The Okanui Founder

Dick Ash started life at Avalon Beach, north of Sydney.

He recalls the simple days of growing up in the early 1950’s,
feeding the chooks and milking the cows before school.

Surfing for Dick started, like most kids, on a rubber surfoplane,
progressing to a ‘Koolite’ and then to the pride and joy
of a second hand 9’3” Gordon Woods surfboard.

At this time Dick’s creative skills began to develop.

His backyard soon became cluttered with bellyboard
prototypes, skim boards, swim fin moulds, and surf kites.

And in between sewing up sails and kites, Dick started
making boardshorts for himself and a few mates.

This is where the Okanui boardshorts story begins…