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Aussie Surfboard Shaper Nev Hyman On The Power Of Community On The Coast

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This summer, legendary Australian surfboard shaper Nev Hyman and Jim Beam have joined forces to celebrate what makes Australian surf culture so iconic. Together, they’re bringing the spirit of connection to the coast, crafting a unique Together Board as the ultimate tribute to the friendships and memories forged in the lineup.

Originally, a surfer and now shaper, Nev Hyman has been shaping boards for over 50 years and when he first set foot on the sun-bleached sands of Burleigh Heads ,in the early '70s, he was spellbound. The allure of the point break, with its perfect barrels wrapping around the headland, was magnetic. 

“I’ve had some of the best waves of my life at Burleigh,” Nev says. 

“Screaming with joy paddling back out, just wanting another one and another one.” 

Beyond shaping boards for the world’s top surfers, Nev Hyman has made history—twice. He holds two Guinness World Records: one for creating the 'Largest Surfboard' in 2005 and another for packing the most people onto a single wave in 2015. 

Now a cornerstone of Australian surf culture, Nev’s story is one of passion, craftsmanship and an unrelenting connection to the waves. From shaping surfboards that echo his dedication to the art of surfing to chasing a feeling only the brine can offer, Nev’s journey spans from the shores of Australia to the iconic breaks of Jeffreys Bay and even the typhoon-churned rivermouths of Japan.

The Power Of The Together Board And Surf Community

a person sanding down a giant surfboard

Crafted in the heart of Burleigh, a place where surfers naturally come together, Nev Hyman’s partnership with Jim Beam to build an iconic Together Board feels like a nod to what surfing’s always been about—connection.

Picture a 20-foot surfboard with up to five people surfing at a time; its purpose to bring people together, allowing surfers to ride the waves as one.

“The whole Together Board with Jim Beam, it’s so relevant to the idea of surfing being like a glue with people,” Nev says. 

Made for the Australian Boardriders Battle taking place on the Gold Coast this March, which you'll be able to scope in the flesh with Nev on the ground too, it’s less of a board and more of a reason to get everyone together and have a hell of a time.

A Pioneer Of Surfboard Shaping


Image credit: Nev Hyman | Nev Customs

Under the banner of Nev Future Shapes, Nev pioneered a philosophy that the relationship between shaper and surfer was as crucial as the board itself. Every board he shaped was an act of connection—a translation of a surfer’s style

“I’ve been making surfboards for 50 years; it’s been my passion for all that time,” Nev reflects.

“I’ve had the privilege of making boards for some incredible pro surfers—Wendy Botha, Derek Ho, Martin Potter, Sophia Mulanovich, and Occy—and then, year after year, I started making surfboards for everybody.”

By the late '90s, Nev’s reputation was tidal. He was no longer just a shaper; he was the shaper. Nev’s boards were forged in those connections—shaped not just for the rider’s style but for their own relationship with the ocean.

A Burleigh Love Affair

Burleigh isn’t just home for Nev; it’s his muse. Namely those iconic perfect right-handers that have held him in thrall for decades. 

“To this day, I’m still mesmerised by the beauty of the hill and the views from atop,” he says. 

“The barrels that come around that point? Unbelievable.”

Post-surf rituals for Nev often involve good food and great company. He says it’s hard to go past overlooking the point at Pavilions or grabbing a bite at The Paddock in Miami with his wife after a walk around the headland. Soon, his go-to spot will be even closer to home. 

“It’ll be La La Casa at NEV Customs, our new-ish surfboard factory in Burleigh Waters,” he shares.

“Eric Perez and his wife Trish will be serving Venezuelan-style food. Imagine grabbing a bite while watching your board being machined and glassed—what’s better than that?”

The World’s Best Waves

a black and white photograph of a man holding a surfboard
Image credit: Nev Hyman | Nev Customs

While Burleigh remains the heart of Nev’s surf story, Jeffreys Bay in South Africa holds a special place in his memory. 

“That wave, for me, is the best wave in the world,” he says, recalling his time there in 1982. 

“I lived there for six months making surfboards and scored J-Bay as good as it gets. Then again, many times through the '80s and '90s.”

For Nev, Jeffreys isn’t just about the wave; it’s the buzz in the air, the mates paddling out together and the shared thrill of catching something bigger than your brain can wrangle.

Ask this surfing legend about his most memorable session and his eyes light up with stories of Grajagan in 1986. 

“Eight-foot perfection,” he says.

“My friends and I were screaming deliriously at the raw power of those left-handers.”
But the waves weren’t always perfect, nor were the conditions ideal. One of Nev’s most unforgettable sessions came in the late '90s on the island of Shikoku, Japan, during a massive typhoon swell. 

“We arrived at Nyoda, a right-hand rivermouth break. Over 100 surfers were in the car park watching, but no one was in the water,” Nev recalls. Armed with a 6’8 step-up, he decided to paddle out alone. 

“It was somewhat foolish,” he admits. 

“I managed to catch two waves and rode them carefully but on the third, I couldn’t make it. The shorebreak was massive and I got smashed, and rag-dolled all the way up the sand. When I got out, my friends were cheering like I’d just won a world title.”

This summer, Jim Beam is celebrating what makes Aussie summers unforgettable—golden hour, great waves and sundowners with friends—in partnership with Surfing Australia. Check out more of Jim Beam events and summer happenings here.

Editor's note: This article is sponsored by Jim Beam and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Supplied

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