World's best shapers stock Aussie training centre

Hurley High Performance Center

DHD, Channel Islands & Stacey to provide super quiver for Hurley Surfing Australia HP Centre

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 15 May, 2012 : - - Surfers attending the Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC) will have access to a 40-board testing quiver provided by three of the planet’s leading surfboard shapers. Darren Handley Designs (DHD), Channel Island Surfboards and Stacey Surfboards will provide equipment for a 40-board test centre as part of the $2 million HPC.

Funded by the Federal Government, the HPC is a world-first facility dedicated to the development of elite surfers and coaches and will ensure Australia maintains its place as a world leader in the sport. Designed in consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the HPC will be officially opened on June 15.

The two-level centre of excellence will boast state of the art education facilities, equipment and accommodation and will be at the forefront of sports science and coaching development for surfing. The surfboards will equip a one-stop testing super centre to ensure patrons have an extensive selection of board designs and shapes to utilise during their time at the HPC.

Darren Handley, who includes multiple World Champions Stephanie Gilmore and Mick Fanning in his team riders, said the partnership with the HPC presented a fabulous opportunity.   “It is a great opportunity to showcase my surfboards and for testing as a performance surfboard brand,” he said. “The HPC will allow surfers to better their surfing skills, and in the process get the opportunity to ride some of the best boards in the world.”

Channel Island Surfboards’ Australian general manager Alistair Zorica said the organisation, which through Al Merrick shapes boards for 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, was proud to be part of the HPC.  “Channel Island is stoked to be part of the growth of Australian surfing and pushing its development,” he said. “We look forward to Australian surfers achieving more success on the world stage thanks to the work and training undertaken at the HPC.”

Lee Stacey, who shapes for a host of World Championship Tour competitors including Kolohe Andino, CJ and Damian Hobgood, and Australian young gun Mitch Crews, said he was proud to be working with the future stars of Australian surfing. “It’s a great training ground for our up and coming junior surfers and we feel privileged and honoured to be working alongside the next generation of elite surfers that Australia has to offer,” he said. “Stacey Surfboards is a young brand itself and is excited to be growing alongside the future of the sport.”

Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark said the support of the three renowned shapers would give Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre patrons unique access to a vast array of surfboards and allow coaches to best recommend appropriate equipment.  “Surfing Australia is honoured to have the support of Darren Handley Designs, Channel Island Surfboards and Stacey Surfboards,” he said. “They are some of the most highly-regarded shapers in the world, who are synonymous with cutting-edge surfboard design and for patrons to have access to such a testing centre full of their equipment is an incredible opportunity for the new Centre.” 

www.surfingaustralia.com

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Source: Surfing Australia

Author: Tim Brimblecombe

Tags: Surfing Australia, Hurley High Performance Centre, DHD, Channel Islands, Stacey

Training: Surfersvillage