Smorgasboarder Spring 2015

INSIDE: SHARKS - IT’S TIME TO TALK | SOFTBOARDS - WE TEST THEM ALL | INSPIRING PEOPLE, BRILLIANT BOARDS & AMAZING PLACES

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ALSO AVAILABLE

Custom Built This board has been custom built by hand in Australia. In fact, Mark can build just about anything to suit the surfer, home décor, the occasion and the budget.

• Fin boxes with all wood covers • Wood coloured fin boxes • Fin box install kits • Clear board grip tape - Let the beauty of the balsa show through with clear Versagrip Traction Tape.

Environmentally friendly and suits all size boards.

• Timber fins • Surfboards • Blanks • Cork tail pads & SUP deck grip

He is very particular with the stringer combinations. This board has 40 stringers and is for a 40th birthday.

Balsawood is a fast grown wood that is sustainable. All boards and production are of an environmental friendly practice.

Riley has been building boards since 1995 and continue to build unique boards. They build from light performance shortboards, to solid wallhangers, to classic birthday presents, light 12ft SUP and everything inbetween.

With over 1,000 sticks of balsa in stock to choose from in big 160mm x 75 x 3050mm pieces, you just can’t go wrong.

• Aussie-made leashes • Raw balsa/ cedar DIY board kits • Instructional DVDs • Board racks • Tide clocks • LICK liquid surf wax.

Wholesale enquires welcome

SURFBOARDS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH!

w SHIPPING ANYWHERE, INCLUDING NZ 4

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HANDCRAFTED IN AUSTRALIA Riley Balsawood Surfboards are made using renewable resource balsa and recycled polystyrene for performance, durability, beauty and lower environmental impact

Call 0412 376 464 or Email mark@riley.com.au

www.balsasurfboardsriley.com.au Australian Environmentally-friendly handcrafted surfboards for the individual in all of us, with a guarantee. Enjoy Responsibly SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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The kids are coming up! Find out more about the kids of the Currimundi Primary School Surf Excellence Group on page 28 Photo: Janine Ranford

R E N E W No, we’re not talking about updating your home delivery subscription to Smorgasboarder - although that’s always a smart thing to do. What we’re banging on about in this edition’s little welcome piece is the season - Spring - which is the ultimate time of renewal in so many different ways. It’s not just nature that’s woken up again with fresh greenery abundant everywhere and sunrise appearing on the horizon earlier and earlier each day...

Spring is also a renewal of people’s whole outlook on life.

Life runs at a crazy pace, but Spring just feels like the time to take a breath and put it all in perspective, to remember what’s truly important and think about your particular place in the world.

Am I making the world a better place? Do I need to do something better, or differently? It’s funny how sitting out the back is such a perfect venue for this conversation. No distractions, no phonecalls, no agendas other than to get a solid bottom turn in.

Take the time for yourself. Enjoy the warmer water, the earlier starts... Whether it’s perfect and glassy or onshore and messy, always be grateful that we’re so damn lucky!

Here’s to the best wave you’re yet to catch... Spread happiness and we hope you get a whole heap of good reading and enjoyment out of this Spring edition!

Cheers!

rders

sboa the Smorga

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WELCOME

SPRING IS NATURE’S WAY OF SAYING "LET’S PARTY" ROBIN WILLIAMS

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WHAT'S

INSIDE...

DETAILS, CREDITS & STUFF Grab SMORGASBOARDER FREE at quality surf stores, shapers and cool cafés on the coast of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and New Zealand... Be nice and buy something while you’re there. Or read it online.

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY

If you can’t get to a store or other venue to pick the mag up in person, you can also choose to have SMORGASBOARDER delivered to your door. See www.smorgasboarder.com.au. A few back issues are also available for $5 a piece, plus t-shirts & more!

SHARKS... WHAT NEXT? 38 We need to have a talk

LATEST LOCALS

52 Meet your surfing siblings

SOFTBOARDS 80 Ride ‘em all

THE USUAL LATEST 14 18

Reader photos News & Community

GEAR 72 78

Surfboards Ding Repairs

98 107 113 114

Surfer’s Directories Socials Music Aloha Barry

$25 AUS & NZ - 1 YEAR - SIX EDITIONS.

THE COVER SHOT

Craig Bessant of Foamballs Photography scored this amazing birds-eye view. If this doesn’t make you want to get out there we don’t know what will.

More of Craig’s work at www.facebook.com/FOAMBALLS

SMORGASBOARDERS

CONTRIBUTING...

ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL: Dave Swan dave@smorgasboarder.com.au 0401 345 201

This is YOUR mag. It’s here for you to tell your stories, show your pictures and share your thoughts - and score some free stuff on the way too, to boot.

NEW ZEALAND: ‘Jiff’ Morris jeff@smorgasboarder.co.nz 0220 943 913 DESIGN/EDITORIAL: Mark Chapman mark@smorgasboarder.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA: James Ellis james@smorgasboarder.com.au 0410 175 552

E: editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au P: PO Box 501, Moffat Beach QLD 4551

There’s only a few of us here, so please be patient when you get in touch - we’ll try our best to get back to you as soon as humanly possible. Get in touch to discuss any ideas you’d like to be considered for a future edition or online.

ACCOUNTS: Louise Gough louise@smorgasboarder.com.au GEAR TESTS & REVIEWS: Gus Brown gus@smorgasboarder.com.au

BEST NON-DAILY PUBLICATION

QUEENSLAND MULTIMEDIA AWARDS 2013

CLOSEOUT

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e Oliver board on Is this Jason ? er ev t af cr of the coolest for more...

See Page 72

WWW.SMORGASBOARDER.COM.AU

Smorgasboarder is published by Huge C Media Pty Ltd ABN 30944673055. All information is correct at time of going to press. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors in articles or advertisements, or unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. The opinions and words of the authors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited without prior permission.

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Snapper firing. Photo: Andrew Johns

KIller waves at North Curl Curl Photo: Ricky Logan, www.rickylogan.com.au

READER PHOTOS

Get into the action at the Pass Photo: Mark Knowles

This issue’s reader photos score a copy of ShedNine “Smash n Grab DVD. Next edition, get printed and grab a copy of the new Clutch CD, “Psychic Warfare” (review on page 113).

Send your surf shots to letters@smorgasboarder.com.au

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DIAMOND DRIVE

MINION

9’1 / 22 ¼” / 2 7/8” 9’2 / 22 ½” / 3” 9’4 / 23” / 3 1/16” FINS: 2 + 1

5’9 / 19” / 2 1/2” 5’11 / 19 3/8” / 2 1/2” 6’1 / 19 3/4” / 2 11/16” FINS: 4 + 1

EFC ENGINEERED FLEX CONSTRUCTION | SMORGASBOARDER 15 022015 4226 1322 SPRING info@watermanssurf.com.au

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CRAZY KIWIS

WHEN THE NZ SHRED BOYS go looking for adventure, it’s a

guaranteed win - these guys can find action anywhere. Here’s Jon Wilson and Chris Shaw making the most of the standing wave at the Hawea whitewater kayak park about 15 mins out of Wanaka.

Helmets are a must, thanks to submerged concrete blocks. Also good to make sure you know where your leg rope release is...

Recently someone had to be rescued by kayakers, seconds away from drowning. Suposedly he had tied his board to his leg with a piece of rope which got tangled around a bridge pylon as he fell in and was swept down river. Lucky the kayak folk were quick... www.nzshred.co.nz

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SPRING INTO ACTION WITH SOME GREAT BEANS

Great coffee, roasted daily. Volcom Lane, Raglan NZ WWW.RAGLANROAST.CO.NZ

2/09/2015 12:41 pm

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AKA: THE NEWS... COMMUNITY WHAT’S HAPPENINGS & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS letters@smorgasboarder.com.au

smorgasboarder

ABOVE: Sanwa (middle) - owner of surf shop at White Castle Hostel, Alex (right) young local Chinese surfer, Kirra Molnar (left) - Classic Malibu Marketing Manager.

WORKING IN REVERSE Classic Malibu has recently become one of the first manufacturers in the industry to export boards to China. Their expertly crafted surfboards can now be found of all places at White Castle Hostel on the tropical island of Hainan, Houhai Bay, Sanya. There are apparently a number of unridden waves around the south side of Hainan from reef breaks to beach breaks and Classic Malibu’s boards will be available to locals and tourists to taste. www.classicmalibu.com RIGHT: View looking back at White castle Hostel from a container shipwreck of Houhai Bay, Sanya.

CONGRATS! Beach Street Surf Shop owner Jamie ‘Chip’ Andrews is not only riding high in the comp results, he’s also now a proud dad to this good looking chap (getting measured for his first board). www.lostinthe60s.com 18

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FOR THE MARMILADY Readers may recall Nicole Lynch, the lady who lovingly creates stunning fashion garments by hand who we featured in our Easter Edition earlier this year (Issue #28).

Well it just so happens Nicole and Tully St John from Noosa Surf Works, who makes Shotgun Surfboards and Laguna Bay Longboards and SUPs have been friends since their late teens when they both worked in hospitality at the Coolum Hyatt (now Clive Palmer’s dinosaur park). They recently caught up and look what happened. Nicole had this to say, “So it’s kind of cool that we are both doing jobs we love and now Tully has made the most awesome board for me, with some of my favourite retro fabric pieces as inlays..” www.noosasurfworks.com.au | www.marmiladeclothing.com.au

ON THE RETREAT Last year in our Ladies Edition (Issue #24) we featured a story about The Retro Retreat in Mollymook run by Roz Johnston and Pam Burridge. The surf retreat for ladies who love to surf, or who are eagerly learning, provides the opportunity for female surfing tragics to get away and indulge in some saltwater fun with friends. Well we are pleased to say the concept has been a huge success with 6 successful retreats over the last 8 months alone. If you’re interested in sampling some of the most beautiful coastline in Australia with a bunch of friends go to: www.retroretreat.com.au

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ACTIVE READERS Here’s a few photos that were recently taken for Wyong Shire Council’s promotion for active groups in the area. What a great looking bunch of people and such a classy mag they are reading. Photos are courtesy of Hilda Bezuidenhout Photography, sent in by Greg McConnell of the Retired Surfers Fraternity. www.retiredsurfersfraternity.com

FIRE WOMEN Just have a look at what some of the crew are churning out of The Surfboard Studio.

There are some incredible looking boards coming out of the joint. In particular, two ladies by the names of Penny and Caroline have made something like 500 boards since making their first one earlier this year. Talk about being hooked on shaping.

These ladies are on fire. www.thesurfboardstudio.com.au

L-R: Caroline and Penny

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Any closer to the Superbank, and you’d be in the line up

NO HOLLOW FEELING

Photo: Kirstin Scholtz

Self-contained apartment across from some of the most amazing surf on the Gold Coast.

Ian Dellar from North Coast Holiday Parks recently helped an HSC student make a 8’6” single fin chambered paulownia surfboard for his major project. Ian got in touch to let us know how the project went.

“Angus is a really nice young fellow and the board has turned out a beaut. He hadn’t attempted anything like this previously, so it’s been a whole new experience. He’s very happy with the outcome and has arranged for Harley Ingelby to surf it prior to submitting it for marking.”

Woodn’t that be nice (sorry, couldn’t help it). Anyhow, keep the wood fires burning and for any of those keen on undertaking a wood board building course there are plenty of contacts and inspiration in every edition of Smorgasboarder - we’ve always got plenty of wooden board building info in these pages!

SHARK!

There, got your attention. With increased demand for products that keep away the bities, Ocean & Earth earlier this year signed an agreement with Shark Shield around a new product - a tail grip that incorporates electronics to deter any shark within close proximity to the surfer. The product is scheduled for release mid-2016 and will approximately cost around $550 to $600.

190 Marine Pde, Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta www.columbiaapartments.com.au Call 07 5599 0666

NOW YOU SEE...

Don’t know what it is with all these recent shark sightings and incidents of late but it appears something fishy is going on.

We recently posted this board to our Facebook page and it stirred the pot with over 10,000 of you. Comments ranged from, “It’s the board for the Silver Surfer” to “great to see sharks coming for you”.

www.oceanearthstore.com

www.facebook.com/smorgasboarder SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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Photo: Jonty Storey

Surfer: Alan Stokes. Photo: Nickpumphreyphoto

Well it’s one year on from our 22-page feature article on artificial wave pools (Spring Edition 2014 Issue #25) and haven’t these guys put some runs on the board yet again. Turning dreams into reality whilst some are yet to turn a sod, WaveGarden recently opened on the 1st of August their first large scale commercial venture, Surf Snowdonia in northern Wales. This follows on from their testing facility in the foothills of Spain’s Basque country. Photos courtesy of Surf Snowdonia.

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LOCATED in the town of Dolgarrog in the Conwy Valley (sounds like locale from the Lord of the Rings) is this magnificent 300 metre man-made lagoon on the site of an old Alcoa aluminium factory right next to a hydroelectric plant. The former industrial wasteland has been cleaned up and transformed into a wave park that can enable up to 36 surfers to ride the one wave all at once.

In our humble opinion it is an absolute feat of engineering. Every minute an aquatic snowplough of sorts creates a head-high peeling wave off either side of a central pier with a second reef running in parallel reforming the original wave to create a chest-high wave for intermediate surfers. A kneehigh wave is then created at the end of the pier for beginners. The initial wave peels for 150 metres delivering close to 20-second rides.

The width of the lagoon, being 113 metres wide, along with a bafe along the edge allows wave energy to dissipate once it reaches the shoreline eliminating any form of turbulence before the next wave is created. Water to the lagoon is supplied by the nearby hydroelectric plant via the water pipes, which were already in place courtesy of the former aluminium works.

The ÂŁ12m facility has already been booked out for the month of August and its anticipated 75,000 visitors per year will visit the attraction creating some 100+ jobs in the local area. www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk

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ANDY BIDDINGTON R.I.P. 2015 We were deeply saddened to hear news as we were putting this edition together that Andy Biddington, who we had featured in our Easter Edition (Issue #22) just last year had lost his battle with cancer.

In December 2014 Andy was diagnosed with a tumour on his brain. Further tests confirmed it was secondary cancer and his lung was also affected. On July 1st of this year, Andy passed away.

Considering we had the pleasure of meeting Andy several times in person over the years and interviewed him about his love for surf photography, we wanted to take this opportunity to pay tribute to him.

Andy will be greatly missed by his friends and family - plain to see by the turnout for a memorial paddle out on Phillip Island.

Photo supplied

by Sandy Ryan

“He was (and still is!) an absolute inspiration to me and so many people in our community.

His passion for anything and everything related to the ocean and board sports was extremely infectious and unrivaled. I really, really miss him but I have so many fond memories of Andy and his legacy will certainly live on and on!

R.I.P Mate!!!!!!�

Sandy Ryan

The paddle-out for Andy, Phillip Island.

Photo: Rachel Musgrove

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“UNDERSTANDING ASPECTS OF BOARD DESIGN CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE OUT IN THE SURF. THAT’S WHAT I WANTED TO TEACH THE KIDS.” PAUL WOODBRY

Could art, design and geometry be part of surfing? Surfboard shaper Paul Woodbry wondered what could inspire grommets and assist them to understand more about surfing itself. Why not something he is passionate about, building surfboards?

SURFING EXCELLENCE

CUSTOM MADE PHOTOS & WORDS: JANINE RANFORD

This is how students at Currimundi Primary School Surf Excellence group headed by Michael Chamberlain on the Sunshine Coast, got to learn a thing or two about how and why custom surf boards are made.

able to guide the kids into choosing what size and shape the board should be and why. Tools of trade and the various production processes involved were explained. The “Monster” was in gestation and ready to be created.

A project was conceived for the Excellence group to design the style, artwork and shape of a board for a grom. Themed The Monster, the kids had free reign to come up with artwork and boy did they let their creativity fly.

With his years of experience Paul set about quickly and efficiently sculpting the grom board with a single to double concave on the bottom.

Surf Decals in Sydney printed the amazing kids art work for the board and Matt Williams from The Factory, who specialises in high end custom hand made boards for the general public as well as competitive surfers around the world, shared his extensive skills and eye for detail by doing a

With a blank from Ace Fiberglass, Paul, who has shaped custom boards for many years under his label Woody’s Surf Designs, was 26

vintage cut lap glass job while carefully placing the kids art work for maximum effect.

Lime green was decided upon as the main board colour. It had monster appeal and it was agreed that red meant stop, green go and how many surfers ever won on a red board?

