Improve The Standard Of Surfing Through Improved Judging

Surfer John Anderson PI comp 2009... Photo by Steen Barns

Write up By Red Ceglowski

VIC Kneeboard Point score....The Scoring of kneeboard surfing

Everyone did a great job judging on Saturday. Judging accuracy and consistency comes with practice and it was heartening to see how many were taking their practice seriously. Kittys in a hard wave to judge, mainly because you sit so far from the break. All the turns start to look similar at that distance, so it takes a lot of effort to try to discern differences. Even after years of pro judging experience, one of the patterns I see myself falling into when judging these sort of conditions is that I start to mechanically count turns, and look how a wave was ridden overall. Since neither of these are part of the judging criteria I have to force myself to try to differentiate between turns. Was that cutback comitted on a rail with speed, or was it just a turn? Was there a visible sheet of spray or just an ejaculation?

Another one that I commit is in judging the wave and the way it was surfed, rather than manoeuvers. I do things like think, "He just did one big turn, but then didn't make the wave. Should be get as much as someone who stayed in front of the curl the whole way and even did a few cutties?" I have to forcibly drag myself to the realisation that it's all about the manoeuver and not at all about the wave or the surfer's interpretation of the medium. Heck yes, one re-entry and snow-in rates higher than a clean face with cut backs, mainly because of the relative risk in the approach. We all know that it's comfortable to stay ahead of the curl and fade back to the power. That's why I force myself to reward the person who doesn't surf in the comfort zone. I force myself to throw "good" scores (6 to 7.9) for single turns where they were of significance. That leaves the average ground (4 to 5.9) available for differentiating between all those "well ridden" but unremarkable waves. Of course, two big turns and it's into the "Excellent" category. I don't think any 10's were thrown on Saturday, but I know that there were waves with several big turns that could have been contenders.

Actually, when I'm on my judging game I'm looking to the bottom turn. You can almost score the wave based on the bottom turns. If you're seeing two fins and chunks of blasting spray, then you know that the surfer is laying into it with power, and is committing to entering their air, top turn, round house or tube section with speed. If I repeatedly see the fins on bottom turns, then I know that surfer is pushing it and should be rewarded. If you think about it it makes perfect sense. Surfers who are riding horizontal and swinging arcbacks are not fulfilling the ASP criteria which call for critical maneuvers.

Now should we be rewarding guys who get it up there and don't make it? My personal view is "yes", but that's a whole new topic for discussion.

Surfer Profile Toney Jewell

The next surfer I would like to introduce you to is Tony Jewell..
Toney is a great surfer from the Mornington Peninsula and a great friend who was one of two people to get me started on kneeboarding and competition wich has made me the surfer I am ..

Thanks Tony for introducing me to this great sport..


. Nick name
Knackers long story


2. Occupation
Own a small business in the Plastering industry

3. Why did you start kneeboarding
I was given a Shane stand up board when I was about 10 then I had a go on a knee board when I was about 12 years old
4. At what age did you start surfing and what yr
I was about 10, 1977 some were around there well tried

5. Who are your favourite kborders in Vic.
What a list any one of many that go hard, chada , Tim (chemical), Neil Luke , Pete Ferweather and one guy who gos real hard at express point Gav (meat head) any guy paddling in to express when all the stand up surfers are doing tow ins needs a mention


6. Which kneeboarder has been a direct influence and inspired your surfing the most..
All kneeboards who are having fun, there is not just one but many but if I have to pick one it would be Nova as a school kid growing up he was the dude, he was in the mags when there was a Kneeboarder in one

7. Who are your favourite kborders in the World
Simon Farrer, Nova as a young grommet growing up that’s who there was to look up to, Gavin Coleman known the guy 20 years as a grommet he was so keen to be the best I’m stoked he got his dream

8. What other interests do you have
Going fishing with my 2 boys when there a bit older get them in to surfing if there keen looking good at the moment, and Snow boarding
9. Do you have any sponsors and if so what companies
No to old now Trigger brothers looked after me when I was younger, when I was surfing club comps and the state rounds and at the Aussies


10. What have been your best results in competitive surfing
Lots of 2nds and 3rds state and club comps and top 10 finish at the Aussies in QLD about 18 years ago when it was run by asa need to go a bit harder at the business end of comps, make the finals just got to finish on top

