it’s when you get your license that you really start.”

However with a promising musical career in the making, surfing wasn’t always easy in the early days. Ash initially followed advice to tour inland, playing more obscure venues, off the beaten track, to spread his name outside of the fierce competition of the mainstream. But it wasn’t long before the ocean dragged him back.

“I’d go to one-horse towns playing to one toothless drunk. It was quite soul destroying, but I thought ‘Hey, I’m making a living from it - who cares?’

“I just decided after a while, ‘Nah, you know what, I’m just going to head for the coast. And it’s funny, it worked better for me anyway, even career-wise. But it was primarily just something I wanted to do with my life. So, surfing’s been this crazy adventure… “

And it’s not just surfing. A true smorgasboarder in his own right, Ash hits a skateboard or snowboard with just as much enthusiasm as his stomp box at a live show. Touring has seen him clock up eight snow seasons, always overlapping shows with the opportunity to do some snowboarding.

“I’m so lucky. Everything in my life has been facilitated by music.”

It’s not a one-sided arrangement. It seems that while music has a huge influence on his lifestyle, life also comes back around to influence the music. One song in particular, from the 2009 Fish Out Of Water album has stuck with me since the first listen. It’s the incredibly well-told tale of near-death in huge surf at Port Campbell. With a mental picture so well painted, surely that has to be a first-hand experience?

“No that’s not autobiographical,” Ash laughs.

“I’ve copped a lot of hold-downs and I have a lot of respect - and fear - for the South Coast of Victoria, but I’ve never paddled out at Two-Mile or any of these crazy hell-man places. I’ve surfed solid Bells, and I’ve surfed some solid waves down south, but none of the actual ‘big waves.’

So, just how did the Port Campbell story and song come about then?

“Well, this is what happens to me with story songs,” Ash explains. “I get a moment that really moves me. Then I think about that moment and work backwards from there and I think, ‘What is that story?’ And then I tell that story.

“I was actually at Red Bluff in WA. A mate of mine who’s a really good storyteller had this great tale of where he paddled for one, missed it and then turned around to see the whole horizon lifting towards the heavens, about to land right fair-square on his head. And just that terror...

“We were just around the campfire, but I was with him and felt what he must have felt. I was very moved by that story. I know the terror of when you’re in really solid waves and there’s a consequence to being caught in the wrong position. That’s what it was all about.

“Once I got into that moment of terror, I thought the dude needs a back-story, you know? I sort of live it when I tell it, so I really think about it. I laugh sometimes though when he pops up and cops another six on the head – I always find that funny for some sick reason. (laughs)”

Victorian surf destinations have certainly made their mark on Ash’s lyrics. Cat Bay on Phillip Island set the stage for the event that inspired the very entertaining Dolphin Song, from the 2002 Introducing Ash Grunwald album. It tells the tale of him being rescued from a shark by a pod of helpful dolphins. And Ash reckons it happened exactly as the song says…

“In the middle of the bay, on low tide with the right amount of swell, there’s a little bommie you can paddle out to. The guy I was with swore he saw a shark under me. In the post mortem I was saying ‘Well, all you did was mistake a dolphin for a shark and we didn’t actually get rescued,’ but he said ‘No way, no way... It was definitely a shark and we definitely got rescued...”

Not many of us get the opportunity to throw everything we love most in life into one big event and then watch it come to life. For Ash, this artistic collaboration that is Road Dog Diaries is exactly that.

24 jul/aug 2011


“IT’S A GOOD THING ISN’T IT, SURFING... IT’S THIS AMAZING

CURE-ALL THAT DOES

EVERYTHING.

“IT KEEPS YOU FIT, HEALTHY, HAPPY... AND

IT’S DIFFICULT TO GET GOOD AT.”

LATE

ST: IN

TERV

IEW

25jul/aug 2011


“It’s an intersection. It’s about a particular culture. I’ve got friends all around Australia that I love to surf with. Some are pro surfers and some are just Old Mate, who likes to go for a wave. They’re from all different professions and situations, from hardcore builders eating their pie and sauce, to full-on, tripped-out hippy dudes, or whatever... You have so much in common when you surf and there are just happy-go-lucky people who just want to get some waves and have some fun, then go to the gig, have a few beers and just hoot… Just positive people. That’s what I just love to be involved in.”

Getting involved yourself is easy. Just get to one of the shows, be positive and have a whole lot of fun.

If you’re a budding surf photographer or surf filmmaker and reckon your work belongs on the bill, drop the organisers a line at [email protected].

For full tour dates, check online at www.ashgrunwald.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AshGrunwald or you can also follow the happenings on twitter at twitter.com/#!/ashgrunwald to stay in the loop with all of the up to date announcements.

“WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE EACH GIG INDIVIDUAL, IN THAT WE WANT TO GET LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS TO DISPLAY THEIR WORK.”

Phot

o: E

mm

anue

l N

arok

obi M

asal

ai

Com

mun

icatio

ns

Phot

o: S

will

y Sw

illy.c

om.a

u

26 jul/aug 2011

Australia’s #1 titanium-lined wetsuit.Keeping wind out and warmth in.

MASSIVE TIDE WATCH GIVEAWAY!Spend $250 or more & receive a $100 Tide watch. Be quick - available only while stocks last.

WWW.TRIPLE-X.COM.AU

When it’s so XXX-ing cold, you’ll wish you had a Triple X Wetsuit

10 Piper Drive, Ballina NSW 2478 | 1300 483 634 | +61 2 66190469 | Skype: triple-x-wetsuits

SOLD ONLINE!

FREE DELIVERY

[email protected]

Surf Travel Company

02 9222 8870

Talk to the experts. surftravel.com.au

Tavarua Island Resort Namotu Island Resort

Plantation Island Resort Walu Beach Resort

Mamanuca Island Group – West Coast Fiji

Sonaisali Island Resort Intercontinental Fiji Golf & Spa Viti Levu – South West Coast

Mainland

Hideaway Resort Waidroka Bay Resort

Matanivusi Surf Resort Viti Levu – Coral Coast

Mainland

Yanuca Island East Coast Fiji

Naninya Island Resort Cape Washington

Kadavu Fiji

Tau Surf Charters Remote Islands of Fiji

FIJI

Surf Tra

vel Company

There is only o

ne original ...


27jul/aug 2011

Australia’s #1 titanium-lined wetsuit.Keeping wind out and warmth in.

MASSIVE TIDE WATCH GIVEAWAY!Spend $250 or more & receive a $100 Tide watch. Be quick - available only while stocks last.

WWW.TRIPLE-X.COM.AU

When it’s so XXX-ing cold, you’ll wish you had a Triple X Wetsuit

10 Piper Drive, Ballina NSW 2478 | 1300 483 634 | +61 2 66190469 | Skype: triple-x-wetsuits

SOLD ONLINE!

FREE DELIVERY

July2011_Smorgas_Spread Ash2.indd 27 17/06/11 1:05 PM

28 jul/aug 2011

AKA “The Helmet”, Pat Quirk was born and raised in Manly on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, NSW.

Now settled with his lovely family on the northern side of the Sunshine Coast, he spends many a day sharing waves at his favourite breaks around Noosa or Alexandra Headland, as well as tracking down pieces of surfing history to add to the growing collection.

From left to right, we’ll let Pat introduce the ladies, most of which he uses regularly.

1 - OCEANIC 9’2” A very narrow, but thick longboard from 1963. No wall-hanger, this is my board of choice to ride. It goes amazingly in long walled point breaks like Noosa.

2 - DON BURFORD 7”4” TRACKER with a rolled bottom, made around 1968 when Don was still in South Australia. A challenging board to ride, but it’s amazing when you get it just right in the pocket of a nice wave.

3 - BARRY BENNETT 8’ MINI GUN with a dense foam stringer. Difficult to turn but definitely the fastest board I have ever ridden.

4 - BARRY TAYLOR CUSTOM 7’8” from Nowra on the South Coast of NSW. A project board, crying out for restoration as the whole board needs to be reglassed... One day.

5 - TUBECRUISER around 6’8” by Paul Shanks, a kiwi shaper. Only surfed it a few times and I still need to get it out on a clean day.

6 - McTAVISH BLUE BIRD 7’ signed by Bob after being saved from landfill. An awesome find and my absolute fave board in the collection.

7 - KENN CUSTOM SURFBOARDS from the Gold Coast, around 6’2”. This is the board that started the collecting bug after my wife suggested a vintage, red board would look great hanging on the wall. (What a nice lady - ED)8 - SUNBIRD SURF DESIGNS GUN 7” by Don Allcroft, a Victorian shaper who also shaped for Rip Curl. It looks to be around late 70’s.

9 - McCOY 6’8” This has had a full restoration, so it’s a little heavy but great to ride as it’s really thick so catches waves very easily.

10 - SHANE STANDARD 6” Around mid-70’s by the looks of the shape. Amazing shapers like Simon Anderson cut their teeth making these boards under the eye of Shane Stedman.

11 - KENN CUSTOM BOARD 6’ Late 70’s single with a classic spray on the deck.

12 - McTAVISH 9’1” The only multi-finned board here, shaped by Bob himself. This is an amazing board to ride - only 2” 5/8 thick and lots of kick in the tail which helps with late take offs (sometimes).

Got some cool boards to show us? We’d love to see them and show them off for you! Drop us a line on [email protected]

“The only multi-finned board in the line-up!”

COLLECTOR QUIRKS

MEE

T THE

TALE

NT

HISTORY BUFF, REGULAR SMORGASBOARDER CONTRIBUTOR AND LAST EDITION’S PAGE 7 MODEL... MEET PAT QUIRK AND HIS EXTENDED FAMILY OF SINGLE FINS.

Helmet and friends. Photo: Mark Chapman

Pat cruising at Noosa. Photo: Popeye

Jul2011_Smorgas_Spread pat.indd 28 13/06/11 3:34 AM

29jul/aug 2011

1300 483 634

Contact us for a free custom order quote for UV protective rashies, sunwear, sun/surf caps and more...

ALL OVER YOU LIKE A RASH(IE)

WWW.TRIPLE-X.COM.AU

[email protected]

LOGO BRAND

Surf shop, surf school,

boardriding club, SLSC,

school, college or

university, company, surf

comp or similar? Get your

personalised gear printed by

Triple-X today!

It’s the board I’ve wanted for the last ten years and now we’ve finally found each other! It was an instant connection straight after that first ride the 6’2 Spunk Bubble shaped by Greg Brown had found its new home, my shed.

Now to the really important stuff about the board.

It’s not white it’s an actual colour - nothing like adding a bit of colour to the line up! There’s enough black and white out there already and even if I’m black and white too, it’s not going to make me rip any more like Kelly or Fanning... Just a little bit of self-expression.

Another amazing thing is it floats me easily. I’m not flapping around like a fish out of water struggling to move forward, let alone ride a wave.

It catches waves like I’m riding a Mini-mal - bonus for me out there! So that’s three big ticks for my new favourite board.

Oh, and some might find these next facts more important but it all depends on the angle your coming from: it turns on a wing nut and gets heaps of speed... I sometimes get the speed wobbles I’m going so quick.

A match made in heaven. Until I find my next favourite board anyway...

Tell us about your favourite boards and get yourself in these pages! Drop us a line at [email protected]

Photo: Roie Hughes

THE ONEWE ALL HAVE A FAVOURITE FAVOURITE. EMMA WEBB OF TORQUAY SHARES A LITTLE ABOUT HER SPECIAL BOARD WITH US

Jul2011_Smorgas_Spread pat.indd 29 13/06/11 3:34 AM

LATE

ST: P

ITSTO

P

Retro Wombat’s Paul Hickman is a born and bred Wollongong boy who grew up surfing Oilies down near the coal loader and South Beach.

30 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread pitstop.indd 30 13/06/11 3:41 AM

PAUL HICKMAN RETRO WOMBATWHAT IS SURFING TO YOU? Trying to find a wave where there is only two or three in the water. I can’t deal with crowds or all that agro and stuff.

FAVOURITE BOARD? My favourite single fin is a 6’1” Col Smith channel bottom. It suits my body type perfectly. That and a modern day Skipp thruster for when the swell is on.

WHAT’S THE STORE ALL ABOUT? I guess the store is called Retro Wombat, Retro as in ‘backward’ and ‘wombat’ as in the ‘hard to find Australian.’ We’re more like the Hairy Nosed Wombat, the rare and endangered one, not the common wombat.Our motto, so to speak, is recycling suburban Australia. We’re about stopping stuff from going to the tip - the whole gamut of recycling from picking out the good things we can resell down to recycling nuts, bolts, copper, brass and steel. We offer people a complete recycling service and a large percentage of the stuff goes to local op shops and charity stores and some we sell in store. We have really tried to develop a charitable side to the business.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT TO FIND IN RETRO WOMBAT? I used to be more into the antique side of things but we’ve slowly moved more and more into the junk side of things. The junk is the fun stuff. It’s what people want and it is affordable.

HOW LONG HAS THE STORE BEEN WHERE IT IS? Six years. When we set up here there was no roof on the building and no floor. All in all though, I have been doing this sort of thing for twenty years. I have had four stores through that time.

FAVOURITE THING IN STORE? Probably the 10 ft pintail mal. It is a big heavy brute of a board.

WWW.RETROWOMBAT.COM

On a recent trip to The Gong I called into two stores in Thirroul - one I knew and the other I had heard a lot about. Basically, these stores are absolute Aladdin’s caves for the collector or soul surfer after something outside the mainstream. Both are well worth a visit - and an introduction - so we had a chat to the men behind the counter. WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN

CHRIS KELLY FINBOX BOARDSTORE

FAVOURITE BREAK? Chips. The reef break off the point at Geroa. I grew up surfing it.

FAVOURITE BOARD? The one I am riding most at the moment is a 5’8” shortboard called ‘The Guild’ by shaper Lee Stacey.

WHAT’S THE FINBOX ALL ABOUT I suppose the whole concept for the store was to bring that uniqueness back to surfing and make it a little bit more interesting. I wanted to create a store that felt like the ones I walked into as a kid in the 80s. Those stores were about surfing, surfboards and cool stuff. Nowadays mainstream surf stores have lost that soul.

WHAT’S TRULY UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR STORE? I think it comes from just selecting a good range of products that reflect a different side of surfing culture. Being a surfer myself, I ride all types of boards, so I wanted a surf shop that had enough hardware with a range of surfboards that reflected surfer’s different styles and interests. I wanted to create a real surf shop.On the clothing side, we’re a little bit more of a boutique as we hunt down those brands that have a clear point of difference. With regards to the store itself, we wanted to create an inviting space where people can walk in and feel comfortable. With a good atmosphere, people want to hang here and have a chat and not just duck in and out.

FAVOURITE THING IN STORE? That’s a tricky one. We got the new Vouch boards in and I would have to say the 8’7” rolled vee bottom is amazing. I don’t know how long it will stay on the racks before I wax that thing up myself.

THEFINBOX.BLOGSPOT.COM

A BREAK FROM THE ORDINARY

31jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread pitstop.indd 31 13/06/11 3:42 AM

GODLEY VIEWS

LAT

EST: IM

AGES

WHEN HE’S NOT BALANCING LEDGERS, HE’S SNAPPING SLABS. WE CHAT TO UP-AND-COMING SOUTH COAST PHOTOGRAPHER, JORDAN GODLEY, AND CHECK OUT SOME OF HIS WORK.

32 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread photographer.indd 32 13/06/11 3:46 AM

Q&AWhat came first: surfing or photography?Definitely surfing, I think it has only been the past six months or so that I shot more than I surfed.

You’re studying Accounting – an unusual career to align with surf photography… How do you juggle the two?(Laughs) Yeah I get that a lot. I’ve actually just finished all my accounting studies, around 9 years all up. It’s been pretty tough in the past, working long hours, studying for my CPA and chasing swells. I guess long days, a flexible boss and a tonne of coffee makes all the difference. I pretty much froth 24/7 on surfing, so getting up at 4am to go surfing or working back late to make up for a few hours off work here and there has never been an issue for me.

Does where you live lend itself to a lot of good photographic opportunities?Yeah, it sure does, especially surf-wise. There are so many different locations to choose from down here - from perfect beaches to slabbing reefs, all within an hour’s drive of each other.

When not snapping, what are you riding? Lately whenever there has been waves I’ve been shooting, so I’ve only been surfing in the small stuff... So my weapon of choice would have to be the ezi-rider long board - so much fun. Other than that, my roommate and I have a nice collection of old boards we take out from time to time. I pretty much ride anything, depending on the conditions.

The perfect surf photo...I think the perfect surf shot is different for everyone. For me, it’s one that has a story or journey behind it and takes me back to epic times. Also, it needs to have amazing light and composition. With a good camera being so cheap these days, there are so many of the same style of shots floating around, so I guess a shot that is unique really stands out for me.

33jul/aug 2011


How can people get hold of your work?www.jordangodleyphotography.com has just been set up, and I run a blog, jordangodleyphotography.tumblr.com, which I update every few days. If anyone’s keen to have me shoot them surfing, they can always give me a buzz on 0422 529 801 or shoot me an email on [email protected]

What does the future hold? Hopefully pursue photography a little more. I’ve just finished all my studies in accounting and I now have something to fall back on, so I can focus on photography and enjoy it rather than chase it to make some coin. I’m in the process of putting together a coffee table book which I hope to finish by the end of the year. Next year, hopefully I will do a bit of travelling, chasing swells at a drop of a hat and shooting a few weddings here and there. I would love to eventually move to Indonesia, or spend six months of the year there shooting and travelling. That would be the ultimate dream scenario.

ENJOY A BEACH LOCATION WITH CITY COMFORT. CHOOSE FROM:

• 3 Bedroom private villa, sleeps 6, with 10m pool

• 2 bedroom villa, sleeps 4, 8m pool

MAKE USE OF EASY ACCESS TO FOUR FABULOUS BREAKS: Bingin, Impossibles, Dreamland and Balangan. (Surf guide available)

T he best of both worlds

Bali...

[email protected] call 07 5572 0477

Book now!

Dukes at Bingin

34 jul/aug 2011

“empties... i’m kinda digging those shots at the moment...love blowing them up on canvas and staring at them... ”


Name: Jordan Godley

Age: 28

Born: Penrith

(Yes I’m a Westie haha)

Live: Berrara, NSW

Love: Being in the ocean, Photography, Surfing and Soccer.

What’s your camera setup?

Canon 50d, AquaTech water housing and a few lenses.

Take some time to view more of Jordan’s work online. And if you find an image you love, make sure to part with a few dollars for print.

jordangodleyphotography.com

35jul/aug 2011


READERS PHOTOS This edition, we were absolutely flooded with fantastic photos, all taken by none other than you! This giant, meaty chunk of saltwater at Cape Solander, AKA - ‘Ours’ was sent in by Doug Ford and is most definitely our pick of the bunch. Absolute cracking shot, Doug. Free stuff on the way to you! Send in your snaps of glory, comedy or consequence to [email protected]

36 jul/aug 2011

Citrus Resort Coral Sands Hotel

Coral Seas Hikkaduwa – West Coast

Sri Lanka

Ocean Dream Hotel Ahangama

Unawatuna Beach Resort Galle

Tri Star Hotel Stardust Beach Hotel

Arugam Bay - East Coast Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

[email protected]

Surf Travel Company

02 9222 8870


Surf Tra

vel Company

There is only o

ne original ...

