Winter waves, Wooden Surfboards and Slower mornings
As summer fades and autumn slips away, winter arrives with a different kind of magic. While it might not be everyone's favourite season, surfers know that the cooler months often deliver some of the best conditions of the year.
Winter along the Queensland coastline brings crisp mornings, cleaner swells and fewer crowds.
The water temperatures remain surprisingly comfortable, typically sitting between 18 and 22 degrees, which many surfers around the world would consider warm. Pair that with consistent offshore winds, long period groundswells and crystal-clear water, and it's easy to see why winter is a favourite season for many.
There is something special about pulling on a steamer before sunrise, grabbing a hot coffee and heading to the beach as the first light appears on the horizon. The early starts can be a challenge, but watching the sun rise from your board makes it worthwhile every time.
One of the biggest advantages of winter surfing is the quality of the waves. Offshore winds are more common during the cooler months, creating clean, groomed wave faces and reducing surface chop. Whether you're just starting out or have been surfing for decades, these conditions make for a more enjoyable session.
From the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast, winter consistently produces quality surf. The crowds thin out, the water becomes clearer and finding a fun wave becomes that little bit easier.
When it comes to choosing the right board, winter offers plenty of variety.
For smaller days in the 1 to 3-foot range, it's hard to go past the timeless glide of a classic longboard.
A 9'6" Rose, inspired by traditional 1960s Pig shapes and paired with an old-school hatchet fin, delivers smooth trimming, effortless noserides and plenty of style.
When the swell starts pushing into the 3 to 6-foot range, we're reaching for the 5'8" Gould. This modern fish design offers speed, flow and effortless rail-to-rail transitions, making it ideal for carving roundhouse turns and drawing smooth lines across clean winter walls.
Of course, winter isn't only about surfing. It's also the perfect time to spend a few days in the workshop creating something special.
Our four-day Wooden Surfboard Making Course gives you the opportunity to build your own hollow wooden surfboard from sustainably grown Australian Paulownia.
Working alongside experienced craftsmen, you'll create a functional surfboard that is as beautiful as it is enjoyable to ride.
Choose from eleven different surfboard designs, with options for custom timber patterns, nose shapes, tail configurations and fin setups. Whether you're looking for a classic longboard, a versatile mid-length or a fast and playful fish, we'll help guide you towards a design that suits your surfing style and local conditions.
No experience is necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm and we'll guide you through every step of the process.
If you've ever wanted to own a truly unique surfboard and experience the satisfaction of building it yourself, winter is the perfect time to make it happen.
Even though it may be cooler, the stoke is still strong !