11. Do you think competition improves your surfing standards
Shaw does, To go for a free surf and rip is mind blowing, to go in a contest and do it 4 or 5 times in one day is all brought down to fitness I should Know should not have given up contests 12 years ago, so lets see what happens back on bag wagon now (LOST MY WAY)

12. What contribution do you think you have given the sport of kboarding
Hard one as long as people have had enjoyment watching some of the turns I’m a happy man

13. What things do you think we could do to improve our sport
I think people who have a go in running clubs, comps ect should be left to do so, and I think they are doing a good job, and for those who are all ways giving advise should practice what they preach and get in and get there hands dirty as well

14. Favourite manoeuvre
Big wave round house cut backs when it links it is on


15. Favourite drink
Two lists here age 21 list everything that got you wrecked age 41 list beer, scotch, Bundy as long as there is no hang over in the morning

16. Food
Roast Duck with brandy sauce, Dieing mans food last meal before death peanut M&Ms


17. Famous person I would like to have a drink with
Clint Eastwood This bloke is what it is about



18. Best Movie or Video
Great escape, any world war2 film, Hogan’s Heroes


19. Music:
ANGELS, ACDC, COLD PLAY, P J HARVIE, plus many more



20. First Car:
Holden Torana








21. First Kneeboard:
Trigger Brothers Bat Tail Twin Fin



22. Favourite Kneeboard:
A Trigger Brother rounded pin thruster about 10 years ago still got it but don’t ride it any more, But the freak rounded pin thruster I got of Neil Luke is and will be the best as soon as I get the thing suss out when its on its on and the more I surf it the more I’m in to it

Best Surf Break:
I would say Spooks when it is on, But I’m mad keen on Gunna



23. Best Surf Session:
Lakey Peak in INDO 10 to 12 foot plus barrels you could park a bus in scary shit, full on day but the biggest Tubes I have ever surfed


24. Dream Surf Spot:
Clean Waves no crowed just a few mates in any part of Asia


25. Surf Injuries:
Surfers ear 3 times out of the water 6 weeks each time, wrecked Knee out of the water 12 months, Broken Hand out 6 weeks, and a few stitches here and there


26. If I ruled the world:
I would probably be assassinated

Kneeboard Surfing Victoria

Toney Jewell Shorey tube Gunnamatter Beach

Kneeboard surfing Victoria held there first aggregate contest ever on sat 14th Feb 2009

We all rocked up To St Andrews Beach carpark at 8 am it was great to catch up with old friends and to make some new friends every one was in good spirits.

Gary finger had is gas bbq boiling water and providing coffee and tee for every one to get us all awake and fired up for the day.

Thanks Gary for your generosity.

The conditions were picture perfect, blue sky’s off shore winds and a 26 degree day the only thing missing for the day which is a rear occasion for the Mornington Peninsula was swell. We all got to the beach to be greeted by a 1.5 ft waves .A twice a yr occurrence for this part of Victoria, where generally we have to wait for swell to drop out.

We had surfers turn up from Torque the Melbourne metropolitan areas, Mornington peninsula and Phillip Island. There were 20 competitors as well as friends wives and children. And they were all super keen and pumped to surf no matter what the conditions. Which I think is an AWESOME winner’s attitude to have.

Jim Brown our club Pres and I decided to take the event to Moanna crt 500 mtrs from where we met up, there was a right hander peeling on a shallow bank offering some surfable waves but we had to hurry as we had to take advantage of the low tide which gave us 4 hrs of time to run the event before the tide got to full and turned the ocean in to a lake.

So all the club members got all the gear and we had the contest area set up with our first heat in the water within a half hour. This was great to see all members keen to set up and not bludge, “Thank you all for your help and effort”.

The waves were gutless and soft but the boys were going hard getting some awesome major critical turns in the soft mush especially by Tim Kadwell and Mike Disciassio “its actually amazing what the were doing for the quality of waves”. And I believe surfing gutless waves improves your surfing as you have to lurne to develop your own speed on the waves and no rely on the power of the waves to push you
.

We had the contest finished in 4 hours so Tim & Deb Kadwell opened up there house for our gathering. We all packed up our gear and headed there for our presentation and club committee elections..