Plugs for the fins were measured and drilled out to precision, then extra strength resin poured in to secure the plug for the leg rope and fin plugs. When the last layer of resin hardened, Matt expertly sanded The Monster into its final shape and painted a tonal pin line over the lime green.

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NOW STOCKING

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SURFBOARDS

SURFWARE AUSTRALIA

SUNSHINE COAST SUPERSTORE 2 Bulcock Street, Caloundra QLD | Telephone (07) 5491 3620

SO MUCH SURF GEAR IN STORE YOU WILL BE AMAZED! FROM SURFBOARDS TO SKATEBOARDS, WETTIES, SURFWEAR AND ALL THE LATEST GADGETS Open Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm and Sun 9am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day

SURFWAREAUSTRALIA.COM

Experience surfing

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Just two of the great products for surfers available at:

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10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island, VIC (Next door to Rip Curl Phillip Island) Entry: Adults $4.50, kids $2.50, family $12.00

www.islantis.com.au

TheIslantisSurfExperience SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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“TEACHING KIDS THE INS AND OUTS OF BOARD BUILDING WILL DEFINITELY ASSIST THEM TO CHOOSE BOARDS MOST SUITED TO THEIR STYLE OF SURFING.” JASE, ACE FIBREGLASS

Wooden Surfboard Workshops

Due to popular demand we now offer

1 Day Shaping Workshops 3 Day Building & Shaping Workshop - Over 3 days we teach you how to build a wooden surfboard from scratch, starting with timber planks and internal frame to create your board. The last day is spent shaping. After 3 days you take home your Wooden Surfboard, complete with fins, fin box/plugs, leash plug and vent.

1 Day Shaping Workshop - In a 1 Day Shaping Workshop, we start with a pre made wooden blank, then teach you how to shape and create the board, similar to how a conventional surfboard is shaped. At the end of the day the board is fully shaped, complete with fins, fin box/plugs, leash plug and vent.

Longboards, shortboards, retros and classics - made by you with a little help from Tree to Sea Australia. Workshops are held in Mt. Eliza, Victoria, Australia.

See web site for dates. Gift Vouchers available

Wooden Surfboard Workshops The goodness of wood. Plantation grown timber.

No fibreglass. No foam. No resins. Just wood (and glue).

Keeping our environmental splash to a minimum.

Top: Jase of Ace Fibreglass Supplies, Above: Matt at the Factory Surfboards applies the kids’ decals.

LEFT: Paul shows off the final Monster

www.treetosea.com.au

Ace Fibreglass Supplies Specialising in all Fibreglass Supplies & Accessories...

RESINS • CLOTH • BLANKS • FINS • ACCESSORIES P 07 5493 9974

E

sales@acefibreglass.com.au

Store location 6/18 Commerce Avenue, Warana, Qld 4575

www.acefibreglass.com.au

John Hodges from Surfware Australia kindly came to the party supplying the kids FCS fins, leg rope and Gorilla Grip for the deck and to the students surprise and delight, The Monster will be revealed at assembly

by Principal Noel Baggs.

As Joel Parkinson is the Surf Excellence patron, The Monster will be raffled off and the winner drawn at Parkos Grom Stomp in September. So look out and be warned, you may just see a grom on The Monster near you one day!

For more on the Surf Excellence program, see www.currimunss.eq.edu.au

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HELLO SPRING! BACK IN FASHION...

Woohoo! The warmth is back, and with it, the excuse to shed those excess layers of clothing and get back into beach gear! For the girls, here’s a little taster of some of the new season’s fashion from Hive, Dkoko and Marmilade.

South American inspiration from Dkoko dkoko.com

marmiladeclothing.com.au Nothing says Spring like Marmilade’s cheerful, handmade creations

Colourful prints and super-sexy designs. hiveswimwear.com

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Fun, fashionable, functional and far more than that... Some amazing designs for the new season from Hive Swimwear for all the surf girls out there. hiveswimwear.com

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We recently had around on social a look for some of favo media retailers to see wurite surf hat’s hot in store for the Sp Summer seasonring/ ...

A CLASSIC COMEBACK Every Australian loves one.

Behold, the ‘PHOENIX RISING’ Model. Born of a rejuvenated passion, drive and a combination of classic templates recovered from the ashes of our old factory it features flatter rocker, soft rails and refined old school trim to breathe new life into your surfing.

CLASSIC MALIBU, NOOSA. www.facebook.com/ ClassicMalibuNoosa

Now stocking Aussie made Mt Woodgee surfboards, ridden by World Surf League number 11, Bede Durbidge, and by everyday heroes just like you. Magnum, Trademark and very latest Saint models in stock. SURFWARE AUSTRALIA in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. www.facebook.com/surfwareaustralia

Following the devastating fire that tore through our old factory back in January, we’re back up and running.

Visit our new premises at 16 Mary Street, Noosaville.

Quality Handcrafted Surfboards. Secondhand boards.

Surf Accessories. Clothing. Fantastic Local Artworks.

www.classicmalibu.com

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07 5474 3122

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Drop into the most amazing surf museum in Australia. 360 degree, wrap around movie, fantastic collection of boards and memorabilia and just $12.00 for a family entry.

THE ISLANTIS SURF EXPERIENCE, Phillip Island.

One of the most famous decals from Australia’s rich surfing heritage. This was one of the few surf art decals that adorned Nat Young’s boards back in his early years. This along with Hohensee and Graham King Surfboards are the latest additions to the RARE SURF TEES range this Spring.

www.facebook.com/ TheIslantisSurfExperience

www.facebook.com/pages/ Rare-Surf-Tees-Vintage-SurfApparel/532866873427685

So cute. NEW designs of KAIKOURA SURF Kids T-shirts have just arrived - available in children’s sizes: 2,4,6,8,10. Perfect Christmas presents to send to grandchildren overseas! www.facebook.com/KaikouraSurfNz

Does today’s warm weather have you dreaming of the tropics? #MyBikini Bamboo Palms in store now.

RIP CURL ULLADULLA. www.facebook.com/ ripcurlulladulla So it begins!! NATURAL NECESSITY SURF STORE in Gerringong is getting swamped with new season swimwear from all your favourite brands. Baku, Seafolly, Maaji, Rusty, Roxy, Tigerlilly, Billabong and load more to come. Pop into store and check out the new ranges!

The latest 9’8 Pacer “Bowie” Models. 10oz Volan.

Sanded Finish. BEACH BEAT, Caloundra and Alexandra Headland.

www.facebook.com/ naturalnecessity

www.facebook.com/pages/BeachBeat/204352823053133

Naish have released their much anticipated 2016 range of SUPs! Introducing some of the GTW boards - Nalu, Mana, Hokua & Glide in store now at CRONULLA STANDUP PADDLEBOARD SHOP. www.facebook.com/pages/ Cronulla-Standup-PaddleboardShop-School/153896304680139

Mahalo - Jamie O’Brien’s signature series sunglasses by NECTAR. www.nectarsunglasses.com SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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Photos: North Coast Holiday Parks, Tom Woods

HOW’S THE SERENITY! “We’re goin’ to Bonnie Doon. We’re goin’ to Bonnie Doon…” Ahh yes, The Castle, an Australian Classic.

(Just in case you missed this epic piece of Australian film history go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAy_e2Egt6E )

GREAITLY FAME S C A P E S SURF

Now I know I am in fact supposed to be talking about BONNY HILLS in New South Wales, and not the little village north-east of Melbourne in country Victoria but it is the reason why the name of this little coastal hamlet has stuck with me for so long. When you discover the surf potential of this region however, you will remember it for a whole host of other reasons. Yep, it can get pretty good.

THE WAVES

FISHING

WHAT ELSE?

Basically there is one big stretch of sand at Bonny Hills called Rainbow Beach, aptly nicknamed “Bigs”. Here, there is an endless combination of beachies, which can be very good. The point at the southern end holds an east to southeast swell right up to 10ft that breaks right over a sandy bottom. On a good day it will deliver up to 300 metre rides. This spot however is for experienced surfers only. The nearby bombie in my opinion is strictly for boogers. Just try not upset any of the older locals whist there and remember your surf etiquette.

There are good gutters off the rocks to fish for tailor, bream, whiting and mulloway. There’s also superb fishing nearby in the Camden Haven River, my favourite, flathead, is in abundance. You can even pick up an oyster or two along the entrance rock break wall in the Camden Haven. However, if you are completely crap at fishing like me, the Laurieton Fishermen’s Co-op where local trawlers unload their daily catch is only 5-10 minutes away. You can take one back to your wife and make out that you’re quite the angler.

This is seriously a great place to relax but with that said, there is still plenty to do if the weather turns.

How amazing ok?! does this lo

For starters, Port Macquarie is only 20 minutes up the road.

One of the highest single drop falls in the Southern Hemisphere, the 40-metre high Rawson Falls, is less than an hour away heading inland towards the Comboyne Plateau.

Timbertown, an 87-acre heritage park in nearby Wauchope is a re-creation of a 19th century township reflecting the struggles and achievements of our pioneers. There’s steamtrain rides, horse-and-carriage rides, a working bullock team, blacksmith, whip-cracking, timber-cutting displays, unique wares and giftshops.

And finally, there are also some very good wineries in the region, around five I think, including Cassegrain, which is well worth a visit.

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NORTH COAST HOLIDAY PARKS BONNY HILLS Perched atop a headland, this one is a cracker. You can take in the surrounds and sea breezes whilst keeping a constant eye on the surf. Everything is within walking distance.

There are a large number of caravan and camping sites along with 5 family cabins all with panoramic views of which there are two Deluxe, three Standard and an Easy Access Cabin. All are spacious fully self-contained, with two bedrooms.

For “Glampers” there are even 3 Beach Tents. These tents provide all of the luxuries of modern living – ensuite, kitchenette, TV, DVD & Foxtel – Queen size bed already made up and a set of King single bunk beds as well as decks with BBQ settings to take in the views.

Ahh, the serenity! northcoastholidayparks.com.au

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Check o ut the powder rooster ta il!

IT’S A BIG CALL BUT...

COULD SNOWBOARDING BE EVEN BETTER THAN SURFING? It may not be free and you freeze your nut (bald head) off, but you get to ride a 100ft frozen wave for 5 minutes or more, performing more bottom turns and cutbacks than your legs can handle...

Now if you have had a taste and you want more, you know you do, World Snowfaris’ new website is sure to have you drooling. Hell, I’m looking at it right now along with these pics and I’m literally slobbering like a St Bernard.

Japan, Canada, even trips to India… World Surfaris has been there and done the reconnaissance for you. Their new snow adventure branch World Snowfaris might have dropped the background mercury but has found everything you’d expect from their expert team, as they apply the same spirit of pioneering and innovation in surf to new, hand-picked, unique snow adventures. www.worldsnowfaris.com 36

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LET’S TALK SHARKS Shutterstock 38

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There is no denying the magnificence of the Great White Shark. It’s without doubt one of the most awe-inspiring creatures on our planet. It’s large conical snout, row upon row of razor-sharp teeth, jetblack eyes, torpedo-like body and powerful tail that propels it forward so it scythes through the ocean with ominous grace, incite both wonder and terror at the same time.

MAGNIFICENT CREATURES WORDS: DAVE SWAN

Sharks are a marvel of evolution. From the class of fishes known as Chondrichthyes, which emerged some 400 million years ago, they have outlasted thousands of species including the dinosaurs. The great white shark specifically is believed to have come into existence some 16 million years ago. The commonly held belief is its ancestry dates back to the 17-metre, 60 tonne Carcharodon megalodon. The white shark today is of course nowhere near that size but no less impressive on average growing up to 6-7 metres in length, weighing 3 tonne and capable of travelling up to 50km per hour, although the exact speed remains a matter of speculation.

White sharks are estimated to have a lifespan of 70 years or more but despite their longevity, unregulated trade and excessive hunting from the early ‘70s coupled with their low reproductive rate saw populations decline to the extent the species was considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and was subsequently placed on the Red List of Threatened Species.

So have our conservation efforts been a success?

Have great white numbers in Australian and New Zealand waters returned to a healthy level, or is it still a work in progress?

Unfortunately the great white shark has the unenviable record as being recognised as having the most recorded attacks on humans, more than any other species of shark. Can the recent rise in unprovoked shark attacks and an increased number of sightings - particularly in northern New South Wales of late - merely signal a return to a healthier white shark population or is it an unprecedented phenomenon that will soon pass? Have we have irreversibly upset our delicate marine environment with the likes of overfishing to the extent what we are starting to see is the new norm? If so, how can we coexist with this oceanic apex predator into the future? Many are searching for answers and looking to our regulatory and government bodies to find a solution that protects both the white shark and/or the ocean-going public who enjoy our wonderful coastline.

This is where the crux of this discussion lies.

In 1999 the Australian Government declared the great white shark be protected under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The conservation status is reflected by each Australian state under their respective laws, granting the species full protection throughout Australia regardless of jurisdiction. In April 2007 New Zealand followed suit and great white sharks were fully protected within 370 kilometres of their coastline.

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Since a very young age I have been fascinated with sharks, in particular the great white shark. I have read countless books and articles, I have drawn them, painted them, watched documentary after documentary, sat glued for days on end when “Shark Week” came around, even written about them for Smorgasboarder, but admittedly I have never formally studied them nor observed them up close and personal in the ocean. I make no claim to being an expert on Carcharodon carcharias, but I am a keen student of this species.

Sharks have been the hottest topic of conversation not only on surfers’ lips but indeed a vast number of Australians for the past few months. On more than a few occasions and in various circles the media has been accused of “fanning the fire” and inciting public perception there is a great white epidemic in our oceans, all in the pursuit of newspaper sales and television ratings. So are we as a grassroots, free surf magazine allowed to discuss the topic? Sensationalism is not going to help us “sell” more magazines and we certainly don’t need to move copies any faster than how quickly they get snapped up anyway.

So, why are we raising the topic of great white sharks then?

It’s such a contentious issue with passionate debate from whichever side of the fence you sit on, but as a magazine for the surfing community we feel we have an obligation to have the discussion.

If - and I underline “if” - surfer’s lives are being increasingly put in danger due to inaction, we have a duty of care to keep our readers informed, and hopefully an open and sensible discussion can be a catalyst for change - to see affirmative action taken to mitigate against the chance of human death or disablement by great white sharks, whilst ensuring we see this magnificent creature removed from the threatened species list. And before anyone jumps to conclusions let me state for the record we are passionate conservationists of our native flora, fauna and marine life – since our very first edition, we have campaigned in the magazine for numerous causes we believe in, from protection of sea creatures to the effects of mining on the environment.

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LET’S TALK SHARKS 40

CAN WE DISCUSS THE TOPIC OF SHARKS? SO, IS THERE AN ISSUE HERE? No amount of scientific explanation can account for the horrific nature of a shark attack on both the victim and their family and friends. Whether or not people perceive this to be an issue, the callous nature by which some people refer to such tragic events is staggering. I can’t but help feel at times it is almost a ‘tough guy/macho’ approach to dismiss an attack as some insignificant circumstance of nature. People’s lives are literally torn apart in the most violent and traumatic way. There is a very human cost here.

Conversely, I don’t believe many would deny humans as a species are definitely impacting on our ocean environment and changing the balance of marine ecosystems. As the saying goes, “Stuff around with the food chain and you will find yourself part of it.”

We continue to profoundly deplete fishing stocks all the while leaving an apex predator such as the great white shark unchecked and I mean “unchecked”; there appears to be no one coming forward with any kind of reliable data to gauge how successfully numbers have recovered. Possibly this explains why commercial fisherman are coming forth and expressing concern about the number of great whites they are encountering. I too have heard such reports on my regular travels from the Sunshine Coast down to the South Australian border with Smorgasboarder.

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According to the Australian Shark Attack File kept by researchers at Sydney’s Taronga Conservation Society: •

There have been 999 shark attacks in Australia since records began in 1791. 232 of them have been fatal. On this basis the average fatality per year is 1 person.

•

If we look at events since the turn of the century in 2000 there have been 30 fatalities. On this basis the average fatality per year is close to 2 people. 21 of these fatalities were whilst surfing or swimming.

•

If we look at the last 5 years from August 2010, there have been 16 fatalities. On this basis the average fatality per year is over 3 people. 10 of these fatalities were whilst surfing or swimming.

