07.06.2024 Views

SB-issue59_digital

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

news<br />

ITALIAN<br />

BALSA<br />

Mark Riley’s beautiful balsa has made its way<br />

across the globe to Italy, linking up with former<br />

factory hand Michele Vallenari. Michele set<br />

up his own surfboard building business in his<br />

homeland a decade back and recently accepted<br />

his first shipment of Riley Balsa. Looking at his<br />

craftsmanship, we’re sure Michele will put it to<br />

good use.<br />

Mark had this to say on the arrival of his stock<br />

in Verona.<br />

“Finally, we have some 150kg/m3 balsa in stock<br />

in Italy. We have been working on this shipment<br />

for years. Europe is ahead of the pack with the<br />

development of eco-friendly surfboards.<br />

“At Riley Australia, we have been importing and<br />

building boards in Sydney for over 25 years. In<br />

Australia, we supply the likes of Outer Island<br />

Surfboards, Dick Van Straalen, Sam Egan, and<br />

Pieter Surfboards.<br />

“We have been sending balsa to single retail<br />

customers, but the freight was expensive. This<br />

is why we loaded a container and sent it directly<br />

there (Italy).”<br />

As for the wood itself, four-year-old trees have<br />

been selected at the end of their lives and<br />

cut, dried, and dressed to specifically suit the<br />

surfboard industry.<br />

Photos supplied courtesy of Michele Vallenari.<br />

# 59 // smorgasboarder //<br />

22

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!