WAYNE/ PARKES
Raised in Takapuna Auckland, which in the 1960’s was the surfing hub of NZ, Wayne began surfing aged 12 and wasted no time racking up our country’s most impressive competition record in only a matter of 9 years considering Wayne retired from competition at an age most are only hitting their prime aged 21. In 1965, he won his first National Title in the juniors, before going on a rampage the year after winning 5X consecutive Open National Titles between 1966-70. Wayne represented NZ at three World Championships as part of the NZ Team in 1966 California, 1968 Puerto Rico and 1970 Bells Beach Victoria. Wayne shares the 5X consecutive title run with Ratso, and shares the fact that the two won their titles riding their own shapes. Wayne got his first opportunity in the board industry from Bob Davies and then went onto work and shape in the Atlas Woods, Blue Spirit factories and under the legendary Bob McTavish over in Australia, also working alongside George Greenough. Wayne went on to launch his own label Wayne Parkes Surfboards which he continues to operate today based out of Takapuna where he has built a reputation of crafting the Ferraris of the surfboard world. In 1967 Wayne was also recognised at the Surfing Magazine Hall of Fame Awards.