Smorgasboard_1/4pages_D01.indd 3 13/06/11 6:03 PM

Jul2011_Smorgas_Spread reader pics.indd 36 17/06/11 1:09 PM

37jul/aug 2011

LATE

ST: P

HOTO

S

Jul2011_Smorgas_Spread reader pics.indd 37 17/06/11 1:10 PM

Caloundra CruisingPhil ‘Pup’ Bender

Chris Taylor, Point Impossible Sara Taylor

“ Dad sure can surf!” Bendalong Beach Sheree Budden

Big Dee Why Point Michael Knipe

READERS PHOTOS A selection of our favourites...

38 jul/aug 2011

SUPERSTORETHE SUNSHINE COAST

All the top SUP brands

New & Used Surfboards

The best Kite and Wake gear

& MORE!

For the right board at the right

time, get the best advice from our

experienced staff,

FREIGHT SPECIALISTS!AUSTRALIA-WIDEfor kite • wake • sup • surf

we send it everywhere

Jul2011_Smorgas_Spread reader pics.indd 38 13/06/11 1:20 AM

Chris Friend in-flight entertainment, Twin WatersDylan Pukall

Currumbin, heavyJesse Watson

South Coast, NSW Hannah Pellegrino

Greg Gregoriou, Point Impossible Peter Weller

Tristan Mace, Boulders Beach Greg Mace

39jul/aug 2011

LATE

ST: P

HOTO

S

Jul2011_Smorgas_Spread reader pics.indd 39 13/06/11 1:21 AM

In terms of an Australian surfing destination, it’s possibly a mountaineer’s Everest. One break - which will remain nameless - is the equivalent of better-known Australian big wave

magnets such as Shipsterns in Tasmania or the Cow Bombie in Western Australia, definitely rating in the five biggest and heaviest waves in the entire country.

Extending some 150km from Cape Otway to Port Fairy – basically the southern tip of mainland Australia to just short of the South Australian border - this stretch of coast is not for the faint-hearted

or the ignorant. Mother Nature, and quite possibly the locals, will deliver it to you in spades if you forget to show the place due respect.

While the Southern Ocean always packs a punch no matter what the wave size and the water temperature alone is enough to take your breath away, from a pure tourist perspective, this is possibly

one of the most spectacular, picturesque, idyllic and stunningly beautiful destinations on Earth.

COLD, DARK, SHARKY WITH MONSTROUS WAVES, HUGE RIPS AND HEAVY LOCALS... IT SOUNDS OH SO INVITING, BUT IF YOU ARE GAME, THIS PLACE JUST HAS TO BE SEEN AND EXPERIENCED. WORDS DAVE SWAN

Shipwreck CoastThe

40 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread shipwreck.indd 40 20/06/11 11:04 AM

TRAV

EL: R

OAD T

RIP

41jul/aug 2011


CAPE OTWAY is the second southernmost tip of mainland Australia (Aptly-named South Point on Wilsons Promontory in Victoria is incidentally our southernmost.)

PORT FAIRY is just under 3 hours drive from the South Australian border.

Water temp in the region in winter can get down to 12 degrees. In summer it gets up to 17 degrees.

Offshore winds push colder deep water nearer to the coast and replace surface water warmed by the sun. This coupled with air temperature and wind-chill need to be factored in when determining by how much you will freeze your bits off.

Facts Fast

[email protected]

Surf Travel Company

02 9222 8870


Surf Tra

vel Company

There is only o

ne original ...

Lissenung Island Resort Kavieng - New Ireland

Saturday to Saturday

Clem’s Place Lavongai - New Hanover

PNG

Smorgasboard_1/4pages_D01.indd 1 13/06/11 6:00 PM

42 jul/aug 2011


On penning this story I had originally envisaged calling it The Iceman Cometh: The Smorgasboarder crew tackle the arctic conditions and wild mountainous surf of the Shipwreck Coast.

As it turned out, the crew, of which there are two, was reduced to one after Mark shafted me the day the trip started, so an expedition of Dave headed down south.

My first day on the Shipwreck Coast was magnificent. The sun was out, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the first signs of surf revealed gentle, peeling, A-frame beachies more suited to a cruisy mal. It was hardly hellman territory.

But, it wasn’t my first trip to these parts and as they often say, “if you don’t like the weather, hang around a while.” It’s possible to get all four seasons in one day. It can be sunny one minute, blowing a gale the next.

The week before, I had received a text from a local surfer with words to the effect of, “25ft ground swells with a 12 second fetch. Should be 12ft plus.” Thank goodness I was running late.

And the predictions proved correct. Mammoth swell

pounded the coast on that week, sweeping one of his surfing mates into a cave and treating him to a nasty, near-death experience. Just think, that could have been me...

The day I arrived however, only rolling waves slid past the Twelve Apostles and were something to behold. There possibly can’t be a more mind-blowing experience then surfing amongst these natural pillars of wonder.

The next day, and thereafter, was more of what I expected at this time of year: Bleak and cold, which is exactly what I was after. The surf wasn’t huge but had some grunt and that Southern Ocean still took my breath away in more ways than one.

In my opinion, this is the perfect time to visit the Shipwreck Coast. If you’re after balmy conditions, head to Fiji. Down here’s supposed to be wild, woolly and cold. That’s part of its appeal. To witness the sea battering the rugged limestone coastline is not only amazing, but one of the sights that make the region so unique.

It’s at its most dramatic and awe-inspiring best when Mother Nature struts her stuff.

At the end of each day, having taken in the sights, watched some phenomenal surfing or made your own little bit of surfing folklore (in your own mind at least) you can retire to a cosy B&B cottage, comfy retreat or country pub. I don’t know why but there is something so appealing about freezing your knackers off, tackling waves with such raw power and then unwinding afterwards with a bit of amber nectar next to a roaring fire.

The local food and produce is also superb and the perfect way to refuel your numb, aching body. Indeed, the area also boasts a number of superb restaurants and eateries.

Ahh... the delights of a surfing roadtrip in a wintery wonderland. The colder, the better I say. I absolutely love this part of the world.

But enough from me, we talk with local big-wave legend Russell ‘The Hellman’ McConachy, about his love for surfing these parts.

TRAV

EL: R

OAD T

RIP

Shipwreck CoastThe

43jul/aug 2011


Russell McConachyBorn in Chelsea, in what was then a rough bayside suburb of Melbourne, Russell McConachy grew up surfing the Victorian east coast and places like Phillip Island. As he explains it, he didn’t surf anywhere in particular, he simply went to where the waves were… chasing quality and size. “I always studied the weather maps and got to know the systems, tides and winds for each break and headed to where I thought it would be best. I discovered a few spots down on the Shipwreck Coast in 1973 and thought it was awesome. It pretty much became my Hawaii.“I would drive down there every weekend from Frankston and stay for two or three days or a week depending on how good it was. I would drop everything, head down and sleep in my car. “There were only ever a few guys like Dave Smurthwaite, Rock Stone and PK surfing big waves down that way. My favourite spots were relatively empty. I would regularly surf alone. Still do, but only occasionally.”With that said, Russell has been able to share his love for big waves with a select few.“I have been fortunate that I have always had a good hardcore crew around me that want to surf big waves from when I was twenty until now. But if you don’t want to surf big waves, well then, you are not going to fit in on a surf trip. It’s just a wonderful and exciting thing to share. The anticipation of the night before... When you can hear the waves breaking outside, it’s just something else. “All my mates who surf these spots nowadays are generally ten, twenty, thirty years younger than me. I have also shared some waves down here through the years with some great surfers, the likes of Jeff Sweeney, Greg Brown, Glen Casey, Tony Ray and the Rowley brothers.“Gerard Healy (ex-Melbourne Demons and Sydney Swans AFL footballing great) is also one of my great mates and a surf addict like myself. We team up most weeks. Over the past decade he has been coming down the coast and tackling what we like to chase. Big waves just become a focus of your life.”“I have been surfing my chosen break for some thirty-three years now. It is an intense experience. It is perhaps like surfing Waimea.”“At 61, I know my days are numbered with regards to surfing the bigger days. I don’t have any desire to live up to any image and I pick my waves more carefully now.“There is a great new crew emerging, led by guys like Brendan Ryan, Pat O’Shea and Mick Deppeler. I get as much joy watching my mates catch great waves as I do catching my own.” I asked Russell whether he had ever tackled any other of the big name surf spots around the globe.“I started building my house down here in 1987, a rustic bluestone house with recycled timbers throughout and this, along with my chosen break, became my focus. I wasn’t interested in too much else. The lure of other surf breaks didn’t really appeal when I had great waves in my own backyard. Between time, money and running my business, I didn’t really pursue any others. However, I did go to Hawaii in 1978, as I wanted to experience and gain an understanding of what big surf was like. This would set my attitude towards big surf for the rest of my surfing life. I believe it’s important to have a true perspective of the waves you surf.”As for the biggest wave Russell has tackledat home?“The biggest I have paddled into is around 15 to 20 ft. I have a

Shipwreck CoastThe

44 jul/aug 2011


Russell McConachy

““It has always been my philosophy when you are in the ocean as in life , you have to ‘‘accept what you can’t change and change what you can...’

when you surf you have to accept that is part of the deal.”’

TRAV

EL: R

OAD T

RIP

45jul/aug 2011


photo of me paddling over a 25ft wave. It was a 15 to 18ft day and we literally saw a line on the horizon. It blacked it out. It was the biggest wave I have dealt with in the water. I screamed at the guys, ‘Paddle like...’ I do some towing occasionally, but not here.”

LOCALISMWhen it comes to localism, which is widely reputed in these parts, Russell is quite philosophical in his approach.“There’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. You have to appreciate that spots will become known at some stage and inevitably, you have to be prepared to share. “I will happily share waves with people from outside the area just as I would with my friends. If you’ve been waiting, it’s your turn. I don’t think because it is my break you have to wait forever and that sort of stuff. Some people have that attitude or just want to take every wave, but that can happen anywhere. I am a little more easy-going. ‘Live and let live’, I say. Perhaps that’s part of getting older and having a bit more of a sharing attitude. I was probably a bit greedy when I was younger without even realising it.”As for the fanatics that staunchly guard these parts, Russell has this to say.“People really believe what they are saying. They genuinely believe in their cause, just as I believe in what they

are doing can be unfair in some ways. There is talk of a ‘surf sanctuary’ and yes, it is a very delicate environment around here in terms of the landscape and seascape. You wouldn’t want a contest here. The area just couldn’t cope. But as for the ‘no exposure’ mentality to try and keep the crowds down... the Great Ocean Road is on the map, our tourist board is promoting it, everyone knows it’s there and any surfer worth his salt tends to travel beyond his home breaks anyway.“Sure we don’t want a horde of surfers and jetskis turning up, making the place like another Mavericks or Jaws. It’s so hard to predict that it’s a tough call to travel here, especially if you have to travel from afar. There’s usually a very small window for it all to come together, so it is easy to be disappointed!“Localism, in my opinion, can be quite selective. Some photographers and surfers from outside the area have had a hard time, but local photographers seem to have less drama. “People know my opinion and hopefully they can respect my philosophy as I do theirs. We will agree to disagree.”

THE SHARK FACTOR? “I don’t think it is a huge issue with all that is going on in the ocean. However it would be naive to suggest they are not nearby when you are surfing.

It’s more a matter of so far so good! Further south, around Port Fairy and Portland, there is reason for more concern, but you just have to forget about it and keep surfing, ideally!” But I pester Russell for a more direct answer. Surely there must have been some bumps or close calls through the years surfing these parts all alone?“Oh yeah, I have had a fair few. It does stay with you for a few months afterwards. I have mates with great shark stories. “Paddling across deep-water channels in some parts, it does cross your mind, but you just have to deal with it. It’s out of your control. It’s always been my philosophy when you are in the ocean you have to ‘accept what you can’t change and change what you can.’ I have that quote on my desk and in my diary. I think it is so true of life. I think when you surf you have to accept that is part of the deal. “I would be shattered if something happened though, after all this time. To think I have gone this far.”

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR THOSE VENTURING DOWN THE COAST“I think a surfer has to have the right equipment and the right headspace to deal with whatever they confront. You can pull up at some breaks, think it’s 6ft and paddle out to realise it’s 12ft. I’ve rescued quite a few guys over the years.

“For example, you can’t just use a standard leg rope. I use a 15ft tied leg rope, two plugs, extra Velcro - a lot of things that eliminate any chance of having to swim. That’s where the problems start. When it’s big, many of the bays turn into massive rips going out to sea. It is serious. You can’t paddle against it. “I think in any break, you respect the place and the people in the water, which I think goes without saying, whether you are a local or not. Don’t try to be ‘the man’ out there. Attitude is the key. It’s pretty basic. “Other than that, you need a 4/3 wetsuit from now on, until November.

THE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED“I have several 9-10ft guns. I have a new 9’9” that I am riding now. Custom made of course - 3 ¼“ x 19 ¾ “ x 9’9”.“I’ve had boards from Maurice Cole and Murray Bourton. Mike Anthony made my last one. It’s good to have someone in town to have that old-fashioned relationship with your shaper.”

TRAININGSo what of holding your breath and the training to tackle monstrous waves? Russell shed some light on his approach.“I don’t carry rocks along the ocean shore (he laughs). I think if you are physically fit and mentally strong, you

Shipwreck CoastThe

When you look at a weather map and you see the massive systems hitting our coast non-stop, com-

pared to what you get on the east coast, it is just staggering.”

Russell McConachy

46 jul/aug 2011


deal with it. Mucking around in the pool the other day, my partner’s daughter held her breath underwater longer than me. I don’t have any interest in doing that. I think you just do what you have to. I am a very strong swimmer and am fit so I know what I can handle.”Russell did Taekwondo for twenty years and fought full-contact tournaments for eight years. “I wasn’t the best martial artist, but I trained my arse off and was as fit as you could be. I did ok because I was very fit. You get the best out of your body. Likewise with surfing, being fit will put you in a good position to catch a few good waves.”

BEST CONDITIONSNorth-east depending on the break. A south-west swell is normal.On surfing iconic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles:“I have surfed there up to 10ft, but waves there can often be closeouts. The region just gets so much swell and consequently, the sand banks are constantly changing. You can have months where it’s so big and disorganised that it is unrideable. “

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK“There are some good spots in the region. In Port Fairy, Rebecca’s is really good. Time and Tide is also a very nice restaurant. The Merrijig Inn is great.“In Port Campbell, Room six is great for breaky, lunch or dinner. The pub is good for dinner and to socialise. 12 Rocks is ok as well.”And as for a good spot to grab a beer, Russell’s reply was the same as Mark Richards in our last edition.“I don’t drink beer. I have never been a beer drinker. I will have a stubbie in summer if it’s warm but more often than not I will drink a lemon squash. I guess that’s why Russell rides 18ft waves and I don’t. At least I now know what’s been holding me back. Incidentally, from my personal research, the Caledonian Inn in Port Fairy is also a cracker. Roaring fire, good beer and one of the best steaks I have had. Spoons Café also makes great coffee and muffins.

47jul/aug 2011


Shipwreck CoastThe

Surf SpotsWHEN SURFING SOME OF THE LESS FREQUENTED BREAKS THERE A FEW IMPORTANT RULES TO ABIDE BY...

PORT FAIRY & REGION VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRERailway Place, Bank Street, Port Fairy03 5568 [email protected]

WWW.VISITPORTFAIRY-MOYNESHIRE.COM.AU

A surfing destination like

no other... Visit Port Fairy

48 jul/aug 2011


STUDY THE BREAK. Most spots on the Shipwreck Coast are further out then they initially seem, hence the waves are bigger than they appear and the paddle out draining. Then there are the rips, the sea floor, the rocky cliff faces... you get the drift. Know what you are getting yourself into first.

SURF WITH A MATE. This wasn’t possible as Mark shafted me, but in most cases it’s great to surf unfamiliar waters with a friend, in the event you get into any trouble.

SHARKS. It’s all in the mind, they say.

BE RESPECTFUL OF LOCALS. They’re particularly sensitive to outsiders taking over their breaks. If you’re low-key and go about it the right way, you shouldn’t have any hassles. If you’re a knob, expect some problems as these guys will defend their patch.

As part of our respect for the local surfing community, we have not named specific surf spots on the Shipwreck Coast. After all, the spirit of adventure on a surfing road trip is to discover.

All up, when surfing these parts make sure you are up to it. If you are, remember, no guts, no glory. Go hard or go home.

So what did I do exactly? I surfed alone. Again, Mark you bastard. Jokes aside, I was mindful of showing due respect to the local crew and sat a little way away from the lineup, still getting my fair share of waves.

Of course I didn’t want to sit too far away, just dangling my legs like chicken wings in the dark abyss below. I made sure I kept within reasonable distance of the pack so as not to get a close and personal experience with the fauna that frequent these parts. As they say, it doesn’t matter if you can’t outswim the shark as

long as you can outswim the guy beside you.

As for donning some serious rubber, surfing down these parts just heightens my respect for cold-water surfers the world over. Stick a 4ml piece of rubber, booties and hood on me and I feel as coordinated as a performing walrus at the Zoo, and believe me, I am just as entertaining. The gear required, which is just a necessity in these parts, adds another dimension to surfing. To see what some guys do with all that neoprene on is incredible.

It feels like surfing in slow motion and the hood has the effect of someone turning the sound down. Everything is silent. You see the size of the waves, paddle through the kelp and think about what lurks in the depths below and it is like watching a horror movie with the sound switched off. In a way, it’s frightening whilst being somewhat serene at the same time.

Surf Spots

Surf Tra

vel Company

There is only o

ne original ...

49jul/aug 2011


I have heard the Great Ocean Road likened to Route 66 in the United States. Just like the great road, it cannot be rushed. You could drive the Shipwreck Coast in around 2.5 hours but you would be crazy if you did. There are so many majestic viewpoints along the way and so many great surf spots, it is better to explore the region over the course of four days or more, particularly if the swell is on.

CAPE OTWAYIf venturing from the north, the start of your journey is Cape Otway where the Southern Ocean meets Bass Strait. It forms part of the Great Otway National Park and is lush and mountainous - tall wet forests, ancient rainforests, diverse heathlands and woodlands all fringed by a rugged coastline with pockets of sandy beaches and striking waterfalls.

CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATIONThe Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest lightstation on mainland Australia. It began operating in 1848. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in the spectacular views, you may even spot some seals and penguins and whilst there you can tour the surrounding historical buildings that include lightkeepers’ residences, a telegraph station and a radar room.

OTWAY FLY TREE TOP WALK600m long and 25m high, this is a treetop walk that will not be forgotten. A 47m high lookout will add to your exasperation. The walk takes you through a magnificent stand of cool temperate rainforest. You can even zipline or abseil from the Fly for an adrenalin rush.

After Cape Otway the scenery becomes even more spectacular - 200ft sea cliffs, wave-sculpted islands, blowholes, cathedral-like arches and heaving ocean swells.

THE TWELVE APOSTLESNext stop is the huge offshore limestone pillars called The Twelve Apostles, well there are actually only seven now but they are stunning nonetheless. At sunrise or sunset they are particularly breathtaking but are magical at any time of the day. They are as famous a landmark in Australia as Ayres Rock, the Great Barrier Reef or the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They must be seen.

PORT CAMPBELLA nice little fishing village nestled amongst Norfolk pines set on a natural gorge around Port Campbell Bay at the mouth of Campbells Creek.

The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Martyrs and the Bay of Islands...

The amazing coastline continues and there are numerous walking trails and lookouts to appreciate the beauty of this rugged coastal stretch. Go on to the Victorian tourism website for all details www.visitvictoria.com

CHEESE WORLD10 minutes east of Warrnambool is the Allansford Cheese World, home to the award winning Warrnambool Cheddar Cheese. Free cheese tastings are conducted hourly on the half hour between 9.30am and 4.30pm. A large selection of local products including wine, jam, honey, chocolates and sauces can also be purchased.

