In this episode we speak with Dan Thomson from Tomo Surfboards.

Dan is arguably the most creative surfboard designer of the last 20 years. The art of surfboard shaping and designing was handed down from his father, Mark Thomson. Dan and his father would discuss all aspects of hydrodynamic theory to improve their understanding of real surfboard design.

In the mid 2000's Dan moved to America after a chance encounter that led to him riding a selection of 'fish' boards from some of the industry's best. Around the same time Dan was thinking a lot about the 'Golden Rule' or Fibonacci sequence and how it could be applied it to his surfboard designs. It wasn't long before this way of designing boards made complete sense to him and the idea of what surfboards may look like in the future became clear.

The result was a series of boards such as the Vanguard, Deathstar and Vader. Dan's creativity over the next 10-15 years was some of the most prolific in surfboard history. If you look at his various model in his range, nearly every board is unique with its own purpose.

When Dan teamed up with Firewire the racks in surf shops seemed to change overnight and looked very different with an array of plan shapes, rockers, concaves and channels. I was really excited to speak with Dan as his unique board designs and creativity is an inspiration to me, as I am sure it is to others.

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In this episode Christian and I talk to Sam Griffiths.

Sam is a passionate surfer who pursued a career in the surf industry. He started his time in the industry at Rip Curl on the back of his love for surfboards and spent time developing their board program.

When the opportunity to be a team manager a Quiksilver presented itself, he jumped on it. It was a great career choice for a person who is very personable and has a desire to help others succeed. He held that role for many years before being promoted to a marketing manager role.

Professional surfing has taken many twists and turns since the middle of 2023. The value of professional surfing has been reevaluated and the value of professional surfers is also under the microscope. Many surfers have had their contracts terminated or reduced.

This was a great insight into what aspiring surfers should focus on, the support major brands can supply and is 'Force de majeure' still a part of athlete's contracts post 'COVID'?.

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After a long wait, The Dust Up is back for 2024! We kick things off chatting with a truly fantastic shaper and designer - Nev Hyman.

Nev describes himself as a 'Ranga from Perth' in a jovial way, but the truth is he has been heavily involved in the development of surfboard design as well as pursuing future surfboard production methods.

Nev has always attracted the most talented surfers on his team as well as shaping for the best surfers in the world. His passion for surfboard design in undeniable and there were plenty of challenges to overcome on his journey.

An integral part of developing what the industry recognizes as shaping machines, a momentary participant in BASE as well as being responsible for the creation of Firewire Surfboards.

Nev has been shaping boards for over five decades and has loads of stories and experiences that he openly shares in our chat. In recent times Nev is helping to set up the Burleigh Board Builders and implementing a new surfboard business model.

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