A few of the lads came back via the bottle shop bringing back a few alcoholic beverages to share with the rest of us “Thanks Guys”. And Deb Kadwell the hostess with the mostest thankyou for the fruit platter and dips making us feel welcome in your home.

A great time was had by all with an awesome surfing display and a fantastic social gathering.. A special thankyou should go out to Deb Kadwell for sharing your house. Lyn Owen for making the colourd heat flags Jim and Rosey for there hard work and keeping the day running smoothly without any hiccups. To Neil Luke for making us a kneeboard to raffle to raise funds for our club.

The results for the day were

open 1st tim Kadwell 2nd Mike Discassio 3rd Mark Jefferys and 4th Neil Owen

B grade 1st James Anderson 2nd Tony Jewell 3rd Anthoney Taylor and 4thJim Brown
.

Remember Guys get your entries in for the State titles held at Phillip Island on 28/2/09 to 1/3/09.
Well that’s if from Me and I will see you at the state titles in 2 weeks.
Because there is nothing like that kneeling off the ceeling feeling.

Cheers

Stan Kofoed

Surfer Profile Mark Foxman

Mark Foxman In To The Floter

The next kboarder I would like to introduce you to is Mark Foxman.
I've only known Mark for 3 years but in that time Ive gotten to appreciate who he is and build a great friendship with him.

He is a man with a lot of water knowledge fare more Superior than most surfers in the water and its always a buzz to catch up and go surfing with him.

So here is the interview with Mark


1. Nick name
Fox, Foxy, Foxman


2. Occupation
Digital Printer and PrePress

3. Why did you start kneeboarding
Destroyed my knee stand up surfing back in the mid 80’s. Started doing stand, boogie and kneelo since 88 (competed in all)till 2000. Since then I’ve been a full time Kneelo and will never go back.
4. At what age did you start surfing and what yr
Started surfing in 1969 at 10yrs of age on foam coolite’s at North Bondi, First glass board in 1970.

5. Who are your favourite kborders in Vic.
Dean Bould, Tim Cadwell, YOU!!  (Stan), Gary Clarke and Neil Owen, Neil Luke. Pommie (when he’s not holding his bloody rails!) and my elder brother Phillip Foxman. Damn, could go on but in a nutshell, anyone out there having a good time that I can get a push off.

6. Which kneeboarder has been a direct influence and inspired your surfing the most..
I Can’t say just one!! Split decision here, Peter Crawford, Mick Novakov and Simon Farrer for direction, inovation and manoeuvres. The most important of all though is my brother Phillip. He was the only kneelo of consequence at Bondi and let me see that you could surf truly on your knees. I suppose he would get the nod.

7. Who are your favourite kborders in the World
Crawford, Nov, Farrer, Ken Horton

8. What other interests do you have
Pixel pushing, reading, staying happy ;-)

9. Do you have any sponsors and if so what companies
No sponsors ATM. (getting too old) Used to ride for Webber, G&S.


10. What have been your best results in competitive surfing
2nd 05 Grand Masters PI classic, 2nd Vic titles 08, 10 Aust Titles Juniors back in the 70’s

11.Do you think competition improves your surfing standards
Absolutely!! It gets you do strive that bit harder, push the limits and not get stagnant.

12. What contribution do you think you have given the sport of kboarding:
Hard one to answer that!!! Maybe give a few guys a bit more stoke after pulling off a rad move. Don’t know how to call that one. Possibly that a competitive stand up surfer can successfully get into competitive Kneeboarding.

13. What things do you think we could do to improve our sport
Down here in Vic would be to get a Victorian Kneeboard club happening. In general find a way to get more young surfers into our lifestyle/sport