UNPROVOKED SHARK ATTACKS IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS State

2015

2014

2013

2012

QLD

3

1

2

1

NSW

12

3

3

5

VIC

1

1

1

1

TAS

0

0

0

1

SA

1

4

0

1

WA

1

2

4

5

NT

0

0

0

0

18

11

10

14

TOTAL

The seeming increase in the frequency of attacks may signal a pattern emerging but the reality is we have no clue. A similar circumstance has been unfolding on Reunion Island and there is no definitive explanation as to why. There have been 16 serious shark attacks in Reunion since 2011, 7 of them fatal.

As rightly pointed out in the Australian Shark Attack File, beach visitations by Australians have risen dramatically through the years.

A Surf Life Saving Association newsletter in 2010 estimated beach visitations that year to be in the vicinity of 100,000,000. Taking this into account is it suffice to say, “More people in the water, a healthier great white shark population, oh well it’s a numbers game and it is going to happen. It’s just bad luck.” Are we content with such an assessment or given the potential likelihood of an increasing number of attacks on humans, take affirmative action towards preventing it? Is it worth investigating and indeed investing in various shark deterrents or are there “bigger issues” in this country to deal with, as some people have pointed out? What’s a human life worth?

LET’S TALK SHARKS

THE FACTS...

If one is to look at the number of unprovoked attacks in NSW at present, many of which have occurred in the north of the state, you can understand why some residents have become concerned. Local authorities including the Ballina Shire Mayor Cr David Wright have acknowledged there is an unprecedented level of white shark activity in the region.

Is there a correlation between the Western Australian figures and the controversial decision to introduce baited drum lines at popular swimming beaches in January 2014 following the deaths of 7 people on the WA coastline in the years 2010 to 2013? Incidentally in September 2014 the seasonal setting of drum lines was abandoned but the special deployment of drum lines is permitted in cases where sharks are deemed to present an imminent threat to public safety.

Definitions: An ‘unprovoked’ encounter between a human and a shark is defined as an incident where a shark is in its natural habitat and has made a determined attempt to bite a human without any human provocation. A ‘provoked’ incident occurs when a human attracts or initiates physical contact with a shark, e.g. a person is bitten after grabbing a shark, a fisherman bitten while removing a shark from a hook, interactions with spearfishermen while spearing fish or the shark, a person steps on a shark, etc.

It appears the poor gentleman who was diving for scallops off Maria Island in Tasmania this year was considered a provoked attack. The species of shark responsible for attacks in 2015 have not been identified in this report, however, 8 of the 11 attacks in 2014 were white sharks, 4 of 10 in 2013, 8 of 14 in 2012.

POSSIBLE CAUSES Aside from ocean equilibrium what may be some other reasons for the number of shark attacks experienced in Australian Waters? If it is purely a result of our marine eco system being out of kilter, why are the number of attacks and sightings concentrated primarily in northern NSW at the moment?

Many would say the sharks have always been there in numbers, we are simply seeing more due to greater surveillance and media attention. As Paul de Gelder, the navy diver who lost his leg and arm to a bull shark while diving in Sydney Harbour in 2009 has stated previously, “If people knew how many sharks came close to them they would probably never go in the ocean.” He is a vocal critic of government policies involving sharks, such as Western Australia’s shark cull. He wishes for the government to act and find a way to protect sharks and people.

Some believe an increase in attacks is due to the correlation between the government’s sanctioned great white shark and whale protection. An increasing number of migrating whales have brought along the coastline with them an increasing number of great whites. Both species appear to be returning to healthier numbers.

A report in The Courier Mail on August 10th this year said the horrendous spate of attacks in the northern NSW area might be due to the practice of recreational fishermen using beef as bait to catch mako sharks (the legal limit is 1 per day).

Craig Ison, the man who was attacked by a great white at Evans Head in July this year was reported as saying, “Since the attack we’ve been told there’s a boat sitting off Evans Head being paid top cash to catch a mako shark but they didn’t get the mako but they were catching four white pointers a week. They were using beef as bait... Of course that’s making the white pointers hang around. Why would you leave somewhere where you’re getting a feed every day?”

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LET’S STAY ON TOPIC Now before we debate the way forward and how surfers and white sharks may coexist, we need to deal with a few of the comments that regularly make their way into such discussions.

People calling for the indiscriminate mass culling of white pointers aren’t helping matters. Removing the apex predator on mass undeniably turns everything pear-shaped. In turn, people parroting on about unrelated and irrelevant facts and baseless stats only make matters worse. As the saying goes, “73.6% of all statistics are made up.” (Hopefully that one wasn’t lost on you.) Statistics can be used to present any angle you wish to present. Moronic statements from either side merely serve to fuel animosity towards each other rather than finding a meaningful solution to the issue at hand. Can we not have robust and intelligent debate without the peanut gallery from either side chiming in?

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“COWS KILL MORE PEOPLE THAN SHARKS.”

“BEES KILL MORE PEOPLE THAN SHARKS”

“LIGHTNING KILLS MORE PEOPLE THAN SHARKS”

An irrelevant fact if there’s any truth to it at all, so let’s look at it from an Australian perspective where the accuracy of the data can be trusted. Safework Australia, an independent statutory agency reported that from the period 2003 to 2011 there were 11 fatalities involving cows not limited to tramplings but including car accidents as a result of hitting a cow. In contrast over this same period, 18 people were killed by sharks. Incidentally there are something like 29 million cattle in Australia, so in percentage terms the likelihood of dying from a cow is far less… So, enough of that nonsense.

Bee sting anaphylaxis is estimated to result in approximately 2 deaths/ year in Australia according to The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. That’s in line with the recent number of shark attacks per year. That said there are a hell of a lot more bees in Australia and a lot more people on the land than in the water.

As for the saying, “You have more chance of being struck by lightning”, that is not necessarily true. Between 5-10 people die each year in Australia as a result of lightning strikes and if we look at how many people have died as a result of a shark attack over the last 10 years the average is 2 (19 fatalities in Australia in 9 years 8 months). The number of great whites however is considered low but lightning strikes are quite common. Energex’s lightning tracker recorded over 25,000 lightning strikes in South-East QLD on one Sunday alone in 2013. So if we refer to this in percentage terms considering the number of people on both land and water, the number of sharks and the number of lightning strikes, the chances of getting attacked by a shark as opposed to being struck by lightning are far greater.

And speaking of the “peanut gallery” the same report by the ASCIA goes on to detail the deaths from anaphylaxis are relatively rare in Australia and in an examination of coroner’s reports of deaths attributed to anaphylaxis occurring 1995-2007 there were 112 deaths recorded with 7 caused by food allergies over a 9-year period. That’s less than 1 per year but yet we have all but banned peanuts from our schools because of the danger.

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If we are discussing the threat of predatory sharks, reference is being made to essentially 3 sharks – the white, tiger and bull - not the entire shark species. There are around 440 known species of sharks with some estimating there to be over 500.

An area of conjecture with some in the surfing public is why great white sharks appear to receive ‘special treatment’ in public conversation when compared to other species, some also endangered. Many I have spoken to don’t want a widespread cull of white sharks, but believe when a shark is identified as responsible for an attack, then that said shark should be destroyed, as opposed to being herded out to sea. Is there some hypocrisy here when we look at our treatment of other animals?

LET’S TALK SHARKS

Without doubt this is a shocking indictment on human civilisation but let us at least consider a few things:

OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES, OUR NATIONAL COAT OF ARMS AND MAN’S BEST FRIEND

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“OVER 100 MILLION SHARKS ARE KILLED EACH YEAR”

A similar analogy would be to discuss the issue of so-called “dangerous dogs” such as perhaps Pit Bull Terriers and someone making reference to how many dogs are killed around the world. We’re not talking about Chihuahuas. Incidentally there are only approximately 339 breeds of domesticated dogs in the world.

It would be like someone referencing how many chickens are killed in the world to represent birds in response to the 2012 US federal government decision to allow a Wyoming First Nation’s (Native American Indian) tribe to kill two bald eagles for a religious ceremony. For interest’s sake, the Bald Eagle was near extinct in the early ‘70s before federal protections were adopted and as a result breeding pairs have soared to over 10,000.

Finally, we need to have an understanding as to how the figure of 100,000,000 sharks is reached. Most wildlife protection agencies base their figures off the United Nations Food and Agriculture Association in their annual fishing statistics, the figures of which are obtained voluntarily from member nations and are not verified. According to these figures 700,000 tonne of shark is brought back to shore each year. The accepted average weight of sharks caught is 15kg and the number of sharks caught is therefore estimated to be around 50 million. However to then account for bycatch, being sharks caught by accident and thrown back overboard, and piracy this number is then doubled. If I understand correctly these figures may also include skates and rays.

Further studies into shark finning by scientists suggests this figure could even be as high as 200 million, which is absolutely catastrophic but does not give us any clearer idea as to the number of predatory sharks - in particular great whites - that are out there. Simply put, we don’t appear to have any real idea.

THE CROCODILE,

like the shark, is one of the most enduring species whose lineage dates back 205 million years according to the Smithsonian Institute.

The saltwater crocodile, like the great white shark, was also considered endangered and was put on the protected species list in the Northern Territory in 1971, as it was in Queensland in 1974 and Western Australia back in 1969. Due to our conservation efforts the species is now considered almost fully recovered (as some may argue the great white population off the east coast of Australia is) but it receives somewhat different treatment to the great white shark.

While crocodile conservation efforts are heralded worldwide, there is also an active crocodile management program in place, which includes culling. As reported in The Conversation August 22nd, 2014 The Territory is considered “a world leader in crocodile management, and has fewer attacks on humans than other countries nearby despite having healthier crocodile populations.”

Since 1971 there have been 71 attacks in the NT, 20 of which were fatal, an average of 1 death every 2 years. The Conversation goes on to report the, “NT crocodile management program works remarkably well and undoubtedly saves many lives.” Under the program along with an educational public safety and awareness campaign the NT culls up to 500 crocodiles a year primarily from the exclusion zone around Darwin. As such there is a low frequency of attacks in this area.

Within the Saltwater Crocodile Policy it underlines the importance of recognising the intrinsic values of this magnificent natural asset and that people need to take a responsible approach to naturebased activities. However it also details

how “saltwater crocodile densities are managed in areas where there is a high risk of adverse interaction with people and their livelihood and pets. “ In certain “No tolerance areas” the risk of saltwater crocodile attacks is reduced by removing crocodiles that are found either by way of trapping, harpooning or in rare instances shooting. In other more remote areas problem crocodiles are removed by the same three methods if the crocodile has attacked or is about to attack a person/s, is behaving aggressively towards a person/s, has moved into a location that makes it a threat or potential threat to human safety or is affecting productivity, industry or commercial enterprises.”

It is important to note however the notable differences between the saltwater crocodile population of the NT and the great white population off the Australian coastline. We simply don’t accurately know how many great whites are out there - crocodiles on the other hand have grown from a mere 3000 in 1981 to more than 100,000.

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“STAY OUT OF THE WATER!” That’s the course of action some of the self-proclaimed intellectually elite might suggest.

“We don’t have to swim in the ocean. A shark has no choice” is another factually correct statement but is it as wise as the person who espoused it thinks?

Let us consider the astronomic increase in the cost of sporting club memberships and entry into the likes of public municipal pools. There aren’t too many free activities like surfing out there for people to participate in, particularly in our coastal communities.

THE KANGAROO,

which has pride of place on our national coat of arms, has been in the news of late in South-East QLD. Recently the State Government gave the Sanctuary Cove resort a permit to cull 100 kangaroos living within the precinct. This was following numerous incidents involving golfers at the resort including a woman left with a wound stretching from her belly to her back after being knocked to the ground by a large kangaroo. Just imagine if it tore off a limb.

An Environment Department spokeswoman said authorities were aware roo habitats were being lost (ie. “their domain”) to development but said “in some situations, it is necessary to manage wildlife in order to minimise damage to property or to protect human health”.

And how about our national capital Canberra? Well here 1154 kangaroos were killed in Nature Parks/ Reserves and nearby unleased land in 2012, not including 407 dependent pouch young at foot and a further number of joeys that were in the pouch at that time. We can also safely assume the kangaroos were killed in “their domain” it is just unfortunate it also happened to be the politicians “domain” and is it absolutely essential people visit these parks?

You wouldn’t want to be referred to as

“MAN’S BEST FRIEND”

either. If you can make sense of legislation be it local, state or federal you are better than me but it would appear if a dog inflicts a serious life threatening injury, even if confined within an enclosure (“their domain”), it can be euthanased. In NSW, the state that in no way will consider killing great white sharks, even if they are recognised as the shark responsible for an attack on a human, we understand you can even be jailed for up to 5 years and face fines of up to $77,000 if your dog is involved in a fatal attack. And Fido is sentenced to death.

THE DINGO.

Our native dog, If a dingo attacks a human, as per the Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy or poses an “unacceptable risk to human safety”, it is euthanased. We guess in those instances it doesn’t matter whose “domain” it is either. This is despite Australian Geographic in 2011 quoting dingo expert Dr Ricky Spencer from the University of Western Sydney that he predicts Australia’s native canine will become extinct within the next 20 years.

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Let’s then take into account a report by the Monash University Obesity and Diabetes Institute that has Australia ranked as one of the fattest nations in the developed world and the fact the prevalence of obesity in Australia has more than doubled in the past 20 years. 14 million Australians are overweight of which 5 million are obese. “If weight gain continues at current levels, by 2025, close to 80% of all Australian adults and a third of all children will be overweight or obese.” Obesity has overtaken smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia and will be the single biggest threat to public health in Australia. Wow! A further study conducted by The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington shows the growth rate in obesity levels in Australia is the second highest in the world.

Then there is the issue of mental health. In Issue #21 of Smorgasboarder Summer 2014 we spoke at length about mental health and how to many surfing is an outlet often referred to as their “salt water sanity session”.

The Summary Results from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2009 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing indicated that 1 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year and that 45% of Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. So yeah even though mental health is a massive issue in this country and surfing a positive outlet for many, let’s ignore all of that and tell people to “stay out of the water”. You can probably guess by my tone I have already been out of the water for far too long whilst we pull together this edition.

IF WE BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE, WHAT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN? SHORT-TERM (LOCALISED) In response to community concern about recent events in the north of the state the NSW state government has committed $250,000 to step up ocean surveillance and begin tagging and monitoring white sharks in the area. It’s quite a sizeable sum but, as possibly many Australians would agree, if we can get our pollies to rein in taking their extended families on overseas holidays and attending weddings in helicopters, we will be able to pay for this valuable investment in human safety in no time.

Mr Niall Blair, the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, was quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald on August 14th saying, “Let’s not forget the ocean is the domain of the shark, however, this government is taking action to gain a better understanding of the local risks and how they can be reduced to help inform and protect the public.” This positive step was welcomed by Don Munro, the president of Le-Ba Boardriders, but he expressed concern about the release of the findings as apparently this won’t be until the end of the year. Don’s concerns stem from the fact the local community wants to know what is being done to protect public safety in the meantime with the onset of Spring.

Whilst we are on the subject of Le-Ba Boardriders (Lennox Head to Ballina), I was at the community meeting held on August 10th attended by the Ballina Shire Mayor Cr David Wright, Richmond Police Detective Inspector Cameron Lindsay, Don and 200+ concerned residents from Lennox through to Evans Head. I was on my Smorgasboarder distribution run down the coast and was an interested observer. Perhaps my interpretation of the

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Travelling to Noosa?

No need to lug your log through the airport.

mood in the room is misconstrued but I saw the calling for a partial cull of the 7 white sharks, ranging in size from 3.5m to 5m, who were said to be menacing the area was born out of frustration due to the perceived lack of action being taken by the state government up until that point. Don Munro agreed.

“It is the reason I called the meeting. It was out of frustration. We were just spinning rubber. Despite our concerns nothing appeared to be getting done. We weren’t allowed to go to the council, DPI or Surf Life Saving and so-called experts meetings.

They were all behind closed doors. That is why we invited along the Mayor and Cam Lindsay so they could see for themselves the feeling out in the community. Bureaucracy and overregulated government has the wheel turning at snails pace but thankfully due to the media attention we had a 3-day turnaround towards action being taken.

“Mike Baird (NSW Premier) categorically said he was not going to do anything until after the shark summit in October and what information came from that would be pursued. That set the mood in the crowd from the very beginning. We don’t want to be culling. We just wanted something to be done to address a problem that had been going on for months. We wanted to at least have the sharks tagged and were informed that wasn’t even going to happen.”

EXISTING Shark nets are used in QLD and NSW from Newcastle down to Wollongong at popular beaches. These nets are not designed to act as a total barrier preventing sharks from entering bathing areas but a means of deterring sharks from establishing territories within these areas, as some might argue has happened in the Ballina Shire. Shark nets do not offer complete protection but work on the principle - fewer sharks means fewer attacks.

