The House of Mo Shen launches

General News

New Retailers

longbreak magazine’s autumn edition

Darryl's BIG board is launched

Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction

Illawarra Area Boardriders Association changes its name

The End of Summer.... a report from South Africa

Inventions

Links etc.

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You might recall the story and pictures two issues ago about Darryl's BIG board. Well things have progressed. Here is the latest update on Darryl's adventures (Ed).

Well, after years of dreaming and months of designing and building (as well as weeks sitting on the bench following my well-deserved sacking from production), the time for the launch of the paddle board arrived on Saturday. Took the board down to Freshwater beach at about 2pm; blue skies, slight breeze and only small waves. The first challenge was getting the board in the water; it only weighs 11.5kg, more (read some) gym work required. I am in awe of the guys who used to haul the originals (weighing 40kg) down to the beach. I even managed to drop it on my foot – oh yes, I am a real pro! Following a few quick stretches (more to calm the nerves than anything else) I threw it (let it fall) into the water at the northern end of the beach, waited for a lull in the waves, jumped on the deck and started paddling. There were a few small waves to negotiate on the way out, the board literally sliced through them and I settled into a nervous rhythm and cleared the shore break. When I was comfortable, I sat up on the deck turned around – I was about 400-500m from the shore - It is REALLY, REALLY fast. Over the next 40 minutes I just got used to the feel of it – tried to get on my knees – with no wax and no padding I got just a little wet. I took it back out on Sunday, this time equipped with knee-pads and wax – faster still. Managed to ride a couple of swells – easy to get on – hard to get off. In summary, paddles and steers really well - awesome, has exceeded all of my expectations and really highlighted my lack of physical strength. Since then I have taken it off the Bower (Fairy Bower is a reef break at one end of Manly Beach, Sydney that can get treacherous at times - Ed.) and outside the heads (Sydney Harbour) – scary. Goes really well. It ended up weighing 11kg.

Here is something that people interested in the traditions and history of surfing might be interested in. To go to the web site just click on the picture. Ed.

We are pleased to announce the next Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction will be held in Hawai'i, on Oahu, at the Blaisdell Center, inside the Pikake Room, on July 23rd 2005

We are currently accepting items for this years auction. If you have a piece of vintage surfing memorabilia, surfboards or surfing accessories, feel free to contact us. Phone: 808 638-7266 or Fax: 808 638-7764

Just a reminder that the big event will be upon us again soon....on the 13-14 August 2005.

Why not think about entering.... and share the day with your mates and family. Fill in an Entry Form (.pdf file)

There will a Maximum of ONE 9ft Division plus

an Old Mal division

OR an Open 8ft Division.

All divisions, except the Women’s, are open to male and female surfers.

The contest format provides a second chance repechage round in all divisions with 15 or more starters, EXCEPT Old Mal and 8ft Open divisions.

Mollymook Longboarders
PO Box 256
MILTON NSW 2538
Ph/Fax 02 4456 5019

(Many of you might remember Selena from Golden Breed Australia. Well she recently launched her new clothing label called.... House of Mo Shen. Something for Clubs to think about for their competition clothing. Ed.)

House of Mo Shen Pty Ltd produces three clothing labels, Surf Zen (Surfwear), Mo Shen (Streetwear) and Bonsai (Childrenswear). With all of our clothing we start by creating a really high quality, well designed and constructed basic garment. We then take that garment and add to it some of the freshest, funky artwork and graphics to be found on any clothing. The result is clothing that people not only love but also really cherish as it continues to look good over time. Due to popular demand just about all our clothing is produced in sizes up to 6XL for men and size 20 for women.

The major launch of these labels occurred in March this year at an industry trade show in Sydney, called Fashion Exposed. In a notoriously tough industry, we received an abundance of positive feedback and comments and we were able to establish ourselves well, receiving orders from over 20 independent stores and securing several major customers. We also received expressions of interest from companies in the UK and Canada and orders from stores in NZ and the Cook Islands.

The second aspect of the business is our Custom Production Services. Essentially what we do here is assist other people in managing the production of their own clothing labels. In the last 12 months we have expanded to produce three labels for other companies and hope to grow that further over the next 12 months. Many retail shop owners or small cottage business have a desire to produce their own clothing ranges but are unsure how or do not have the time and expertise to proceed. We assist them, by doing such things as arranging and managing the Offshore Production & Importation to Marketing and Graphic Design.

During our initial trial and testing phase of our clothing labels we had strong feedback and requests for blank versions of our garments due to their quality and difference to other available products. It was then just a natural extension to offer custom printing, otherwise known as promotional clothing, to various clubs, businesses and organizations as a standard business service. Due to the fact that we are an Importer and Wholesaler our pricing and product control is second to none. Most people are often surprised at how little it really does cost for us to custom print a superior quality garment specific to their requirements.

For further information about our products or services please contact Selena on (03) 88 000 515 or visit one of our websites www.surfzen.com.au or www.houseofmoshen.com

More next issue. Sorry but they did not make it in to this issue folks. (Ed.)