FLYING HORSE BREWERY & BARBe sure to stop in for a drop. I must confess I could not resist. I had a couple on tap and had to grab a mixed

TRAV

EL: R

OAD T

RIP

What to See and Do

The Twelve Apostles. A true natural wonder of the world.

50 jul/aug 2011


six-pack to sample later. Superb beer from their Dirty Angel dark ale through to their thirst-quenching Whale Ale and Whoolaston Wheaty, a traditional Bavarian style hefeweizen. Wooohooo, my mouth waters.

WARRNAMBOOLThe coastline levels off at the windswept port of Warrnambool. The first thing that hit me about this town is its amazing Foreshore Promenade. It stretches from the Breakwall along to the Southern Right Whale Nursery at Logan’s Beach - that’s right, whales swim within a couple of hundred meters of the beach with their calves and can be viewed from a specially-

constructed viewing platform in the dunes. You can walk, skate or bike ride the 5.7km path along the promenade.

Along the stretch there is Lady Bay, great for a playful wave with the kids. You can explore the rockpools at nearby Stingray Bay. And then, there is Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. This ‘parkland’ is massive, 20 hectares in fact, and is a haven for young families. I have possibly never seen so many kids’ playgrounds in one spot. The kids could literally spend hours going from one playground to the other and there’s also giant slides, flying foxes, a maze, paddleboats and plenty of sheltered BBQ facilities. Nearby there is a skateboard park, lawn tennis courts, mini golf and an athletics track. You can even hire bikes at the Warrnambool Foreshore Pavilion.

Flagstaff Hill is another attraction in the city of Warrnambool itself. It is a maritime village that is set on 10 acres and reflects the pioneering

atmosphere of an 1870’s coastal port. You can even relive the survival tale of two passengers aboard the ship Loch Ard, which sank off the coast, in a dramatic sound and laser show. Screenings nightly from dusk.

TOWER HILL14km west of Warrnambool is the Tower Hill Nature Reserve. An Aboriginal-run nature preserve inside an extinct volcano, it’s packed with koalas, echidnas, and emus.

PORT FAIRYI can’t begin to describe how pretty this quaint seaside fishing village set on the historic Moyne River is other than to stay it is possibly the most magical town I have seen on the entire coast from Noosa to the South Australian border. In some parts its like a tiny town in Canada or Maine in the US. Around the golf links and its southern shoreline - aptly named

Pea Soup - it reminds me of Scotland. It’s so very different to the rest of Australia in terms of its look and feel.

A walk around the tree-lined streets will reveal a wealth of beautiful bluestone cottages, historic buildings, stunning beachside and waterfront houses, churches, restaurants, cafes and classic pubs that still offer true country hospitality. Much of Port Fairy’s history has been preserved from when it was once Australia’s second largest port in the 1840s.

(The region was frequented by Bass Strait sealers on seasonal hunting expeditions from Tasmania and derived its name after a cutter sailing vessel ‘Fairy’ took shelter in the River Moyne from a dreadful storm in the early 1800s. The bay was named ‘Port Fairy’ by the boat’s captain, in honour of this tiny ship.)

Shipwreck CoastThe

Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool

Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy

Surf and SUP lessons are available through Go Surf in Port Fairy

Cape Otway Lightstation

Loca

l bre

wer

ies

are

king

51jul/aug 2011


Getting thereTo make the journey along the Shipwreck Coast you need a car. I wouldn’t fancy undertaking a hike with a surfboard under your arm, despite how scenic it is.

How you get there, is up to you. You could fly into Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport or Avalon airport which is even closer to where you need to go.

From Tullamarine it is a little over an hours drive to Geelong depending on traffic (Flying into Avalon will cut your journey down to Geelong by ¾).

Once in Geelong, you might as well travel 30 minutes onto Torquay and take the scenic route along the Great Ocean Road to Cape Otway, the start of the Shipwreck Coast.

Torquay to Cape Otway will take you a good 2.5 to 3 hours drive without stops.

Adelaide to Port Fairy is around 7 hours drive and covers about 590 kms.

Port Fairy is arguably the

most picturesque coastal town in

Australia”

TRAV

EL: R

OAD T

RIP

Shipwreck CoastThe

Port Fairy stages a number events throughout the year such as their famous folk festival in March providing even more reasons to visit. For details go to www.visitportfairy-moyneshire.com.au

A FEW PORT FAIRY WINTER WARMERS:Love Port Fairy. A time for indulgence and romance. 2-3 July.Taste the Flavours of Port Fairy. 6-7 August. A celebration of local food and wine along with cooking demonstrations.

Ex Libris Book Fair runs from 9-11 Sept. Meet top authors, illustrators and booksellers.

And as with the entire Shipwreck Coast, Southern Right Whales play off these shores from June through to October

Boats moored on the beautiful Moyne River, Port Fairy

52 jul/aug 2011


Where to stayFrom cosy B&Bs and charming country inns, to holiday parks, stunning guest beachhouses and luxury beachfront hotels complete with day spa, the Shipwreck Coast has a variety of accommodation options to suit any taste and budget.

TV kitchengym poollaundry wi-fiparking

family-friendly pet-friendly spa airconditioningbbq

THE SEBEL DEEP BLUE WARRNAMBOOL 16 Pertobe Road, WARRNAMBOOL

On a peninsula between Stingray Bay and Lady Bay with 80 well-appointed guestrooms including deluxe suites, premium studios with spa baths and fully self-contained penthouses. All have individual balconies and many offer views of the Bays. An underground aquifer provides naturally heated geothermal water for the hotel’s Deepwater Baths, whilst Mii Spa offers therapeutic relaxation. Water Table Restaurant & Bar perfect for casual, relaxed dining is also on site.

Proximity: 100m to beach, opposite Lake Pertobe Adventure PlaygroundNear Warrnambool Promenade Phone: 03 5559 2000www.sebelwarrnambool.com

GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOURIST PARKGreat Ocean Road, PETERBOROUGH

A great place to use as your base! The Park features Riverfront, Spa, Deluxe and Ensuite cabins, as well as powered and unpowered sites in a tranquil setting, on the banks of the Curdies River Inlet. The park is near fantastic surf breaks and the sandy beach and inlet are good for swimmers of all ages, or fishing, sailboarding and boating.A member of the Top Tourist Parks of Australia chain. Discounts to members. Proximity: Between Bay of Islands Coastal Park and Port Campbell National Park, near some of the best surf breaks around. Estuary and cray fishing on your doorstep.Phone: 1800 200 478E: [email protected]

From $95 per night for cabins and from $32 per night for sites

More boards than you can poke a log at.

392 Harbour Drive, The Jetty Strip, Coffs Harbour NSW

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

Mer

mai

ds b

y Ak

i Yag

uchi

tomwegenersurfboards.com +61(7) 5442 6924

Custom Alaias$650 plus freight, Australia wide

Tom Wegener

PORT FAIRY ACCOMMODATION CENTRE2/54 Sackville Street, PORT FAIRY

Port Fairy Accommodation Centre is the holiday rental management specialists in Port Fairy. We manage some of the most desirable properties in town.

Whether it is a house overlooking the ocean, an apartment on the Moyne River or a central cottage, WE HAVE a property to suit your budget and needs.

Our ‘easy to use’ online booking system allows you to search all our properties by location preference.

Call Emily, Alysha or Karen for more. Phone: 03 5568 3150Email: [email protected]

Properties from $200 per night

Boats moored on the beautiful Moyne River, Port Fairy

Surf Fitness TrainingSurf-specific workouts you can do at homeGet fitter, stronger and enhance your surfing performanceCatch more waves, Get more barrelsSurf better and have more fun

To get started with your free surf-specific workout, visit...www.TOTALSURFINGFITNESS.COM/freeworkout

53jul/aug 2011


“Film set or surf trip? Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference when travelling through the Solomon Islands. This paradise location seems too perfect to possibly belong to the same world we flew out of - a world of packed line-ups and parking officers at the beach.

“There’s a statistic I heard that goes something like this: people that live a subsistence lifestyle work fewer hours a week than those who work a nine-to-five job in a major city. Welcome to the Solomon Islands - a place where subsistence is the way of life, shells still form part of the currency, and waves - good waves - are going unridden as you read this.” WORDS & PHOTOS: JOEL COLEMAN/SALTMOTION.COM

It takes us two days of travel to get here. Two flights, a truck, a ferry, a 4x4 vehicle and a small boat. Led to believe we would be staying in a village with the local population, we’re expecting nothing more than a palm thatched hut with a mat to sleep on and a mosquito net to ward off the malaria-carrying mozzies. When we arrive on dark at the village, we’re gobsmacked. An entire island, roughly 150 square meters, has been built by hand, inside a lagoon, from coral rubble collected from the nearby reefs. Traditional houses with simple floors allow you to see through to the water lapping beneath.

Our first meal is a feast of crayfish and local vegetables. Solar cell powered electric lights and there were beds comfortable enough to ease any aching surfer’s shoulders.

This is by no means a tourist setup though. The island is a living, working village. The house where visiting surfers stay has been built in partnership, by Australian ex-pat and Surf Solomons man in charge, Tony Jansen and the traditional land owners of the village. It caters for those after a chance to surf perfect tropical waves with not another surfer in sight except the friends you came with. On our first evening someone asks what time we should head out in the morning. The response will stay with me for a very long time...

“It’s up to you, the tide is right all morning and you don’t need to worry about beating the crowds... There are no other surfers here.”

GOING SOLO, MONPHOTOGRAPHER JOEL COLEMAN, OF MANLY-BASED PHOTO GALLERY SALTMOTION, SHARES HIS IDYLLIC EXPERIENCE OF STUNNING SCENERY, UNCROWDED WAVES AND FRIENDLY FOLK IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS.

54 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread international.indd 54 13/06/11 2:06 AM

A m

an m

ade

isla

nd p

arad

ise

55jul/aug 2011

TRAV

EL: P

LANE

TRIP


“ TH

E TI

DE IS

RIG

HT A

LL M

ORN

ING

AND

YOU

DON

’T N

EED

TO W

ORRY

ABO

UT

BEAT

ING

THE

CROW

DS...

THE

RE A

RE N

O OT

HER

SURF

ERS

HERE

.”

56 jul/aug 2011


Jam

es H

ozac

k st

allin

g fo

r a g

lass

y co

ver-u

p

The Solomon Islands culture looks down on swearing - a problem for your average Australian on a surf trip. It‘s decided on our first night to do our best to respect our hosts by not swearing. The penalty? Ten push-ups, to be paid instantly.

One of our crew lasts about five seconds on hearing the rule. “Shit! I’m a tradie, it’s impossible not to swear!” Down he goes for the first ten of the trip. After the first day we’ve all put in a load of push-ups and decided that there’s an amnesty when out surfing (no locals out there to hear how rough we were). After a few more days the tone of our conversations has amazingly mellowed a little and other long-lost adjectives have found their way into our ramblings.

I have had the opportunity to visit some pretty amazing surfing destinations over the years, met some fantastic people and stayed with those who call themselves locals. However, there is something different about this trip. The tribal system of land ownership in the Solomon Islands means you can’t just motor your charter boat up to these reefs, throw anchor and surf. You need permission from the local village, meaning it is unlikely the big operators are going to make tracks into this part of the world in a hurry. The local culture doesn’t really value money the way we do and their “one talk” system, of distributing wealth earned among the whole family, discourages capitalist thinking.

At the same time this place is hard to get to by land. Accommodation doesn’t exist for tourists and it would be hard to get a local fisherman to drive you out to the reef and wait while you surfed for a few hours. So, if you want to come surf here you either need to be an intrepid traveller with plenty of time, patience and good luck or you need a local guide. In this part of the Solomon Islands there is only one local guide. I would love to think it will stay that way and crowds will never become a problem here, but given the magic of this place, that’s unlikely.

THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THE WAVES HERE IS... UNCROWDED.

Picture a setup with hundreds of potential breaks, and no one surfing. As we load boards into the boat each morning to head out to the reefs we keep an eye on each spot we pass by and regularly ask our guide what that break is like. Often the response is that he has seen waves there, but not surfed it yet. The possibilities are almost endless.

One day the wind comes up. We take a hike up into the hills of the main island to get a good vantage point to see the reefs and the outer edge of the lagoon snaking, twisting and turning in so many directions, showing so many possibilities to pick up swell from different directions.

The waves themselves are all reef breaks where booties are essential and a bad wipe-out could see you lose a little skin to the coral. Having said that, there is no one else to compete with for waves! If you are not a hero barrel-hunter and you prefer to sit a little wide on the shoulder then go for it, you will get your fill of waves.

Most of the spots we surf offer short, punchy rides. (We didn’t see any major swells during our visit but the vision of what these reefs can offer has me very tempted to return again as soon as I can squeeze it in.)

Surfing in water that is around 30 degrees Celsius and air temps that go from hot, to hot and wet, can make you pretty thirsty. Water flows in abundance from freshwater springs throughout the islands, but far better is the post-surf coconut that the boat driver cracks open for each us on our return to the boat. The sweet water from inside is something to look forward to, and munching on the flesh of the young coconuts during the boat ride back to the surf camp is a great way to keep growling stomachs at bay until the next meal arrives... I have never had anything as good as a fresh coconut followed by a meal of fish that was caught while we were surfing. I’m not kidding either! While we surf, local villagers in dug-out canoes paddle over to the boat and trade fish they have just caught, which becomes our lunch only hours later.

Fresh vegetables and greens are collected from the gardens on the main island - gardens that looked like jungle, but are actually very cleverly cultivated food producing machines. Basically, everything we eat on the trip was either breathing, or in the ground growing, only hours before it hits our plates.

We have a break from surfing one afternoon and our guide Tony asks if we would like to visit a village located a short boat ride up the river. Motoring up the river can only be described by visualising a happy version of the scene from “Apocalypse Now” when they reach Kurt’s camp. Dug-out canoes being paddled up the river by

57jul/aug 2011

TRAV

EL: P

LANE

TRIP


smiling people and an army of laughing children waiting for us on the shore. Walking through the village is like walking back in time - a time forgotten, embraced by the jungle and centred around a natural spring where fresh water gushes constantly from the earth and breathes life into the culture.

We hit a flat spell around day three, or was it day four, of our trip? Even after such a short stay on this tiny island it appears that time had started to become insignificant. On a surf trip, a flat spell can normally spell disaster, with a bunch of high energy man-grommets doing their best to get on each others’ nerves until the swell returns.

In the Solomon Islands it is exactly the opposite. Tony calls us together and asks if we would rather skip on the small waves in favour of hiking up into the bush on the main island. The promise of waterfalls, majestic views of paradise and some good exercise is enough to convince us.

“Oh yeah, it might be a bit muddy. Probably best to wear your reef booties.”

This turned out to be the understatement of the year. The tracks up the mountain are mostly ankle deep in warm mud, steep and pretty difficult. The locals charge up with little thought to us with our delicate feet and lack of skill on these tracks. But the slipping and sliding around only makes the adventure come to life and we’re treated to some amazing views.

We stop at a handful of waterfalls to cool off and rinse away the mud throughout the day. About two thirds of the way through the trek we come across a small bush village where a young guy climbs a palm tree and cuts a coconut for each of us to drink from. Refreshed, we begin the walk back down to the coast. The variety of terrain we pass through in a half day trek

is amazing. From coastal mangrove to tropical rainforest, to cultivated subsistence gardens and areas designated by the village for logging to build their communal buildings.

I can honestly say that the entire group is amazed at how great a day we have had. The fact that there were no waves was almost a blessing. Had there been surf, we probably would not have taken the time to open our eyes to the offerings of the island of Malaita.

The surf industry in the Solomon Islands is still very new. The reason for the slow development is that Tony is aiming to ensure that the local population benefit from the development of the industry and are not left behind by the menace that can be the surf tourism machine. That said, the service they offer is amazing. His knowledge of the villages, the reefs and the people can only come from someone who has lived and breathed the Solomon Islands like he has. Being married to a local girl, he has been completely accepted into the culture and is able to share that with his guests.

The system of land and reef ownership through the tribal system should ensure that big business is kept away from this remarkable place, I say, for the better. As the younger people in the villages take to surfing through boards left by guests, they will begin to understand the resource they are sitting on - one that is positive, promotes an active and healthy lifestyle and can provide a good income for their village in a country, where making a living can be difficult.

I think it is only a matter of time before we see several small surf camps along the lagoons.

Based on Tony’s model of partnering with a village and employing the locals, it will give more surfers the chance to surf the waves of the area. Crowds will never become a

“ THE

WAV

ES A

RE A

LL R

EEF

BREA

KS W

HERE

BOO

TIES

AR

E ES

SEN

TIAL

AN

D A

BAD

WIP

E-OU

T CO

ULD

SEE

YOU

LOSE

A L

ITTL

E SK

IN T

O TH

E CO

RAL.

”

Garry Thomson, loving life on the first day in the Solomons.

58 jul/aug 2011

TRAV

EL: P

LANE

TRIP


“ THE

WAV

ES A

RE A

LL R

EEF

BREA

KS W

HERE

BOO

TIES

AR

E ES

SEN

TIAL

AN

D A

BAD

WIP

E-OU

T CO

ULD

SEE

YOU

LOSE

A L

ITTL

E SK

IN T

O TH

E CO

RAL.

”

Curious locals in the line-up.

Empty peaks like you don’t get at home

59jul/aug 2011


“ THE

‘ON

E TA

LK’ S

YSTE

M

OF D

ISTR

IBUT

ING

WEA

LTH

EARN

ED A

MON

G TH

E W

HOLE

FAM

ILY

DISC

OURA

GES

CA

PITA

LIST

THI

NKI

NG.

”

Joseph, one of the few local surfers, showing his style

60 jul/aug 2011

TRAV

EL: P

LANE

TRIP


61jul/aug 2011


problem as each island village can only sustain so many people. The accommodation will never be five star, if you want that go somewhere else. But the waves, the culture and the experience are beyond five star.

In a world where so many people are in it for themselves it’s refreshing to meet someone who has a genuine interest in making a difference for other people. Tony Jansen has created the first surf camp in the area and had done it all by integrating a successful business model into a local subsistence culture. Essentially villages are allowed to create their own camps and, as such, a source of income which would otherwise not be there.

The model also protects against those who wish to come in for no other reason than for profit. You can’t buy land here to build a resort so this should to keep the crowds away. Secondly, charter boats would need to secure access to the breaks through the local chiefs - another reason that crowd numbers in this area will probably remain low.

After surfing most of the week based at the camp, Tony begins to murmur about a right hand reef that starts to barrel from two foot. The boys get excited and we decide to head to another island for our last few nights of the trip. We again arrive to paradise and are greeted by the entire village community.

And the wave... It’s true! From two foot it started to throw a lip, a three foot set is a pretty good barrel and, bigger - you want to know what you are doing as the reef is shin deep in places and pretty unforgiving.

Mark Studdert dropping into an inside bowl.

Jungle boy, for real

Solomon’s fisherman.They’ve been into SUP for centuries already.

TRAV

EL: P

LANE

TRIP

62 jul/aug 2011

STUN

NING

SOLO

MONS

www.theperfectwave.com.au

Experience a truly untouched paradise

· Guaranteed un-crowded waves

with a max of 6 spaces per trip

· This trip will change you

forever! For the best.

2011 / 2012 season schedule out now –

limited space available! So don’t miss out!

Call 1300 00WAVE or visit our website for live availability.

