the world’s
first surfboard
filled with beer.
For years, the surf community has argued over the best way to measure surfboards, and the debate continues to stir tension within the community: does using litres really add up?
Gage Roads Brew Co. is aiming to end the debate by creating the first surfboard filled with beer. Partnering with legendary shaper Chris Garrett—aka Phantom Surfboards—the beer brand created a custom board that’s both surfable and drinkable. The Single Fin board is filled with 10 litres of Gage Roads Summer Ale ‘Single Fin’.
Once the board was built, Gage Roads Brew Co. called up Gage Roads part owner and Olympic surfing medalist Jack Robinson, they also called upon freeboarding legend Brendan ‘Margo’ Margieson to take the board out for its maiden voyage.
Creating a board capable of holding up to 10 litres of beer was a challenge in itself—but making it both pourable and surfable quickly turned it into a highly complex build. Sealing the board was difficult enough; adding pressurisation introduced a whole new set of issues (and a few explosions) along the way.
Chris Garrett.
Chris Garrett, the heart and soul behind Phantom Surfboards. His journey began in 1979, shaping boards by hand for the pure joy of it, for himself and a close circle of friends. By 1980, Phantom Surfboards took its first breath in the surf-rich air of Bolton Street, Kirra, and has been his life's work and passion since 1984.
His focus has always been the everyday surfer, the one chasing their next peak performance, their next wave. Even so, some of the world's top pros have carved their path to victory on his boards. Nick Wallace and Dave 'Rasta' Rastovich both clinched junior world titles with Phantom under their feet, and Neridah Falconer claimed the Hawaiian Triple Crown. Chris has had the honor of collaborating with legends like Kieren Perrow, Andy Irons, Dean Morrison, and a host of others, aiding them in honing their craft.
Today, he’s thrilled to nurture the next generation of surf talent, guiding young guns like Josh Grange and his brother Locky. He embraces the precision of digital with the AKU shaping platform. This leap forward allowed Chris to refine hand-shaped classics and break new ground in design, unbound by traditional methods.
Gage Roads Brew Co.
Gage Roads Brew Co. is one of Australia’s leading premium beer brands. Born in Western Australia, takes its name from the stretch of ocean between Fremantle and Rottnest Island. Founded in 2004, the brewery is deeply rooted in surf culture—with all of their all natural beers named after surf vernacular and inspired by Aussie coastal lifestyle. The brewing co. has been a long time sponsor of major and local surfing events and proudly supports a team of professional surfers, now part owners of the business. Their top selling beer Single Fin was recently named Australia’s third favourite beer in the GABS Hottest 100—as voted by the public.