Dick Van Straalen: The Burleigh Heads Master Shaper Who Redefined Surfboard Craftsmanship

Dick Van Straalen’s influence on surfboard shaping is a story of evolution and mastery, marked by an exceptional journey that began in 1956. Initially involved with Bill Wallace Surfboards and later Shane and Dale Surfboards in Sydney’s surfboard manufacturing hub of Brookvale, Van Straalen honed his skills by experimenting with early backyard models at Avalon Beach. His pioneering spirit and innovative approach laid the groundwork for what was to come.

The true turning point in Van Straalen’s career came when he relocated to Burleigh Heads back in 1968 with his wife Anne and their two daughters, Kirsti and Ziska. It was in the early 70s, after setting up his first surf shop in the old Burleigh DeLuxe picture theatre ticket box, that Van Straalen truly blossomed as a shaper. His surfboards, designed specifically for the hollow sand bottom point breaks of the Gold Coast and were a perfect match for the waves of Burleigh Heads and also for the more southern beaches such as Kirra. His down-railed pintails were groundbreaking, allowing surfers to ride deeper inside the tube and enhancing their performance on the waves.

Van Straalen’s collaboration with his wife Anne, who provided artistic hand-drawn logos, and his own use of unique tints and colors, made his surfboards highly sought after for both their beauty and their exceptional designs

Over the past 50-plus years, Van Straalen’s expertise has expanded across a wide range of ocean-going vehicles. From open ocean racing paddleboards to longboards, reef runners, guns, and fishes, his designs showcase a remarkable blend of rocker, vee, tail lift, and outlines.These unique combinations produce a smooth, maneuverable, and fast ride, enabling surfers to maintain high-speed lines across waves.

To this day Van Straalen continues to shape an array of cutting edge surfboard designs at his Burleigh Heads factory, with daughter Kirsti now providing the flare for the artistic sprays.

Van Straalen's mastery remains evident and His contribution to the sport has now been officially recognized with his induction into the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach,California in the United States.

Surf enthusiasts can view a curated selection of his historic surfboards and also his Hall of Fame trophy Award at Surf World, the Museum of Surfing in Currumbin.

Dick Van Straalen’s legacy as a master shaper and innovator is a testament to his profound impact on the culture of surfing not only on Burleigh Heads and the Gold Coast but on the International world of surfing , blending master craftsmanship with his unique creativity to leave an indelible mark on the sport