What a shame Oz surfboard manufacturer Base has gone bankrupt. (Includes shapers like Darren Handley, Simon Anderson, Murray Bourton, Sparrow etc) One of the best boards I ever owned was a 6'2" DHD. You know that magic board that you snap & are trying to replace for years. Wonder if there will be a liquidator stock sale? The whole surf industry is struggling a bit ATM. Could be some other big players that have to reshuffle the cards.
, all the numbers can be the same, but it's just missing that something. I don't think I'll ever replace her.
Yep a real shame -
BAsically the numbers for surfboards dont add up to allow anyone to make any money.
A surfboard costs about about 400 - 450 to make here in Aus. The manufacturer may make 100 when they sell it to retailer who is lucky to make 200 -250.
These margins just don't allow business to stay alive.
If surfboards had the same margins as kites here is what we would be paying
factory price - 450
ditributor price - 650
retail price - 1150
So basically we are all getting really cheap boards if you pay retail at 750
Next time you buy a board dont try and screw the guy down as he is already making next to nothing.
What will happen to the shapers who work there? Did they all own the place or did they just use the space? Hard to imagine Darren wouldn't continue shaping, must be in the top 2 shapers of the world.