Experience a region that only a few surfers have ever seen and surf

waves never surfed before. With the happiest people in the world as

your hosts you will be transported back in time to a world that is still

so pure and raw that you will return a changed and better person for

the experience.

July2011_Smorgas_Spread international.indd 62 20/06/11 12:11 PM

63jul/aug 2011

STUN

NING

SOLO

MONS

www.theperfectwave.com.au

Experience a truly untouched paradise

· Guaranteed un-crowded waves

with a max of 6 spaces per trip

· This trip will change you

forever! For the best.

2011 / 2012 season schedule out now –

limited space available! So don’t miss out!

Call 1300 00WAVE or visit our website for live availability.

Experience a region that only a few surfers have ever seen and surf

waves never surfed before. With the happiest people in the world as

your hosts you will be transported back in time to a world that is still

so pure and raw that you will return a changed and better person for

the experience.


The island itself has no electricity or running water, which heightens the sense of adventure.

As only the second group of surfers to stay there, it’s a pretty big deal to all the locals and - as one of our group described - it’s like being ‘Peter Pan’ in Neverland. Everywhere you walked local children are there to guide you around, swim, laugh and echo your every word. The beaches are white sand and the water the deepest shade of blue. Life in the village is simple. There are children everywhere and happiness and laughter seem to follow you wherever you go. Tony describes the children as “Free Range Piccaninnies” (the local word for child) meaning they have the run of the island. Everywhere you walk you instantly have an entourage hanging around, lapping up the novelty of their visitors.

As a photographer, the Solomon Islands offered me an opportunity at every point. The tropical downpours that could ruin a setting one minute, would clear to the most amazing sun-soaked scenes the next. As long as you had somewhere to stash your camera when things got wet or muddy, there were endless opportunities.

The reefs of the islands form part of the coral triangle and the place is teeming with all sorts of fish life. If you were the first one back to the boat post surf, you could keep yourself entertained by grabbing a mask and snorkel and checking out the marine life until even the most surf stoked man-grommet decided to call it a day.

Natural, unspoilt beauty is the Solomon Islands. And the longer it remains so, the better.

SALTMOTION TRAVEL If you have the travel bug and are after an experience off the beaten track, contact Joel and Sherrie at Saltmotion in Manly to find out more about their travel booking service.

There are some unique opportunities available to travel to some of the lesser known surf destinations around the globe, so if you fancy yourself as an adventurer, get in touch.

And of course, if you end up on a trip with Joel, you know you’ll have the opportunity to get some stunnng photos to show off to the friends and family.

You can find out more about the Saltmotion Travel offers online at www.saltmotion.com, where you can also view amazing galleries of some of the trips so far. Images are available to purchase as prints in a variety high-quality formats.

In fact, when you’re there, make sure to sign up for the Saltmotion email newsletter to get a dose of perfect waves and incredible photography delivered to your inbox daily.

www.saltmotion.com

Thanks to www.surfsolomons.com and Perfect Wave Travel for malking this trip possible.

MAKING BLANKS MAKING FINS?

MAKING A SURFBOARD?

WWW.SURFERSTEXTBOOK.COM.AU

416 pages of the most valuable information you might ever read, the SURFER’S TEXTBOOK is a must have for any aspiring surfboard maker.

Years of board manufacturing research, development and understanding in one comprehensive volume, with over 1000 photographs, illustrations, diagrams and surfboard templates.

BUY ONLINE TODAY AND START YOUR JOURNEY! Other products also available: The Bare Bones -Making and Repairing a Surfboard CD, T-shirts, Caps and Surf bags

RESTORATION OR REPAIR?LEARNING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?

THIS IS YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE

64 jul/aug 2011

TRAV

EL: P

LANE

TRIP


FLEXNo, not gym-junkies who stare for hours in the mirror instead of riding waves... rather, a very important aspect of surfboard design.‘Flex’ is the ability of your board to store energy and release it later. It basically works like this

SURFBOARDS FLEX AND RELEASE• As you carve a big bottom turn,

the board will bend ie ‘flex’• As the board flexes, the rocker

increases and stores more energy (‘Rocker’ is the bend in the board from nose to tail. The straighter the rocker, the faster the board goes. The more rocker in the board, the more responsive it is turning.)

• As you exit the turn, the board returns to its original shape, releasing that energy, propelling you out of the turn

• This can deliver a great deal of acceleration if flex is correctly harnessed within the design of your surfboard

But more flex is not necessarily better. If your board flexes too much it can bog down, making the board feel spongy and slow.Introducing flex into surfboard design also walks a fine line between strength and the boards liveliness and its ability to retain flex (In time, boards are said to lose their flex, making them feel ‘dead’ in the water.)Through the years shapers have tackled flex in different ways.

CENTRE STRINGERS will generally be stronger and less flexible. Such boards limit flex in terms of rocker but can suffer from torsion flex, where the board twists from rail to rail, slowing it down.

PARABOLIC STRINGERS limit torsion flex but enhance flex in the centre of the board, where you want it.

FLEXTAILS are believed to propel the surfer with ease, as the tail acts like a spring, loading up in a turn and releasing as you come out.In many ways the theory of a flex tail is akin to a dolphins flukes. Dolphins transform the profile of their tail to drive them forward and those guys appear to be pretty awesome surfers compared to us mere mortals.

The quest for springier surfboards, accelerating better out of turns is certainly a worthy endevour in surfboard design.

INSIDE...

VICTORIAN COLLECTIVE P66 HARDCORE TESTERS P84

BRAND NEW BOARDS P76All the latest designs and ideas from shapers along the coast. Research the perfect board to catch the rest of the winter swell right here...

A Sk

erry

blo

ssom

On leaving Mark Rabbidge’s shaping bay on the NSW south coast I found myself playing air guitar in the car and singing the Boston tune from the 70s ‘More than a feeling’. Ok, maybe I had been on the road a little too long but here’s why.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, “ Mark says. “If the surfboard alone was the key, all you would need is Kelly Slater’s board and you would be world champ. Sure, you have to have the right fundamentals in the surfboard underneath you but it is so much more than that. You are really riding the waves, not the board.

“My family and I are all water people. We ride long, short and everything in between. I look at the conditions and say to myself, ‘Now what board am I going to have the most fun on out there today?’ and that’s what I pull out of the quiver.

“I have been riding waves for some fifty-two odd years. I have spent about two years riding surfboards and the rest of the time riding waves.

“People get sick of riding boards that are 6ft x 18 ½” x 2 ¼” with 3 fins in it. Surfing is about feelings. It’s about the first wave you rode when you went, ‘F*#@ that felt unreal.’ That real rush. That is what surfing is all about.

“In terms of surfboard design today, people are already experimenting with mini-simmons and finless boards. Some of the things I make are really weird things, but

they are not weird to me. I just want to see what they will do. And little aspects of those designs will make their way back into the more mainstream stuff. It is about experimentation and pushing the boundaries to evolve surfboard design. “Now surfers are mainly riding these different boards because of the feel. They want to feel something different. That feeling of something new and the challenge and excitement it brings.“I shape for surfers, real surfers. And surfers don’t buy stickers. They buy the ‘feel’. They buy that ‘flow through the water’.Many surfers who come into me say, ‘I want to feel a certain glide or I want to feel a rush.’ They want to feel something. And it doesn’t matter who they are and what they want to ride, when the lip is coming at them, they automatically turn into Kelly Slater. I know I do. It doesn’t matter what I am on, whether it is a finless creation or a 9’8”. It is that feeling I get that is so exhilarating. And that feeling is what we crave and what we desire.”

Mark Rabbidge has been a leader in surf craft design since the 1970s; he shaped his first board in 1966 when his own shaper questioned the rails he wanted on his new board. “He wouldn’t do it so I did. The thing is, it worked and ideas about surfboard design grew from then on.”

MORE THAN A FEELINGMARK RABBIDGE OF RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN AUSTRALIA & RETRO LONGBOARDS WORDS DAVE SWAN

6565jul/aug 2011


66 jul/aug 2011

GEAR

: SHA

PERS

UNITE

July2011_Smorgas_Spread zak-EDIT.indd 66 13/06/11 5:26 AM

Zak

Koni

aris

and

frie

nds

67jul/aug 2011

Before advertising was king and everything was overproduced for the mass market, things happened reasonably slowly. In the context of history, surfing and surfboards are a fairly recent development. Blokes who are still breathing today were there at the very beginning - when the modern surfboard was hatched from a concoction of petrochemicals and love by a backyarder, somewhere, a little while ago... We take a look at an initiative to promote Victorian shapers and find out more about them on the way.


68 jul/aug 2011

GEAR

: SHA

PERS

UNITE

“Business, by nature, is hardly a level playing field, and the surf industry exemplifies that more than just about any other. From the most local cottage crew sculpting specialised craft in their backyard, to multinational corporations manufacturing and sourcing materials overseas, surf production is as diverse as the boards that are shaped. Supply and pricing arrangements have seen big company profits soar, yet the average punter is still paying roughly the same for a locally produced product as he is for a product produced for much less offshore.

“Whether this has occurred by accident or careful planning, there is no disputing the explosion in the popularity of surfing and its general consumer appeal. Proximity to the ocean for a very large proportion of the population and higher disposable income have enabled some once-small companies to become huge business concerns. But have these giants, in all their expansionist ideals, lost touch with the grassroots locals and just become prescribers of fashion?

“In the broader context, is ‘brand loyalty’ simply a corporate advertising construct? Is there some greater sense of where a product comes from, and who made it?

“It’s difficult to draw any real sense of localism from advertorials full of careful brand placement and ‘exciting linked lifestyle choices.’ Yeah, they have slick magazine ads, featuring the best surfers in the world, but at the end of the day, just how much does big business have to offer? Prescribing that this year’s model of surfboard will suit Joe Public wherever he chooses to surf? How real is that idea?

“As to surf product, the new school of thinking is one that has seen the rise of the little guy in a collective way. Where the past was about just having a shop at the front of the factory and selling your own boards, now there are more marketing opportunities available to smaller manufacturers, with independent shops stocking a diverse range of local surfboards and clothing. This has been an oddly organic process. And if there was a battle raging between big and small, the small are winning. Not because of intellectual or moral superiority, but because they provide a more individual and locally relevant product.

They are stoic, resilient individuals who are exacting - to the point of being obsessive- about their craft and less so about the market and their place in it.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a manufacturing business in Australia today that is as labour-intensive as making a surfboard, as capital-intensive, with as tight a margin, that is still able to compete with mass, foreign-produced product. Small manufacturers who source local materials (as much as possible), employ local staff and sell within a reasonably small locality. They are defined as much by who they are as what they produce. They are integrally involved in every aspect of the business. And the good thing is that these local guys who have been making surfboards, evolving and enhancing their craft for years, are still doing exactly that, without the bright lights, the bikini clad babes and the accountants.

“Zak Surfboards made a decision to back local manufacturers – initially to produce Zak branded product. Eventually as the business grew there was sufficient demand to diversify the range, and the result is a program that primarily attempts to push local product with a periphery of imports. So far, the local product has been far out-selling the imports. We’re not trying to be a surf boutique. At the end of the day we sell what we think will sell. Local product suits local waves. That has been our experience.

“And the shapers? It’s only by knowing your local shaper can you begin to support him. Who and where he is and what he does. Patronage is much more than handing over the cash. Visiting the place where the board is made and talking to the man who makes it will give a valuable insight into the process and the true value of their craft.

“But as that’s not always possible, we decided to profile some of our shapers - because they’re local and because we value what they do.

“They’re all unique determined characters who may not get shitloads of press - or even want it - so we asked them a few questions so you could better know and support your local shaper.“

ZAK KONIARIS OF ZAK SURBOARDS GIVES US HIS THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF PLAY IN THE SURFBOARD INDUSTRY AND TELLS US WHAT HE’S DOING TO SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCTION.

“Local product suits local

waves. That has been our experience.”

Zak Koniaris - owner of Zak Surfboards in Thornbury


69jul/aug 2011

Local break Not being a believer in localism, I surf anywhere I can catch a wave while trying not to upset the locals.Golden rule Accuracy. Strive for good workmanship because this will give you longevity. Last holiday Maldives, 10 years ago. Love it. Need to get back.Favourite food? My wife’s cooking. Seriously, she’s a freak in the kitchen.Favourite movie Bones Brigade “Search for Animal Chin” (Classic 1987 skateboarding film, starring Tony Hawk and th Bones Brigade) Favourite colour The ocean.Favourite brew OP Rum, “the spirit of the sea.”Your best board A 5’10” chisel-tail 5-finner which I made in 1982 at Trigger Bros. It had a clear deck and a blue pigment bottom with “Statesman Team” written in white. It was just one of those boards that went where you wanted to go. I would love to get it back, if anyone knows of it, please contact me.Offshore production Of course I hate it. What small manufacturer wouldn’t? They managed to flood the market so quick that a lot of long term small business board builders got squeezed out. I’ve seen some of Australia’s best board makers leave the industry and that’s a bitch. Support Australian made!Pro tour? Good on ’em if that’s what they’re into. Not my idea of fun. Too much stress, I reckon. Each to their own.Bedtime When my eyes start giving me grief from surfing the net.

The word ‘pioneer’ is loosely bandied about in many spheres, particularly in the surfing arena, but not all live up to their reputations. There’s bloody good reason why this guy has shaped for some of the best in the business though. Maurice Cole is an innovator. It’s why he is so revered and respected by his peers and surfing’s elite – he’s shaped for none other than Tom Curren, 3-time world champ, and at present is pushing the boundaries in tow-in surfing, charging and crafting speed machines with Ross Clark-Jones. 40-odd years of surfing, shaping, testing and exploring new materials and technologies has put Maurice at the pinnacle of surfboard design.

At age 13 Ken Reimers shaped and glassed his first

board. At 18, he turned his hobby to professional

shaping which would be his career for the next 30

years. In this time he has made over 15,000 boards. His

career has included ghost shaping for others like Rod

Dahlberg and Nev Hyman, signing his name to other

labels like Trigger Bros, Pipedream and Kirra Surf, and

making his own brand of KR Surfboards.

Local break: Bells/Winki Boards made: Between 27 and 15,127... Memory used to be better...

Golden rule Shape it, surf it and better it.

Describe your signature model at the moment Metro, deep concave, fastest board on the planet. Easy paddling, high speed turns that make ya tremble!

Inspirations Tow surfing, testing designs and materials at twice the speed... My Formula 1...

Considered other careers? Yes and I realise there’s not much else I can do but surf and design.

Last holiday ...Don’t have ‘em.

Offshore production Inevitable, and has shaken up our industry, but killed off the next generation of surfboard workers.

In 10 years time Surfing, designing, shaping... With the odd visit to the surgeon to keep the bodily parts functioning.

Pro tour? Its all a bit retro and boring. No new surfboard designs in 10 years, no time to test.. But some great surfing still going on.

Bedtime Midnight.

Wake-up 6.00am.

“39 Years of not havin’ a real job!”

KR SURFBOARDS

Mau

rice

Cole

. Pho

to: S

uppl

ied

Ken

Reim

ers.

Ph

oto:

Sup

plie

d

“If I’m shaping a new board for myself my train of

thought is to experiment, to test my theories and

hunt for new feelings that create a special board.”


70 jul/aug 2011

Local break: McClouds Watering Hole.

Boards made In what time?

Golden rule I don’t have rules.

Considered doing other things? Yeah, actually the other day when I was shaping I thought “I woundn’t mind a cup of tea now” so I went and boiled myself a pot of tea. I think it’s important to do something else, at times.

Favourite colour I don’t discriminate, mongrels are good.

Favourite brew I can never recall which one it was.

Best board I still have the best board I ever made, it got chopped in half with an axe though.

Offshore production Pff! Completely irrelevant. I like Asians.

In 10 years time I’m saving for a set of walkie talkies. So, hopefully in ten years...

Local break 13th beach.

Boards made About 6,000.

Golden rule Keep it pretty simple. There’s no need to over-complicate a surfboard.

Inspirations To be able to ride them myself and hopefully for them to perform the way I designed them to go. To shape boards for customers and friends that help them enjoy their surfing more.

Considered doing other things? Plenty of times, however then I wouldn’t be doing this which I enjoy.

Favourite TV show Anything to do with football.

Favourite brew Coffee in the morning.

Offshore production I don’t worry about it too much. Surfers are always going to want reliable local service and to be able to talk directly to their local shaper about their board.

In 10 years time Hopefully still working and surfing around here in Ocean Grove with my family, if I can get my two daughters surfing by then.

Pro tour? Its great to watch as they surf so good nowdays. I especially like watching surfing live on FUEL in the comfort of my loungeroom.

Bedtime I have young kids.

Wake-up I have young kids.

“Never had a job!”NOTE

SURFBOARDS

4D SURFBOARDS

As Jordan describes it: he’s used to the cold, grew up in Nelson,

New Zealand, now lives in Jan Juc, his mother was a hippy and

his father was a pirate. He has spent his whole life staring at the

ocean and studying boats, boat hulls and old surfboards. Yep,

he’s different and doesn’t much care for what people think. He’s

on his own wave. He shapes, glasses, sands, makes his own fins

and creates amazing boards - or updated old boards that really

work, as he describes them, many with the most startling resin

tints. In the process, he has made a real name for himself and

has developed what could be regarded as a strong cult following.

Honing his craft under legendary Mornington Peninsula shaper Paul Trigger and underground ghost-shaper Kenny Reimers, ‘Fordy’ - as he is known - moved to the other side of the bay, to Ocean Grove where he has been shaping 4D Surfboards for the past decade. A staunch advocate of high-tech computer-controlled shaping machines, he’s also known to produce some super-light epoxy shooters that fly.

GEAR

: SHA

PERS

UNITE

Jord

an N

oble

. Pho

to:

ww

w.n

otes

urfb

oard

s.co

m

“14 years shaping!”

Sim

on F

orw

ard

Phot

o: S

uppl

ied


71jul/aug 2011

Local break The reefs at Bells and Winkipop.

Shaping & designing - the main idea Water flowing along the bottom, around the rails, gripping when it should, releasing at the right time and making sure they all connect without losing speed.

Golden rule Balanced outline with profile. Nothing extreme. Allowing all elements of the design to blend together and achieve the design’s outcome... speed and manoeuvrability.

Last holiday Every day I go surfing.

Favourite colour Perfect offshore surf blue, rainbows and twilight sky colours. Polished red surfboards.

Favourite brew Pot of freshly brewed tea, thanks.

Offshore production Which part of the industry? The surf industry has to be as fluid as the ocean we play in. Major players support so much more than the people who directly work for them, the owners and shareholders. They advertise in magazines, pay for surf videos, sponsor grommets, pay for the whole pro circuit. That takes money to run. That means they must be profitable as well. That also means that there is little gaps created that can be filled by smaller operators.

There will always be involved surfers who want to order a custom handshaped surfboard, just as there will be others who want to buy on price, or buy a particular designer’s boards, no matter where it is made.

Apparel and wetsuits have been sourced offshore for decades. Chemicals for surfboards are imported. Don’t worry about that. Forget it and go to the beach. The waves really don’t care were the equipment comes from... Have fun.

Pro tour? When the waves are great, the spectacle of pro surfers ripping is a phenomenon. They are such great athletes, both men and women. The guys on tour now are great watermen. They will all take on Bells , J-Bay, Pipeline, Wiamea and rip. When the waves are junk it is questionable whether it is even worth looking at. Yawn.

“Shaped first board 44 years ago, shaped full time for 25

years, now part time.!”

