2:02p.m. 25 February 2008

The highest quality surf memorabilia ever brought to auction in Australia will be seen at the Global Surf Industries Noosa Festival of Surfing.

The world’s leading authority on surf collectibles, Hawaii’s Randy Rarick will host the evening.

Rarick, convenor of the biggest surf auction in the world - Honolulu’s bi-annual Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction - is making his first trip back to Noosa in eight years for the auction on March 5, to be held at the Festival Village in Lions Park, Noosa Heads.

In addition to running the world’s biggest surf auction in Honolulu every second year, Randy is the long-term director of the Hawaii Triple Crown, a founding father of professional surfing and one of our sport’s leading craftsmen and adventurers.

He will be assisted by some of Australia’s leading experts in surf memorabilia, including surfboard guru Bob McTavish and author/film buff Murray Walding, plus regular festival auctioneer Bob Johnson.

The emphasis is on quality rather than quantity in 2008, with some truly rare and classic offerings, including a Hayden Kenny Greenough spoon kneeboard from the late 1960s, four-times world champion Mark Richards Hawaiian season Lightning Bolt twin fin from 1989, and rare ‘60s world contest decals and tee shirts from the collection of former Australian women’s champion Gail Couper.

Auction Organiser Darryl Homan, “We’re restricting the number of lots to around 50 this year and presenting many of them in sets of related items, such as a board, shorts and rashie all used by Michael Peterson.

“Quite a few of us from Australia went to Randy Rarick’s auction in Hawaii this year and we picked up a few tips about presentation.

“I think our regulars at Noosa are going to see a difference this year, and for first-timers it will be a great evening of entertainment as well as buying opportunities.”

The auction will be preceded by an “antique roadshow” featuring Rarick, McTavish, Walding and other experts offering free evaluation of surfboards and other items.

Also preceding the auction will be a blast from the past of another kind when the ‘History of the Bikini’ goes on parade.

Classic swimwear from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will go on show giving the public a great insight into the beach culture of days gone by. It is a private collection from RAQ Fashion Design Award Winner Karen Neilsen and is sure to be a sensational prelude to the auction!

For further information visit the website, www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com.

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