Surftotal Darren Handley interview

Surftotal Darren Handley interview

Darren Handley SurfTotal interview: "I'm looking for the best European junior to help him to be world champion"

The legendary Australian shaper Darren Handley has a great portfolio. He is one of the most sought  professional shapers and creator of boards for world champions like Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore. While Darren Handley visit our country - Where is also DHD Europe factory  - SurfTotal ask him some questions.

SurfTotal (ST): Everyone can surf, but does everybody can have a DHD surfboard?
Darren Handley (DH): Everyone can surf, and every surfer can have a DHD. I think the boards that I make today, everyone can surf with them, regardless if you are a pro or a beginner. All my models can satisfy the market demand.


ST: We heard that your shape miracle boards, there are even those who prefer to wait weeks or months  for a DHD, because they know how much it will improve their surf. What is the philosophy behind the DHD surfboards?
DH: Yes, I have made many boards for Mick Fanning, 4-time world champion, for Stephanie, 7-time world champion , as well as other great surfers. But my biggest philosophy as DHD is that wind, swell the tides wait for no man, which basically means that if you have time and  good waves, you should go surfing. That's why I shape, to have time to surf. I hate when are good waves and must work. Yes, and a surfboard should not take more 3-4 weeks to be ready.


ST: Portugal is the European country with more surfing events. Fans and surfers are growing exponentially - this data was important to have European factory DHD located here - the Mindlx?
DH: It's very nice to have a surfboard factory in Portugal, as at the moment Portugal is one of the main event pole, with all these WQS and one WCT, it is most important for me and for my team, have the support of DHD plant in Europe located in Portugal. With the exponential growth of Surfing in Europe, we think it is in Portugal that the plant should be based and then support and manufacture DHD for all of Europe.

ST: How do you evaluate these last two years of DHD factory activity?
DH: The last two years of DHD in Portugal have been based on quality. We have worked with Tiago in Mindlx and chose this factory because of the quality, all manufacturing processes and materials are exactly the same as those used in DHD Australian factory. So the last two years all our work has been based on quality and service.

ST: DHD international team is amazing, with two world champions like Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore. In Portugal you have Francisco Alves. What is the surfer profile that DHD is seeking?
DH: I take the selection of my team riders very seriously. They are those who want to be and have potential to be champions. I do not shape for those who want to be great surfers, but for those who want to be the best of the best. I want to help surfers who want to be the best in free surf or world champions. It has been, without doubt, one of the secrets of DHD success, with Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore winning many world titles. At this moment I've been here with Jack Freestone to see him surfing in the Billabong Pro Cascais ... he did not win the event but guaranteed a place in CT next year, if you look at this surfer he's amazing. I'm also looking for the best European junior to help him to be world champion.

ST: Speaking of the global market, waht you think about Asian market? DHD has reached Indonesian surfers and Filipinos, for example? This is a goal? What about Europe?
DH: DHD strategy in the World Market is to figure out what people search in a surfboard, as well models that better serve surfers. We have made great efforts in American market as well in Asian market. In 2016 we will invest in the European market, as I said before, it's all about quality and service. In 2016 there will be in addition to these two essential items, a strong supply for all Europe, especially for surf shops, I'm concerned understand what  different locations and markets within Europe want. Stay tuned as I will visit all the best surf shops in Europe.

ST: Portugal in five words?
DH: Waves, Sun, Fish, Wine and Gastronomy.