He left home at 16 in pursuit of the surfer’s lifestyle and started working in the industry in 1978 with Ocean Foil. Consumed with passion for all things surf related, Stumpy is obsessed with quality craftsmanship. With more than 30 years experience under his belt, he is an artisan who tailors boards for the beginner through to the high performance competitive surfer. His goal, as always, has been to extract maximum board performance for greater pleasure, fun, and enjoyment.

Local break: Secret spot on the Mornington Peninsula

Golden rule Accuracy. You’re only as good as your last board

Describe your signature model at the moment I’m enjoying the downsizing theory. A 5’5”- 6’0” that outperforms the standard 5’10” - 6’0”

Inspirations Well, its not money...

Last holiday Don’t have them. I live in a tourist destination.

Favourite brew Not into it.

Most memorable manoeuvre Cutting out of a backhand wave and sticking it to carve back into it - a great feeling.

In 10 years time Alive and surfing of course.

Pro tour? Not much into it, but I take my hat off to that Slater bloke. Wish he was giving me feedback on my boards.

Wake-up You mean out of bed? Before the birds - 5.00am.

“I’m enjoying the

downsizing theory”

Doug is part of small group of elite shapers who has crafted boards for Rip Curl. His innovative designs in the ‘80s were what every hot young surfer was after. Today he is handshaping a select range of single fins, fish and big guy performance hybrids for Zak Surfboards. An

drew

Stu

mp

Phot

o: S

uppl

ied


72 jul/aug 2011

Local break 13th Beach

Shaping & designing - the main idea For me, above all else - flow.

Considered doing other things? No

Last holiday March, on the east coast of Malaysia

Favourite food Food

Favourite TV show Deadwood

Favourite colour Purple or lime green

Favourite brew Carlton Draught

Offshore production Different strokes for different folks

In 10 years time Anywhere but a coffin

Pro tour? Take it or leave it

Local break Brewer Shirks (Not too sizey)

Shaping & designing - the main idea Tweak it here, rub it there and it’ll be a beauty.

Golden rule Measure once, cut twice.

Last holiday I had a 20 minute holiday yesterday afternoon.

Favourite food Peanut butter and honey sandwich.

Favourite TV show ABC Weather at 7.24pm with Paul Higgins.

Favourite brew Blend 43 - instant actually.

Best board I’d surfed an 8’8” red gun for years in Vicco and Hawaii, but unfortunately I creased it in some big beachies. Troy Brooks liked the look of it and promptly ran off with it, mumbling something about taking some huge drops on it. I saw Troy with Big Red, cross the Great Ocean Road and run up to the top of a steep hill on a sheep farm. Being a maniac and mischief-maker he took the drop on the old girl,

probably 150m down the worn and rutted paddock. The gun flexed and flapped and flopped and cracked, finally bucking Troy off into a barbed wire farm fence at the bottom of the hill. He was grazed and bruised but big red was $%&-ed.

Offshore production Some of the largest surfboard labels are like most huge companies. They’re primarily profit-driven. Number and volume equals turnover equals dollars and cents in the ledger at the end of each financial quarter, which keeps a wry smile on an accountant’s dial. I know the Asian manufacturing system works well for ping pong ball brands, just the same as surfboard brands, so it seems everyone’s happy. If the button gets pushed and the machine is fed, stuff gets pushed out of an office and we can rest easy and satisfied with that simple aura of wellbeing.

In 10 years time Nowhere special. I quite like where I am.

Pro tour? I’m not on the tour.

“Above all else - flow”

IMPERIAL SURFBOARDS

A shaper spoken of highly in many surfing circles is Dave Boyd. Imperial Surfboards are designed to reflect our soulful past - simpler times before our surf industry was governed by the commercial madness of today. His relentless exploration of innovative design in the pursuit of performance has earned him many accolades.

Pioneer big wave rider, Quiksilver shaper, founder of

Roar and Gash Surfboards and current Men’s Over-

45 Australian longboard champion, Greg Brown is

already somewhat of a living legend. He first learnt

to shape under Kym Thompson and Maurice Cole at

Watercooled. Today, he is widely respected as a man

who has mastered both the art of surfing and shaping.

Greg

Bro

wn

Phot

o: S

uppl

ied

Davi

d Bo

yd P

hoto

: Sup

plie

d

GEAR

: SHA

PERS

UNITE

“Up at sparrow’s fart!”

GASH SURFBOARDS


73jul/aug 2011

Local break: Bells Beach Years on the job: I’ve been making wooden surfboards for a year or so, mostly for fun, as a job I’ve been a car designer for over 15 years.

Golden rule Shape what you want to surf. It’s a personal thing and there are really no rules. The only limitations are the ones you place upon yourself.

Considered something else? I think about how I can live my life in a way that will allow me to surf a lot.

Last holiday I went to Crescent Head, camping with my son, Samuel. We surfed every day and toasted marshmallows at night, I think it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had.

Favourite brew A good chai.

Offshore production In some ways it’s sad, but I understand the reasons. I think that in lots of ways mass production has opened up a space for more people to try surfing. I still believe that the true seeker will find a shaper that resonates with the way they surf and get a custom board regardless and those who want their own space will create that too. So I don’t think mass production will ever kill off the small guy, maybe it’s an opportunity for shapers to experiment more with design.

Pro tour? I think its awesome to see the pros surf.

Local break: 13th beach

Golden rule Make it sexy

Describe your signature model at the moment Chine rails, single to double concave to vee.

Inspirations Making grumpy guys a little happier

Last holiday Three years ago, Tassie in the winter

Favourite food Hot pie at the footy

Favourite brew Carlton Draught

Best board The Freak - 4’9” concave deck, concave bottom double ender, swallow tail, swallow nose. I still take it out occasionally.

Offshore production Saw it coming for decades. 100% true custom boards will survive

In 10 years time Sitting on the verandah, playing guitar

Pro tour? The level of skill by the latest young crop of surfers is mindblowingly inspiring.

Rousa epitomises everything we love about the surf industry. He lives and breathes surfboards. He’s the personification of old-school surf craftsmanship who does what he does - not because he has to - but because ‘it is the only way.’ He shapes boards because they are his passion. His boards are works of art and ride just as well.

“Shaping for 41 years”

ROUSA SURFBOARDS

“Shape what you want to surf”

If you’re after that timeless feeling of riding a wood creation on your wave of choice, then Dave Dewitt is your man. His range of hollow wooden surfboards complete with internal wood frame construction look sweet and ride unreal. Everyone needs at least two wooden surfboards in their quiver, one as a wall-hanger and the other to feel the ride because wood is so good.


74 jul/aug 2011

Local break Bird Rock or Sparrows Sanding - the main idea Fixing all the f*ckups from the shaper to make them look good.

Inspirations I enjoy making boards for young kids. They’re not full of shit like you older guys.

Best board Shaped by Greg Brown, glassed by me. It’s in my shed and still gets surfed about 10 times a year.

Pro tour? It’s good to watch at Easter time to see some real surfing.

Local break: Torquay point (closest to home)

Golden rule: Neat trim jobs and evenness.

Signature glass job: Probably the jelly bean tail dip and wet rub/polish combinations.

Favourite brew VB from the Leopold Sportsmans Club - smooth and creamy, straight from the tap.

Offshore production It doesn’t worry me, because it gets people into surfing for they’re a cheaper option... But the thing that I HATE is when people get boards made overseas and tell people that they’re locally made in Torquay.

Glassers, sanders, polishers, spray artists, shaping bay sweepers and more... There

are so many other important people behind the scenes that are an integral part of the

board-making process. Here are just two of the unsung heroes...

Sander - 32 yearsGlasser at NOTE

GEAR

: SHA

PERS

UNITE


75jul/aug 2011

307 Victoria Rd Thornbury Victoria 3071Phone: 03 9416 [email protected]

Dispense with any preconceived ideas about Zak Surfboards. If you doubted whether a surfboard shop in the outer suburbs of Melbourne would have much to offer, doubt no more...

Zak’s is an absolute cracker. In fact, it’s possibly one of the best surf shops in the country, and one of our favourite stops on the road. They have heaps of boards (they sell close to 1000 boards a year) a large skate section, plenty of hardware, a select line of surf clothing - not the usual stuff - and then there’s a range of fins and the latest surf DVDs and books.

Best of all, the entire crew - Zak, Tim, Scott and Steve are down-to-earth blokes, super-helpful and know their stuff.

With so much Victorian board-building talent behind these doors, there’s now even more reason to pop in for a visit. Make sure you do.

Tim up to no good outside

Repa

ir gu

y Sc

ott

Boar

d gu

ru S

teve

The

man

him

self.

.. Za

k Ko

niar

is


Shaper: Thomas BexonDimensions: 9’6” x 23” x 3” Ability: For beginner to advanced interested in long extended noseridesSuits: From 75kg to 95kg Description: The step reduces volume and increases flex through nose to help stay in trim while perched. Big fin provides locked-in hold and stability required to make noseriding an easy enjoyment.Construction: ½ inch cedar stringer, 8oz Volan bottom and tail patch, double 8oz Volan deck with resin foam stain details, top and bottom, under a blue tint - all executed with the utmost attention to detail. This really is a quality product.Fins: Big glassed-on, smooth pivot fin.Shaper comment: Designed to make getting on the nose - and staying there - as easy as possible.

THOMAS SURFBOARDS PO Box 234 Maroochydore Qld 4558 Ph: 0412 131 491 [email protected] thomassurfboards.com

Stepdeck by Thomas

The Hillbilly by Black Apache Surfboards

Shaper: Jesse WatsonDimensions: 10” x 23 1/8” x 3 1/8”Ideal conditions: Up to head high slidersSuits: Hepcats to kooks, kicks, flicks and hanging heels.Description: Traditional noserider-inspired modern sled, but with modernised rockers and foils for the logger who wants to noseglide and whipturn like it aint no thang. Construction: Triple stringers, 6/4oz deck + 6/4oz bottom, gloss and polish, vintage fabric inlay with gold resin pinlines. Glass-on matched fabric leash loop - proper old skoolFins: Matching fabric Stage IV hook fin Shaper comment: A modern sled for the discerning kook. Traditional in looks - but a real hotrod under your feet. You’ll never spend more time on the nose than on this board. Its a ‘55 chevy with race car steering. Hang tens are the norm here.

BLACK APACHE SURFBOARDS Ph: 0410 419 791 [email protected] blackapachesurfboards.com.au

black apache surfboards

Forken model

Shaper: Jed DoneDimensions: 9’2” x 22 ½” x 3”Ideal conditions: Knee high to just over head-high, easy peelersSuits: Any surfer who wishes to walk the board and hang out on the nose .Description: A classic edge mal. Concave nose to stand on, double concave flat in the mid entry area for neutral control in trim, double concave v under feet which lines up with outline hip to turn off, and a slight concave behind the back fin to stop the tail bogging in turns.Construction: Dion PU foam, single red cedar stringer, polyester resin.Fins: Fin box and 4WFS side boxes for flexibility Shaper comment: Built as a nose rider, all rounder mal for all levels of surfing ability.

BUSHRAT SURFBOARDS Merimbula NSW Ph: 0409 813 431 E: [email protected] www.bushrat.com

by BushratShaper: Peter WhiteTypical dimensions: 9’4” x 22 ¾” x 3”Conditions: Head high or below. Ideally point breaks but surprisingly versatile on a more mellow beachies.Suits: The soul-kats among you - those wishing to emulate Russell Hughes, Bobby Brown, Midget and Kev-The-Head.Description: Harks back to the days of pre-legrope and fixed fins. Hips in the rear third, it tapers into the nose, giving superb manoeuvrability for such a traditional, flat-rockered board. Rolled bottom and refined rails gives exceptional trim-speed. Construction: PU Foam, 9mm stringer. Glassing: 6oz and 7.5oz on deck, 7.5oz bottomFins: Fixed or fin-box, a more upright, hatchet or pivot fin at 9-10”Shaper comment: A beautiful board to ride with grace and style, rolling turns and pure, Old Skool flair.

CLASSIC MALIBU Cnr Gibson & Eumundi Rd Noosaville, QLD 4566 Ph: 07 5474 3122 [email protected] www.classicmalibu.com

Old Skool

by Classic Malibu

Shaper: Tom WegenerDimensions: 9’4” x 23” x 2 ¾” - 10 kilos.Ideal: Small, clean wavesSuits: Anyone who wants traditional longboard style.Construction: Hollow construction paulownia sealed with linseed oil, gum turpentine, and vinegar.My kids named the boards after the character Plankton on SpongeBob Squarepants because in 2003 I thought these boards were going to take over the world.Fins: Box single fin. Shaper comment: After 6 years of making alaias and planktons, I know that the oiled wood surface is substantially faster through the water than boards finished in fibreglass. I recently had a lightbulb moment, finding a way to make better glue joins on the rails. There are over 46m of watertight glue joins so this was an important innovation! Wood rides better than foam and now noseriders are faster. Available for $1,990 + GST and freight.

TOM WEGENER SURFBOARDS 108 Cooroy, QLD 4563 Ph: 0401 257 479 [email protected] tomwegenersurfboards.com

Plankton Noserider by Wegener

76 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread boards.indd 76 13/06/11 9:42 AM

GEAR

: BOA

RDS

The ZX2 by Jackson S

urfboardsSkeg Sled

Shaper: Scott NewmanDimensions: 9’6’’x 23 ¼’’x 2 7/8’’Ideal conditions: Anything worth logging, up to shoulder heightSuits: Loggers and anyone that wants a new board with that old school feel.Description: Traditional style log. Flat deck, flat nose rocker, rolled bottom to a rolled V through the tail. With all that tail rocker and pinched 50/50 rails.Construction: Single 9-ply stringer with double 6oz deck, plus deck patch and double 6oz bottom, plus fin patch. Full custom resin pigment and tint with a full gloss polish.Fins: Hand-foiled box or stick on 10” hatchet single fin.Shaper comment: Get stoked on the old school feel and then drink some beers

SLS SURFBOARDS Caloundra QLD Ph: Scott 0424 314 183 Luke 0401 350 992 slssurfboards.com.au

by SLS SurfboardsLongboard styles,

from the pioneers to the new school...

Boards by Jackson (above) and SLS (below)

Rod Menzies riding the Jackson ZX2

Photo: Ian McDonald

Scott Newman of SLS Surfboards in Caloundra

Miles Livingstone cruising on an SLS creation.

Shaper: Jim Parkinson (Shaping at Jackson’s since 1974)Dimensions: 9’ x 22 5/8” x 3”Conditions: Small to medium sized wavesSuits: Intermediate to AdvancedDescription: Our most popular all-rounder mal shape, featuring nose rail concaves through to double concave vee in the tail. Foiled thickness through nose and tail.Construction: PU foam with polyester resin, in any glass configuration.Fins: 2 plus 1, or quadShaper comment: This is a very forgiving mal to ride. The nose rail concave generates a lot of lift up front, while the double concave in the tail delivers heaps of drive through turns.

JACKSON SURFBOARDS 57 Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah, NSW Open 7 daysPh: 02 9524 2700 Mobile: 0407 909 137 www.jacksonsurfboards.com.au

Check us out on facebook

77jul/aug 2011


SF2

by Lowen88

Shaper: Wayne LowenDimensions: 5’10” x 19 ½ x 2 ¼”Ideal: All conditions, beach/point breaks, 2-5ft Suits: Intermediate to pro Description: All round semi-fish. Fast, with good drive and release. This one is a swallow tail but also comes in rounded square or round tail.Construction: Comes in standard PU/polyester or Eps/epoxy. This one is PU/polyester resin with double rail stringers.Fins: Futures - thruster or quadShaper comment: Feel free to contact me for anymore info about this design and construction.

LOWEN88 Ph: 07 5526 5161 Mobile: 0433 141 177Factory Showroom: 2A/2172 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami, Gold Coast 4220E: [email protected] www.lowen88.com

The Bullet by Chris Garrett

Shaper: Chris GarrettDimensions: 5’7 “x 19” x 2 5/16“ Ideal conditions: Anything up to the 6ft markAbility level: Anyone...customised to suitDescription: Shorter , wider, thicker and with a whopping concave between the fins. Down rails and a flat deck. Kinda normal, but not..Construction: PU, polyester resin and fibreglass.Fins: Chris Garret A’s...set... and forget.Shaper comment: The new favourite. Just returned from indo and this handled anything that I wanted to surf it in. Super-fast out of the bottom turn with the concave working like channels, but with the freedom of a flat bottom. I like it!

CHRIS GARRETT/ PHANTOM SURFBOARDS Ph: 0424 450 690 [email protected] chrisgarrettshapes.com.au

The Flyer by Full ForceShaper: Steve BarberDimensions: 6’4” x 19 ¾” x 2 3/8“Ideal conditions: Excellent everyday boardSuits: AnyoneDescription: Flattish entry for easy paddling, single into double concave with tail vee on larger versions. Double flyers in planshape give greater tail width for drive thru turns in any conditions with better hold in larger waves as a bonus. Construction: PolyurethaneFins: Thruster or Quad. (Quad is best as 4 channel)Shaper comment: This is a rare all round board design. Great in ordinary surf through to pumping South Straddie or Snapper. Fast, manoeuverable, easy to surf, yet high-performance as well and forgiving when you’re having a bad day!

STEVE BARBER/FULL FORCE 18/48 Machinery Drive Tweed Heads South Ph: 07 5524 2933 [email protected] Join us on Facebook

Chris Garrett... getting barrelled on the BulletPhotos: Kaylan Dahl

78 jul/aug 2011


Slippery Gypsy by UndergroundShaper: Peko

Dimensions: 5’8” x 2 ½” x 22”

Ideal: Up to 3ft points and small beachies

Suits: Everyone

Description: Fast, fun twin keel or quad. Single concave running from midway through tail.glassed-in, handmade fins or FCS quads. These little things fly and are available in sizes 4’10” upwards.

Construction: PU foam and polyester resin with tints, pigments, sprays and handmade keels.

Fins: FCS fibreglass keels

Shaper comment: Handmade to your requirements using the best materials, as are all Underground boards. These little things are so much fun.

UNDERGROUND SURF 3/31 McLean St, Coolangatta, QLD 4225 Ph: 07 5599 1040 [email protected] undergroundsurf.com.au

Keel fin by Skerry Surf

Shaper: Simon SkerryDimensions: 6” x 19 ¾” x 2 3/8” (or shaped to order)Ideal: 1-10ft... Loves it all.Ability level: Beginner to well-experiencedDescription: Classic twin fin feel, smooth continual speed and paddle power. Features Cherry Blossom resin artwork.Construction: Full 6oz lamination with ¾ deck and fin patches.Fins: Glassed on, double foiled 8” keel finsShaper comment: A classic board that won’t let you down with non-traditional resin artwork.

SKERRY SURF PO Box 354 Lennox Head NSW 2478 Ph: 0403 240 452 [email protected] skerrysurfboards.com

Shaper: Tom WegenerDimensions: 5’7” x 16 ½” x ¾”Ideal conditions: Medium sized clean wavesAbility: Groms to advancedSuits: Advanced Alaia surfDescription: Tom Wegener designed paulownia Alaia blank sealed with linseed oil, vinegar & gum turpentine.Fins: Two fins on each side stretching from nose to tail... the rails are the fins ;)Shaper comment: The original Peanut is the nose of the 12 footer that was in the movies “Musica Surfica” and “Seaworthy.” In 2008, I cut the 12-footer down because it didn’t work well and I needed to try more shapes. Master Jacob Stuth rode this board for Jack McCoy in his new movie “A Deeper Shade of Blue” and then the board went to Rob Machado who surfed it in “The Present”. I have reserved this template for super-advanced alaia riders because you have to bottom turn totally off the front rail to get it to hold in.

