Iconic surfboard expert saluted on big screen
THE hot-off-the-press surf doco Handcrafted by Dick Van Straalen – a surf film produced by Greg Huglin and John Charlton – will be a highlight at the Global Wave Conference.
Better known as DVS, Dick Van Straalen is one of the most respected and admired shapers in the world who has had a profound influence in surfing over the past 50 years.
Surfboard design was in the transition from longboards to shortboards when Van Straalen moved up to the Gold Coast in 1969 from Avalon on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Initially establishing his first factory at Mermaid Beach in a former mechanics shop, DVS then set up shop at Burleigh Heads designing boards there from the early 1970s.
The Hawaiian Dick Brewer influence was evident with the mini gun pintail shape that was designed for speed and in tube riding especially for the fabled Gold Coast point breaks.
In 1969, there were all sorts of hybrid shapes in the 7ft lengths until Van Straalen helped redefine performance orientated boards.
By the 1970s the shortboard revolution was in full swing from 6ft hotdogs to 7ft guns and Van Straalen was on the cutting-edge of that momentum that made him so popular.
Long-time friend and surfboard maker employee John
Charlton, who carved out his own career as a TV producer for Coastwatch, was keen to document those heady days.
Charlton spoke to American award-winning cinematographer Greg Huglin to interview Van Straalen and others on this historical surfing story.
“He has been a mentor to many well-known surfers over many decades,” Charlton said.
“Those early days were magic in the 70s and 80s and then Dick met free-surfer Dave Rastovich and paddling champion Mick de Betta and his shaping kicked on again as one of the most sought-after shapers.”
His amazing story is revealed in personal interviews with that special relationship between surfer and shaper. First World Professional Surfing Champion Peter Townend, professional free-surfer and activist David Rastovich, Torquay’s Adam Robertson and Oahu to Molokai paddling champion Mick de Betta are just some of the special stable of DVS surfers.