Ancient forgotten surfboards to reappear on the Gold Coast
Juzz Slabb, Amber Hamer and Josh Slabb with an 'Alaia' wooden surfboard. Picture: Regi Varghese
A SURFING competition with “new” wooden surfboards is coming to the Gold Coast.
The inaugural Surf Rider Foundation Eco Challenge will be held at Tugun Surf Life Saving Club this month as part of Bleach Festival to promote sustainable coastal lifestyles.
The competition is open to surfers wanting to ride surfboards only recently brought out from history books — the ancient Hawaiian alaia.
Despite being used for hundreds of years, the board was forgotten in the 20th century because, at no thicker than 24mm and without fins, it was thought it could not angle across a wave.
However, in an Australian novelty, Eco Challenge organisers have chosen to use them for the competition.
Two local indigenous programs, Jalum Jarjums and Krurungal, have both fielded teams and shaped an alaia to practise with.
Surfer Juzz Slabb said the plank-like board’s lack of fins makes for lively surfing.
“I’ve surfed them a few times,” he said. “They are super slippery on the wave, but that’s also what makes them heaps of fun.”
Amber Hamer is yet to ride an alaia but will compete in the Eco Challenge with a team of young surfers.
“I don’t know how I’ll go surfing without fins,” she said. “I might surf straight (towards the shore) but it will be fun.
“It will be good to get everyone together. There are a lot of young Aboriginal surfers on the coast and I hope they come along.”
Event organiser Greg Howell said the festival would have something for everyone and would raise money for the Tugun Surf Life Saving Club and the Surfrider Foundation.
“There will be market stalls set up around the surf club, a fashion show, and a solar-powered stage for live music,” Mr Howell said.
“Surfboards will be supplied by local shapers so anyone can come down and have a go.”
To register for the competition on March 15 go to surfingqueensland.com
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