14. Favourite manoeuvre
Roundhouse Cutback!!!!!


15. Favourite drink
Coffee ,

16. Food
Beef Stroganoff, Bolognaise, Mum’s Chicken Soup


17. Famous person I would like to have a drink with




18. Best Movie or Video



19. Music:
Jazz/Rock Fusion, Blues, Rock n Roll anything with well played instruments

20. First Car:
VC Valiant



22. First Kneeboard:
Albert Whiteman 5’8” x 24” double flyer round tail thruster.



23. Favourite Kneeboard:
The Flashpoint I’m surfing now 5’8” x 23 ½” flyer chop tail and my old Albert board.


24. Best Surf Break:
Kuta Reef, Kirra and Austinmer Point (Headlands) in Wollongong. Monuments up at Bendalong


25. Best Surf Session:
1982 at Kuta Reef. A Couple of locals grabbed me from the losman early in the arvo saying that it was going to be good. Mate…. It was insane!! It was average Kuta 4 or so feet and pretty crowded then….. It just jacked up something incredible. Within an hour it was a solid 6’ then 8’ with bigger bombs and absolute perfection. The crowd disappeared really quick leaving only the 6 of us and 1 other guy from NSW out there. I’d been there surfing the place for over a month and was pretty in tune with it and that arvo it all came together. Best wave was filthy big backside barrel from way outside, multiple lip smacks and cutbacks and a finish with a backside 360 in the tube at the end bowl section (it was still overhead!!). Never forget that session. We all ended up having to paddle in together just on dark cause the boats had all gone.
Almost on par was in the mid 80’s during one of the Duranbah comps. Nov, young Simon, my brother, Andrew Smith and a couple of others got a magic Kirra session late one arvo. Classic Kirra it was, freight train cylinders from the point to almost the groin at about 4’+ and not too crowded. Simon’s dad took a heap of footage that arvo including a tube I got from the point almost into the groin!!! Be great if Simon could get that footage on DVD. It was an awesome session with the boys going off and ripping the shitters out of the place.


26. Dream Surf Spot:
Mentawii’s, Headlands.


27. Surf Injuries:
Speared with the nose of a board in the back 1” from my spine 8 stitches, Fractured jaw, broken nose and the worst by far was an 85% length tear of my cruciate cartilage that was miss diagnosed and basically killed my stand up days. Mixed blessings 


28. If I ruled the world:
Why??? No need. The world a mess enough without me to do more.




29. Best Advice I have received:

Be happy, don’t try to please everybody. Surfing wise…. If it feels good…… DO IT!!


30. Your partners and kids names if you have any

Celine Ella 12, and Aaron Jake 10

Surfers Profile Tim Kadwell .AKA .Chemical

The surfer I would like to introduce to you is Tim Kadwell

Tim is an Amazing guy and personality and has been one of the greatest influences in and out of the surf in my life.
Personally I rate him one of the greatest surfers not only in Vic but Aus and the World.
He defiantly has one of the best bottom turns in the world weather you’re a kboarder or stand up surfer and always a pleasure to watch surf and talk to. I could waffle on for hours about Tim so I will leave it at that and let you learn more about Tim from his interview…

Thanks Tim for being a part of my life..


1. Nick name

Years and years ago, well last century actually, a mate of
mine Andrew Court a.k.a butza labelled me with the moniker Chemical. It came
from a Dead Kennedy's song chemical warfare ,I don't remember how or when
but doubtless we were in an altered state.





2. Occupation
Chef, although I prefer the term cook as it is not as grandiose a title and
in the kitchen I consider everybody to be my equal, except when I'm angry.
Stonemasonry is an art I enjoy although I don't have any formalqualification for this.




3. Why did you start kneeboarding

Stand up riding is quite an awkward experience for me and always has
been.Kneeboarding feels right. I never really got into team sports as a kid
and playing football just plain gave me the shits.I like the singularity of
surfing, plus where else are you gonna get barrelled?



4. At what age did you start surfing and what yr

I reckon I started getting serious when I was about 13, although I used to
fish a lot too. Caught bugger all fish though so maybe catching waves was
more rewarding, but if you grew up surfing inside Sorrento you'd agree
that's debatable. From 1976 onward life became more surf orientated.






5. Who are your favourite kborders in Vic?
Its funny how the older you get the more you delve into the past, although
as time passes you gather lots of memories so its logical I guess. Phil
Chadwick was for many years someone I watched with admiration. Chris Carey
and Michael Di Stasio were mind blowing at Winki and Bells.
Pete Fairweather went from grovelling to shredding in the space of one D,bah
contest and has continued to surf with a smoothness you don't often see in
Victorian kneeboarders.Andrew Ratten would have to be the most unique kneelo
around given the barges he rides the guy rips. Stan Kofoed has worked harder
than anyone I know to get where he is today. I have surfed a lot with Stan
over the years and his passion commitment and drive never ceases to amaze me.




