Have read many threads as to how we should be supporting Australian industries. Therefore, as I am in the process of looking for a new SUP what recommendations are there for manufacturers - especially in the Gold Coast area?

could try DC (Dale Chapman) good bloke

X2 for Dale. Well worth a chat as he'll have heaps of advice too.

Very happy with my 'stonker' shaped by Eiji in Torquay, although a long way from where you are. I've also had the pleasure recently of trying to tame a 'Rod Hocker' 8'8" custom swallowtail...I can honestly say that the board turns on less than a dime.

^^^ Red thumbs? Sorry, I thought the author was after some info on shapers, isn't Rod Hocker from up that way? I may be mistaken... either way, the board (on loan to me) is a very nice shape and turns well.

The two biggest are Dale Chapman and
Adrian Birse at JM Boards at Currumbin

Another thumbs up for Dale Chapman DC boards
Great boards and very easy to deal with

On the Gold Coast you have
DC
Deep
JM
All great guys and all super help full and all do different boards so best thing to do is go and check them out.

I'd say Mr Jackson knows what he's taliking about, but if you can travel a little, I heard Tully St John (Laguna Bay) can shape a bit, he is on the Sunshine Coast. There is also a guy down in Coffs that shapes magnificent wooden SUPs. I'm pretty sure his Avatar name is woodandwater. Quite competetive pricing considering the medium.

Dan MacDonald of DMS if your after one for surfing

What is it you want made surfing or Racing? as that will also help as some do more surfing and some Racing SUP's and some both.

Another thumbs up for Simon @ Deep Oceanboards. They are located at Burleigh, working in with Dolphin Surfcraft. Simon and his crew actually glass for a lot of other SUP shapers. Their glassing is second to none.

^^^^agree with husq. Simon has a very impressive setup at Dolphin and you can see what your finished board will look like before the process starts!

Thanks for all the replies. Certainly gives me a few contacts. Should have stated in the original post that it was a SUP for surfing (about 9 ft) that I was interested in. Aioni

Ben Wallbridge in Adelaide, awesome board builder, listens to your ideas & always delivers.