Strapper Surf

History

Strapper formally commenced business in 1976 but its roots are in the fledgling Torquay surf industry in the 1960’s. Dennis “Strapper” Day first started shaping with Fred Pyke in his Boston Road factory that later became Piping Hot. In the early 70’s Strapper moved to the “Klemme Bell” factory up the road in Torquay and managed the surfboard production, “Klemme Bell” at this time was the premiere surfboard factory in Victoria with a long list of in house shapers and visiting interstate and international shapers. Strapper soon had a strong following to his surfboards and in 1976 opened his own surf shop and shared a factory with legendary shaper Pat Morgan.

Strapper soon set up his own factory on Speakys farm in a shearing shed at the back of Bells beach overlooking the surf at Jan Juc. Michael DiSciascio started shaping with Strapper as a 15 year old in 1979. In the 80’s a new surf shop and surfboard factory was built on the main road in Torquay next to what was Rip Curl then was Quiksilvers factory. In 1989 Michael after being a junior partner bought Dennis out to own Strapper.

In the early 90’s and on the back of Torquays great surf and wind conditions Strapper Surf distributed wave sailboards to 23 countries around the world and helped launch the career of Jason Polakow, one of the world’s best ever wave sailor/waterman. Jason/Strapper with unique talent and marketing, strong logos and graphics had a major impact with the legacy still in the sport today.

Michael sold the international side of the business in the mid 90’s and he chose to focus on his passion for his Strapper Surf store in Torquay, shaping surfboards and going surfing. In Torquay Strapper now has three stores, Strapper Surf shop with the surfboard factory out the back, Blunt Skateboarding and Surf co, Strapper Factory Outlet as well as a Strapper Surf Shop in Geelong and Ocean Grove.

Michael and his team still make boards out the back of the shop in Torquay. Many of the team are top competitive surfers with a strong passion for surfing just like Michael who has won 8 State Kneeboard titles. This really sums up the true grass roots of Strapper and customers can trust Strapper as the place to get great advice on surf hardware, accessories and the very best selection of surf wear.

Strapper Communities

Strapper heavily supports Surf and Skate events, clubs and associations in the local community. The Strapper Surf Junior was Victoria’s longest running junior event going for 18 years. Strapper is a current and long time strong supporter of the Torquay Boardriders Club, 13th Boardriders Club, Otways Boardriders Club and a sponsor/supporter of Knee Board Surfing Victoria. Strapper also supported the building of the Torquay Skate park by donating $10,000 and currently is running the 2009/2010 Geelong Skate Series. With a long history of junior surfer development Strapper today have a lengthy list of hot locals riding our boards, Team Strapper.

At Strapper Surf whether it is surfboard manufacturing, skateboarding or the huge range of brands, clothing, wetsuits and surf gear we have the expertise and history as we are living the lifestyle that is our business. Strapper Surf “The Surfers Shop”

Strapper Surf Owner – Michael “D’Sas” DiSciascio

Michael originally from country Victoria grew up in Geelong and at 15 years old left home, school and moved to Torquay to follow his surfing passion and make surfboards. Mike now has 30 years experience across many areas of the Surf industry both locally and internally and has shaped over 10,000 boards and manufactured 10’s of thousands more. Michael has always promoted new young keen surfers and shared the opportunities and passion that drew him into surfing and Torquay. As well as a group of current committed surfing staff a long list of ex Strapper crew have gone onto great success and influence around the surf industry .

Michael is committed to his sport, industry, lifestyle and community and has been involved in a number of organizations over the years.

Surf and Lifestyle Torquay (S.A.L.T – Industry group)

* Foundation and current chair person

Independent Surf Retailing Association, (I.S.R.A)

* Current Committee member

Torquay Boardriders Club

* Past and longest standing president

* Life member

Surfing Victoria

* 30 year member and strong supporter

Torquay Surf Industry Association (superseded by S.A.L.T)

* Founding committee person

Member of Knee Board Surfing Victoria