Nets range from from 150 to 186 metres wide and go down 6 metres. They do not extend from the sea floor to the surface and for this reason have been labelled as ineffective by opponents with reference also being made to the number of sharks caught on the beach side of the netting and the fact they are not in place all the year round. With that said there has been only one fatality at a netted beach since they were introduced in 1937 in NSW and in Qld in 1962.

The netting program in QLD alone sees 500 to 900 sharks caught annually however they are also responsible for trapping other marine species such as whales, dolphins, dugongs, rays and other harmless sharks such as the critically endangered Grey Nurse. Acoustic “pingers” have now been fitted to nets to warn off dolphins and whales along with turtle exclusion devices.

In NSW nets are not in place in winter during the whale migration season.

In conjunction with nets, QLD also uses drum lines. These are unmanned aquatic traps used to lure and capture large sharks using baited hooks. 500 grams of bait is added to each hook, enough to attract sharks in the immediate vicinity but not attract more sharks to the area.

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FUTURE...WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS? In 2013, the Australian Government published an update of the White Shark Recovery Plan first compiled in 2002.

It detailed the government-mandated conservation research and monitoring implemented. If one has the time it makes for interesting reading: http://www. environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/ ce979f1b-dcaf-4f16-9e13-010d1f62a4a3/ files/white-shark.pdf What some may find particularly concerning (but in fairness perhaps this was not considered integral to this paper) was the 106-word paragraph on Shark Control Programs on page 35 and the table on page 49 which in part referred to the trialling of alternate shark control methods, listed beside it “minimal action”.

Sharks are of paramount importance to a healthy ecosystem. You only need to read about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in the USA to fully comprehend what impact removing an apex predator has on an ecosystem and the trophic cascades that follow when it returns - in this instance some 70 years later. If you can’t be bothered reading about it view this 5-minute clip called “How Wolves Change Rivers” www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q - It is amazing.

Suffice to say we need to look towards technological innovations that will protect humans as well as sharks and other sea life.

Research and the dissemination of research findings to the public is also the key to developing our understanding of predatory sharks such as the great white and how we may be able to live harmoniously because to many surfers, the ocean is their life.

Responsibility and a duty of care predominantly lies with our state and federal politicians. As set out in the Recovery Plan for the White Shark, “Shark control activities for bather protection largely occur in state waters and are therefore subject to state legislation. In Commonwealth waters it is an offence under the EPBC Act to kill a white shark, although the Act does allow for some actions that are reasonably necessary to prevent a risk to human health or to deal with an emergency involving a serious threat to human life.” They need to demonstrate how their policies and their implementation are acting to safeguard beachgoers whilst also being sensitive to delicate ocean ecosystems.

LET’S LOOK AT A FEW OF THE OPTIONS:

A great way of keeping the public informed of recent sightings and now many Facebook and Twitter shark alert pages have been set up around the country.

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE

Eco Shark Barrier

There are some advantages and disadvantages. Be it light aircraft or a drone you need clear conditions to sight sharks. Light aircraft are expensive to operate on a constant basis and drones can be hampered by high winds. Drones are being used successfully at a number of Northern Californian beaches where there is a deal of white shark activity.

ECO SHARK BARRIER

Shark Spotters

WARNING SIGNS AND FLAGS The Shark Spotting programme on the Cape Peninsula in South Africa is an early warning initiative provided as a service to communities. “Shark Spotters” are positioned at strategic mountain viewing spots with polarised sunglasses and binoculars. This spotter is in radio contact with another spotter on the beach. If a shark is seen the beach spotter sounds a siren and raises a white flag with a black shark. There are also green (good visibility, no sharks), black (poor visibility) and red (shark seen in the last two hours) warning flags.

Within the hour surfers were back in the water near where Tadashi Nakahara had been attacked in Ballina completely unaware what had just taken place. The limitation here is there needs to be a high vantage point near the beach to spot the sharks. Lifeguard towers whilst helpful don’t truly provide the necessary elevation.

SHARK ALERT WEBSITES At the beginning of last year the Western Australian State Government launched their SharkSmart website which pins shark sightings on a Google-style map. It is run in conjunction with Surf Life Saving WA and Western Australia Water Police.

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SOCIAL MEDIA ALERTS

Is an environmentally-friendly alternative to shark nets that does not trap any form of marine life. It is made from a strong, flexible Nylon and provides a complete swimming enclosure from seabed to surface and from shoreline to shoreline. It has already been successfully tested at Coogee Beach in Western Australia in 2014 and apparently can withstand moderate to heavy swells. www.ecosharkbarrier.com.au

CLEVER BUOY Optus have partnered with the folks from Shark Mitigation Systems to develop a system that aims to protect ocean-goers and sharks at the same time. This is incredibly impressive technology. The Clever Buoy uses sonar to detect the presence of a shark then relays a signal back to lifeguards on the beach so they can clear the water. We understand the project is in the final testing stage ensuring the system can not only detect the size of shark but distinguish it from other marine animals such as dolphins. www.cleverbuoy.com.au

THE SHARKSAFE BARRIER Is a magnetised artificial kelp bed of sorts made up of vertical pipes anchored to the ocean floor. The technology is another eco-friendly alternative to shark nets and stems from anecdotal observations that demonstrate great white sharks rarely enter a high-density kelp forest. Scientific research has further demonstrated that permanent magnets can successfully manipulate the swim patterns of these sharks. This system is a collaboration between Shark Diving Unlimited, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Stellenbosch University.

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PERSONAL SHARK DETERRENTS Products such as SurfSafe and Shark Shield and are fitted into/ onto a surfboard and emit an electronic field that is said to repel sharks. Field tests suggest these devices are effective but questions remain as how effective they would be in deterring a large shark weighing several tonne in attack mode travelling some 50kms an hour towards you.

Shark Shield

STRIPED WETSUITS

Aside from making you look like you’re wearing a skin-tight Zebra onesie, wetsuits such as the SAMS (Shark Attack Mitigation System – the same people involved with Clever Buoy) aim to make the wearer more “cryptic” to predatory sharks.

Apparently the banding breaks up their spatial resolution.

As opposed to jumping into a shark’s habitat dressed as their favourite dish in a black seal-like wetsuit, you now look more like something they don’t want to eat such as a giant sea snake or poisonous fish. The suit is complimented by a similar sticker under the board and distributed by Radiator wetsuits. www.radiator.net/sams/

CHEMICAL REPELLENTS The science here is fascinating and apparently in 2001 a small New Jersey-based company called SharkDefense began experiments with putrefied shark carcass extracts in collaboration with the Bimini Biological Field Station. It is said to be producing consistent results and recent reports indicate this product may be presently being trialled on Reunion Island with success.

OCEARCH GLOBAL SHARK TRACKER

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Ocearch basically conduct expeditions bringing together world-class fisherman with leading scientists where they are provided unprecedented access to white sharks and other apex marine predators for approximately 15 minutes.

Ocearch then open source (release) all data collected during these expeditions. The data is available on the Global Shark Tracker where the world is invited to experience these expeditions via social media and other outlets. “Established

by Founding Chairman and Expedition Leader Chris Fischer, OCEARCH enables leading researchers and institutions to generate previously unattainable data on the movement, biology and health of sharks to protect their future while enhancing public safety and education.” www.ocearch.org

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LET’S TALK SHARKS Shutterstock

SO, DO SURFERS AND OCEAN GOERS ALIKE HAVE A RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE IN THE OCEAN? Everyone is aware of the law of averages.

Our population has grown and more and more people are going into the water each year for extended periods throughout the year. It stands to reason there will be more shark attacks taking this into account along with a healthier marine environment. However, is that a reason to lay idle, sit on our hands and do nothing to improve public safety at our beaches?

The 2013/ 14 Tourism Australia Annual Report identified that tourism is worth $102 billion to the Australian economy employing close to half a million Australians. Tourism also plays a pivotal role in the economic development of regional Australia, particularly our coastal regions. 46 cents of every tourist dollar is spent in regional Australia (Tourism Research Australia). It is in part one of the reasons the Australian Government has identified tourism as one of five National Investment Priorities.

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Shouldn’t it stand to reason such investment be made in protecting one of our greatest natural assets, our coastline and marine environment, along with the people who enjoy it. Just look at the advertisements promoting the various regions of Australia and what do we primarily promote, our beaches, our oceans.

So here’s a scenario, let’s say human and white shark interactions continue with no affirmative action from the authorities.

Tourist numbers as a consequence dwindle and so that impacts on the local economy of these coastal regions. This in turn effects jobs and as a result sees a) more people return to our metropolitan cities putting more pressure on their infrastructure, when we are endeavouring to encourage more and more Australians to settle in regional Australia or b) they remain where they are and join both the unemployment and social services cue putting even more pressure on our

national economy. Without the prospect of work we then have to deal with a whole host of social implications such as people turning to drugs and crime and again the issue of mental health raises its head again.

Yes, it is a calculated risk we take every time we choose to enter the ocean but the odds can be lessened through ingenuity.

As a human race we have made huge technological advances in nearly every field and thankfully we are working towards some promising shark deterrent solutions. Let us see more energy dedicated towards developing these innovations for the safety of all, human and shark alike.

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From managing surf camps in Morocco and Portugal, to owning her very own swimwear label Kokoh Bikini, fun-loving and creative Aussie Kendall Layt sheds light on running her own bikini headquarters from a secluded island in the Maldives.

BY KRISTIE MURRAY.

I jump off the side of the boat into what is possibly the warmest water that I have ever had the pleasure of playing in. I am instantly mesmerised by the reef beneath me, fluorescent groupers and stripy tropical fish dancing their way along the ocean floor.

I paddle out into this dreamy Maldivian lineup, following Thulusdhoo Island’s newest resident and fellow Aussie, Kendall Layt and find myself drooling over her gorgeous fish scale bikini.

Not shy of an adventure, I learn that this is Kendall’s third trip to paradise, this time with her hubby in tow. The ocean goddess 52

is just as in love with the Maldives as she was on her first all girls surf trip a few years ago. “The waves are beautiful, I have some amazing friends here and the heat. ahhh.”

Earlier this year, just two years on from establishing Kokoh, Kendall was given the opportunity to relocate bikini headquarters to Thulusdhoo Island in the Maldives. “I had basically set Kokoh Bikini up so that all I needed was good wifi, as everything else was taken care of.” Having been an international flight attendant, managed surf camps in both Morocco and Portugal, Kendall has travelled to more places than I’ve applied

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LATEST: LOCAL

“...IT’S NO SECRET THAT THE MALDIVES IS THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR ANY BIKINI SHOOT.”

GOING KOKOH IN THE MALDIVES

suntan lotion. I ask her what it is that lures her return to this special place: “Surfing is what I live for. As corny as it sounds, it is the inspiration behind everything I create, from print design to cuts.”

So naturally, when given the chance to move to Thulusdhoo Island, home of her favourite Maldivian break, ‘Cokes,’ Kendall didn’t think twice. She knew that this is ‘exactly what Kokoh stands for - the journey, simplistic living, surfing all day. I never want to be selling something that’s not original and true to who I am, so Kokoh headquarters moved to the Maldives.”

After our session in the water, I watch Kendall frolic on the shoreline in her new picture perfect surroundings, housing in hand, braving the intensity of the midday sun.

Prints, patterns and photography consume the Maldivian resident’s dreamy schedule and it’s no secret that the Maldives is the perfect backdrop for any bikini shoot. It really is the ultimate base for any swimwear label.

she shoots beautiful images for her new range Indian Atoll.

“I never tire of taking photos of aqua clear waters, palmy sunsets, perfect waves and white sand. I spend a heap of time shooting on the sand and in the water,” says the bikini mermaid. I see Kendall’s flare firsthand as

www.kokohbikini.com

Swimwear designer, surf guide and now Maldives resident, this girl truly knows the essence of happiness. With such inspiration from her surroundings, it’s safe to say that Kokoh Bikini’s will continue to pop up in lineups all around the world.

SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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“...NO LITTER ON THE ROADSIDE APART FROM THE ODD WALLABY THAT LOST A GAME OF CHICKEN WITH A 4X4.”

THE ISLAND Somewhere off the Victorian coastline lies a little island.

The potential for waves is endless with all different angled bays and beaches - on the right day there is more barrels than your best boat trip to Indo...

WORDS: JORDIE BROWN PHOTOS: JORDIE, OSCAR LAYLOR & DAN ARMSTRONG

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LATEST: LOCAL SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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“THE LOCAL BAKERY STILL HAS LOCAL PRICES AND THE PIES ARE STILL HOME MADE.”

Onshore winds turns to offshore with less than a 30 minute drive. The only thing to stop you getting wet is that you will have to explore to find your wave.

The locals all say g’day and are more than happy to yarn about the weather.

The local bakery still has local prices and the pies are still homemade.

In the supermarket fresh roo burgers are half the price of a can of spam.

The waters teem with sea life of all shapes and sizes. There is no litter on the roadside apart from the odd wallaby that lost a game of chicken with a 4x4.

Farmers let you cross their land as long as you shut the gate. You drive along the sand and the only tracks you see are your own.

THE ISLAND

Camping on the beach is still welcomed as is having a post-surf fire. And you’re lucky to see another surfer and you enjoy the company when you do. At the end of last summer a couple of local shredders Oscar Laylor, Dan Armstrong and I took a flight close to home and found much more than world class waves. Australia has so many special places and this little island is one of many. www.hightidesurfboards.com

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Alastair Gillespie has ridden the craft beer wave across the world to end up as the new Head Brewer at Byron Bay Brewing Co. Not a bad job and not a bad spot, hey?

BEER & BARRELS PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALASTAIR GILLESPE

Armed with a Bachelors of Science in Microbiology from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, Alastair did what all graduates should do: he set off for a six-month road trip, surfing his brains out in Central America.

“I’d say the best session we had over there was at Punta Roca in El Salvador,” Alastair recalls. “A solid eight foot swell was pulsing down the point. After getting out through the terrible man-sized boulder field that lines this point, we scored some dredging barrels with the local crew, who are pretty intense.

“The area around Barra de la Cruz, in southwest Mexico also treated us well. Mexico was really cool - apart from multiple police bribes, getting robbed once or twice and waking up one morning to find my two buddies missing and having to track them down (with my really poor Spanish) only to find them locked up in jail… Ja, apart from that it was probably my favourite Central American country, cant wait to go back someday.”

With the salt still fresh in his face, he then found himself in Australia, focusing his education in microbes on gourmet mushrooms (no, not those mushrooms, he assures us) as he worked at mushroom farms around Australia. It was then his passion for brewing hit. And like many that have entered this profession, it began in his garage at home. Soon the feedback on his brews from friends and family made him question if there was perhaps more to be realised from this hobby.

Returning to South Africa to reassess his career path, he landed a job at one of the frontier microbreweries that was making waves in Cape Town. Devils Peak Brewing Company was rapidly gathering a cult following for their award winning India Pale Ale and Alastair was picking up the skills necessary to keep up with a demanding production schedule whilst also making some “outthere” beers, such as a barrel aged wine-beer hybrid. It was here that he was to hone his skills in the brewery while braving the cold waters of the Cape.

“Surfing is a fair bit different in Cape Town,” Alastair explains. “It generally involves about an hour or so drive to get out to the best spots, but once you’re there, it’s often just you and your friends… And maybe an ostrich or two. Surfing over there isn’t as 58

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LATEST: LOCAL Surfing the Transkei, Southern Africa.

Photo: Pierre Hugo

“IT’S OFTEN JUST YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS...

AND MAYBE AN OSTRICH OR TWO.”

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RIGHT: some serious Southern African surf. Photo: Otto Whitehead.

BELOW: Al chilling at the brewery.

BOTTOM: Chillier in the Transkei.

BEER & B far the best session has been at Lennox Head, looks like such a fun wave, can’t wait to hit it again.

easy as here either - the water is cold, it’s often 20-30 knot winds, the swell is generally raw and powerful (we had a 7m swell at 17 seconds just before I left there in June) and in the back of your mind there are those clips from National Geographic, with the Great Whites flying out of the water with a tasty, but somewhat upset, seal in their jaws - this occurs predominantly at an island about 5km away from the busiest beginner’s surfing beach, Muizenburg. That said, I’ve never actually seen a GW in the water. Since getting here, I feel as if the sharks have followed me with all the encounters that have happened in this area recently.

rural area north east of Jeffery’s Bay), we surfed ourselves silly for three days.”

