focusinterview.
JIM NEWTON
SURFBOARD SHAPER
JIM NEWTON IS ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING SURFBOARD SHAPERS AND REPAIRERS IN THE LOCAL AREA; CHEAP IMPORTED BOARDS HAVE MADE IT ALL BUT IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE A DECENT LIVING OUT OF THE CRAFT. FOCUS WENT ALONG TO JIM'S SHAPING BAY, TO FIND OUT MORE.
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urrently one of the only people offering quality repairs for surfboards and SUPs in Coffs, if you spend time in the sea you will find your way to his door sooner or later. Can you tell us about your connection to the Coffs Coast? During the 1990s I lived in the Grafton area and made a few surfboards for Paul Guthrie’s “North Coast Surf Company”, in Grafton, Woolgoolga and Toormina. I moved to Coffs Harbour in 1997 and I helped build the Christian City Church (C3) in June Street. I was employed by Peter Lubans of “The Promenade” to run the canoe hire there and manage the maintenance of the “The Promenade”. In 1994, I purchased the canoe hire and expanded it to include Coffs Kayak and Canoe Centre sales and hire. In 2012 I was compelled to look into the surf industry in the Coffs region. I discovered a lack of specialist surfboard repairers. Surf Craft Repairs re-emerged, and the desire to make surfboards again came as well. As a minor player in manufacturing, it does allow me to design new concepts and offer glassing services and tips to other young shapers around Coffs. I sponsor a couple of riders in Coffs Harbour, in varying degrees - Joel Brennan and Josh Burrows (a few others are on the watch list). Could you briefly explain what it is that you do? Surf Craft Repairs repair all forms of surfing craft, surfboards, SUPs and SLSC craft. Surfboards - new and second hand, plus accessories. Newton Surfboards makes surfboards from young grom size to Malibus.
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How long have you been involved in this line of work? Since 1970 and on through into the '90s. I sponsor a couple of riders I'm originally from North , Narrabean in Sydney, where I in Coffs Harbour s ee gr de g in ry in va made surfboards and repaired d an - Joel Brennan them, starting "Surf Craft w fe (a s Josh Burrow Repairs" in 1978. e th on e others ar During the '70s and '80s I watch list).” glassed surfboards for my brother, and Vietnam Bryan Newton, and other shapers on have damaged the the Northern Beaches of Sydney. local industry with I also a short stint at “Morning Star inferior product (some Surfboards” at Mona Vale in ‘79. improvements have been made, During the later 1980s, I spent time but nowhere near enough). at "Bennett Surfboards" and “Shane "Entrepreneurs" have thought more Surfboards” with Shane Steadman and Rod about making a buck, than looking after local Hocker, developing the epoxy systems some industries, having taken advantage of the "free manufacturers are using today. trade" - killing many small businesses. Where did you learn how to work with You also do a lot of repairs. Can you briefly surfboards, resin and foam? describe the range of what comes through I am self taught - knowing there has to be the door? better ways ... finding new ways to do things. The biggest change in the surfboard industry However, watching others in manufacturing since the 1970s has been the quality of the in the industry (covertly), had a lot to do with it. workmanship in making a surf craft. I learnt from some of the best: Col Smith, In the early years, surfboards were made to Bryan Newton, Barry Bennett, Shane Steadman, last. Rod Hocker and others, all legends. Today, many of the surfboards you buy have The industry was a lot more close-knit in a life span of three months (surf hard, you could those days. Although each had their way, many go through a few surfboards each year). still shared. The products I repair the most are "off the How have things changed in the industry? shelf" surfboards, most made overseas. Those who know have become more This includes surfboards, SUPs (Stand Up protective of their knowledge; in part, because Paddleboards), and SLSC paddleboards. we have seen many in the industry ripped off. Damage? Everything; I fix everything The Australian "Free Trade" arrangements polyester and epoxy. has not benefitted small business in Australia; What makes a good surfboard? it has put many out of business. So much Simply, a surfboard made to meet local for a government that says it prides itself on conditions, from local surfers with local supporting small business! knowledge. The imports from China, Thailand, Indonesia e.g. Why buy an $850 surfboard, when a
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local guy can do it for less than $600? What advice would you give to someone who is looking to purchase his or her first board? It is all a "size to weight" ratio. If you’re small, you don’t need an 8 - 9 foot Malibu. If you’re big, maybe you do. However, something around 7 foot. A foamie is OK for about three months, then you’ll get frustrated. For a young grom (youngster surfer), no bigger than 6 foot, with some area in the shape. There are very few shapers left in the local area; why is that? I have covered that previously ... imports, disillusion. There are a few still holding to the vision: Ron Goddard, Richie West, Dennis Anderson. What do you love most about surfing on the Coffs Coast? Mateship sums it up. Much of that has disappeared in Sydney, where I grew up. Where can people contact you? Surf Craft Repairs / Jim’s Tradition Backyard Surf Shop / Newton Surfboards. Facebook. Ph. 0402 864 062. 4/6 Druitt Court, Coffs Harbour (directly behind "Lifehouse Church"). Thanks Jim.