TOM WEGENER SURFBOARDS 108 Cooroy, QLD 4563 Ph: 0401 257 479 [email protected] tomwegenersurfboards.com

Original Peanut by Wegener

The Grinder by Ed Sinnott/ESP

Shaper: Ed Sinnott Dimensions: 5’9 x 19 ¼ x 2 3/8”Ideal conditions: Anything up to 6’Suits: AnybodyDescription: This is a combination of all my old single fin and twinfin templates combined with new school bottom curves and rails. The result is a sensational hybrid that flys. Flat entry, deep vortex concave, razor edges and wet and dry finish.Construction: Burford/South Coast PU blanks, Silmar polyester resin, Colan and Surf Nine glass. This combination has stood the test of time. I love the flex.Fins: ThrusterShaper comment: Surfboard design has gone the full circle now. We’ve got boards that make so-called normal 6’1’’ boards look like guns. Go smaller, thicker and wider. Yew!

ESP SURFBOARDS 2/81 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay, NSW Ph: 0404 059 321 espsurfboards.com www.edsinnott.com.au

GEAR

: BOA

RDS

Shaper: Jye ByrnesDimensions: Custom shaped, 6’6-10’Ideal: 6ft and aboveAbility level: Int to adv, travelling to the islands or wanting to charge.Description: What you need when the waves start to get serious and your step up shortboard won’t quite cut it. A little different to some other guns on the market - maintains the gun outline with a little more width in the nose and tail. Thicker volume in the center for versatility in various conditions. Great traveller, or just to chase rhinos at your local. Construction: PU foam with heavier glass job recommended. Option of hybrid carbon strips on deck/bottom as shown. Fins: Thruster FCS or Futures. Optional 2+1 fin box or bonza fin set upShaper comment: Tried and tested at my local and the islands. A great traveller.

THE SURF FACTORY 16 Maitland Rd Islington Newcastle N.S.W 2296Ph: 02 4969 5889 Mob: 0409 227 407 [email protected] thesurffactory.com.au

JGUN by Jye Byrnes

79jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread boards.indd 79 20/06/11 1:14 PM

Performance Mini Mal

by The FactoryShaper: Paul Carson

Dimensions: 6’8” x 21 ¾” x 3”

Ideal conditions: 2 - 6ft

Suits: Anyone

Description: Roundtail, four tail channels, Single to double concave.

Construction: Burford blank

Fins: Shapers SMF-L fins, great as a thruster or quad.

Shaper comment: Performance mini mal great for beachies

THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS CALOUNDRA 17 Allen Street Caloundra QLD 4551 Ph: 07 5492 5838 [email protected] thefactorysurfboards.com.au

Shaper: Mark PridmoreDimensions: Short x Wide x Thick (Above: 5’2” x 21” x 2 11/16’’)Ideal: All rounder for small running points to head-high barrelling beachies and everything inbetweenSuits:Suitable for surfers who really wanna be stoked on a sweet and easy rideDescription: My version of Bob Simmons’ 50s design. Full credit and respect to him, hence the “SIM” in dim-SIM. Designed for performance, these are fast, great paddlers and just easy and fun to ride, I ride mine 90% of the time.Construction: Made in Australia with good old PU foam and PE resin, feels good, goes great and is affordable. Fins: Twin keels or QuadsShapers Comment: These super fun slabs of foam are too good not to try. Custom orders available thru Da Bomb Surf Centres or direct at www.moresurfboards.com.

Available from Da Bomb 3/25 Plaza pde, Maroochydore 07 5451 0620 and 7/12 Thunderbird dr. Bokarina 07 5437 9201MORE SURFBOARDS Ph: 0405 475 026 www.moresurfboards.com

The dim-SIM by More Surfboards

Shaper: Dave VerrallIdeal conditions: Trusty thruster for all conditionsSuits: Performance surfer after a user-friendly board.Description: All the volume of your daily driver, it’s 2” shorter than your traditional shortboard and 1/4” - 3/8” wider. Extra thickness in centre with a rolled deck and medium low rails. Light width increase in the nose and tail keep it speedy and reliable with light single to double concaves for control at speed. Construction: Dynocore™ technology - a high tech fusion of fibres and foam. Dynocore™ gives you the confidence to pull in to anything big and barrelling yet carry with one arm over long walks to secret points.Fins: ThrusterShaper comment: Developed by Dave Verrall and Dale Richards. Inspired by Dale “The Machine”, shaped and designed on a “machine” and a shape feature that’s specifically cut on my aps3000 machine... Footwells on the deck.

DIVERSE SURFBOARDS 476 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun, QLD 4224 Ph: 07 5598 4848 [email protected] diversesurf.com.au

The Machine by Diverse L7 Curve Step Up

by Express Surfboards

Shaper: Paul ArmstrongDimensions: 6’5” x 18 5/8” x 2 3/8”Ideal: Anywhere juicy!Ability: Intermediate to advanced surfersDescription: Single concave into double V bottom. Concaves are kept subtle to allow quick decisive trim on the face to set up tube time. Central apex rocker for larger wave face and a smooth even, outline for hard drives off the bottom to gain maximum speed.Construction: From the best materials known to mankind! No compromises, NEVER.Fins: Powerbase - more speed, drive and love.Shaper comment: For serious surfers after maximum performance in larger waves. Surfs like a high performance shorty in bigger waves. Designed with the help of intrepid surf traveller and team rider Dan Hayler, a great board for that next Indo trip or bigger point/reef break day.

EXPRESS SURFBOARDS 5/136 Taren Point Rd Taren Point NSW Mob: 0403 827 478 [email protected] expresssurfboards.com.au

Frazfish by Oke Surfboards

Shaper: Rory Oke

Dimensions: 5’8” x 20” x 2 3/8”

Ideal conditions: 1-4ft

Suits: Everyone

Description: Wide outline, flat rocker with a tiny nose kick and a single concave to deep double scoop in the tail.

Construction: Ocean Foam blank, 4oz glass with sanded finish.Fins: Speeedfins Fibreglass s143 sides with an optional small trailer finShaper comment: With the imput of team rider Fraser Ross, this is the fastest, best performing fish we have ever created.

OKE SURFBOARDS 1/1-7 Canterbury Rd, Braeside, VIC, 3195 Ph: 03 9587 3553 okesurfboards.com

80 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread boards.indd 80 20/06/11 12:15 PM

GEAR

: BOA

RDS

Dimensions: 9’6” x 29” x 5”Ideal conditions: Flatwater SUPSuits: For those new to the SUP world.Description: Designed to be very stable and very easy to paddle, the board is outfitted much like a recreational kayak, with end grab handles so it can be carried by two people from the ends, a center handle to carry it. Storage area for your gear. Use it as a Sup or kayak!Construction: 100% rota-molded plastic, offering great strength and relatively low weight for transportation.Uniquely designed to be very durable and robust.Comment: Very stable and easy for paddlers. Best for beginners and family. Package deals include paddle and extra blade for kayaking.

ILLUSIONS NOOSA 2/2 Venture Dve, Noosaville, QLD 3A/11 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Junction, QLD Phone: 0488 686 206 fax: 07 3319 7269 illusionsnoosa.com.au

SUP 10Paddleboard or

kayak

Dimensions: 9’6” x 29” x 5”Ideal conditions: Can handle any size swellSuits: Competent to pro. For shortboarders who want to take the next step.Description: Designed for fast, responsive, ‘cut & slash’ manoeuvres. Bulk in the main deck area assists with paddling speed and gilde. Hard, tight, rail allows the rider to execute snappy manoeuvres with speed and accuracy. Construction: Vacuum bagged with a D-XP3 core, which is a 100% recycled bamboo fibre blank with bamboo veneer and 4oz fibreglass top and bottom. Two leash plugs and one vent at tail, plastic grip box and 1/3 deck grip Eva padsFins: 2 x FCS side fins and a fiberglass 10” center finShaper comment: Ideal board for those looking for a fast, performance SUP that is highly responsive.


Cutlass

Pro Surf SUP

SUP paddles too!

Goberlygook by Glenn Cat Shaper: Gcat & the Erle of PedersenDimensions: 6’14”x 17” 3/20th x 85 + 39 - 75.8 = sq2 + 4/4th & 10/16ths = FADescription: Double flyer, Erle’s flame jet, single side concave, cross channel, t’spoon, double swallow, try fin...

Surfboards and surfing props for movies and adsSURF1770NOOSA.COM [email protected] surf1770noosa.com

Torpedo SUP IN12.6 Dimensions: 12’6” x 29” x 6”Ideal: Long distance paddling either in the river or in the ocean Ability level: For both the competitor and for the recreational paddler Description: Streamlined shape parts the water with ease. Round nose on top, deep vee under nose and double concave on the bottom under your feet for straight line paddling. Recessed standing area for stability and just enough tail lift to catch swells. Construction: Hand shaped and glassed in epoxy resin for extra strength and durability. Two leash plugs and one vent at tail, plastic grip box and deck grip Eva pads.Fins: Deep keel-like fin for direction. Shaper comment: These boards are streamlined, very fast and a lot of fun.


81jul/aug 2011


History...A little bit of

WWW.UNDERGROUNDSURF.COM.AU

New surf shop, old-school feel

Brought to you by Underground Surf

3/31 McLean St, Coolangatta, QLD Ph: 07 5599 1040

RETRO LONGBOARDS & SHORTBOARDS NEW & CUSTOM BOARDS • BOARD HIRE • REPAIRS SKATEBOARDS • CLOTHING • AND MUCH MORE...

FIRE THE LAZORS! WORDS AND PICS: ANDRÉ MARSAUS

With a wide area, thick tail and pointed low-resistance nose area, in 1978 the Lazor Zap concept revolutionised surfboard design.

The design was so unusual to what people were familiar with that it challenged the ideas and beliefs of the industry. In turn, the industry seemed to react with fear and rejected the design. Might the powers that be lose the growing control over the direction in which surfing was heading?

Cheyne Horan rode the Lazor Zap to four second places in the World Surfing Titles, proving the design concept was exceptional.(Those second places are controversial still today.) Then, and now, some believe that it was the establishment’s way of discrediting Geoff Mccoy and his design, to retain control of surfing and sales.

The concept of the Lazor Zap is based on Geoff’s energy theory - how that energy turns into wave formation and how objects react with those formations.

The original Lazor Zap was designed with short arc, with reactive, high-powered surfing in mind. The surfer was able to stand in one position, not having to move their feet to perform manouvers. The pulled nose allowed the board to elevate very quickly as it reduced the length of rail being used when the board is turning. In turn, this allowed for more manouveres to be performed while the surfer was standing in a fixed position on the wide supportive tail, which generates greater pressure and easier reaction.

The advantages were many - easier to paddle, standing in one position to ride the wave, quicker reaction due to the extra volume, easier turning from less resistance; and the ability to surf at a faster speed. In effect, the Lazor Zap’s design delivered at all levels of performance.

Unfortunately these futuristic boards were discredited, not embraced, but what was evident from his team of high standard surfers was that they truly did work... and well.

The Lazor Zap design is now over 30 years old and is still made today with some tweaks for better performance, making it more user friendly in waves up to six feet. The original 80’s Lazor Zaps are highly sort after by collectors and are extremely rare, but you can order a custom, handmade by the man himself, Geoff McCoy.

Thanks to Geoff McCoy for details.

GEAR

: BEY

OND WHAT

LIES BENEATH

CHAPTER IV: INTRODUCING

SYSTEMS

There’s a variety of options fo removable fin systems on your surfboard. From the standard to the weird and wacky, each system has its own concept and benefits, and for the most part - all have their merits.

One particularly robust option is the Speeedfins system, and the science behind it is fascinating.

Speeedfins are described as an ‘active’ fin. That is, the back half of a Speedfins fin is free from the board and moves in response to the water pressure. The trailing edge of the fin moves as you turn reportedly resulting in more speed, more drive and acceleration off your turns. The principle behind it is to keep as much smooth water in contact with both sides of each foil. A process called ‘Attached Laminar Flow’. By keeping the water attached it reduces cavitation (water turbulence) trailing off the fin, reducing drag.

Once you have the boxes installed in your board, you have a wide variety of choice as far as the actual fins go - from reinforced nylon, ceramic or fibreglass to carbon, depending on your needs, ability and budget.

For more info, see www.speedfins.com.au or call (03) 9587 3747.

“Active foils

allow the

back of the

fin to move”

82 jul/aug 2011

july2011_Smorgas_Spread skate.indd 82 13/06/11 4:42 AM

RETRO LONGBOARDS & SHORTBOARDS NEW & CUSTOM BOARDS • BOARD HIRE • REPAIRS SKATEBOARDS • CLOTHING • AND MUCH MORE...

MASTERING SMOOTH STYLE Yes, we’ve loved SmoothStar boards ever since our first test run in our very first edition. The latest model - which we test drove in last edition - totally reinforced exactly how much fun these boards are. But just when we were feeling cocky and comfy, carving it up on the pathways around the Sunny Coast, we saw the brand spanking new Smoothstar promo video featuring team rider Dom McGeachie... Sadly, we realised that we have a long way to go - and a whole lot more to learn about getting the most out of these boards.To see how good this looks in action, check out the new promo video online - it’ll make you want one too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQsH2TNp_wYSo, here’s a little lesson on doing a cool reverse slide. Dom talks us through the move, step by step. Over to you...

Thanks Dom. And there you have it. Now go and practice. For more: www.smoothstar.com.au

1. Bend knees when approaching the wall just like doing a bottom turn, with a bit more emphasis on the back leg to keep balance. 2. Start turning up the wall but begin to turn your shoulders the opposite way to which you are going to reverse slide. This well help with bringing your back foot around. 3. Really start to turn sharply up the face. 4. Bring your back foot around whilst turning your body to face back down the ramp, which will drag you up the face whilst sliding across at the same time. 5. Begin to slide your front foot around whilst holding your back foot where it is so as to complete the 270° motion. To add a little bit extra to the matter you can hold yourself in this position, so as to slide almost sideways down the ramp. 6. Instead of sliding down sideways, just bring the front foot all the way around to roll out of the slide cleanly. 7. Roll out like a boss. Ahah.

Phot

os: C

harli

e Ha

rdy P

hoto

grap

hy, s

uppl

ied

1.

2.

5.

3.

6.

4

7.

83jul/aug 2011

july2011_Smorgas_Spread skate.indd 83 13/06/11 4:42 AM

I must admit, between the two of us at smorgasboarder, Mark has always been more of a skateboarder and I the surfer.

With surfboards I have a hoarding and collecting problem - quite a few problems in fact. But I had never really owned a skateboard. Since we started smorgasboarder however, I have become hooked on the land-boards too and now have four... and the temptations keep coming. The latest thing I’ve become addicted to is the Big Stick for Street SUP - or in other words Stand Up Paddle on a skateboard. And I seem to have passed on my addiction to my kids.

In all honesty though, it‘s such a good thing. Better they’re outside in the sun, getting some exercise and enjoying themselves than inside playing games on the laptop. Plus, it’s an easy activity we can share in and enjoy together - something really special for a parent in today’s ridiculously fast-paced world.

The Big Stick is basically, well, a big stick. It’s very similar to a SUP paddle, but obviously without the actual blade. This latest version of

the Big Stick features an adjustable shaft - the height can be tailored to suit my 6-year-old son or 8 and 10 year old daughters, and occasionally me, if they ever get off and give me a bloody chance to use it.

The stick basically enables you to use your skateboard like a SUP and it’s good dry-land practice as a matter of fact. You can use it to really pull into your turns and get yourself up inclines or increase your downhill speed. For the kids, it also enables them to balance and build their self-confidence on the skateboard. In fact, after a couple of runs with the Big Stick, they have turned from tentative wimps into charging hell-hobbits.

With a soft-grip ergonomic handle, the Big Stick is comfortable to hold while the new vulcanized rubber road grip gives you a choice of angles to dig at the road with. The idea behind the shape is that you get more contact with the surface, meaning a more forceful push, while the holes help cushion the impact of the strokes.

The Adjustable Big Stick by Kahuna Creations retails for $179.00 and you can choose from 2 designs - Moko & Pohaku. Ask about it at your local surf and skate store or log onto www.streetsup.com.au for stockists.

TEST EVERYTHING

FROM THE HOT NEW SKATE RELEASE OF THE ADJUSTABLE BIG STICK TO THE FREEZING

COLD WETSUIT AND BOARD TESTS IN THE WINTER WATERS OF VICTORIA...

WORDS: DAVE SWAN

“... the latest thing I’ve

become addicted to...

KAHUNA CREATIONS Adjustable Big Stick

That’s right, the ladies love it too. Above: Carina Slavic of Street SUP shows how it’s done, and Left: Phoebe Swan (8) rockets from ‘no’ to pro in just a few goes.

Below: Team rider Cory McBride sticking it to Melbourne during his trip across Australia.

The

new

Big

Stic

k bla

de g

ives

mor

e gr

ip th

roug

h st

roke

s

84 jul/aug 2011

The ultimate in self-propelling skateboards

designed for surfers. For more info, call 0407 405 390 or visit

Check out video online!

...for surfers!...for surfers!

www.smoothstar.com.au

32” FLYING FISH TAIL SKATEBOARD

TEAM RIDER DOM McGEACHIE - PHOTOS BY CHARLIE HARDY PHOTOGRAPHYSkateboards...Skateboards...

july2011_Smorgas_Spread test.indd 84 13/06/11 5:44 AM

KAHUNA CREATIONS Adjustable Big Stick

85jul/aug 2011

The ultimate in self-propelling skateboards

designed for surfers. For more info, call 0407 405 390 or visit

Check out video online!

...for surfers!...for surfers!

www.smoothstar.com.au

32” FLYING FISH TAIL SKATEBOARD

TEAM RIDER DOM McGEACHIE - PHOTOS BY CHARLIE HARDY PHOTOGRAPHYSkateboards...Skateboards...


Frankenstein Fish Finger BY MARK PRIDMORE/MORE SURFBOARDS

5’9” finless freak (or two training wheel miniature side-biter fins)

Features Kung-Fu Panda inspired artwork by Sirrah and Cain Pridmore

I’ll once again admit I’m absolutely addicted to the finless thing. I can’t get enough of it. When you are an ordinary surfer and you can start pulling 360’s, it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

I still get thrown more times than a rodeo clown, but it’s the challenge that feeds the addiction. You don’t want the bloody thing to beat you.When you whip it around and then go on riding the wave, it’s like riding your first ever wave all over again, every single time.

Now enough about my ramblings on finless boards... The Frankenstein Fish Finger: she looks weird, but is super easy to paddle. Despite being quite narrow through the guts and the nose there is a fair bit of volume in the board with a big fat-arse tail. Overall this means the board is more performance orientated than earlier models and rides more like a shortboard but the wide tails give you some stability for nice arcing tail slides. The board’s volume enables you to ride the board in 1ft slop or bigger. Small surf days are no longer a bore.

There is a really interesting bottom curve going on with quite a square rail that enables you to grip the wave face. The miniature fins themselves just give you that additional bit of hold when you are first learning on the board or if the conditions are super sucky. Trying to dig a rail without any fin on a steep wave face isn’t easy. No fins or small fins, it certainly is addictive. I can’t get off it.

Bushrat Flextail BY JED DONE

6’4” x 18 ½ “ x 2 7/16“

Features a 7 ½ “ long flextail and the 4-Way Fin System enabling you to adjust splay & toe

I love trying different types of boards and was always really keen to try out a flextail. Thanks to Jed I finally got my chance and had a few test runs around Mallacoota and down the Shipwreck Coast. The board did feel a little different but being in unfamiliar swell - while fun - it didn’t provide me with a genuine opportunity to get a true feel for the board.

