| Leading surfboard shapers support Surfing Australia High Performance Centre |
| Tuesday, 15 May 2012 13:37 |
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Surfers attending the Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC) will have access to a 40-board testing quiver provided by three of the planet’s leading surfboard shapers.
Funded by the Federal Government, the HPC is a world-first facility dedicated to the development of elite surfers and coaches and will ensure Australia maintains its place as a world leader in the sport. Designed in consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission, the HPC will be officially opened on June 15. Darren Handley, who includes multiple World Champions Stephanie Gilmore and Mick Fanning in his team riders, said the partnership with the HPC presented a fabulous opportunity. "It is a great opportunity to showcase my surfboards and for testing as a performance surfboard brand," he said. "The HPC will allow surfers to better their surfing skills, and in the process get the opportunity to ride some of the best boards in the world." Channel Island Surfboards’ Australian general manager Alistair Zorica said the organisation, which through Al Merrick shapes boards for 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, was proud to be part of the HPC. Lee Stacey, who shapes for a host of World Championship Tour competitors including Kolohe Andino, CJ and Damian Hobgood, and Australian young gun Mitch Crews, said he was proud to be working with the future stars of Australian surfing. "It’s a great training ground for our up and coming junior surfers and we feel privileged and honoured to be working alongside the next generation of elite surfers that Australia has to offer," he said. "Stacey Surfboards is a young brand itself and is excited to be growing alongside the future of the sport." |
