Fish Fry Gold Coast
Fish Fry to Run Again
After organizing the first Fish Fry here in Australia and receiving so much positive feedback, it was hard not to get one on the go for 2008 . First time round I wasn't too sure how it would be accepted as it was definitely something new on the landscape. And the comments from some shapers and people in the surf industry was they aren't used to getting together unless in competition mode. So the getting together and celebrating the fun and versatility of the fish definitely appealed to those who were there on the day. The word has most definitely spread far and wide.
Rich Pavel, Dick Van Straalen and Daniel Hess
So the answer is Yes! there will definitely be another Fish Fry on Sunday March 2nd 2008. At the same place, in the park across the road at Currumbin Alley. After talking with those that were there this year and taking on board their comments, I have decided to add a few things. The most prominent point that came to light was that because shapers and board builders are head down and bum up working away in their shaping bays, they don't get a lot of time or opportunity to meet others doing the same thing. They may know of each other and what they do, but in many cases can't put a face to the name.So unfortunately a lot of people didn't know who was there on the day this year. This led to shapers not meeting each other and surfers not meeting shapers to make the most of the occasion. I am sorry that that was the case for many people. In order to overcome this situation I would like to offer a registration/sign in opportunity, say between 8am and 9am as people are setting up so I know who is there on the day and give them the opportunity to have a name tag if they choose. Then around 10am have an introduction of shapers and board builders to everyone. This way people can introduce themselves to each other and maximize the opportunity of the day. I would encourage shapers to set up with a tent or cover from the sun if the day is anything like this year as it was very warm in the park.
This is not a commercial event in anyway but if anyone would like to give away t-shirts, stickers or wax etc. on the day, then that is fine and a great PR opportunity. I would encourage shapers to bring any old boards to show where they have come from and some experimental craft as well. There was a great array of boards made from a real mix of materials which was great to see. If you have an old board that you would like to know more about or what it is worth, I am sure that Carl Tanner and The Baron will certainly be able to help. And chances are that the guy who shaped it might even be there on the day and you can get together and learn its history. This is what the day is all about. If shapers would like to bring demo boards that guys can take for a surf, it seemed to work great this year. Some guys spent the day riding all sorts of craft and swapping fins and ideas and it was great to see shapers out there on each others boards as well.
Another thing that came to the fore this year was that because we were in the height of summer and blessed with such a perfect day, it was very busy at the beach. So no one was keen to leave their parking spot to get food or drink. This time I am organizing to have a coffee van and the local surf club will have food and drinks. But please bring the kids and whatever you need to have a great day . There are barbecues, toilets and showers at each end of the park.
If you are coming up to the Gold Coast this time of year there is every chance of some classic waves. The Fish Fry is on the last weekend of the Quiksilver Pro which is just down the road at Snapper. And two days after the Fry the Noosa Longboard Festival is on 2 hours north on the Sunshine Coast.
Remember the fish will be schooling at the Alley...
Currumbin Alley , Gold Coast , Queensland , Australia - Sunday 2nd March 2008
Photos by Erin Kunkel
Text by Grant Newby
For more information please contact : grantnewby@bigpond.com
The Blog:The Alley Fishfry