After a few good years at Devils Peak, Al was ready to move on and embark on a lifestyle shift (read: surf and spearfish more).

An opportunity arose, and thanks to the internet Al was soon Skypeing his way through interviews and booking flights eastwards, to land himself the dream job in Byron Bay. “It’s all going really well this side.

I’m still waiting for my speargun to arrive with the rest of my belongings that I shipped over. So

“What I have really enjoyed about surfing here is being able to get to the beach in a few minutes, surfing in boardies - and the amount of right hand points in the area. Although I’m frothing for some decent swell to hit to light up these points!”

Workwise, Alastair’s got big plans to help spread the Byron Bay Brewing Co. name far and wide and bring his own unique flavours to the table.

“I’m really keen to start pushing the boundaries on what our customers expect from a beer. I feel that right now there’s a bit of a stigma about having a flavourful

and complex beer as your afterwork schooner, whereas I like to compare it to food: you’re not going to eat plain pasta everyday, so mix it up, try something you’ve never had before. It may just make your day.”

“I feel really fortunate to have landed this job in Byron Bay, I’m working with some incredible people at the brewery and our Head Chef, Shane makes a dangerously good plate of ribs that may make it tricky to get back into my dusty 5/4mm wetsuit from back in Cape Town!”

For more on the Byron Bay Brewing Co. see the website, www.byronbaybrewery.com.au

“I’d say my best experience surfing in South Africa was camping out, with two of my closest friends at one of the many right hand point breaks deep in the Transkei (very

BARRELS 60

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This summer’s hottest boards in store at BeachBeat.

Al Merrick Pod Mod

Shorter and wider than the original - one of the best performance grovellers you will ever surf.

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SOUTH ISLAND STOKED

UTH AND OKED 62

Tegen Bishop is an enthusiastic grom who’s lucky enough to call the South Island, New Zealand home. She’s aspiring to become a professional surfer, to compete against the toughest and the best in the world, but still enjoy surfing for the love, not just the competition.

But rather than us carry on, let’s hand over to Tegen and let her tell you a bit more about herself.

WORDS: TEGEN BISHOP, PHOTOS: MARK BISHOP

“I BEGAN SURFING WHEN I WAS 9 AND THANKS TO DAVE AND TRISH O’ROURKE OF SISCO SURF WAS IMMEDIATELY HOOKED. “I’m not your average surfer as I live nearly 50km out from my nearest beach, but I find this just drives me more to do well and get better.

You’ll most likely see me out in Christchurch’s worst surf days because I go to the beach whatever - of course we do get some great waves as well, particularly at Taylors Mistake. I still am very fortunate and get to go surfing three to five times a week, and with the help of Alethea, Aaron and Alana Lock, from surfcoach.co.nz coaching me, I have managed to gain skills quickly. When I’m not surfing, I’ll be at home on the ramp or at the local skate park with my SmoothStar, land training. I also do Surf Life Saving (for New Brighton), karate and trampolining to keep my fitness up to date:).

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LATEST: LOCAL

Tegen shows off her quiver on a warm NZ day at the beach

“At the moment, I am really excited, because recently I’ve got sponsored by Roger Hall from Surfline Surfboards as a team rider and my quiver of new boards are just about to drop! I’m also sponsored by SmoothStar Skateboards NZ which is awesome for those flat days and honing my snaps and airs ;) My other sponsor is Exit Surf, who keep me toasty in my XCEL wetsuits, ripping on my Kinetic Racing Fins and well connected with Ocean & Earth leashes.

“This season has been an amazing season of development and learning for me. It has been a fun and an exciting journey, and I have managed to pick up some good results on the way. I’ve recently turned 14, but this season I have not only managed to pick up the South Island Primary Girls Championship and Under 14 Girls Groms Championship, but I have also managed to pick up the South Island Under 17 Girls Groms Championship and the

South Island Junior Women’s (Under 20) Championship. They’re held at a series of contests around the South Island.

This season I have travelled to Tauranga Bay in Westport, Aramoana and St Clair in Dunedin, Hickory Bay, Gore Bay, Pegasus Bay and Kaikoura, plus all my local breaks, North New Brighton, New Brighton, Sumner and Taylors Mistake.

“I’m in North Wai Boardriders as a junior and this season I took out the Under 14 Girls Club Championship. It’s great getting so much support from our local surfing community - North Wai is always so helpful to the juniors, running training camps, training sessions, club surfing days, comps and so much more! Also the local surf shop Exit Surf is also really supportive to the up-andcoming kids in the club with advice and kit. SISA (South Island Surfing Association) is amazing as they run pretty much all of the main surfing events in the South Island, including all the Grom SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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Tegen on North Wai Boardriders

LATEST: LOCAL Tegen training - in the water and in the skate park

“NORTH WAI IS ALWAYS SO HELPFUL TO THE JUNIORS, R U N N I N G TRAINING C A M P S , TRAINING SESSIONS, CLUB SURFING DAYS, COMPS AND SO MUCH MORE”

Committed? Try surfing when it’s snowing...

comps. Without the help from Lewis Joyce who runs the comps), Exit Surf who donate many of the prizes, and the help from local surf club members, the Grom comps and many other comps wouldn’t run.

“It’s great in Christchurch because there are many girl surfers who are linked to North Wai as well. Next year I’m also planning to compete in the Nationals and North Island, so another voyage of discovery awaits... While it’s always good to compete, the main thing I love to do is have fun free surfing with my friends and family!”

For more information on Tegen and her sponsors, see: www.tinyurl.com/tegensurfs Are you an up and comer with a tale to tell? Drop us a line on editorial@smorgasboarder.com.au for a chance to feature in the mag 64

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OVERSIZED

Glenn Cat Collins is an unusual surfboard shaper. Regular Smorgasboarder readers will have marvelled at, and been puzzled by his insane-yet-very-surfable creations many times over. Craig Baird, curator of the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay had also admired Glenn Cat’s work for years, and one day suddenly found himself the surprised owner of his very own piece of art.

WORDS & PHOTOS: CRAIG BAIRD

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You What??

“I’ve finished your board...”

Those were the words that rattled down the line from Glenn Cat on the Sunny Coast, I just kinda blanked! I know I had spoken to Glenn in the past about whether he had any boards that would suit me, but couldn’t recall having ordered one. I was

kinda stoked and surprised - The news was Glenn had woven his particular kind of board making magic in Whitey’s (Peter White of Classic Malibu) shaping bay in Noosa (before the fire) packaged the beast up and now it was on its way.

SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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SURFING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD! Highest quality, best value softboards for kids, learners, and those who just want a safe fun in the surf. Designed by a surfboard shaper for a true surfing experience.

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“My own kids love them too...”

Dean Geraghty

2/09/2015 9:13 pm

I had first become aware of Glenn Collins through an exhibition called Artsticks we ran at the museum about 10 years ago. Glenn submitted a bunch of boards like the Clown Fish and Tea Spoon Experiment that were a mix of surfboard forms combined with 3D sculpture, Erle’s jet bottoms and some seriously supercharged colour. I had also checked out his website Surf 1770 and loved the creativity and imagination on show. A few years ago I had travelled to Noosa and got to hang out and surf with Glenn and Erle who were riding some of their wild inventions. I got the impression watching Glenn ride ‘The Icicle’ (his board at the time) that he was a surfer good enough to pretty much ride anything.

much shit on it as you can!” and to be delivered “In Victoria somewhere”. Despite Glen’s helpful shipping advice the blank was intact and all in good nick, so I bolted over to the Moonlight Laminating factory to roll back the plastic and see what Glenncat had sent me.

“When I flipped it over things just became more surreal.”

Glenn wouldn’t tell me what he had shaped, only saying that it had been packed up and was already in transit. At this point I started imagining all the possible combinations of tea spoon concaves, cross channels, jet bottoms, asymmetric outlines, multi dimensional fins and other 3D trickery that might make up my board. In the end I had to give up, I had seen a jet-bottomed multi-fin mal on the website that I liked and kinda thought mine might be something similar to that.

I put the blank up on some glassing stands and started peeling the plastic off to expose something more than just a bit different. The board was seriously asymmetrical - it had a bunch of pronounced hips in the outline, most with reverse curve running between them. There was a cut out in the tail that kinda made it look like a shark’s head, and while the left rail was full and rounded the right rail was pinched and lead to a flat deck line. Glenn had also heavily scored the foam on the deck - I knew this was one of the things he liked… Sprayed with different colours from different angles it would all start looking a bit opalescent.

One day the Surf Freight rig pulled up out the front and Nick unloaded a shaped blank from the back of the truck. It was wrapped in a couple of layers of bubble wrap and had all sorts of stuff scrawled on it in texta like “Bottom load only – Pile as

When I flipped it over things just became more surreal. There were channels in the bottom, but Glenn had sculpted them in the shape of flames.

As I was trying to get my head around the flame channels I also picked up that there was a concave

running down the other side of the board with the flames and concaves flipping sides from the nose to the tail. The central fin box was marked out but offset with an instruction to put the other fin “over there” and an arrow pointing in the vague direction of where Glenn wanted the side bite.

At this point there were some funny looks going around the factory as a few shapers present checked out the board and the question of who was going to glass and sand the board remained unasked.

While I tried to get my head around a spray for the board, the shaped blank sat around Rusty’s factory gathering dust. About a year later Russ shut up shop in the old factory and moved across the Surf Coast Highway to new digs now being run by his son Corey. The board remained wrapped in plastic waiting for inspiration. Weird thing was every time I would go near the board and start thinking about colours it would just pull the handbrake on my brain. Having spent a couple of decades putting complimentary colours on beautifully hand sculptured pieces of foam this thing was defying a definition.

In the end I was inspired by an album cover for a band called Rough Diamond - the board in some ways looked like a piece of broken glass, so that is where I thought I would go with the spray, but I was also keen on it being a light blue . . . So it ended up both broken glass on top and light blue underneath with the flames picked out in a SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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rds, dle GuaPlugs d a P & Nose e & Leash Rail Tap

darker blue. Once sprayed, Rusty glassed it, getting me whip on the rubber gloves to help out making sure the flame channels remained stuck down. Same thing with the sanding, after being flat sanded I got to spend an afternoon hand sanding the serpentine pattern of the channels. The fun wasn’t over however as a conversation with Glenn had introduced another element: he thought it would be cool if the board looked wet even when it was dry. So there are now a whole lot of droplets in the finish coat of the board to both make it look wet and help bust up the water flow. In essence this is the key to Glenncat’s designs, disrupting linear water flow along the bottom of a board.

There is always a special feeling when you wax up a new board and hit the water for the first time - usually it revolves around expectations of how a new board will perform. In this case I had absolutely no idea how this thing was going to behave. Just to dial out some variables I waited for a clean day with shoulder high surf to launch the board. Just paddling the thing felt weird, with its offset nose it felt like it was doing a right hand turn even when you were paddling straight. Length and width were similar to what I had been riding, so it didn’t feel too different, I thought. That feeling only lasted until I caught my first wave.

k Fins

Pro Tec

redirect the board at any point - the board feels alive! It feels light and responsive but you have to be positive in surfing it. The board doesn’t trim like a traditional mal . . . um . . . well, yes it does, but you make it do that. It wants to take off ,but you can pull it back on track, a bit like driving a Ferrari at 60kph. There was really only one thing that mattered in riding this board: I surfed better and enjoyed it more. The only negative I have found so far was it feeling a bit skatey in backhand turns in surf well overhead, (it currently has no fin left of centre) I’ll fix that by mounting a small fin on the left of the tail.

I have been surprised and stoked with how the board goes, it has kind of re-energised my surfing. Funny thing is people’s reactions to the board, I have had people walk clear across the carpark just to check it out and of course a lot of people think it’s a joke. It’s not. I really don’t care what other people may think about the way it looks or how they think it might go, I’m having too much fun surfing it!

I spoke to Glenncat this morning telling him how much I was enjoying the board. This board is fun, and you can never have too much of that!

Craig Baird is the curator if Surfworld Museum, Torquay. www.surfworld.com.au

The most remarkable thing about this board is that it surfs way shorter than its length would suggest. That and the feeling that you can

s

epair Kit

afe R Travel S

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02 4226 1322 SMORGASBOARDER | SPRING 2015 info@watermanssurf.com.au

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GEAR S URF BOAR DS

McKILL OR BE KILLED...

It’s at about this point that you’re real happy to have a good board under your feet...

Photo courtesy of Luke McKill

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5’9” - 6’10”

DAGGER

5’9” - 7’0”

3

CHOPPER

3

by Luke McKill

by Luke McKill

A low entry rocker and low tail rocker combines with a fuller outline to allow the Dagger to glide over those full sections.

The Chopper has a lower rocker and med/boxy rails.

A mild single concave with a slight double concave in the tail for lift and acceleration. The combination of rocker and concave makes this board fast and loose.

Ridden 1-2 inches shorter than a standard board.

“Luke is kept inspired by surfing the local NSW South Coast breaks and getting direct feedback from his customers using his unique custom shapes, plus regular trips with mates to Indonesia to recharge.”

Combining a single to double concave with fuller outline with the wing makes this an ultra fun small wave board.

Order 4 to 6 inches shorter than normal shortboard.

MCKILL SURFBOARDS M: 0478 154 456 E: mckillshapes@gmail.com www.mckillsurfboards.com facebook.com/mckillshapes SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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GEAR: BOARDS

SHAPER’S PROMOTION

5’0” x 20 ¾” x 2 ½”

5’8” x 19 ¾” x 2 ½”

5’8” SINGLE

by Mark Rabbidge

This one was made 1 especially for Pam (Burridge). It’s a replica of her original 5’8”. Pam’s first surfboard. It was made in the traditional theme of boards from that era. All the colour work you see including the black lines are tints. It was a nightmare to make but a worthy wall-hanger.

9’6” x 23” x 3”

BLENDED SINGLE FIN LONGBOARD

by Mark Rabbidge

by Jesse Watson

6’0” x 21” x 2 5/8”

2

“6/4 oz deck, 6oz bottom plus ‘seniorita’ inlay and glass-on Simmons keels.

“The fastest board you’ve never ridden - guaranteed to make you surf better and faster than you ever have, will link up sections like nothing else on the planet and make you feel like you surf better than you actually do... AAA+ fun rating”

SUMMER SWALLOW

by Graham Carse

Single concave into a 3 double concave with a flat rocker. This board is the perfect addition to your quiver going into summer waves...

Yes, even in Dunedin!

“Get on it.”

1

This one is an old school longboard blended with a performance longboard. I shaped it for Shaun to surf Crescent Head. It basically has the glide of an old school longboard with a bit of life added to it. Nice blue tint with a fabric inlay means she looks pretty sweet as well.

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SIMMONS SENIORITA

RABBIDGE SURF DESIGN Bendalong, NSW Ph: 02 4456 4038 M: 0427 767 176 www.markrabbidge.com

BLACK APACHE SURFBOARDS

QUARRY BEACH SURFBOARDS

P: 0410 419 791

Ph: +64 3 455 7414 M: +64 27 518 8678 www.qbsurfboards.com

@blackapache Look us up...

E: blackapachesurfboards@live.com.au

blackapachesurfboards.com.au

75 David St, Caversham, Dunedin NZ

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SHAPER’S PROMOTION

GEAR: BOARDS 5’5” x 20” x 2 3/8” 6’2” x 20 ¼” x 2 ¾”

SMARTBOARD Custom handshape

by Mitchell Rae

Available as a V2Flex 5 5-fin option, this Smartboard features a Bali batik fabric inlay and gold pinline.

Fast, easy wave entry, low rocker glides through summer slop... The perfect summer magic carpet.

MICRO EGG

by Jason Oliver

Relatively flat 1+2 rocker, flat to double concave and vee out the tail. Made from recycled pine pallets and paulownia and chalk colour with epoxy.

This Micro Egg has three fins - two sides plus 7’ centre fin box for fine tuning. Fast fun board suitable for smaller waves.

Available by custom order throughout the size range.

OUTER ISLAND SURFBOARDS 7 Bayldon Drive, Raleigh, NSW Ph: 02 6655 7007 info@outerislandsurfboards.com outerislandsurfboards.com outerisland.blogspot.com Outer Island Surfboards

JASON OLIVER

HOLLOW WOODEN SURFBOARDS

Ph: 0416 475 362 Email: jasoliver@live.com

jasonoliverwoodensurfboards.com.au Boards available at: UNDERGROUND SURF, Noosa Heads

5’6” x 19” x 2 3/8”

LUXE TWIN

6’0” x 21 ¾” x 2 5/8”

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

by Bobby Crisp

by Chris Garrett

5

“This sweet little sled is a modern interpretation of the planning hull designed for speed and glide. A full straight-railed outline is combined with a light tri-plane hull and a single concave to really drive off the back foot.

