Wayne Winchester takes enormous pride in all his work. Whether it's basic repairs or a full restoration, attention to detail is guaranteed.
The restoration of vintage surfboards can vary dramatically from board to board. The condition of the board generally defines the restoration process, and can vary from minor cosmetic work to a full strip and re-glass.
In all cases, restoration work must always be in keeping with the era of the board and use techniques that give a finished product reflecting the original board.
From a collector’s perspective, surfboards in original condition will always hold greater value. If damage cannot be repaired in a way that retains authenticity of the surfboard, it may simply be best not to do any work at all.
When undertaking restoration work for clients, there may also be specific requirements that guide the process. For example, the board may be for display purposes only and require a museum quality restoration, or simply as an everyday rider where a watertight seal and structural integrity is all that is required.
The client may also be constrained by budget, in which case a clear understanding of expectations and the finished result must be fully understood before any work is commenced.
Testimonials
“Wayne has fully restored my late brother Rodney’s Blaxell surfboard and it looks amazing, it’s basically a new board and is a credit to the work that Wayne does in this field. The board was in very bad shape but has such great sentimental value to our family and rather than Wayne saying I think it’s ready for the tip he took on the project with great passion and enthusiasm. To see it like the day Mum & Dad gave it to Rodney as a young surfy dude, has brought so much joy. Wayne listened to our story and put his heart and soul into this restoration. Thank you Wayne for keeping Rodney’s memories alive through the Blaxell.”
“Wayne has restored a number of surfboards for me, including a Bob McTavish ‘Bluebird’, McCoy ‘Lazer Zap’ and the Ian Cairns ‘Red Hot Stix’. There is no-one I trust more with resin and fibreglass.”
“Master board repairer/restorer! Wayne not only has the fibreglass repair skills but the ability to assess the most appropriate way of repairing or restoring a board for continued use or as a valuable addition to a historic collection. He does this all with a great combination of technical skills, artistic ability and a massive amount of passion and experience. Many thanks Wayne for those special repairs.”
“I met Wayne several years ago through a mutual friend who told me of his work . His attention to detail, authenticity and skill at bringing back to life parts of boards that I thought irreparable has seen me pass more than 20 boards through his workshop and never have I been disappointed with a result . Can’t speak highly enough of his work .”
“I had a couple of old boards knocking around and thought it would be great to bring them back to life. Gave them to Wayne to restore and now one of them sits in my living room. Awesome workmanship and skill to bring them back.”
“Wayne’s work strikes me as a labour of love by a guy who has a fine appreciation for the history and story of surfboard design and evolution, as well as a respect for the integrity of the original craftsmanship. His restorations reflect that. They are authentic, beautifully detailed, and breathe new life into these historic gems.”
“Thank you for the fabulous restoration of my father’s 1963 Cordingley surfboard... the caring, thought, time and detail you have put into it is truly appreciated and is reflected in the very special end result. ”
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South Coast Stories Episode 15
Tim talks to Wayne about the ‘Evolution of the surfboard’ exhibition.
The WADES Report Story
WADES Report is a website with a reference for good living and design in Australia, with a distinct slant towards SLOW design. In this article Wayne writes about his passion for restoring old surfboards and how it all came about. Check it out here https://wadesreport.com/the-evolution-of-the-surfboard/
“Every now and then, some of the old vintage boards disappear from the shed for a few hours of saltwater therapy.”
The Mexican
The Mexican was shaped by Ian Keightley in Bedford Road, Mt Pleasant in 1976 and airbrushed by Neves Sumner. Neves was 16 at the time and in his last year at high school. He went on to study graphic design once he left school. Ian Keightley now lives in Margaret River and we don’t believe he’s still involved in the surf industry.
I obtained the board when it was traded on a custom board at my Myaree factory in the 1990’s. The board gathered dust in the corner for the next 20 years before I gave it a light restoration around 2010 and now have it as part of the ‘Evolution of the Surfboard’ exhibition. It is affectionately known as ‘the Mexican’.
Wayne Winchester (left), the Mexican (centre) and Neves Sumner (right).
About Wayne
Wayne Winchester has been making, collecting and restoring surfboards since 1972. He is widely regarded as a master craftsman in vintage surfboard restoration and operates his current business on the south coast of Western Australia, between Albany and Denmark. This pristine and spectacularly beautiful location provides the perfect opportunity for Wayne to pursue his passion for surfing and the artistry of surfboards.
The Exhibition
An exhibition of vintage and modern surfboardS
For past shows and further information follow ‘The Exhibition’ link below.
The Workshop
Check out some of the boards Wayne has been repairing and restoring in the workshop in 2020.
Project Cordingley
The 1963 Cordingley was a special restoration that had significant meaning to the family of the original owner, Duncan McPhail, who passed away some years ago. My relationship with Ashley and the family during the process added a level of emotional attachment to my work, which has shone through in the love and passion that went into the restoration of this special board.
Visit the Workshop page to see the final results and the interesting history behind the board!
Not Just Surfboards
If it is made from fibreglass and resin Wayne can restore it. Even the Mobil Gas Pegasus gets to walk and fly again!
Still chasing the glide at 64.
Wayne Winchester, Ocean Beach, Denmark.
Water photography by Tim Maisey.
