A sign on the 130-year-old pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea warns people not to jump off it. On a big surf day surfers make their way to the end of the sturdy 206 metre structure and jump like lemmings into the cold, murky North Sea. Words: Simon Palmer Photos: Ian Forsyth

Meet Nick Blair of Joistik Surfboards, whose distinctive decal gets a regular flashing as some of the Gold Coast's best surfers do their thing. Photos & words: Mat Arney

In Senegal the deserts of North Africa meet the jungles of the tropics. It's an open–minded Islamic country of many cultural experiences and idiosyncrasies; it's also one of the safest and democratic countries in Africa. And of course there's the surf... Words: Mark Sankey Photos: Alexa Poppe

Ireland's fierce and unpredictable breaks have been valued by its home-grown big wave riders for some years now, but competition has been a long time coming. All that changed with the inaugral Mullaghmore Tow Session 2011. Conn Osborne got in harm's way to steal a photo essay.

From WQS warrior to independent filmmaker via a AUS$27,000 debt, Johnny Abegg has trod an unconventional path through life so far, and proves that a relentlessly positive outlook and upbeat character can see you through the toughest times... Words: Mark Sankey Photos: Johnny Abegg

London ad exec Tom Birmingham set off in November in search of adventure on the Southwest Indian coastline. Accompanied by guesthouse owners Ed and Sofie of Soul and Surf in Kerala, he soon found himself surfing uncharted waves to an audience of school children and fisherman. Words and Photos: Tom Birmingham


Eric Arakawa

December 01, 2011 | Words By: Staff Writer

Independent surfboard designer Eric Arakawa reflects on finding the path and passion that unintentionally led him to become a world renowned surfboard craftsman.

FULL STORY »

Gulf Stream gets a makeover

May 28, 2011 | Words By: Howard

When nice people in Devon Gulf Stream get a web site makeover, is it really worth shouting about? Hell, yeah we say, why not.

FULL STORY »

The basis of shaping

February 28, 2011 | Words By: Florian Carlo

It takes patience and courage to dedicate your time and labour to shaping boards by hand in a world and time where this kind of craftsmanship is almost forgotten, sometimes even depreciated.

FULL STORY »

So many boards

August 20, 2010 | Words By: Tom W

Shapers don’t talk to each other much. It’s a curious thing, and it seems to be a hangover from the dark ages of surfing (the late 1980s and 90s). Everybody made and rode a very small range of surfboards and the issue was cost more than quality. All boards were made from the same stuff, and the only real difference between them was the label.
FULL STORY »

The process

May 07, 2010 | Words By: Katy

katy-shapesI’ve just come to the end of a pretty fun experience that hopefully marks the start of many more surfing adventures.

FULL STORY »

Tuna evolution

January 17, 2010 | Words By: Tom W

opener1In this latest instalment, the riddle of the Tuna’s phenomenal speed is revealed and we return to foam…

FULL STORY »

A French Barrel (Of Wine) @ An Irish Fish Fry (II)

November 09, 2009 | Words By: Niega

fryna2-1-openerSecond -and last- part of the interview with Alexander Lobstein, shaper of Barrel Surfboards and winner of the 2009 Irish Fish Fry. Go HERE to read the first part.

FULL STORY »