One of the Sunshine Coast’s most celebrated and recognisable brands has entered a new dawn.
The name Hayden Surfcraft has been synonymous with surfing and surf lifesaving for over half a century, but Sunshine Coast locals and surf sports family the Mellingtons are now at the helm and excited to spearhead the company forward.
Proud new owners Luke and Jodie Mellington are thrilled to be a part of the Coast’s vibrant surf lifesaving community and are eager to share their passion for creating top-quality surf craft.
This Saturday, August 26, at 2pm, the family and previous owners will celebrate the new era with a launch event at the Hayden factory and showroom in Maroochydore.
The Mellington family has many years of experience in surf lifesaving, with their sons competing for Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba. Jodie and Luke previously owned Mellington Smash Repairs in Maroochydore and Luke has been shaping and repairing boards and surf skis for almost 20 years.
Hayden Surfcraft started with the legend of surf lifesaving, Hayden Kenny, when he shaped his first surfboard in the cow shed on his grandfather’s farm near Maryborough in 1959.
By 1962, he opened Hayden Surfboards in Alexandra Headland.
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Hayden went on to become Australia’s first Ironman champion in 1966 and relocated Hayden surfboards to a larger factory in 1974.
Since its inception, Hayden Surfcraft has made its mark as a leading manufacturer of surf craft in Australia and worldwide.
In 1979, the business was taken over by Mick Hopper and Graham Cook, so that Hayden could become a full-time helicopter rescue crewman.
Since then, Mick and Graham have successfully run Hayden Surfcraft and shaped thousands of boards and skis.
The business was a pioneer in design and manufacturing processes, including the first vacuum-infused skis in Australia, now a widely used process. By 2001, Hayden was exporting 34 per cent of its production and resulting in winning a prestigious award for export.
“Mick and Graham have worked tirelessly on the business for over 40 years and are looking forward to enjoying their well-deserved retirement,” Luke said.
“They are both thrilled to hand over the reins and we are excited to take Hayden Surfcraft into a new era in surf sports.
“We aim to continue their traditions but grow the business and take Hayden Surfcraft to new heights.
“We have so many fresh and exciting ideas. We are Sunny Coast locals, employing locals, and everything will be managed on site.
“Our enthusiasm for this iconic brand is limitless, and we can’t wait to shape Hayden Surfcraft into the leading surf sports brand. Just watch this space.”
Hayden Surfcraft will continue to include Surf Life Saving Australia-approved surf sports equipment such as surf skis, paddle boards, nipper boards and rescue boards, as well as surfboards, including retro and longboards.
Hayden has partnered with Olympic, world and Australian champions, including Michael King, Guy Andrews, Kenny Wallis, Kerri Thomas, Kristy Munroe, Rebecca Creedy and Clint Robinson.
Hayden Surfcraft is at 2/71 Wises Road, Maroochydore. For more details, visit the website.
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