Thankfully a decent swell arrived back home at Moffat Beach on June 3 and 4, giving me a chance to see what the Bushrat Flextail could really do.

On my first wave, which pitched just overhead, I zipped down the face, turned, turned again and it just stalled. ‘Oh crap...’ As I started paddling back out I was thinking to myself, ‘What the hell am I going to say? Jed is such a nice guy but at the end of the day I have to honest with our readers...’

My next wave... what the?! I was obviously standing in the wrong place initially, because what I experienced on my second wave I just had to experience again. I did a bottom turn and it felt like I was shot out of a cannon. Fair dinkum. It was like I had a rocket strapped to my feet. The speed was incredible. It was too much for me to handle at first, to be honest. By my third wave I started to understand why speed is so important to performance surfing. Not that I am kidding myself but I had never sprayed a rooster tail like that off the lip before.

I did miss a bit of the volume under my chest though, which made paddling a little harder, but this is Jed’s personal board, not made for me. Mine would have a bit more foam to start off with. Could the narrow nose contribute too? It might a bit, but I guess that is all part of the design to achieve warp speed. Anyway, a little bit of pain for all that gain is worth it. And as Maverick once said to Goose, ‘I have the need, the need for speed.’

What is a flextail?

Imagine the flex

employed in the shaft

of a golf club...

When a golfer draws

the club back behind

their head, the shaft

flexes. When it is brought

down towards the ball

it whips back and wallops the ball.

A flextail stores that

initial energy in the

bottom turn and then

whips the tail, propelling

the board forward at

the rate of knots.

The whipping machine

Jed’s personal

board - well loved for a

reason

ABOV

E: Ta

king

the

FFF f

or a

spin

. RI

GHT:

The

opt

iona

l sid

ebite

rPH

OTOS

: Luc

as M

uro

ABOVE: Crazy through to the tailRIGHT: Tai Lung, waxed to go

86 jul/aug 2011


GEAR

: REV

IEW

Zee Wetsuits 3/2 GBS steamer

The first thing you notice about this wetsuit is how comfortable it is. Comfort, comfort, comfort. Without doubt the fit and, in particular the stretch (now that I know what that means) is unlike anything I have ever worn before. It had me thinking what on earth my old wetsuits were made of. Bernie had mentioned the neoprene Zee source is second to none and he sure as hell wasn’t lying.

Sure I know neoprene had advanced somewhat and become lighter and stretchier but this just didn’t feel like a wetsuit as I knew it. There was no restriction of my movement. Paddling was super easy, getting to your feet, turning… it was like a second skin. Plus the neoprene is super soft.

One of my mates who lives in Sydney checked out the suit when I was on my road trip and wouldn’t believe me when I told him it was a 3/2. In his opinion it was a plain 2 ml because no 3/2 could be that light. It wasn’t until I showed him its tag, which I still had in my glovebox, that he believed me.

In terms of warmth, being a 3/2, I must admit it was borderline in the waters off Port Fairy at the start of winter, because I’m soft. But with liquid seams, water entry wasn’t and issue. It was just a matter of the neoprene thickness in those extreme conditions. Indeed, the wetsuit I had in possession was perfect for Queensland and northern NSW winter sessions. You would struggle to find a better suit and the big brands certainly couldn’t match a suit of this quality for the price.

SPECIFICATIONS:• Advancedstretchandmemoryretention• Smoothchest/back,limitingwindchill• Backzipentry• Plushinnertouchlining• Sealedliquidseamsinside• Rawedge,superseal• 12-monthmaterialwarranty• 100%Australianowned• Price$349juniors/$399adults

Warm... The water hovered around a chilly 14 degrees.

SPECIFICATIONS:• 4-waymega-stretchtitaniumneoprene• Titaniuminsulationshieldtominimisewind-

chillandincreasethermalwarmth• Smoothchest/back,limitingwindchill• WaterlessS-lockbackzipentrywithzipper

tabstabiliser• Glued&blindstitchsealedseams• 6-12monthreplacementwarranty+lifetime

repairwarranty• 100%Australianowned• Price$369

LEFT: Armed with the Flextail and shielded with warm wetties... Can’t hear a bloody thing, but can take on the Victorian cold.

BELO

W L

EFT:

The

Trip

le X

4/3

and

RIG

HT, t

he Z

ee W

etsu

its 3

/2

Triple X Wetsuits 4/3 TX2 steamer

The major selling point about this suit apart from the price is warmth. I have never worn this much rubber so I was somewhat excited to see how I would fair in the waters off Port Fairy and Warrnambool. I wore a hood, booties and just the wetsuit with no rashie. I was as warm as toast.

As for water entry? no problems. The back zip suit was not only easy to get on, it lived up to its promise. There was no water entry whatsoever. Each time I stepped out of the suit following a surf, I was not only warm but dry.

The tab at the base of the zip was also a blessing. When getting the suit on I didn’t have to undertake my usual ritual of jiggling and dancing to guide the zip up the back of my wetsuit whilst pinching the neoprene together. Why on earth someone has not introduced this to wetsuit design earlier is beyond me.

But how about the fit? The wetsuit was posted down to me. I hadn’t tried this model on before, or any Triple X Wetsuit for that matter. All I had provided was my height and weight. There was not a drama. The fit was snug without being too firm thanks to the latest stretch neoprene. Despite all that rubber, I did not feel like the Michelin Man. The suit kept me warm but didn’t restrict my movement.

The wetsuit was also super comfy to wear. The interior jersey lining was soft, warm and silky to pull on. The suit glided over your skin and didn’t stick to you like I often find with most wetsuits.

87jul/aug 2011


GEAR

: SUP

SHOP

PING

“Determine your needs, wants, weight and skill level and seek advice from a qualified SUP coach or your local SUP store. “

TODD MINGRAMM CRONULLA STANDUP PADDLEBOARD www.cronullasup.com.au

“It’s all about catching waves and having fun, not about having the shortest board or being the most aggressive rider, so don’t be afraid to choose a board with enough size to enjoy the waves. You can always progress to a smaller board later.“

HAYDN FLEMING OCEAN ADDICTS, MAROOCHYDOREwww.oceanaddicts.com.au

Below: Scott.Above: Scott’s little one choosing the first of many water toys.

The process can be made a lot easier by asking yourself one important question...WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?“There is definitely a reason that Stand Up Paddling is the fastest growing sport in the world. Along with the addictive fun factor, SUP has multiple uses from surfing, ocean paddling and cruising, downwinding, river and lake flat-water paddling, shooting the rapids down rivers and creeks, and for the competitive types - racing and surf comps. For all these multiple uses there are also multiple boards.“If you are after a SUP to surf, do you only want it for the “small days” where your usual board of choice doesn’t work so well? A lot of surfers are moving to SUP due to injuries. Neck and back issues can make it hard to paddle and pop up from prone position to standing on a normal surfboard, so using a SUP for all conditions makes sense.“SUPs have gotten smaller, and can be shorter and more maneuverable than some longboards. With boards now down around the 8’ mark, for experienced SUP surfers the only limitation to size of board is their ability to stand on it and be able to paddle onto waves. Be warned though, too small a board in choppy surf can take the fun factor right out of it real bloody quick.“For stability, board displacement (volume) is important, but the plan shape including width, thickness, rail design, and also how the volume is distributed, can make a board that looks good on paper a bobbing cork in the ocean!

Boards for ocean paddling come in many different sizes and shapes too. Cruisers that are designed for getting out to bommies or just paddling up and down the coast grabbing the occasional wave, are different to full blown downwinders (some with rudder systems) that are used to surf the ocean’s runner waves with the wind and swell direction.

“Whatever board you finally choose will also be controlled by your budget.

“With the massive influx of cheap SUPs on eBay and other online sites, it would be easy to think that a good board doesn’t cost very much. Not that all lower priced boards are rubbish, but when you see a no-name (or “leading brand” that you have never heard of) board with a dodgy-looking shape, selling for less than a secondhand well-known brand, you have to wonder at the process that went into shaping and manufacturing it. Imagine how it will perform, and how long it will last. With SUPs you really do get what you pay for.

“The best thing is that all good SUP retailers will have an extensive fleet of demo boards available, that you can ‘try before you buy’ to get an idea of what feels right for you. If they’re worth their salt, they should be riding them all every day themselves anyway, and will be able to give you the correct information from an experienced perspective.”

SCOTT PENWARN GREENLINE PADDLESURF, MERMAID BEACH www.greenlinepaddlesurf.com

Just a bloody big surfboard with a paddle? Finding the right one sounds easy, but once you start looking around at the multitude of different sizes, shapes, constructions, and prices of these things, you start to realise it’s not as easy as you’d think to find a SUP that suits your needs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUP!

BABY STEPS...

88 jul/aug 2011

One website - he

aps of

shapers and surf

shops shirts...

No big brands. No marketing hype. Just cool merchandise from the salt of the Australian surf community

July2011_Smorgas_Spread choosesup.indd 88 13/06/11 9:59 AM

89jul/aug 2011

One website - he

aps of

shapers and surf

shops shirts...

No big brands. No marketing hype. Just cool merchandise from the salt of the Australian surf community

July2011_Smorgas_Spread choosesup.indd 89 13/06/11 9:56 AM

90 jul/aug 2011

BEACH RUNNING WORKOUTA workout you can do on the beach or at a local park.

• Warmup – 5 min low/moderate intensity

• Intervals – 20 sec high intensity: 40 sec low

• Repeat intervals for 10-15 min

• Cooldown – 5 min low intensity (then stretch major muscle groups)

SWIMMING WORKOUTThe idea for this workout came from the High Performance Fitness coaching at Surfing Australia. They have similar swimming workouts for their surfers.

You can do this workout at a local swimming pool. In addition to boosting your fitness, it will also help improve your ability to hold your breath. It simulates paddling out to the lineup while having to duckdive the incoming waves.

Swim 100m freestyle and whilst duckdiving, touch the bottom with your hands every 10m. Rest for 30 sec after 100m. Repeat until you have done 1000m.

Once you’ve mastered this, you can increase the intensity by not taking in a full breath before you duckdive to the bottom.

RUN SWIM RUNThis will give you the benefits of both of the previous workouts in one. Do this at the beach.

• Warmup – 5 min low/moderate intensity run

• Swim 50-100m straight out into the ocean duckdiving under the waves, then turn around and swim back in.

• As soon as you get back to shore, run down the beach for 60 sec as hard as you can.

• Rest for 60 sec, then repeat the swim/run intervals for up to 5 rounds.

• Cooldown – 5 min low intensity jog (then stretch major muscle groups)

CARDIO TRAININGBUILD YOUR ENERGY LEVELS FOR SURFING USING THE “NEW SCIENCE” OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING WORDS: CLAYTON BEATTY

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 site for surf-specific functional training exercises. Go to TotalSurfingFitness.com, and there’s

even a free sample workout to get you started.

Gone are the days of doing long, steady state aerobic workouts to build your cardiovascular fitness for surfing. I mean who wants to spend hours every week jogging on a treadmill or sitting on an exercise bike when you can get twice the results in half the time using the new science of cardio training.

What is the new science you ask? The latest exercise science proves that interval training is the fastest way to build your endurance. When you surf, you are using 2 main energy systems, your aerobic energy system and your anaerobic energy system.

You aerobic energy system uses oxygen as its main fuel and is the dominating energy system for bouts of exercise lasting several minutes or more, for example when you are paddling out to the break. Your anaerobic energy system on the other hand is used for shorter bouts of more intense exercise such as paddling for a wave.

If you want to have lots of energy so you can surf longer without getting fatigued, then you need to train both of these energy systems. That is where interval training comes into play. Interval training is where you do shorter bouts of higher intensity activity dispersed with periods of lower intensity activity or rest.

Following are several different interval training workouts you can use to build your cardiovascular surfing fitness. Include 2-3 cardio workouts into your weekly training schedule and get ready to feel your energy levels skyrocket when you are out in the surf.

Pro Teck Fins

Travel Safe Repair Kts

Nose & Paddle Guards,

Rail Tape & Leash Plugs

SURFTECH AUSTRALIAwww.surftechaustralia.com.au

02 4226 1322

SCH_SB_13_20110501.indd 1 3/05/11 9:58 AM

July2011_Smorgas_Spread fitness.indd 90 21/06/11 10:25 AM

“TO PICK UP A BIG WAVE IS EASY BUT TO SURVIVE A BIG

WAVE IS ANOTHER STORY.”91jul/aug 2011

A hold down can be frightening. When seconds feel like hours, it’s only too easy to think the worst and work yourself up into a panic. Most, if not all of us, would feel a lot more comfortable being armed with extra knowledge and skills to cope better under water. And knowing you could hold you breath a bit longer would be helpful too. WORDS: MARK CHAPMAN

David Mesnard is a the tall and bronzed french-born freediver and owner of luxury Maldivian charter boat, the Ocean Dancer. He recently spent a short time In Australia to conduct some freediving training clinics with professional surfers. As gracious a host on Australian soil as ex-guests say he is on the boat, David took some time out of his busy schedule to chat to us about the training program for his guests on board.

“I teach them how to freedive - basically, how to hold their breath under water,” David explains. “We train them for when they get trapped under the waves. We have a special therapy for that.”

Since 2006 the Ocean Dancer has been providing an upmarket alternative for a surf trip to the Maldives. The guests live in board in luxury for seven nights, spoiled by - amongst others - the on-board chef and massage therapist. Between surfs, David conducts a freediving course.

“It’s all about relaxation. Everything is mental. Everything you achieve in life is all about control and how you can mentally take control of your body,” he tells us.

“When people are surfing and they get trapped under big waves, they freak out because they get held down too long, so we try to explain to them the process of relaxation - what to think about and how to plan their timing.

“To pick up a big wave is easy but to survive a big wave is another story.”

Everyone who participates in the course experiences an improvement in their ability to hold their breath but it’s more to it than that, David says.

“The goal is not so much about how long you will hold your breath - that will come automatically. The goal is to be able to think about something that is enjoyable, not something unpleasant. By the time you think about that, your body reacts and your mind takes control. So instead of thinking negatively and freaking out, you can cope with the situation and be in control.”

A healthy dose of self discovery comes as an added bonus for most.

“People can tell you whatever they want, how great they are and how well they do things, but underwater there’s no bullshit,” David smiles. “They can’t cheat you under water. Once you put someone’s head under water… once he needs to breathe, he needs to breathe.”

“Doing this freediving clinic is a real therapy for everyday life. We teach people how to be in control in everyday situations. We train people not to be victim to their emotion.”

For more information on the Ocean Dancer, see the website www.oceandancer-maldives.com and for bookings, get in touch with the folks at World Surfaris: www.worldsurfaris.com or call 1800 611 163

DEEP BREATH

CLOS

EOUT

: FITN

ESS

July2011_Smorgas_Spread fitness.indd 91 21/06/11 10:24 AM

CLOS

EOUT

: BOO

KS

92 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread book-spread.indd 92 13/06/11 5:16 AM

SURF!IN THE WATER WITH WAVE HUNTERS WHITE STAR PUBLISHERS/SCRIBO GROUP

French journo Guillaume Dufau brings together extreme sport photography from across the globe in this 200+ page hardcover book. In true smorgasboarding style, this book covers all aspects and disciplines of waveriding from surfing to windsurfing and kite, bodysurfing and bodyboarding to SUP and plenty more - even skimboarding.Recording ‘the astonishing feats of the world’s master surfers’ it’s all about the power and beauty of the ocean as seen through a collection of stunning images from locations all around the world. Tow In is definitely the standout section is the book. The amazing big wave shots from Jaws and Dungeons are enough to inject a healthy dose of fear into the most sane surfers out there.Surf! In the water with wave hunters is a great addition to the coffee table collection of any avid water fan, and retailing at $59.99, it’s a pretty good gift option too.Mark Chapman

Wipeouts with consequences... Plenty of dramatic images like this one fill the pages of Surf! In the water with wave hunters Photo:Tim McKenna, courtesy of Scribo Group

93jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread book-spread.indd 93 13/06/11 5:16 AM

MUSIC

THE WAIFSTEMPTATION JARRAH RECORDS/MGM

The Waifs sixth studio album, “Temptation” reverts back to the foundations of country and folk. The band has developed a solid reputation and extensive fan base over 20 years and this release is sure to more than satisfy loyal fans. The album is beautifully packaged and is representative of the stripped back and ambient sounds. While some of the songs lack the hook of some their past hits, highlights include Beautiful Night and Drifting Dreaming. This is definitely a laid back album for a laid back day. For more, see the website www.thewaifs.com.Gus Brown

RELENTLESSSET IN STONE DOGFIGHT RECORDS

Okay, I’m a sucker for NY-style hardcore. And for a bunch of Sydney surfers, these boys absolutely nail it. From the opening bounce of Against to faster numbers like Faced with the End, this is all hardcore gold. Relentless is as good on the album as they are live. Fans of Madball, AF and the like will love this. Guaranteed.www.myspace.com/relentlesshcMark Chapman

ONE VITAL WORDEARLY DAYS PEE RECORDS

One Vital Word is a punk hardcore band from Newcastle playing fun, energetic and fast-paced music. “Early Days”, on the great SA punk label, Pee Records is a five-track burst of energy. Mostly shouty stuff, but featuring some high-quality H20-ish singalong melodies in the title track. More of that please, gents. Not the average Joe’s cup of tea, but well worth a listen for the punkers out there. www.peerecords.com.Mark Chapman

THE OCEANICSGET FRIENDLY, MISTRESS, MAYBE EP INDEPENDENT RELEASE

Although the Oceanics have been around on the live music scene for a while including an appearance at the Big Day Out, this is their first official EP release. After listening on high rotation this indie-pop outfit had me moving around singing along as if I knew the lyrics. The music is tight, upbeat and should be accessible to a wide audience. Although all the songs rock, $12 Specs and Funs Over are the choice picks. This is a solid introduction to a currently unsigned band that’s going places. Check out dates and venues for shows at www.myspace.com/oceanics_band.Gus Brown

THE WINDY HILLSFRIEND FROM ANOTHER STAR SPUNK! RECORDS

Andrew Kidman is a clever man. Prolific and talented, his name inevitably pops up in any conversation on surf art and culture. Having more than dabbled in all artistic disciplines from writing to painting, photography to of course filmmaking, The Windy Hills is a return to an exploration of music.Laidback, slow and melancholy, this is most certainly not a party album, but rather reflective mood music.The recording is honest and raw in its production and I’m a sucker for the guitar tones - from smooth and clean to gloriously dirty and overdriven.Atlantic City Ashes is an easy favourite with a super-catchy chorus. Another standout is the trippy Bingo Love. The very chilled Road Block sees a guest appearance from Neal Purchase Jr. on guitar and is also a definite winner. 10 relaxed tracks and a neat digipack make this a worthwhile buy for yourself or a great gift for any Kidman fan.www.andrewkidman.comMark Chapman

94 jul/aug 2011

July2011_Smorgas_Spread 094-097.indd 94 13/06/11 5:12 AM

QLD CENTRAL COAST REEF 2 BEACH SURF SHOP 07 4974 9072 Shop 1, 10 Round Hill Road Agnes Water/1770 www.reef2beachsurf.comSUNSHINE COAST

