that must have been a strong swell,rod knew arrawarra like the back of his hand and was a strong surfer.

I picked up my longboard SUP that he made me, on the Sunday before last from his workshop. I'm so glad I got to see him. I called it his new SUPerMAL. When Rod made a board, he'd send me all the details on length, volume and specs, pics in progress, a few suggestions (I had to keep "reminding" him on the round nose that I wanted). It's takes a while, but always so worth it!! I didn't get to try it out in the surf for a week as the wind and tides were all wrong that week. I did get in a little windy paddle in the harbour here - it floated, turned and paddled really well. I left him a voicemail that afternoon (Friday) telling him how much I loved it and couldn't wait to get it out in the waves. I knew he would have been out in that surf at Arrawarra the next day w that new swell and wind just right, so didn't expect to hear back from him. I knew that he would have loved to see it in action... With a heavy heart, I did finally get out to the point on some left over swell on the Monday, and it was just perfect. So smooth - easy to paddle and turn, and walk up and down. You would be proud Rod.
But you had the most pride for your family, whom you talked about all the time. You will be missed and loved forever.

That does look nice

his wife sue,posted on rods facebook page that he went down twice in huge surf,sounds like two separate times,and didnt come up the second time,eight guys out at the time got him up and to shore,a crew of canadian paramedics worked on him till the ambos arrived but he could not be revived.
still saddened by the loss of a mate.

Surfed my 8ft Pocket Rocket today after 3 months out due to foot fracture.

What a board its my comfort fun board for all conditions.

funeral for rod was yesterday,i had a call from col kingsbury letting me know it was well attended,paddleout at arrawarra is 10am saturday 6th feb.
RIP Rod.

Here`s a few shots of Rod doing what he loved at Coffs Creek.He always made it look so easy! I will miss him dearly, a great family man,and a great water man.
Rest in peace mate.Eric Horspool.

Massive air Hi-5 to big Rod.
Such a legend and funny guy.
Arrawarra pt will miss him!!!!
Everybody remember to live life right now, and make the most out of each day, as if it was our last.

Select to expand quote

tha dogman said..
Massive air Hi-5 to big Rod.
Such a legend and funny guy.
Arrawarra pt will miss him!!!!
Everybody remember to live life right now, and make the most out of each day, as if it was our last.

I retired 2 years ago and you are 100% right. I've had my own health issues but at least can still paddle. So there are no days in the week cause everyday is fun day. So make the most of them.
My slightly damaged heart goes out to those left behind

Unfortunately my Surfshapes quiver is locked in, wanted so many more off the great man but these will have too do.


5'11 old school original mutant prone board, 6'8 mutant stand up, 7'8 pocket rocket stand up, clubbie knee paddler. These boards make up a small portion of Rods over 50 years of shaping, throw in surf skis, kite boards and racing sups and there wasn't much left he hadn't shaped.
Rods final paddle out the point is this Saturday 10am at Arrawarra so come and say goodbye to a mate and a shaping genus.

nice little quiver beersup,we still have 6 from the 6.6 prone twinny thru to my 8.10 quad,love them all annie even has two of our grandaughters hooked on rods boards

Firstpoint I just finished the mammoth task of sorting out all the old mans profiles and found a a lot of Annie's I've bundled them up and stashed them in the garage at arrawarra so next time your down feel free to drop in and pick them up. I think rod would of wanted you'se guys to have em. Sue knows where they are. If I can figure out how to send ya photos I will

thanks

Rod's memorial paddle-out today at Arrawarra.

Thanks Gm. It was a big turnout with many people also on the beach. A fitting send off.

I had 3 of his boards 7 6" 9 1" gun & mutant 6 8" all great boards it was always good to catch up with him at arrawarra such nice bloke was going up in a couple weeks

Nice..

Rest in peace Rod. My gratitude to you for your shapes and attitude over the years.