6. Which kneeboarder has been a direct influence and inspiredYour surfing the most..

In the early days Phil Chadwick was definitely the one. Robbie Taylor was
another who consistently kicked my ass.Then along came kneeboardings answer
to Kelly Slater, there is no doubt Simon Farrer has influenced me more than
anyone. I can't imagine kneeboarding as a whole without Simon, without his
amazing ability kneeboarding would not be as exciting as it has been for the
last 20 years or so. NO ONE SURFS LIKE SIMON FARRER.I must say Stan has been
someone I've looked upon with admiration over the years. Some of the most
enjoyable times I've had surfing have been with Stan. His capacity to pull
of some amazing moves is something I'll never forget.Dont ever slacken off
if you draw him in a heat as competition is something he thrives on. Kyle
Bryant is someone I could sit and watch all day, bloody good. A 2 word
answer to this question would be Simon Farrer.


7. Who are your favourite kborders in the World?
Simon Farrer Peter Crawford Michael Novakov Albert Whiteman [never
forget] Steen Barnes Kyle Bryant Chayne and Troy Stan Koefod Phil Chadwick
Chris Carey. Pete Fairweather.



8. What other interests do you have
Stonemasonry. Snowboarding. I have done a lot of snowboarding in the last 13
.years; it is definitely up there with surfing. If I had to make a choicebetween the two I don't know which it would be.



9. Do you have any sponsors and if so what companies
No, but Frank Sambucco of Quarra surfboards looked after me for many, many
years and come to think of it probably influenced my surfing more than anyone.





10. What have been your best results in competitive surfing
Lots of wins in state rounds A.S.A.Had some good results K.S.A contests but never a win.Frustrating.



11. Do you think competition improves your surfing standards
Yes





12. What contribution do you think you have given the sport of kboarding

Hopefully someone has seen me surfing and thought 'Hey I wouldn't mind trying that.



13. What things do you think we could do to improve our sport

Kneeboarding is where it's at, it doesn't need improving.




4. Favourite manoeuvre
Big roundhouse cutbacks. They remind me of snowboarding.





15. Favourite drink
I reckon my mate Bruce McCombs Pinot Noir would go close.




16. Food
Gnocchi Oysters Icecream, Gelati, Sorbet Fish Porkbelly Shannon Bennett's
food is A Fucking mazing Sorbet



17. Famous person I would like to have a drink with

D.B.C.Pierre





8. Best Movie or Video
Big Wednesday Star Wars Batman Begins Dark Knight Donnie Darko Anything with Johnny Depp.








19. Music:
Simple Minds, greatest band ever.





20. First Car:

XA Falcon, 3 on the tree ,straight six ,twin exhaust, went like the clappers.





21. First Kneeboard:
Rip Curl surfboard about 5,6 went good as a kneeboard.


22. Favourite Kneeboard:
Mick Pierce made me a great diamond tail about 26 yrs ago. Frank Sambucco
made me more favourite kneeboards than I can remember, but the one I got
from Stumpy earlier this year is as good if not better than anything I've ever ridden.





23. Best Surf Break:
Quarantine.



24. Best Surf Session:
Going barrel for barrel with Chadda one day at Portsea with no one out. Mick
Porter in W.A has gotten me to some amazing waves. Sully and I earlier this
year at Spooks left and also S.A. with Sully. Stanley anywhere anytime.



25. Dream Surf Spot:

Me, Moorehead, Sullivan no one out no wind 1 knot outgoing tide 4 to 6 foot
Quarantine.


26. Surf Injuries:
Sliced my head to the skull surfing Portsea 12 stitches.


27. If I ruled the world:

* It would be a fairly anarchic place without much structure.*



*28. **Best Advice I have received:*
If I did I don't think I paid attention to it.
* *

* *

*30. Your partners and kids names if you have any*

* *Debbie William Ethan.

kboarder profile James Anderson... AKA Pommy

Pommy Floter /Flyns Reef Pi contest

The next kneeboarder I would like to introduce to you is Pommy Anderson.
James is a fantastic charismatic bloke and loyal friend, never short for words and is the life of the party at any social event he is at..

