Its original owner Brian ‘Jacko’ Jackson founded Jackson Surfboards in 1957. A keen surfer and traveller Brian and some of his friends decided that manufacturing surfboards would be the ultimate complement to a surfing lifestyle in the Southern suburbs of Sydney. The Cronulla area became the home of Jackson Surfboards and the brand quickly established itself as one synonymous with performance and quality. In 1974 Dave Mattison and Jim Parkinson began working in the shop with Jim starting his Shaping career. 20 Years ago Dave and Jim purchased the business and proudly carried on the traditions that Jacko had established. Simply producing great surfboards and providing good service. Brian "Jacko" Jackson sold the business to Dave and Jim but he was still very much part of the team. When not at Crescent Head he was always popping in to see how things were going and to offer his advice. Jacko will always be an integral part of the Jackson story.
The Jackson brand became well known across the nation and surfers travelled from all over Sydney to spend time in the big showroom on Captain Cook drive at Caringbah. As a grom myself I spent countless hours in the shop just looking at new and second hand boards, studying the photos on the wall of past champions and dreaming of my next big purchase. The workmanship from Master Shaper Jim Parkinson was extremely evident- the boards looked good and they went even better. The sprays and finishes from the hands of Dave Mattison ensured that you took away a good-looking board that stood the test of time. Jackson team riders in the 70’s 80’s 90’s and into the new millennium provided a wealth of feedback and resulting progression based upon time spent in the water.
The birth of Tow-in surfing - Brian Jackson behind the wheel 1964.
Fast forward to 2015 and the Jackson name was for sale. Jim Parkinson, his wife Chris and Dave Mattison had worked tirelessly in the shop for countless years and it was time to step away from the 7 day a week business. As a keen short, fun board and long board surfer and Jackson customer I was saddened to think that such great traditions could be lost. I convinced my good friend Richard Beattie to work with me on a new project- keep the Jackson name alive! After some coercion over a few beers he agreed and the next exciting chapter of Jackson Surfboards was born.
Richard and I are now part of the Jackson family and it is our mission to keep the business alive and thriving. Luckily for us legend Shaper Jimmy Parkinson said he would continue to shape our Custom surfboards for us. The core team riders Jordan Widenstrom, Ian Spencer and Rod Menzies all agreed to stay riding for us and with their assistance we look forward to tweaking the current designs and introducing new designs in the future.
Quality and service- Richard and I are pumped to now own such a historic surfboard brand. We are making surfboards and I have never been so happy! What’s not to love about a brand new board, it’s a majestic piece of equipment that is designed to bring joy and happiness to its new owner. Check out our Facebook, Instagram and Online Shop and call us at anytime to discuss surfboards- we love to talk boards!
Rod Eagles
Jackson Surfboards
Tradition and Performance
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