TWEED HEADS business The Glass Lab continues to establish itself as one of the best surfboard manufacturers in Australia offering state-of-the-art technology and a team of the best shapers at its core.
Among the big brands include Channel Islands, Pyzel, Mayhem, Sharpeye, Chilli, ACSOD and many more.
The racks inside the showroom are lined with some of the world’s best surfboards with many world title winning shapes right down to beginner models.
The Weekly recently took a tour of The Glass Lab at 34 Industry Drive with owner and experienced surfboard manufacturer Adam Wessel.
A passionate surfer, Adam grew up in Kingscliff and now lives in Casuarina with his wife, two daughters and two dogs.
“I am a proud husband and dad and love passing on my love for the ocean to the kids,” he said.
The Glass Lab business draws upon the skills of decades of expert shapers combined with the latest technology that meets all health, safety and ecofriendly standards of Australia.
Adam has poured his heart and soul into the local business and has a passion for supplying the best surfboards in the business.
“We started out in April 2009, with just a small customer base and two employees,” he said.
“Today we’re producing more than 150 boards a week, with our pursuit of excellence remaining the same.”
Adam started in the industry as a work experience student at Kingscliff High School.
“Pipedream surfboards got two weeks free labour out of me, then started sweeping floors to offset against a new surfboard,” he said.
“I kept at it until I had a full time job.”
With industry leading manufacturing practices and attention to detail, The Glass Lab can take buyers through the design and construction phase of their board with personalised details along the way.
Adam said his vision was to create a collective with the best shapers at its core.
“I really wanted to improve the standard in the surfboard manufacturing world,” he said.
“This is something we are achieving for clients every day and our aim is to produce a board the way the shaper intended it to be. So, it will surf the way the shaper intended it to surf.
“Combining this with strength, resin clarity, desired weight and foremost attention to detail, we are confident your board will perform like it should and last the test of time.”
Adam said his vision for the business is to continue to grow on the Tweed.
“I would love for The Glass Lab to continue to grow and become a destination for local and international brands to come and get their boards manufactured on the Tweed,” he said.
“To keep employing local kids and give them a pathway to a career in composite engineering and we played a big role in becoming a registered trade in Australia.
“I also hope to support local surfers to achieve their dreams and help with any volunteer clubs that need our support.”
Adam said his team can work with all levels of ability and offer both pre-built boards and custom models.
“We can cater to everyone’s needs,” he said.
“Whether you’re starting out or wanting to take your surfing to the next level, we’re your one-stop-shop.”
As with many local businesses, the coronavirus has impacted The Glass Lab on a few different levels.
“A lot of our customers’ accounts have shut (surf shops) Australia-wide, this put a hold on around 50 per cent of our orders,” Adam said.
“It has also affected cash flow, as work has decreased, our wages of staff hasn’t.”
Adam said what he needs more than ever is for Tweed residents to think and shop locally.
“I think what we need at the moment is the Tweed residents to shop locally across all industries,” he said.
“Let’s support locally owned businesses as they employ Tweed residents and keep our economy moving.”
If you’re considering an upgraded board, or you’re just starting out, think local and visit The Glass Lab at 34 Industry Drive or you can phone ahead on: (07) 5523 1830.