James is one of Victoria's top ranked shredders. I always love surfing with him watching his new moves always inspiring me to go harder.

So hears James interview...
1. Nick name
Pom


2. Occupation
Self employed Landscaper,horticultural consultant

3. Why did you start kneeboarding
Injury to my ankle,Kneeboarding kept me in the water,Ha NO lids
4. At what age did you start surfing and what yr
1992 at age 14-15

5. Who are your favourite kborders in Vic.
Dean bould, Stan the man ,Pete fair-weather,tim Kadwell,Meat head


6. Which kneeboarder has been a direct influence and inspired your surfing the most..
Probably 3 blokes Pete for his power and charging,Tim for the tube riding skills and flow,and Stan for charging more than anyone and helping me be involved in comps and stay in comps super positivity works yeah cheers

7. Who are your favourite kborders in the World
Matt Gallagher,Cheyno Simpson and Troy,Bertie Munoz,Steen Barnes and the Greatest of them all Rampaging Rob Rennie

8. What other interests do you have
Playing guitar,Travelling,Fishing,Parties but that’s more of a habit than a interest
9. Do you have any sponsors and if so what companies
Yeah Shed nine feelin Fine clothing and Parties,Tiki Wetsuits,Balin Hardware,Ocean foam but would love some shoes and sunnies hey


10. What have been your best results in competitive surfing
2004 world pro junior champ,few age division wins,even beat stan for a state title I think
11. Do you think competition improves your surfing standards
Maybe Not physically but mentally I think it teaches you your limits,you find which manoeuvres are safe and whats a risk,plus watching all the top guys was great for me as a younger bloke.you can`t aim to be the best unless youv`e seen what the best is

12. What contribution do you think you have given the sport of kboarding
Beer and more the social side which is just as important to me as the surfing.few tricks I suppose no one really seems to have a crack at the new skool side of things but they don`t score well because people right them off even though there way harder than standard carves and cutties

13. What things do you think we could do to improve our sport
Contests need Paid Judges that’s for sure or else it unfair you can`t judge fair when its ya mate.Expoure is hard but thanks to shed nine video`s Kneeboarding has been a part of many thousands of sold movies and has clips that have been floating around Fuel tv for more than 6 years.
And boards there is no standard in Knee boards which is really cool but kinda detrimental to the overall level of progression

14. Favourite manoeuvre
Punts,Reverse`s and turning as hard as I can


15. Favourite drink
Beer,scotch,vodka,ouzo,wine,tequeila,petrol you get the idea!

16. Food
I LOVE FOOD ALL OF IT EXCEPT DIRTY FRIGGIN OLIVES


17. Famous person I would like to have a drink with
Bob Dylan,Kelly Slater,Mandela



18. Best Movie or Video
All of SHED NINE vids ,Psycho Ward, anything with Slater in it


19. Music:
Punk Rock,Aussie hip hop,Metal and Rob Rennie acoustic round the fire at turtles with albert on back up vocals



20. First Car:
Kingswood lime green oh yeah chicks dig it



22. First Kneeboard:
Mick Pierce twinny still got it beast



23. Favourite Kneeboard:
Black betty shed nine board that are now available for just $630 Bargain
24. Best Surf Break:
Corsair, Winki ,Tibur st, Sanur, Hossegor



25. Best Surf Session:
Corsair pretty much every time its bigger than 2 foot and less than 50 blokes


26. Dream Surf Spot:
Corsair but as an uncrowded right handed version


27. Surf Injuries:
Too many to list them all,three Knee ops,fractured skull,broken eye socket,broke all my ribs


28. If I ruled the world:
Ha non of us want that,beer girls tropical islands and the like maybe shoot a few of the giant tools that are trying there best to ruin the place




29. Best Advice I have received:Don`t listen to any one there all half as good as they think they are,RIP Charles Douglas Wilson Smith


30. Your partners and kids names if you have any

My girls names is Lauren but I like to call her Warren just for laughs

Kneeboarder Profile Jim Brown ...AKA Jimbo

Jim surfing perfect bells at the Vic titals worth the money to get waves like this for 20 minutes with only four guyes out


Gentle Giant Jim Brown

The next kboarder I would like to introduce you to is Jim Brown.
Jim is an Awesome fella a genital giant and has done a lot of work to promote the sport of kboarding in Australia and is one of the main guys that helps Neil Luke promote and run the Phillip Island Kboard classic. The second longest surfing pro event in Australia only to be out done by the Bells easter classic.

