Demand for surfboards is outstripping supply as the pastime experiences a new wave of popularity.
Droves of people have been eager to hit the water in 2020, when COVID-19 impacted just about everything else.
“It’s definitely been pretty crazy for the whole surfboard industry,” Sunshine Coast surf shop manager and professional board-rider Bowie Pollard said.
“Surfing’s been one of the only sports that everyone’s been able to do with distancing, where there is a bit of space between you and others in the water.”
He said surf shapers and retailers can’t keep up with orders.
“Demand (for boards) is definitely greater than what we can get made in time, at present.
“A big issue has been (the availability of) blanks, which have been made since the 60s.
“I know they’ve been struggling to get the blanks out to the shapers.
“With all the shapers chasing blanks, because everyone is selling boards, it’s definitely created a huge backlog of boards.”
Pollard runs Caloundra’s Beach Beat shop. The local-owned business also has a store in Alexandra Headland, and a factory to make custom made boards.
He said boards were selling hot, especially earlier in the year.
“In the busy period we would sell maybe close to 20 a day,” he said.
“When COVID first started it went pretty crazy.
“And when swell season starts in January and February, that’s when surfboards will really go nuts (again).”
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Jostling for waves
Pollard said it was great to see surfing become more popular, but it’s become a battle for waves at breaks around the region.
“It’s definitely a good thing … but probably not for all the locals who like their quiet surf breaks.”
“It’s definitely getting busier on the Sunshine Coast and I know a lot more people are moving here from other states because we’ve been sort of the safer state I guess.”
Pollard competes on the world longboard tour but he’s unsure what his involvement will be in 2021, particularly with potential travel restrictions.
“I don’t know with COVID. It’s s looking like it’s going to be pretty difficult and challenging next year and a lot of events could be in the United States.
“There’s a lot of time you have to take off work and travelling so I don’t know if I can justify it.”
Failing that, Pollard’s set to compete in domestic events.
He’s had success on that stage before, with Queensland Championships and Noosa Festival of Surfing victories.