NOOSA SURF WORKS 07 5474 4567 1/11 Bartlett St, Noosaville www.shotgunsurf.com www.lagunabaysurf.com WATERLINE 07 5474 1010 - 2/15 Venture Dr, Noosaville, www.zeewetsuits.com ILLUSIONS NOOSA 0488 686 206 2/2 Venture Dve, Noosaville & Shop 3A/11 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Junction www.illusionsnoosa.com.auCLASSIC MALIBU AUSTRALIA 07 5474 3122 Cnr Gibson and Eumundi Rds, Noosaville, www.classicmalibu.com 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 SOLACE 07 5455 4826 - 20 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach, solacestore.blogspot.comSURF 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.auBLUE LINES 07 5351 1986 - 1776 The Esplanade, Coolum BeachWALLY’S WATER GALLERY 07 5448 8560 6 Lorraine Beach, Marcoola Beach OLD WOMAN SURF SHOP 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 8215 - 4-6 Beerburrum St, Dicky Beach 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 SURF PLANET 07 5476 6200 Shop 5, Buderim Marketplace Buderim www.surfplanet.com.au THE FACTORY 07 5492 5838 - 15 Allen St, Caloundra thefactorysurf.com.au SURFWARE AUSTRALIA 07 5491 3620 2 Bulcock St, CaloundraBRISBANE PRIMITIVE SURF 07 3266 1001 - 601 Nudgee Rd, Nundah primitivesurf.comGOODTIME 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.auNTH STRADBROKE ISLAND MINTY SURFBOARDS 07 3409 8334 - Point Lookout www.bobmintysurfboards.com GOLD COAST

SURF FX 07 5531 3199 - 127 Ferry Road, Southport www.surf-fx.com SIDEWAYS 07 5592 3849 - 3012 Surfers Blvd, Surfers Paradise sidewaysboardsports.com.au DUKE’S LONGBOARDS 07 5572 0477 2578 Gold Coast Hwy Mermaid Beach www.dukeslongboards.com STUART SURF DESIGN 07 5572 0098 2576 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach www.stuartsurf.com.au

GANGSTA SURF 07 5526 6969 - Shop 1/ 2558 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach www.gangstasurf.com

GREENLINE PADDLESURF 0412 398 585 2544 Gold Coast Hwy Mermaid Beach www.greenlinepaddlesurf.com

BOARD CULTURE 07 5572 9866 2438 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach www.boardculture.com.au

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 07 5526 6377 2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

THE BOARDROOM 07 5527 7877 2084 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami

LOWEN 88 07 5526 5161 - 2a/2172 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami www.lowen88.com

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

WORLD SURFERS 07 5535 4037 63 Lower West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh

SEAN SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY 07 5520 2774 Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, Shop 10, Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads 07 5599 1150 - Shop 3, 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta seanscottphotography.com.au

DALE CHAPMAN SURF DESIGNS 07 5593 8411 Unit 3/48 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads www.chapmansurfboards.com

SOUTHCOAST FOAM 07 5522 1600 - 15 Greg Chappell Dr, Burleigh Gdns Estate, Andrews www.southcoastfoam.com.au

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

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

BRUNSWICK SURF 02 6685 1283 1/12 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads www.brunswicksurf.com.au

McTAVISH 02 6680 8807 - 91 Centenial Circuit, Byron Bay www.mctavish.com.au

MADDOG SURF CENTRE 02 6685 6395 91 Jonson St, Byron Bay; 02 6685 6466 4 Jonson St, Byron Bay www.maddog.com.au

MC SURF DESIGNS 02 6685 8778 - 3 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay www.mcsurf.com.au

NORTH COAST SURFBOARDS 02 6685 6896 29 Acacia St, Byron Bay bearsurfboards.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

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 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.comTHE PLANK SHOP 02 6645 8362 Top of the Hill, Yamba

NSW MID NORTH COAST XS SURF 02 6654 1049 - 76 Beach Street, Woolgoolga www.xssurf.com COOPERS SURF CENTRES 02 6654 0033 56D Beach St, Woolgoolga; 02 6652 8146 28 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour

FLANAGAN SURFBOARDS 0432 361 694 Unit 26, 22 Lawson Cres, Coffs Harbour www.flanagansurfboards.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

SONIC SURF 02 6568 4666 1 Cooper Street, Macksville, Scotts Head

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 Heads

INNER VISION SURF ‘N’ SKATE 02 6583 7790 80 William St, Port Macquarie

SALTWATER WINE 02 6584 4877 1/125 Gordon St, Port Macquarie www.saltwaterwine.com.au

SANDY FEET 02 6584 1995 5/21 Clarence 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

NEWCASTLENEWCASTLE 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

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 9b 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

SUPER SWELL 02 9144 3229 166 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives

STAND UP PADDLE GEAR AUSTRALIA 02 9986 3420 6/53 Myora Rd, Terrey Hills www.supgearaustralia.com

SUGARMILL SURF EMPORIUM 02 9913 3332 2/1329 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen www.sugarmillsurf.com

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

SIX OUNCE 0408 259 783 - 48-50 Pittwater Rd, Manly www.sixounceboardstore.com

ALOHA MANLY STYLE 02 9977 3777 44 Pittwater Rd, Manly www.alohasurfmanly.com.au

BASE SURFBOARDS 02 9976 0591 - 46 North Steyne Rd, Manly www.basesurfboards.com

SALTMOTION 02 9976 6518 Market Place, Manly www.saltmotion.com

MANLY LONGBOARD CO. 02 9977 0093 39 Belgrave St, Manly manlylongboard.com

HERITAGE SURF 02 9977 7623 - 24 Darley Rd, Manly www.heritagesurfaustralia.com

SURFECTION 02 9969 1011 - 522 Military Rd, Mosman www.surfectionmosman.com

SYDNEY SOUTH

BONDI UNDERGROUND 02 9365 0870 2/72 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach

DRIPPING WET SURF CO. 02 9300 0055 180-186 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach

SURF CULTURE 02 9389 5477 - 40 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction www.surfculture.com.au

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

SURF DIRECTORYPick up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in September.Businesses that advertise in smorgasboarder allow us to bring you the magazine for FREE. So, be sure to support them!

WATER SURF+ART+CAFEDistinctively 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 4500370 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Jettywww.watersurfartcafe.com

CRONULLA STANDUP PADDLEBOARDEverything to do with S.U.PLessons, Hire, Sales of New and Used equipment, Accesories, Apparel & more

02 9544 22930400 085 823 Shop 3,13-15 The Kingsway Cronulla, NSW 2230 www.cronullasup.com

95jul/aug 2011


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, WollongongNSW SOUTH COAST ZINK SURF 02 4233 1189 - 136 Terralong St, Kiama www.zinksurf.com.au NATURAL NECESSITY SURF SHOP 02 4234 1636 115 Fern St, Gerringong www.nnss.com.au AQUATIQUE 02 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 Road, Sussex Inlet www.oceanearth.com SUN & SURF SHOP 02 4441 1938 Shop 1, 168 Jacobs Dve, Sussex Inlet 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.auNAROOMA 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 MERIMBULA SURF SHOP 02 6495 1515 Merimbula Drive, Merimbula SALTWATER DREAM 02 6495 1600 39 Market St, Merimbula CORE SURF SKATE AND KITE 02 6494 3374 49 Toalla St, Pambula Village www.pambulasurfshop.com.au COUNTRY VIC SURF SHACK 03 5155 4933 507 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

ATOLL TRAVEL 1800 622 310 - 4 Bridge Street, Foster www.atolltravel.com SERIOUS SURF STUFF 03 5674 2540 1 Williams St , Inverloch VORTEX SURF & SKATE 03 5672 4112 54 McBride Ave, WonthaggiPHILLIP 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, SorrentoVIC SURF COAST MURFS LONGBOARDS 03 5255 5525 82 The Terrace, Ocean Grove www.murfslongboards.com.au STRAPPER SURF 03 5255 2666 67b The Terrace, Ocean Grove www.strapper.com.au GREEN ROOM SURF SHOP 03 5256 2996 64 The Terrace, Ocean Grove www.greenroom.com.au RASTA’S 03 5254 3255 51 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads rastasurfboards.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 BASE 03 5261 5666 - 3/108 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay www.basesurfboards.com STRAPPER 03 5261 3508 - 96 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay; 03 5261 2312 - 106 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay www.strapper.com.au WATERMARKS PHOTO GALLERY 03 5264 7232 38-40 Bell Street, Torquay www.watermarksphotogallery.com.au TORQUAY SURFING ACADEMY 03 5261 2022 34A Bell St, Torquay torquaysurf.com.au TIGERFISH 03 5264 7271 - 12/15 Bell St, Torquay www.tigerfish.com.au

ANGLESEA SURF CENTRE 03 5263 1530 111 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea www.secondhandsurfboards.com.au LORNE SURF SHOP 03 5289 1673 130 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne SHARKY’S 03 5289 2421 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne HODGY’S SURF CENTRE 03 5237 7883 143 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay hodgys.com SHIPWRECK COAST PORT CAMPBELL TRADING CO. 03 5598 6444 27 Lord Street, Port Campbell TAYLORS SURFODESY 03 5562 5681 132 Liebig Street, Warrnambool WARRNAMBOOL SURF CENTRE 03 5562 1981 136 Koroit Street, Warrnambool DAKTARI SURF/DIVE 03 5568 2800 33 Bank Street, Port Fairy www.daktarisport.com.auSOUTH AUSTRALIA CUTLOOSE SURF 08 8326 0939 - 4 Piping Lane, Lonsdale www.cutloosesurf.com.au MID COAST SURF 08 83845522 - 8/200 Dyson Road, Lonsdale www.midcoastsurf.com.au PREECE’S SOUTH PORT SURF 08 8386 0404 159 Esplanade, Port Noarlunga South www.preece-sthport-surf.com.au BARREL SURF 08 8555 5422 - 10c Cadell St, Goolwa www.barrellsurf.com.au BIG SURF AUSTRALIA 08 8554 2399 24 Goolwa Rd, Middleton SOUTHERN SURF 08 8554 2375 36 North Tce, Port Elliot THE SURF SHOP 08 8552 5466 -15 Albert Place, Victor Harbor thesurfshop.net.au THE DING KING / CLARK SURFBOARDS 0422 443 789 - 20 Cottage Road, Hackham [email protected] SURF ESTEEM 08 8557 7201 - Aldinga Central Shopping Centre www.surfesteem.com ONBOARD SURF WIND SNOW 08 8294 3866 21 Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga; 1-3 Lights Landing, Holdfast Shores, Glenelg www.onboardsurf.com.au JRS SURF & SKI 08 838 47466 - Centro Colonnades; 08 8377 0322 - Westfield Marion; 08 8223 5505 -121 Grenfell St, Adelaide CBD; 08 8231 9577 - Myer Centre, Adelaide CBD; 08 8396 4822 Tea Tree Plus www.jrssurfandski.com.au FLY BOARDRIDING 08 8386 0100 Shop 41 Seaford Shopping Centre www.flyboardriding.com.au ISLAND SURF 08 8296 9776 363 Brighton Road Hove EXTREME BOARDRIDERS 08 8295 1219 1/118 Jetty Rd, Glenelg WALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS 08 8376 4914 27 Oaklands Rd, Somerton Park www.wallbridge.com.au SANCTUARY SURFERS 0403 134 478 201 Waymouth St, Adelaide www.sanctuary.net.au

SNOW & SURF CO. 08 8223 5277

187 Rundle St, Adelaide

www.snowsurf.com.au

LONGARM BOARD HOLDERArms too short? Too far to walk? Get a grip!

0408 092 122www.long-eaz.com

LONG-EAZ

EASTCOAST STAND UP PADDLEDedicated 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 4560090418 294854 27 Throsby CloseBarden Ridge eastcoaststanduppaddle.com.au

AGNES WATER/1770REEF 2 BEACH(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)07 4974 9072

SUNSHINE COASTDA BOMB(Mon – Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm)07 5451 0620 - Maroochydore07 5437 9201 - Bokarina

BRISBANEPRIMITIVE SURF(Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:30pm, Thurs 8:30am-8pm, Sat, 8:30-4pm, Sun, 10-4pm)07 3266 1001

SOUTHPORTKOMA (M-F 9-5pm, Sat 9-12pm)0402 863 763

MIAMIDINO’S DING REPAIRS(M-F 9-5pm, Sat 9-12pm)0409 727 735

TUGUNDIVERSE(M-F,8:30-5:30pm, Sat and Sun, 9-4pm)07 5598 4848

COOLANGATTAUNDERGROUND SURF(7 days, 9-5pm)07 5599 1040

FULL FORCE(M-F, 9-5pm)07 5524 2933

BYRON BAYBYRON BAY DING REPAIRS(Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30pm)02 6685 6770 0409 849 442

YAMBATHE PLANK SHOP02 6645 8362

TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS(Tues-Fri, 9-4pm, Sat, 9-12pm) 0432 330 826

COFFS HARBOURTHE LOG SHACK(M-F, 10-5pm, Sat & Sun 10-2:30pm)02 6658 0223

NORAH HEADBUCKO’S SURFBOARD REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS(M-F, 10-5.30pm, weekends by appointment0422 304 078

LONG JETTYS & D SURF DESIGNS(M-F, 9-4pm, Sat 9-12pm)0437 032 614

SYDNEY NORTHBROOKVALE SURFBOARD REPAIRS (M-F,8:30-5:30pm, Sat and Sun, 9-4pm)0403 971 072 CHAOS SURFBOARDS(M-F,9-6pm, Sat & Sun 8:30-6pm)02 9907 2769

WOOLONGONGSKIPP SURFBOARDSM-F,9-5:30, Thurs 9-7:30pm, Sat 9-4, Sun 10-4)02 4228 8878

JERVIS BAYINNER FEELING SURFBOARDS(7 days, 9-5pm)02 4441 6756

NAROOMADSC SURFBOARDS(7 days, 9-5pm)0424 867 962

THORNBURYZAK SURFBOARDS(Mon-Fri,10-6pm; Sat 10-5pm)03 9416 7384

TORQUAYSTONKER TORQUAY(Mon – Fri, 9-5pm)03 5261 6077

PHILLIP ISLANDISLANTIS(7 days , 9-5pm)03 5956 7553

ISLAND SURF SHOP - COWES(7 days, 9-5pm)03 5952 2578

FULLCIRCLE SURF(7 days, 9-5pm)03 5956 7453

ADELAIDEWALLBRIDGE SURFBOARDS(M-F, 9-5.30pm, Sat 9-4pm) 08 8376 4914

SOUTH ADELAIDETHE DING KING(M-F, 9-5pm)0422 443 789

DING REPAIRS

FIX BROKEN BOARDS?Promote your repair business for $15

an edition. Call 0401 345 201

SURF DIRECTORY Pick up the next edition of smorgasboarder at any of these fine businesses - out in September.

96 jul/aug 2011


TV kitchengym poollaundry wi-fiparking family-friendly pet-friendly spaairconditioning bbq

THE ISLANDER HOLIDAY RESORT41 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 8388E: islander@stradbrokeresorts.com.auislander.stradbrokeresorts.com.au

From $225 for 2 nights

QUEENSLAND NEW SOUTH WALES

SURF TRIP ACCOMMODATIONPlanning 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.

WHALE WATCH OCEAN BEACH RESORTSamarinda 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 8555E: reservations@

whalewatchresort.com.auwww.whalewatchresort.com.au

STRADBROKE ISLAND HOLIDAYSShop 2 Raby Bay Harbour152 Shore Street WestCleveland

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

PANDANUS PALMS HOLIDAY RESORT21 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 8106E: [email protected]

From $330.00 for two nights

CALOUNDRA HOLIDAY CENTRE1/78 Bulcock St, CaloundraCaloundra 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 5444E: [email protected] caloundraholidaycentre.com.au

From $340 p/w, low season

VICTORIA

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, air-conditioning 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 3000E: [email protected] www.kiamacove.com.au

From $99-$169 per room per night

IBIS WOLLONGONGCnr Church and Market StreetWollongong

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 6000E: [email protected] www.accorhotels.com/6377

From $119 per room per night

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 9038E: [email protected]

From $325 for two nights.

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 422E: [email protected]

SILVERWATER RESORT17 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 townPhone: 1800 033 [email protected]

From $175 per night

97jul/aug 2011


ROCKIN’ THE SANBAHMerewether’s trendy surf and fashion store, Sanbah, celebrated the opening of their new joint at Junction Fair in style.

PHOTOS: 1. Jesse Adam and Cable from Vampirate

Surfboards2. The groms - sponsored Sanbah team riders

(L-R) Louie Stackhouse, Jack Taylor, Jackson Baker and Luke Hamilton

3. Mark Gnech, Hayden Cox and Ozzie Wright4. Stephanie Smith and Sophie Damen5. The hosts Rhys and Sophie Smith - owners

of Sanbah - with interior stylist for Sanbah Tim Neve

6. Happy couple Lauren and Ryan Smith7. At the skatewall - Lewis Brent, Tom Antcliff,

Joel O’Brien and Jake Sylvester8. Lauren Miller and James Simpson

If you’re in Newcastle, make sure to pop in to Sanbah, check out their variety of wares and say of course, g’day to Rhys and Sophie. www.sanbahsurf.com.au

A DECENT FEED OF FUNThe annual longboard competition staged by the Merimbula Sailboard Club recently took place and by all accounts, a lot of fun was had by all. The event has been running for 25 years now and has taken on many names such as The Maligator, The Maltrix and the In-4-Mal. This year it was Malnutrition. For many of the competitors it’s the only time throughout the year they ride a mal.

Photos by Stan Squire, artist for - amongst others - Bushrat Surfboards. To check out his artwork, see stansquire.com

PHOTOS: 1. Dave Pimm of Sydney2. Jay Mulherin of Cooma and Gary Corbett of

Merimbula (paddling)3. Dave Prowse of Pambula4. Henry Jones, Mark Hagan, James Hagan5. Jacob Holme6. Jed Done7. Lachie McNeil

CLOS

EOUT

: REL

AX

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EVENT If you have something on the go, let us know. Email us on: [email protected]

6.

2.

5.3.

6.

4.

7. 8.

1.

2. 3.1.

4.

7.6.

5.

98 jul/aug 2011

ZE’ RIGHT TIME FOR A NEW WETSUIT!

Sacre bleu! Wis years of local experience and ze ‘ighest quality materials, a ZEE wetsuit is ze warmest and most comfortable wetsuit you can own. Most importantly, every ZEE WETSUIT is built to last. Made locally and 100% Australian owned.

ZEE WETSUITS!

Call: 07 5474 1010Fax: 07 5474 2111

Unit 2, 15 Venture Drive, Noosaville, QLD

[email protected]

SHOWROOM SHE IS

OPEN ZEE 7 DAYS!

July2011_Smorgas_Spread socials.indd 98 12/06/11 11:47 PM

99jul/aug 2011

ZE’ RIGHT TIME FOR A NEW WETSUIT!

Sacre bleu! Wis years of local experience and ze ‘ighest quality materials, a ZEE wetsuit is ze warmest and most comfortable wetsuit you can own. Most importantly, every ZEE WETSUIT is built to last. Made locally and 100% Australian owned.

ZEE WETSUITS!

Call: 07 5474 1010Fax: 07 5474 2111

Unit 2, 15 Venture Drive, Noosaville, QLD

[email protected]

SHOWROOM SHE IS

OPEN ZEE 7 DAYS!

July2011_Smorgas_Spread socials.indd 99 12/06/11 9:42 PM

July2011_Smorgas_Spread_100.indd 100 12/06/11 9:45 PM

Smorgasboarder Surfing Magazine issue 6

Documents

Transcript of Smorgasboarder Surfing Magazine issue 6