Exhibition opens soon: The Evolution of the Wooden Surfboard

 

Above: Boards from from the Bennett family (left to right) include four classic Australian ‘kookboxes’ (aka cigar boards, paddleboards or hollow plywood boards) built by Barry Bennett from the 30s to 50s, 15'6", 15' and 17' respectively.

Surf’s up for surdboard aficionados who will soon have a unique opportunity to see an exhibition that charts the history of wooden surfboards dating from the 1500s to the present. As well as more than 30 historical boards, this event will include a range of speakers, displays and special guests. The show takes you through early designs made from dense hardwoods, to the lightweight balsa wood boards of Hawaii and the USA, and the plywood creations that emerged in Australia. 

The Evolution of the Wooden Surfboard takes place from 26 September to 14 October at Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery and Arts Centre, 782 Kingsway, Gymea, NSW. The exhibition will also raise money for charity with a raffle offering a trip to Papua New Guinea flying Air Niugini and staying at Nusa Island.

The exhibition is being organised by well known local surfboard builder Mark Riley, who specialises in using sustainably grown balsa wood. Mark Riley writes about surfboard history in the September issue (#128) of Australian Wood Review.  

In the video below, Mark Riley highlights his connection to PNG surf culture and the balsa wood that is being supplied to him for board building. The video takes us to the balsa mill where Mark sources his wood. …and there’s some nice surfing footage to enjoy as well.

Learn more about the event here