Somewhere between a Simmons hull and modern shortboard, you can enjoy this long and cruisey or short and skatey in waves waist to shoulder high. Standard with a five box futures setup and glassed to last in epoxy with some seriously abstract resin work.”

“Loosely based on the 2 rocket twin fish, fuller nose area, more curve in the tail with a tighter swallow, still with the deep double concaves and vee out the tail.

“A modern approach with the 70’s aesthetic makes this a sweet ride with a contempory feel. Custom to any size, optional stabilizer fin available.”

PHANTOM SURFBOARDS

Bobby Crisp DELUXE INDUSTRIES BOARD CO. M: +64 21 267 4695 E: bobcrisp@deluxeindustries.co.nz

www.deluxeindustries.co.nz

Custom surfboards available at: SUNHOUSE, Coolangatta, THE BOARDROOM, Miami, BRUNSWICK SURF, Brunswick Heads

Ph: 0424 450 690 E: phantomsurfboards@gmail.com chrisgarrettshapes.com.au SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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Entropy Bio Resin Super Sap CLR

•

A low viscosity, low colour and UV stable clear liquid epoxy resin system

•

Performance grade eco resin

•

Reduced environmental impact

•

Safe and pleasant to use – low odour, low VOC’s

6’3” x 20” x 2 ½”

THE INTERNATIONAL

by Junior

Hand shaped Ocean Foam blank and fitted with Speeed Fins.

1

Shaped by our recently acquired international shaper.

Half Scottish , half Sri-Lankan, accomplished Portugese local surfer ’Junior’.

Good for point breaks,head height plus.

Available in Australia from

8’0” x 22” x 2 ¾”

FUNBOARD

by Rory Oke

Easy to use for 3 beginners. Still Great fun in small stuff for better surfers.

Handshaped Ocean Foam PU blank, 6 oz cloth, polished finish.

This one was custom made with a fabric inlay.

info@surfinggreen.com.au 0412 042 811

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

SMORGASBOARDER | SPRING 2015

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7’4” x 19 ¾” x 2 ¾”

SIX CHANNEL PINTAIL

by Leighton Clark

3

FCS thruster fin system. 6 x 4 x 6oz glassing...

For those who dare!!

Units 7 & 8, 9 Chapman Road, Hackham SA 5163

E: leightonclark01@yahoo.com.au

M: 0422 443 789

facebook.com/thedingkingAUS

The Ding King is a collaborative of South Australian surfboard shapers, glassers, artists and sanders. As well as pumping out ding repairs, we also produce brand new surfcraft and run shaping workshops.

9’2” x 22 ¼’’ x 18 ¼’’ x 14 ½” x 2 5/8”

NIGEL’S HP LOG

by Jordie Brown

The combination of 2+1 traditional lines with a modern twist makes for an extremely versatile surf craft.

Heavy tinted 6oz glass job, with a 2+1 box and FCS tri fin set up.

Surfs great in ankle snappers to well over head waves. Anyone could jump on this stick and have a ball. This style of log is a true all-rounder - it nose rides like a demon and turns on a dime.

HIGH TIDE SURFBOARDS Skenes Creek, VIC 3233 Ph: 0401 437 392

E: hightidesurfboards@hotmail.com www.hightidesurfboards.com

9’2” x custom to suit

9’2” x custom to suit

‘74 MODEL

‘68 MODEL

Hand-shaped 1 traditional style single-fin Pig. 50/50 rails with a rolled bottom.

8.5 oz Volan glass and Silmar Resin. Wet rub finish. The board slides, glides and nose rides with confidence.

12” fin box and any style tail you like. See us for customs our specialty.

Another reinvigorated 1 classic style Pig. This earlier incarnation has a heavier rolled bottom with pinched 75/25 rails. Double 6oz deck and single 6oz bottom.

Silmar Resin, pigment, gloss and polish. 12” fin box and any style tail.

Not only does this board trim and glide like a dream, you will be shocked by how light it is.

by Stewart Maxwell

by Stewart Maxwell

MAXIMUM SURFBOARDS 46 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD Ph: 0400 338 098 E: maximumsurf@bigpond.com

www.maximumsurfboards.com.au

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SURFBOARD

DINGS

BUSTED YOUR BOARD? GET IT FIXED HERE...

BUDGEWOI

BUCKOS torations SURFBOARD & SUP REPAIRS AND SOUTHPORT RESTORATIONS Mon-Fri 10am - 5.30pm KOMA Weekends by appointment

Repairs & Res

New Zealand RAGLAN, NZ

RAGLAN LONGBOARDS

Mon-Fri 9am -5pm, Sat 9am -12pm 0402 863 763

CRONULLA

7 days, 10am to 5pm except winter - catch us if you can +64 7 825 0544

MIAMI

KAIKOURA, NZ

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm 0404 804 498

SURGE SURFBOARDS Bust your board?

Call us 24/7 027 428 7453

Queensland AGNES WATER/1770

REEF 2 BEACH Mon-Sat, 9-5pm, Sun,10-4pm 07 4974 9072

THE DING SHOP

BURLEIGH HEADS

MT WOODGEE

1730 Gold Coast Highway (07) 5535 0288 Sun-Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat 8:30am - 5pm

CURRUMBIN

MT WOODGEE 2 Stewart Rd (07) 5598 2188 Sun-Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm

NOOSA REGION

SUNRISE SURFCRAFT

Round the clock 0421 140 653 Unit 2, 12 Corsair Cr, Sunrise Beach

COOLUM

COOLUM BOARDROOM

2 Park Street, Coolum Beach 07 5408 4600

MAXIMUM SURFBOARDS 46 Currumbin Creek Rd Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 3pm Sun by appointment 0400 338 098

THE FACTORY SURFBOARDS

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm (07) 5492 5838

LABRADOR

GC SURFCRAFT REPAIRS Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9-12pm 0401 016 088

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RILEY BALSA SURFBOARDS

WOODEN BOARD REPAIRS Mon-Sat 9am-4pm 0412 376 464

WOLLONGONG

SKIPP SURFBOARDS

COFFS HARBOUR

SURF CRAFT REPAIRS

JIM NEWTON 4/6 Druitt Court Open most days, just call.

0402 864 062

MID COAST

THE DING KING Clark Surfboards Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm 0422 443 789

LONSDALE

MID COAST SURF Call us for a quality repair 08 8384 5522

Call Mark 0416 199 764

BROWN DOGG

MR DAMAGE SURFBOARDS

mark@mrdamagesurfboards. com.au

7 days a week - Just call 0416 455 985

JERVIS BAY

INNER FEELING SURFBOARDS Seven days, 9am - 5pm 02 4441 6756

Victoria

ROUSA SURFBOARDS

Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 12pm 0432 330 826

South Australia

SHELLHARBOUR

YAMBA

TOMBSTONE SURFBOARDS

7 days, 9-5pm 03 5952 2578

SOUTH COAST

BELLARINE PENINSULA

PLANK SHOP

ISLAND SURF SHOP, COWES

Mon - Fri 9-5pm Sat 9-4pm, Sun 9-3pm 02 4228 8878

New South Wales

02 6645 8362

MOFFAT BEACH

0422 304 078

PHILLIP ISLAND

Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, 0403 693 333

THORNBURY

ZAK SURFBOARDS Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm 03 9416 7384

DO YOU FIX BROKEN BOARDS?

Promote your surfboard repair business for $15 an edition.

Call 0401 345 201

TORQUAY

STONKER

Seven days, 9am - 5pm 03 5261 6077

SMORGASBOARDER | SPRING 2015

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

DOES IT WORK?

WORDS & PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN

RDER SMORGASBOATED TRIED AND TES

H O R S E & WAT E R

NO MORE FIN CUTS...

So the kids are getting into surfing - particularly my youngest daughter Phoebe. She’s progressing to a fibreglass board and right now the Sunny Coast has nothing but 2ft sliders. I’m comfortable with her riding one of my longboards (I ding them enough - why worry about what my daughter might do). I am however concerned with her seriously injuring herself by way of a nasty fin cut, even in small conditions. Hell, I have even managed that feat myself.

www.horseandwater.com.au

Thinking ahead, as I do, earlier this year I bought some ProTeck Fins, specifically their Power Flex model with Phoebe in mind. These are essentially surfboard fins with a soft, flexible leading and trailing edge, designed to reduce the chance of fin cuts, but also enhance surfboard performance. The safety aspect of these fins is easy to understand, the performance aspect needs explanation.

Apparently the “flexible trailing edge allows water to flow smoother with less turbulence off the fin. The flexible edge also creates a rudder action as the water pressure bends the edge, creating tighter and more fluid turns, similar to the fins of dolphins and sharks.” We are regularly putting these to the test at present.

Pro Teck fins are available for all levels of surfing - from the rigid core Performance, medium core Power Flex, and the flexible Super Flex fins in various sizes for different fin set-ups. www.watermanssurf.com.au

PATCHWORK We’ve reviewed this before, but at the rate I am using it, I thought it best to remind you how good it is.

Forget the rest, this is the stuff.

It’s pretty basic: you ding your board - in particular crack the glass and you’re worried about water leaking into the foam core. Grab some Puka Patch and stick it on like you would a band-aid.

It forms a water-tight seal on your board that lasts and lasts. How long? I looked back to our original review back in May 2013 and I still have the same patch on my board some 2+ years on - along with about 20 others on this board alone. It tells you how good the seal is...

And perhaps how lazy I am for not getting my board fixed yet. $5.99 for 5 patches (2” x 4 7/8”). $9.99 for 5 patches (3 ½ x 4 7/8”) www.watershack.com.au SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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‘15-’16ARD BO SOFTE T ST Well Spring is here and it’s of course time to test the latest and greatest softboards hitting the market.

We got a hold of 10 various model softboards from different manufacturers to see what boards are best suited for whom and what kind of budget.

Tired of seeing our own bald heads in Smorgasboarder we called on a couple of expert testers, well a couple of mates from down the street actually. But as the photos will attest, these guys can actually surf, unlike us, and they really put these softboards through their paces on several occasions, in surf varying from little peelers through to punchy beachies.

“HAVING NEVER RIDDEN A SOFTBOARD BEFORE IT WAS INTERESTING TO GET A SENSE OF WHO I BELIEVED EACH BOARD HAD BEEN DESIGNED FOR. I MEAN, THESE DAYS IT’S NOT JUST KIDS RIDING SOFTBOARDS - WE SAW FIVE GUYS WALKING DOWN WITH FOAMIES WHILE WE WERE TESTING THESE BOARDS. EVERYBODY IS SURFING THEM FOR A RANGE OF REASONS. “AMONGST THE BOARDS WE TESTED, THERE ARE A FEW SELECT ONES SUITABLE FOR MORE EXPERIENCED SURFERS.” ANTHONY

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SOFTBOARD TEST ‘15-’16 ash hitew ad w e th he From s to over e e th h s . pu b! els.. barr do the jo s ie foam

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OUR TESTERS...

What a fine looking crew!

Anthony Lombardi, Matt Harvey, Sean and Jacqui (Matt’s mum and dad), his son Paddy and daughter Isla (chief board inspector) as well as Matt’s good mate Ryan all spent a couple of days giving these padded surfcraft a good working over.

D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SOFTBOARD SPECIFICALLY FOR A BEGINNER:

Jacqui

Matt

Anthony

SP W UP SU AS SK

Make sure the board has plenty of flotation. If you can’t paddle and catch waves easily, you can’t practice. The more waves you catch, the more opportunity you get learning to ride a wave.

It is best to generally look for boards with plenty of volume (both width and thickness) particularly in the chest to nose area. This makes the board more stable and is where most of your body mass is.

Our personal experience with our own kids learning to surf around the age of 7 through to 13, is that a board around 8’ is best. It is not too unwieldy in small waves (you are surely not going to send them out in Waimea like conditions early on) and provides a big stable platform for them to stand on. You can step them down in size as they progress.

For adults learning to surf, depending on their weight, we would suggest something around 8’6” through to 10’.

The softboard market is extremely competitive and there are so many brands out there at varied price points. In most cases, you get what you pay for. The price often reflects the board’s longevity. You get to decide if you are after a softboard for a summer season or two or one that you will pass on from child to child and keep it for many years of fun in the sun.

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Sean

Paddy

Isla

Ryan

OUR SOFTBOARD WAX OF CHOICE Not all softboards require wax but a light application of the sticky stuff can certainly help your grip on a few.

There are of course many waxes on the market but our personal preference for softboards is Froth Surf Wax All Water Extra Sticky (the lime green one) – sounds like a plug but it’s the truth. As far as softboards go, this is the one.

It is one of the easiest waxes to apply and you only have to apply it every month or so. It just stays there forever and a day and it doesn’t get patchy or slimy after a while like many others do. Apparently it has something to do with their “secret ingredients”.

Try it out for yourself and draw your own opinion. $5 for a 80g block.

All Water Extra Sticky is the go...

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AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER ZINC PRODUCTS SPF 50+ BROAD SPECTRUM WATER RESISTANT FOR UP TO 4 HOURS SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES ASSISTS IN MAINTAINING SKIN ELASTICITY

JOSHUA SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHER @JOSHUASCOTT_PHOTOGRAPHY LUKE FOSTER & KYE FOSTER MODELS

www.sunzapper.com.au

facebook.com/sunzapper

@sunzapper SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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ard of The only bo ed to st te es on the and se feature a no k oc bl ta il

D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

GBOARDS Model: Original Series Length: 7’0” Price: $455 RRP Range:

Gboards come in the “Original ” and “Classic” series. The Classic series features boards with more refined plan shapes and less volume better suited to proficient surfers. The Original Series are more suited to beginners with plenty of volume, flotation and are near indestructible.

The Classic Series ranges from 6’ through to 8’. The Original also starts at 6’ and goes up to 9’6”.

There are SUPs as well.

Finer points: •

Top of the line construction

•

Extremely durable

•

Best leash plug

•

Nose and tail blocks

•

Nice plan shape

•

Refined rails

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Thoughts...

The price reflects the premium nature of this product. GBoards have been building softboards in Australia longer than any other we are aware of and their history in softboard manufacturing is evidenced in the construction of their range of boards. They know what works and what doesn’t, what lasts and what surfs well. All the boards feature nice plan shapes and extremely durable construction. Indeed GBoards have established themselves as the Rolls Royce of softboards because of their durability, they just last and last and last. That is the reason you see them in so many surf schools around Australia and indeed the world.

Simply put a GBoard is an investment that will last the test of time. We have mates who have GBoards and they are almost like heirlooms set to be passed down to each generation of the family.

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SOFTBOARD TEST ‘15-’16

Matt, the er... ak sn e-charm

GBOARDS The Victorian Original...

“If I was looking to buy a softboard for the kids this would be the one. I quite liked the plan shape. It had finer rails, was easy to paddle and was just a bit more manageable size wise.”

Matt

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“I think anyone could stand up on a board like this. If I was to find something for my wife to learn on, where she would not crack it and give up on the first day, it would be this one. What I thought was really good is that it had such a wide flat deck that was super stable. Some of the other boards had more rolled rails with less flat surface area to stand up.” Anthony

ISLAND Phillip Island tried and tested

Thoughts...

Island Softboards have been developed by the biggest surf school in Australia – Island Surf School in Phillip Island, which has been going for over 20 years. It also happens to be part of Island Surfboards, established way back in ’69. It is fair to say these guys have a unique understanding of what makes a good softboard in terms of design, construction and flotation.

These are boards that can truly be ridden by any member of the family, particularly their 8-footer. They have three stringers and thus are really sturdy, which you immediately feel when you pick up the board. This bit of rigidity in turn makes the boards extremely easy to paddle and catch waves. Some softboards can have heavier learners feel like they are surfing a thong – they flex in all the wrong places. These boards have you gliding down the face with ease.

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e by the Boards mad School biggest Surf a li ra st in Au

D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

ISLAND Model: N/A Length: 8’0” Price: $499 Range:

Lengths available in 6” increments from 5’6’’ for $325 through to 11’ for $695 with widths ranging from 20” to 26”.

