Australian surfboard legend Bob McTavish has returned to Brookvale, opening a new surf shop at 182 Harbord Road, more than 50 years after shaping boards there during the rise of the Australian surfing scene.
A Historic Return to Brookvale
McTavish, 80, one of Australia’s pioneering surfboard shapers, has come full circle by opening a new McTavish Surfboards store in Brookvale, the heart of surfboard manufacturing in the 1960s.
The location is next to Bennetts Surfboards, where McTavish first honed his craft. Upon returning, McTavish said, “I am stoked because we are back where it all started! Right next to Barry Bennett’s, the founder of foam and glass in Australia.”
The new store blends surfboard sales, apparel, and a community space for surfers and locals to gather. The shop offers handcrafted boards designed at their Byron Bay factory and sustainable apparel and equipment.
The space also features a café, surfboard repair workshops, and surf film screenings to unite the local surf community.
Building a Community Hub
The McTavish team personally built the store’s interior, aiming to create a welcoming spot for both local surfers and visitors.
Ben McTavish, Bob’s son and head shaper, expressed how meaningful it is to reopen in Brookvale, saying, “It was like it’s meant to be, on Harbord Road, next to absolute legends of the industry, Bennetts! For Dad, it’s like sliding into your favourite old leather boots.”
The shop’s layout is designed to host events such as film nights, BBQs, and ‘Demo Days,’ fostering a sense of community. According to McTavish’s CEO, Cam Deague, the new Brookvale store tells the story of their surfboards and the craftsmanship behind them
“We think of our boards as forever boards, that stand the test of time, you fall in love with, and get you out there every day,” Mr Deague said.
Continuing a Legacy
Bob has been shaping surfboards for more than half a century and was instrumental in developing the modern surfboard in Australia. He and other pioneers, known as the Brookvale Six, transformed the industry in the 1960s by shifting from hollow wooden boards to fibreglass designs.
“In the sixties, the ‘Brookvale Six’ emerged from hollow wood surfboards into the new fibreglass, and rapid modifications of shapes and construction led to the current brilliant designs that make surfing so much fun!” Bob shared.
Today, McTavish Surfboards is still focused on these design fundamentals, offering boards that connect to the rich history of the Northern Beaches, while embracing modern craftsmanship. The store’s new offerings reflect their commitment to quality, sustainability, and keeping the spirit of surfing alive.
A Space for Surf Enthusiasts
In addition to surfboards, the new store showcases a collection of everyday apparel made with sustainable materials like hemp and merino wool.
“The new Brookvale store allows us to show Sydney the full depth and heritage of the brand that you can only experience in Byron,” Arran Russell, McTavish’s apparel designer, said.
Whether you’re a regular in the water or someone who loves the surfing lifestyle, the McTavish Brookvale store offers a welcoming space to enjoy coffee, talk surfing, and be part of a community built around the ocean. McTavish Surfboards is open seven days a week and remains a gathering point for surfers old and new.
Published 25-Oct-2024
