Sunshine Coast surf legend Hayden Kenny OAM makes one-off 1962-Malibu replica surfboard
Australia’s first ironman champion has commissioned a 1962-Malibu replica surfboard, saying it’s a rare piece of history that one lucky person will eventually own.
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Australia’s first ironman champion and a Sunshine Coast surf lifesaving legend has commissioned the making of a one-off 1962-Malibu replica surfboard to be auctioned at an exclusive gala event this year.
Sunshine Coast surf lifesaving legend Hayden Kenny OAM has commissioned the making of a one-off 1962-Malibu replica surfboard to be auctioned at the annual Sunshine Coast LifeFlight Gala in March.
Australia’s first ironman champion, now a great grandfather at 89, shaped his first surfboard in a cow shed on his grandfather’s farm near Maryborough in 1959.
Now he’s helping design the one-off Hayden surfboard using “refined and modern” materials from original templates.
“It’s a vintage classic that’s made right here on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Kenny said.
“And it’s made to surf, but it could also be kept nice and shiny and displayed on a wall like my 1975 Gorden Woods Malibu replica.”
“This board for the LifeFlight gala is a unique collector’s item, and I think it will impress anyone who is in the mood to collect something truly special.
“It’s for someone who wants to grab a bit of surfing history that’s not available in the surf shops.
“There won’t ever be another one like it. And to be in the chance to win it, you just need to buy yourself a ticket to the LifeFlight gala.”
Mr Kenny opened Hayden Surfboards in Alexandra Headland, creating one of the iconic surfboard brands of the early era, which he ran until 1979.
He was key in setting up the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service and helped launch it in 1979.
It merged with LifeFlight in 2013.
He was one of the first full-time helicopter crew members and worked on the choppers for 25 years.
“To be involved with that from pretty much day one is one of the things that I’ve been most proud of,” Mr Kenny said.
“The work these rescue crews do for the Sunshine Coast community is incredible.”
The LifeFlight gala is a night of glitz, glam and giving back and this year’s Palm Springs theme will ensure a fun and fabulous night of special auction items, heartwarming patient stories and excellent wining and dining.
The only way to win this special surfboard, is to buy a ticket for the live auction and attend the LifeFlight gala on Saturday March 29 at Novotel Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.
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Originally published as Sunshine Coast surf legend Hayden Kenny OAM makes one-off 1962-Malibu replica surfboard
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