He loves kneeboarding and has always got a smile a mile wide when he is in the water and it go's to 2 miles when there are other kboarders in the water .. He is always hospitable always offering to go back to his place and share a meal and social time with other kboarders.
Also Jim is trying to get a Vicco kboard club on the go... And it will be great once we get that on the go...


So here we have it an interview with Jimbo....

1. Nick name. Jimbo.




2. Occupation. Electrician


3. Why did you start kneeboarding. I wanted to try something different and Neil Luke suggested giving kneeboarding a go.

4. At what age did you start surfing and what yr. I started on a mal at waratah bay when I was about 14, early 70’s , and mucked around on that for a number of years. Then I stopped for a while when I got married and had kids.


5. Who are your favourite kborders in Vic. Neil Luke still has the style and drive that I like, but all the guys that I surf with are great. Stan, Red, Neil O, Mark, Gary, Dean, Turtle, Gavin, there are heaps of good kneelos down here and surfing with them is always fun.



6. Which kneeboarder has been a direct influence and inspired your surfing the most.. surf Definitely Neil Luke. He got me into the sport, makes all my boards, and we surf together all the time, talk in the factory and are good friends. He still rips as good as anyone, as last years 5th in the classic shows, but he also knows how I want to and he helps me to get there. Ken Stapleton has also been a big influence showing me the other side of surfing, behind the scenes, he has, and continues to be great for our sport.


7. Who are your favourite kborders in the World. Baden, Gav, Simon, Chayne, Kyle ,Parksey, List the top 100 kneelos in Australia and they are all my favourites, each one has a different style and that is what sets kneeboarding apart.


8. What other interests do you have. My family keeps me busy, and I have a hit of golf and can be good or very bad.

9. Do you have any sponsors and if so what companies. I am an Island surfboards man, Always was ,always will be. Tommy Tyrrell is a good friend and always looked after me.



10. What have been your best results in competitive surfing. Nothing much to speak of , a few 3rd’s and 4th’s here and there, But I have had heaps of fun over the years.

11. Do you think competition improves your surfing standards. Definitely, just surfing 4 out with the best in the world is a buzz, and there is always little things they do that can help you.


12. What contribution do you think you have given the sport of kboarding. I hope we have made the Island classic into one of the best in the world, and hope we can continue to improve the professionalism of the comp and the competitors. The Australian circuit continues to improve year after year and hopefully this will encourage more young kneelos for the future.


13. What things do you think we could do to improve our sport. In victoria we need to organise a club under the umbrella of an existing club and then run our own comps.


14. Favourite manoeuvre. Not falling off.



15. Favourite drink. Anything wet.


16. Food. Anything that goes with above



17. Famous person I would like to have a drink with. My Dad.




18. Best Movie or Video. Lock stock and two smoking barrels



19. Music: Blues




20. First Car: EH holden station wagon. Indestructible.





21. First Kneeboard: A Mick Pierce twin fin




22. Favourite Kneeboard: The latest is always a little bit better than the one before, I am just waiting to pick up a 6’2” slab, diamond tail with wings, freak bottom and quad future fins. I know it will be even better than the last board I got.

23. Best Surf Break: On the island, kitty’s, Woolamai, flynns, centre crack, south coast NSW. Overseas would be pleasure point (santa cruz)




24. Best Surf Session: 2 out at kitty’s in the middle of winter. Light offshore ,swell big enough to just squeeze into the bay and barrels across the centre of the bay for 3 hours. It was the other guys first time at kitty,s , he couldn’t believe it !



25. Dream Surf Spot: Phillip Island with warm water.



26. Surf Injuries: Buggerd knees and a couple of fin cuts to the head.



27. If I ruled the world: it would go broke.





28. Best Advice I have received: the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun.


29. Your partners and kids names if you have any. I have been married to jill for 28 years ( it only seems like 40) and have 2 daughters , Kelly and laura who both surfed in the comps until work took them away. They still talk about some of the trips to the comp at Merimbula and of the fun times with stapo and the rest of the crew.