Finer points:

“If I was going to recommend a board for anyone to learn on, from kids through to adults, it would be this one. It was so easy to get on a wave. The flotation in it was unbelievable. It was like a barge. It had you sitting on top of the water.”

Matt

•

Really wide flat deck

•

Plenty of surface area to stand up

•

Incredibly stable

•

Unique 3 stringer construction

•

Rugged durability

•

Larger centre fin

•

Strong leash plug

•

Surfs really well

islandsurfboards.com.au SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

EL NINO Model: FISH Length: 5’10” Price: $399.95 Range:

The Fish is also available in a 4’11” for $329.95 and a 6’6” for $449.95

Finer points: •

Good price point

•

Available in most surf stores

•

One of the mot popular softboard brands

•

Great for young surfers starting out

•

Incredibly light compared to the other softboards tested

•

Outstanding graphics, which is sure to appeal to young surfers

Thoughts...

The El Nino range caters particularly well for kids learning to surf and developing as surfers, but as these photos suggest, older, heavier surfers (sorry guys!) can still put them through their paces. When you can get barreled on a punchy little beachie you now they go okay.

Both Mark’s and my kids have learnt to surf through several Summers surfing the El Ninos. The kids have graduated from the 8’ Cruiser, which was just ideal to start with, through to the 6’ Flow, which they are presently riding. Our El Ninos have been surfed by our kids and friend’s kids for three years now and whilst the decals have faded, they still surf fine. The fact they are quite light and not too big has given the kids a sense of confidence they are in control. They don’t feel they are trying to wrestle a huge beast of a board in the whitewash.

elninosurf.com.au 88

With this year’s range, the El Ninoans (made that up) have really stepped up the graphics on their latest bunch of babies. The boards look super slick, which had my kids drooling.

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SOFTBOARD TEST ‘15-’16 a fish Anthony puts el rr ba a in

EL NINO Flashy, foam-filled fun

“I loved the little black fish. It was the first softboard I jumped on and once I got the hang of it, I managed to get some great little rides. The swell I initially took it out in was about its limit. It became a little skatey but what would you expect with small plastic fins.”

Anthony

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D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

EL NINO Model: FLOW (Ladies version is the DIVA) Length: 6’0” Price: $269.95 Range:

The Flow or Diva is also available in a 5’6” for $249.95

“Heaps of fun on that one. I went out there and on my way out a nice little left came and I just turned around and it was, ‘Wow, this is unreal.’ And I even got a nice big cutback!

I was surprised. I said to Matt I really want to try and see whether you could surf them like a proper surfboard.

When you spend time on them you start to account for how they handle differently to a fibreglass board.”

Anthony

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EL NINO

El Nino boards come t with a grea e op gr le little

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The softboard the Smorgasboarder kids have learned to surf on...

“I quite liked the little squared-off tail, white mini mal. You could walk back and do a little turn. It felt stable and fun and sat nicely on the water. I felt it would be a great little kid’s learner board. The leash plug however wasn’t as strong as some of the other boards.

With that said though, if you are teaching your kids to surf in small waves you are not going to be putting the leash plugs under the strain we did.”

Matt

EL NINO Model: CRUISER Length: 8’0” Price: $499.95 Range:

The Cruiser is also available in 6’6” at $329.95, 7’ at $379.95 and 7’6” $479.95

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D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

“Yeah that was sick. I had heaps of fun on that. It felt solid. You could set the rail and do a really nice bottom turn. It had the speed and hold in the water, a bit more like a fibreglass board.

LIQUID SHREDDER

“That shredder was one of the favourites and everyone wanted a go on it. Especially going from a fibreglass board to a foamie.”

Model: Mini Mal,

Matt

Element Series

Length: 7’5” Price: $499.95

LIQUID THOUGHTS...

Best described as the feel of a fibreglass board with some soft padding over it. These boards surf incredibly well and are one of the latest brands to hit the market imported

by Waterman Surf Co, the guys behind the distribution of legendary shaper Bill Tolhurst’s high-tech carbon fibre boards.

These boards were extremely popular with our testers and with me personally. The boards we tested however are probably best suited to surfers who are proficient or advancing. My kids are progressing on to these boards. At first they found the narrower plan shape of the Mini Mal challenging as it was less stable to what they are accustomed. However, once they got the hang of it they are finding turning on the wave far easier on this board than a standard softboard. In summary, there is less board to stand up on, but once you have the hang of it, they are easier to surf.

fins, last ic Good p and you can ra ils mal smooth it like a nor x a w n eve ard surfbo

watermanssurf.com.au 92

The unique patented construction includes full length dual aluminum stringers and a manufacturing process that shrinks the aircraft quality vinyl skin tightly over the board’s closed cell foam blank as opposed to being laminated (glued). A vent plug near the nose, not dissimilar to a Sunova or earlier model Firewire surfboard, further prevents delamination and allows the board to equalise. The board also features smooth contoured rails to limit chaffing when paddling. What this means to kids is that they look not too dissimilar to a fibreglass board and they can wax them up just like dad or mum does theirs.

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“One of my favourite all-time softboards to ride. For the little peelers on the Sunshine Coast this an absolute cracker. I can see why so many surfers have taken to these boards in places like Tamarama, where fibreglass boards have been banned.”

Dave

It’s getting a bit more serious...

ID SHREDDER

LIQUID SHREDDER Model: Ghost, Element Series Size: 5’5” x 22” x 2.75” Price: $349.95 Range:

From 4’2” in the Classic Series starting at $199 through to a 10’ in the Element Series at $599.95. There is also a range of SUPs as well.

Finer points: “You could tell it was a really good little shape.

They have achieved what they wanted with this board. The dimensions are just right. “ Anthony

so A test board never be fun, it may returned...

•

Surf incredibly well

•

Lightweight

•

Refined rails for ease of turning

•

Good plan shape, rocker and foil

•

More suited perhaps to advancing surfers

•

You wax these boards like you would a fibreglass board

SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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GE

D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

GERAGHTY Model: N/A Length: 8’0” Price: $440, but mention

Smorgasboarder and pay $345!

Range:

The Geraghty softboard range starts at a 6-footer and goes all the way up to a soft SUP, perfect for beginners in the surf.

Finer points: •

The most affordable of all the softboards we tested

•

Possibly suited to lighter, younger surfers than adults over 80kgs (that said, Anthony is 83kg, and look what he pulled off!)

•

Good flotation

•

Stable

•

Solid leash plug

geraghtyshapes.com 94

Thoughts...

Simply put, you won’t find a better softboard for the price. To our way of thinking these are entry-level softboards for people learning to surf. They’re particularly ideal for kids. So if you think your kids may like to try surfing and you don’t want to break the bank, these softboards are worthy of your consideration.

They are perhaps a little chunkier than other softboards on the market but this has been in the pursuit of stability and flotation, the most important characteristics for a learner softboard.

Geraghty are based on the Sunshine Coast and ship around Australia. Originally from South Africa, they are the largest supplier of softboards in their home country and have already made significant inroads here in Australia in a matter of years.

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SOFTBOARD TEST ‘15-’16

GERAGHTY Affordable fun machines in all sizes

Barrelled on a softboard... The closeout hurts less!

“As you can see, I got a nice wave on the yellow 8-footer. There was a bit of power and size to that wave too for a softboard.”

Anthony SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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D TEST FTBOAR O S 6 1 -’ ‘15

“The board was certainly big and stable like the other softboards of a similar size.

It wasn’t skating all over the place.

Straight and steady.

It was perhaps a little harder to turn but once you got your foot over the fins you could swing her around.

“The rails conversely were perhaps a little more refined but the roll meant less flat surface area on the deck” Matt

GERAGHTY Model: N/A Length: 9’0” Price: $495, but mention

Smorgasboarder and pay $395!

Save a hundred big ones.

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“...if you think your kids may like to try surfing and you don’t want to break the bank, these softboards are worthy of your consideration.”

Dave

eye on as his h y d d Pa e... this on

I’ll be “Look Nan,, on!” so e er out th

GERAGHTY Model: N/A Length: 6’0” Price: $300, but mention Smorgasboarder and take it home for $250

SPRING 2015 | SMORGASBOARDER

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It’s not called The Observatory for nothing...

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SMORGASBOARDER | SPRING 2015

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SUN SAFETY FETY WITH SUN ZAPPER

HOWSABOUT SOME HOMEBREW, BRU! Beer is made of four ingredients, Water, Malt, Hops and Yeast. Over the next four issues I’ll cover them each, one by one.

Water has always had a huge influence on the flavours of beer. The water composition of an area often defined the style of beers that were made there - for example the water of Dublin was high in alkaline carbonates and was thus neutralised by acidic dark malts to make great beers such as Guinness.

SUNBATHING MYTHS…

BUSTED!

The word ‘sunbathing’ is no longer seen as that fun weekend activity, instead it brings to mind negative words like ‘skin cancer’, ‘harmful’, ‘risk’… But what if I tell you that scientists have proven that women who avoid sunbathing during summer are twice as likely to develop diseases like multiple sclerosis, bowel disease, type 1 diabetes and more, compared to women who sunbathed regularly[1]. Can you crack a guess as to what those women who avoided the sun, lacked from their sunloving counterparts?

Vitamin D! So, long term sun avoidance can block the body’s ability to produce vitamin D3, which is the best form of vitamin D. But that doesn’t mean you should soak up the sun for hours. You only need 20 minutes of sun to get that vitamin D circulating. After those 20 minutes are up we recommend you apply sun protection, like Sun Zapper Ultra Clear SPF50+ Sunscreen. Sun Zapper also has a colourful range of SPF50+ Zinc Sticks with 4 hours water resistance, so you can stay out surfing for longer.

Water might not seem like the most important thing to think about when planning your brew, but seeing as it makes up over 90% of your beer, put some thought into getting the best quality water you can.

Tap water contains chlorine, and this is not good news for the flavour of your beer.

Taste your water before using it. Is there a slight bleach-like smell or taste to it? If so, try finding another source. The best choice is spring water, or bottled water.

If you do need to use tap water, make sure you agitate it and then let it sit in a bucket overnight so that the chlorine can evaporate off, alternatively for a quicker fix, boil the water before use. The reason for this is that chlorine bonds with phenols in the grain husks to create chlorophenols, which give the beer a medicinal, or “bandaid” type flavour. Nasty.

If you want to be a real geek about it, the pH of the water should ideally be between 5 and 6. Water of a higher pH, i.e. more alkaline, can extract tannins from the grain causing the beer to taste astringent, an unpleasant back of the tongue drying sensation.

At Byron Bay Brewery we are fortunate enough to have great quality municipal water. However, just to be sure we don’t have any chlorine in it, it first passes through an activated carbon filter and it’s then heated to about 80C and left overnight to make doubly sure that it’s 100% chlorine-free and good to go!

We also add specific amounts of brewing salts, either Calcium Chloride for maltiness or Calcium Sulphate to accentuate hoppiness. This varies from recipe to recipe and can turn a good beer into a great beer.

The Sun Zapper range has you covered with its Zinc-based Sunscreens and Zinc sticks, all Aussie made. Find Sun Zapper at your local surf store, Woolworths, Big W, IGA and FoodWorks.

[1] Yang L, Lof M, Veierød MB, Sandin S, Adami HO, Weiderpass E (2011) Ultraviolet exposure and mortality among women in Sweden Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 20 (4), 683-90

In the next issue I’ll be talking about malt, what it is and how best to use it.

SHARKS: WEIGHING IN Unless you’ve had your head firmly buried in the sand you’ll be aware that for the first time in history a shark attack on a professional surfer was broadcast live on television. Imagine if advertisers had been given the heads up about that potential viewing audience! And not only was it broadcast live but he fought off said shark and survived with not a scratch on him. Shark 0, Mick 1. And I hear another shark went for a rematch on Mick’s first time back in. What are the odds? Increasingly higher it seems, given the recent spate of shark attacks and fatalities. So is it simply a case of more surfers in the water or are the sharks getting bolder? Or is it that there is less food in the ocean for the sharks so they see the surfers as fair game when their stomachs are empty? As you can probably fathom from my queries, I’m certainly no expert on shark behaviour. Experts on Reunion Island - the most dangerous place in the world for shark attacks where all open water swimming and surfing was banned in 2013 - are baffled by the increase in shark numbers. Some suggest the creation of a marine reef in 2007 could have contributed, but others conclude that a ban on shark meat being sold for human and animal consumption coupled with over fishing resulting in less reef sharks to eat the bull sharks’ pups have led to the increase. Certainly I would harbour a guess that the latter is more likely, given that the issue of increasing shark numbers is not unique to Reunion and we are seeing the same patterns develop here in Australia and NZ. Whatever the causes, the question remains the same - where do we as a surfing community go from here in terms of responding to these attacks?

I can honestly say I’m not entirely sure where I stand on this one. And yet this debate sparks passionate responses from both sides. Should we cull the sharks or hunt those individuals that attack humans? Or should we leave them be and respect the fact that the ocean is their environment and we are in their domain? A recent meeting at Lennox Head, NSW resulted in numerous suggestions being put forward with not one easy solution being decided upon. The interesting statistic to come from that community meeting however was that overwhelmingly (90%) of attendees supported a cull of some kind. The message was that people valued their mates’ lives more than the sharks’. And I get that. But if (and I emphasise the if) we as humans are the ones who have caused the increase in shark numbers through one or more of the hypothesised reasons stated above, then is it morally right for us to cull the sharks who are simply displaying normal shark behaviour in their ocean environment? Yet on the flip side, in my ideal world as a mother and a wife, I’d sleep easier knowing that when my kids and hubby are out in the ocean doing what they love they are safe and will return to me in one piece.

This is one complicated issue and one which we all need to tread carefully with and think about the consequences of any action we as an ocean-loving community decide to take.

Alastair Gillespie holds a Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, is a madkeen surfer and the Head Brewer at Byron Bay Brewery.

Nicola O’Reilly is the better half of the nice folks from Surfing Green, a couple passionate about sustainable surfing products.

byronbaybrewery.com.au

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SURFERS’ NECK INJURY STATS

SENSIBLE EXERCISES

Studies of competitive surfers report a general injury rate of 2-13 injuries per 1,000 hours of surfing. Most injury statistic research have shown that board contact and lacerations are most common causes of injury and also that surfing in above head-high waves or over rocky/ reef bottom doubles injury risk. With respect to surfers’ neck, injury prevalence is poorly documented. A review of over 60 recently published surfing injury articles did not discuss this condition whatsoever.

These are sensible guidelines and exercises for Surfers’ Neck:

DIAGNOSIS and SYMPTOMS Surfers’ neck is an ‘overuse’ or ‘intrinsic injury’ and is very common amongst surfers over 40 years of age. It is accepted as a degenerative condition of the cervical spine - commonly at the C5/6 level (between vertebrae 5 and 6 as highlighted on the computer generated MRI scan). The C5/6 level is a ‘point of fulcrum’ or in other words, where the spine hinges into extension movement. This correlates with the paddling position; lying down and looking forward. As a consequence of long term and repeated load, the joints can start to form marginal osteophytes or small boney projections.

If severe these boney lips can encroach on the nearby nerve roots and ultimately cause referred arm pain. All of these progressions are associated with neck pain, headaches, muscle spasm and restricted neck range of motion.

Plain view X-rays will show the state of the joints and MRI will show soft tissue involvement including nerve root irritation.

MANAGEMENT From a biomechanics point of view, these degenerative joints have increased accessory glide movement or hyper mobility. This is the key to managing the condition well. The C5/6 hypermobile segment must be protected from repeated force, excessive extension movement and load.

All surfers’ neck presentations are best assessed by professionals, including sports physiotherapists. A thorough history is required and whiplash injuries should be noted. A complete examination should include manual spinal joint examination and assessment of shoulder and upper back flexibility to gain a clear picture. There are also some strength tests that are often used with swimmers to make a profile that are relevant to the surfer.

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1

Deload the C5/6 level by improving thoracic (upper back) and shoulder flexibility.

2

Avoid high grades of manipulation of the neck as this can increase hyper-mobility or laxity.

3

Strengthen the neck - the deep neck muscles need to be active to prevent ‘spinal buckling’.

4

Care to avoid poor sitting posture (e.g. in front of computer,etc..) as this accentuates a chin poke posture, upper back curvature and round protracted shoulder posture.

5

Improve lower back and shoulder blade strength to lift the shoulders while paddling.

6

For females - Avoid bikinis tying around the neck - ‘Hive Swimwear’ has a wide variety of well designed functional and fashionable swimwear tops with strap configurations that pass over the shoulders and give optimal support.

