Merch for event - Raffle, Tickets, Shirts, booklet, entry, shows, hats,

The Evolution of Wooden Surfboards Event.

Opening Ceremony 28th Sep 2pm to 4pm - Entry with ticket only (more chances to win a trip to PNG)

Exhibition Dates - Sunday 28th September to Tuesday 14^th October 2025

 Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre

782 Kingsway, Gymea NSW 2227

50 Wood boards on display and accessories

SPECIAL GUESTS, SPEAKERS AND SHOWS

From the waves of Peru in the 1500s to India and the Polynesian islands to the vibrant beaches of Hawaii, the evolution of the wood surfboard has been a journey of craftsmanship and innovation. This immersive show takes you through the rich history of wood surfboards, beginning with 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. Today, the possibilities are endless, with boards crafted from materials like balsa wood, agave, WR cedar, AR cedar, redwood, bamboo, pacific maple, cork, chopsticks, sugar pine, oregon, plywood, hemp and paulownia, showcasing every imaginable style. Step into this world of tradition and transformation, and dream of riding the waves on a beautifully handcrafted eco-friendly wood surfboard.

Opening Ceremony - Sunday 28th September - 2pm to 4pm - $20, which includes a gift pack and refreshments and a chance to win a Surf trip to Papua New Guinea from Nusa Island Retreat - https://www.nusaislandretreat.com/

and Air Niugini - https://www.airniugini.com.pg/en-au/book/search-for-a-flight/

All guests to the opening will get a Gift pack with -

• Beer and Wine vouchers to be consumed at the opening supplied by Shark Island Brewing https://sharkislandbrewing.com.au/collections/grab-a-case-of-your-favourite-here  and Riley Balsa and Smalls Cellars
• Beer voucher to be consumed at Shark Island Brewing at Kirrawee
• Smorgasboarder Surf Magazine  https://smorgasboarder.com.au/product/standard-subscription/
• Smorgasboarder Stickers
• Riley Stickers
• Natural Necessity Stickers
• Balsawood Samples
• Goggles by Ohana Ocean athletics  https://www.ohanaswim.com.au/products/ohana-bionics-goggles

SUPPORTED BY -

Riley Balsawood Surfboards

Jackson Surfboards

Farrelly Surfboards

Bennett Surfboards

Smorgasboarder Magazine

PAINT ON GRIP

Outer island surfboards

Sam Egan Surfboards

Bob Brown Surfboards

Nusa Island Retreat

Air Niugini

Ohana Ocean Athletics

Shark Island Brewing

Featuring renowned surfboard shapers and industry legends, including:

• Jim Parkinson and Dave Mattison (Jackson Surfboards)
• John Veage (Jackson Surfboards)
• Mitchell Rae (Outer Islands Surfboards)
• Dick Van Strallen (DVS Surfboards)
• Sam and Luke Egan
• Bob Brown
• Greg and Tom Bennett

Topics include:

• How foam core and solid balsawood surfboards are made
• The history of wooden boards
• Jackson Surfboards in the early days
• The story of balsa wood and Riley
• Women and their wood boards

If you have a wood board - contact mark@riley.com.au