Noosa Radiology - MRI scan

Believe it or not, surfing can literally become a pain in the neck. Sports Physio Peter Hogg tells us more about the condition known as ‘Surfer’s Neck’.

Roller - Thoracic mobility

Shoulder flexibility

FAVOURITE EXERCISES •

Roller - Thoracic mobility drill

•

Shoulder flexibility - pectoralis major with thoracic rotation

•

Cobra - Spinal extension

•

Supermans - Back, neck and shoulder strength

Cobra - Spinal extension

The purpose of this article is to accurately describe the degenerative nature of ‘surfers neck’ so that better understanding will facilitate better self management and allow the avid surfer to enjoy surfing into their 60’s.

Surfing is a great fitness pursuit and lifestyle.

Aloha :)

Supermans Exercise Images: Peter Hogg, Noosa Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy

References : 1

Am J Sports Med. 2015 Furness et al. “Incidence rate of acute surfing injuries”

2

Acta Ortop Bras. 2013 de Moracs et al.

“Prevalence of injuries in surfing”

3

Wilderness Environ Med. 2009 Hay et al.

“Recreational surfing injuries in Cornwell”

4

Am J Sports Med. 2007 Nathanson et al.

“Competitive Surfing Injuries”

Peter Hogg APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist Noosa Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Olympic Winter Institute of Australia - Sports Physiotherapist (avid surfer)

SMORGASBOARDER | SPRING 2015

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...

... ... ... ... ... ... ... a” cr ly of es ch in e ar qu ning “two” and kini, meaning “s

Bikini – from the Latin bi, mea 1956 wool one piece

with Toothpick

1600BC2 piece swimsuit on Roman Evidence of murals. mosaics, urns and

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1880’s

Women used voluminous bathing gowns and entered the water using a “bathing machine” to conceal their bodies being seen from the beach.

1902

William Henry rebels against Sydney council laws at Manly restricting bathing before 8AM and after 6PM. He was arrested on his third attempt to bath at midday but his persistence led to free bathing time in 1903.

Gilded statue of Roman Goddess Venus found in Pompeii, currently in the Museo Archeologico in Naples. Author: Penelope M. Allison

2/09/2015 2:40 pm

. . . . . . . . . . .....

T R O H S A OF HISTORY

R A E W M I W S

. . . . i n i k i b the

Late 70s

le than the bikini? of the beach lifesty nic ico thout re mo ing would be the same wi Is there anyth onal ones, no summer cti d the fun hin d be an le es op on pe le Fashionab bikini are the hind a fair bit about the be ow en kn be o s wh ha lks gg Fo Ho them. d founder, Kat an r ne sig and , De on e. as Hiv se for many a swimwear label designs for surf girls ar e we iec im o-p sw tw al s on thi cti w amazing fun g timeline of ho ether an enter tainin ! tog joy t En pu ? to on r cti tte lle be co o l so wh n persona , as shown by her ow swimsuit has evolved

........

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ......................................................

...

.........................................................

1907

rman rina” Annette Kelle “Underwater Balle t en ec d in USA for ind (Australian) arreste , ms ar ed ow imwear sh exposure as her sw legs and neck.

1915

Olympic gold medallist from 1912, Duke Kahanamoku gives an exhibition on surfing. The first Australian woman to surf was Isabel Letham who had an opportunity to tandem with the Duke.

1930

US government, through USA post offices, forbade and returned letters coming from Spain because of excessive nudity on postal stamps.

Annette Kellerman press photograph from the George Grantham Bain collection, which was purchased by the Library of Congress in 1948. According to the library, there are no known restrictions on the use of these photos.

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1930’s

1943

Holiday films in Germany show some women in two piece swimsuits. Men were allowed to bare their chests in 1930 in Australia. Membership in surf clubs grows to 10,000. Developments in technology with introduction of lastex and nylon (quick drying elasticised fabric) which also revealed an incredible silhouette influence swimwear design.

Wartime rationing by the US government ordered 10% reduction in fabric used in women’s swimwear. Off went the skirt and the midriff showed.

1945

two ench) created the Jacques Heins (Fr e Th – e” “The Atom piece bathing suit it. su thing world’s smallest ba

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i n the biki 1945

1951 1956 1957 1959

Louis Reard (French) then showed the “bikini” in Paris and he named the “bikini” after Bikini Atoll in the Pacific where the US military tested nuclear atomb bombs under the code name “Operations Crossroad”. A hot political topic! He shrunk the size of fabric to 30 sq inches total.

Catholic countries Spain, Portugal and Italy banned the bikini. Decency organisations pressured Hollywood to keep them out of the movies.

At the end of World War II, barbed wire was removed from the Australian beaches.

Bikini banned at beauty pageants after Miss Sweden was crowned at the “Miss World Contest” – an unfair advantage!

The toothpick surfboard is replaced by the Malibu after a surf life saving carnival at Jan Juc where Americans introduce the innovative balsa board . Australians used the hollow Okanui in 1956 to 1959 until balsa was available. A surf industry is started.

1960

1962

No.” reveals Ursula James Bond’s “Dr ar the sexiest swimwe Andress in one of m fro s ge er en she em shoots in history wh lt. be ini bik on the the water with knife

1963

The Australian Surf Association (ASA) forms for board-riders.

1964

Swimsuit Illustrated first front cover shot features a two piece swimsuit

1965

“Gidget” sitcom shows for a year and a half on colour TV.

1966

Raquel Welsh features in a leather bikini in “One million years BC”. The “monokini” emerges and raises moralistic issues. Radical feminists increase their presence and opinions. Crochet also comes in.

1968

Australian councils had a three finger rule with respect to the side dimensions of the bikini. Surf life guards discontinued with the ruling in the early 70’s.

1969

Twin fin surfboard emerges but not popular until revival in late seventies.

1970’s

The “thong” emerges in Rio and St Tropez (also known as “dental floss” or “tanga suit” it makes its way onto teen posters and into car magazines.

It was the start of the revolution. Surfboards are typically single fin and under six feet long in the early seventies.

Brigitte Bardot in “And God Created Woman” created a hot market for the bikini.

“Gidget” movie earns grudging respect from “the guys”

Mid 70s

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Olympic swimmer Dawn Fraser is reprimanded by the Australian Swimming Union for removing the skirt off her swimwear in order to swim faster.

“Its a bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini”

by Brian Hyland creates a bikini buying spree in USA amongst teens. Foam blanks are available for surfboard manufacturing. Skateboards are popular.

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ......

1972

Conscription for Vietnam ends under Whitlam Government. Leg-ropes were sold in the early seventies.

1973 74 & 75

Michael Peterson wins all major surfing events and ’77 Stubbies.

1978 & 79

Twin fins are reinvented with Mark Richards who wins World Title in ’79-’82.

2001

2002

e ted the exotic scen Halle Berry recrea ge an or r he in ” “Dr No from James Bond’s . y” Da er oth An ie bikini and knife in “D

2005

1980’s slow down and Reard’s

Bikini sales ster closes down. Thru company in France on Sim th wi d ce rodu ( three fin set up) int .

Bell’s Beach in 1981 at ing nn wi n rso Ande ini wood spark up bik Movies from Holly be oe Ph of ini bik d re popularity with the ”) gh Hi at Ridgemont Cates ( “Fast Times r he Fis e rri Ca bikini of and the gold metal . di” Je the of rn etu (Princess Leia) in “R

1981

The movie “Puberty Blues” shows the girls making some rebellious moves against the boys in the surf.

Women’s surfing participation calculated at 19% of all surfers and rises to 33% participation by 2005 (Boardtrac research co.).

2006

Jessica Alba in “Deep Blue” caught eyes by wearing “the blue bikini”.

Sports Illustrated 25th edition with Kathy Ireland on the cover, carried $35 million in advertising.

Layne Beachley wins her 7th World Title and pushes Australian women’s surfing. She later goes on to push equal pay for women in surfing as per ruling in 2007 with respect to Wimbeldon tennis championships equal gender payment.

Professional women surfers get signed up with big contracts. Women’s participation in action sports increases.

Credits : 1. Alac,Patrik 2001 Bikini : A Cultural History, Parkstone Press USA 2. Evad.2001 – The Colourful History of the Bikini.

3. Life Magazine,1957 4. Young,N,1983 – History of Surfing DVD Modern 2009

1984

Bell’s Beach won by Cheyne Horan on wingedkeel surfboard over Tom Carroll.

Tom Carroll wins ’83 and ’84 World Surfing Titles.

1991

Roxy enters the market and makes surfing shorts in 1993.

1993

Sports bikini with hugging halter top design becomes all the rage. Big wave surfer Laird Hamilton’s wife and model Gabriella Reece catches plenty of press.

The “wonder bra” also makes a mark in the mid 90’s.

1996

Miss World contest in Bangalore – Indian groups oppose the event claiming the event with swimsuits degraded women.

A publicity still of Carrie Fisher wearing the iconic Slave Girl Leia gold bikini costume from 1983’s “Return of the Jedi.” Credit: Lucasfilm

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CLOSEOUT: LIVE IT UP ABOVE Peter White ABOVE: (right) with Michael ‘Pixie’ Andrews LEFT: Janet White and niece Kitty

RIGHT: Wax-men Robbie Page and Gaz Neave with Scooter Phillipson (centre)

LEFT: The Underground Surf family - Ondi, Maree and littlies Piper and Coby.

BELOW: Nic and Mia Phillipson

CLASSIC PARTY!

After the devastating fire that tore through the Classic Malibu factory on January 27th, destroying over 400 boards and with an immeasurable loss of memorabilia, the family business is now back up and running.

Peter and Janet White threw a party to celebrate their comeback one Sunday afternoon on the 12th of July to thank their many friends, family and loyal customers who have supported them throughout this very tough period. Held at their new factory and showroom located at 16 Mary Street, Noosaville there was an incredibly strong showing from the local Noosa surf community.

Peter said, “We are just so grateful for all the kind words and messages we received throughout the year. We sincerely appreciated all the support and this was a small way of saying thanks and introducing everyone to our new home.”

ABOVE: The new Classic Malibu digs

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CLOSEOUT: LIVE IT UP

Greg Huglin and Dick Hoole

LUNCH LEGENDS WORDS: MARK SKINNER, PHOTOS: DAVE SWAN

The recent Legends of Surf Long Lunch can only be described as a as an absolute success. The event - sold out a month earlier - saw 160 local surf enthusiasts meet up for a great cause and to hear stories from a few of Australia’s true surfing legends.

Guest speakers included master shaper Dick van Straalen, ex-world champ Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, longboard champ and surf journalist Andrew McKinnon, local WSP competitor Dimity Stoyle, and MC’d by John Charlton. Their stories reflected on how the sport had evolved over the last 40 years. The auction that followed the lunch was very spirited to say the least especially the handshaped van Straalen 1970’s styled gun that went for over $3,000. Other big ticket items included Steph Gilmore’s signed 6 x World Championship shirt and a 2015 State of Origin Jersey signed by the whole Queensland team, donated by Alan Langer. The event raised over $40,000 for local kids with disabilities, including young Banjo O’Brien who attended with his mum. Magic effort by everyone who attended, helped, donated and bid - so proud of you all. Together we are making a difference.

ABOVE: Young Banjo O’Brien with his mum and Mark Skinner BELOW: Dave West of Ctrl-V BELOW LEFT: Hayden Kenny

www.theboardmeeting.org.au

The Colab/Beck Surfboards boys

Shaun Levings and friends

Troy Smith and John Finlay

Brian Croke and friends

L-R: Glenn Corbet, John Charlton, Dick van Straalen, Mark Skinner, Andrew McKinnon, Rabbit Bartholomew and Dimity Stoyle

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CLOSEOUT: LIVE IT UP

MOLLYMOOK FIRES UP WORDS: MIKE GREENTREE, PHOTOS: LEONIE JOHNSTON AND MICHAEL YULE For the first time since 2010, the swell conditions allowed both days of the 2015 Mollymook Longboarders Charity Classic to be held at Golfcourse Reef. Saturday conditions were consistent, with set waves around 6 feet, a cross/on-shore wind, and bumpy wave faces; Sunday morning provided almost perfect Golfy longboard conditions with the waves a bit smaller than Saturday but almost calm until a sea breeze began to spoil things late-morning. The Golfy venue provides an intimate atmosphere where contest social activities are easily catered for, and where spectators can absorb the action from various vantage points on the shore and provide vocal support for great surfing that can be heard out on the water.

There were 86 entries, with surfers coming from as far away as the Central Coast.

Thanks to everyone who contributed towards the success of the weekend; from those in the food tent precinct (the food was magnificent), to the music man (not sure about the opera music though), to the helpers at the beginning and end of each day, and the fire-lighters and tenderers. Particular thanks to Kent Saunders and Southern Man for the superb range of prizes. Thanks also to Keith Purvis and Bruce Metham for their sponsorship. Thanks to Ken Peek for the superb longboard raffle prize. www.mollymooklongboarders.com

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CLOSEOUT: LIVE IT UP

THE SCRUB TURKEY DAN THOMAS MEMORIAL SURF COMPETITION WORDS & PHOTOS: BRIAN CROKE The competition is held every year and run by Kawana Boardriders Club is in memory of Dan - a former member of KBC who tragically died in a car accident.

The comp always aims to attract the best surfers from anywhere in the world and this year we had surfers from Australia, Japan and New Zealand. The competition was of a very high standard with the winners either aiming to be on the world tour or actually on the cusp.

Kai Hing, the no 1 world junior, won the open event, beating others vying to get a place on the World Surf League world tour. The women’s event sponsored by B-Fresh was won by a current wild card entrant on the World Surf League, Keely Andrew. www.facebook.com/kawanaboardridersclub

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MUSIC ROADTRIP REVIEWNS

BY MARK CHAPMA

WIN

A Psychic Warf are CD! Send in your

letters@sm surfing photos to or If we print yogasboarder.com.au.

Photos sect urs in the Reader io copy of the n, you score a new Clutch!

ZEE HOT

CANDY MORE OF THE GOOD WOOD WORDS & PHOTOS: GRANT NEWBY

This year’s Wooden Surfboard Day went off well. The weather was about 25ºc and the wind was from the North West all day so the surf was not worth looking at. But it was warm and clear and people were out and about. A great crew of regular board builders attended along with lots of new faces as well. There maybe wasn’t as many boards as in the past but still we had a steady stream of very interested onlookers with lots of questions.

Most are blown away that we share all our ideas and help each other out by sharing our knowledge and experiences. We reason why not? We encourage and support each other to experiment and have a go. We have a mutual respect for each other as there is no easy way of building a wooden board. But there is also no better feeling of surfing on something you have crafted yourself.

Thanks to all who came and made the day what it was. Thanks to Stone & Wood for the nice cold beers at the end of the day. They were much appreciated by all. woodensurfboards.blogspot.com.au

CLUTCH

PSYCHIC WARFARE WEATHERMAKER MUSIC / ROCKET

Stoked. Clutch are back and I am happy.

To preface this review, I must say that as a long-time fan of the band, I’m absolutely biased, so there’s bound to be some excitable waffling in here. But there’s no reason for there not to be - Clutch manage to never disappoint, and Psychic Warfare is certainly no exception.

For those of you not familiar with these Maryland gentlemen, expect pure rock fury (mind the pun) of the highest order. No poppy throwaway ditties, just pure power.

The last album, Earth Rocker, was a highlight - not only for the year of release - but also a highlight in the Clutch catalogue. Could they follow it up? Have you not been reading this? These boys don’t disappoint. Psychic Warfare is solid, as is the first single “X-Ray Vision.” Clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, delivered with spitting venom over a rock solid rhythm section and overdriven bluestinged riff heaviness sets the perfect tone for the twelve tracks.

If I was forced to pick a highlight, it would have to be the tracks between the start and the end. Seriously though, “Firebirds” features some tough almost-metal riffing and is the perfect foil to the bounciness of “A Quick Death in Texas, which is classic Clutch all the way - and it even has ‘more cowbell’... It just keeps coming...

For Clutch fans, this is a perfect addition to the collection, while if this is your intro to the band, you’ll find yourself chasing up the rest of their releases in no time. Rock.

For physical copies, order online from www.nervegas.com.au, or digital on iTunes.

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No more “it’s too cold” excuses! Get out there!

2/09/2015 8:34 am

BIG WAVE LEGEND CAMEL, FROTHING ON THE BEST SURF WAX. PHOTO BY ANDREW BROOKS

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WORLD SURFARIS ARE THE INDIAN & PACIFIC OCEAN

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