Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 6: Tom & Greg Bennett; Bennett Rescue Boards

Bondi Patrol Podcast

The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Interview with Greg & Tom Bennett

Today, we are delighted to welcome Greg and Tom Bennett, Father and Son, Chair and CEO of Bennett Surf Co as our guests – they’re the 2nd and 3rd generation of surf craft manufacturer and suppliers, including being suppliers to the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club.

How it all began … Bennett Surf Co was officially founded in 1956 by Barry Bennett out if 1 Wills Avenue, Waverly, under Barrys neighbours house. Bennets have been making surf life saving equipment for over 70 years. Barry was able to evolve through the times , making not just surf life saving boards, but skate boards, surf boards, ski paddles, clothing, surfboard blanks and all raw materials for over 70 years.

Greg Bennet is the 2nd generation Bennett working in the business from day left high school – Greg’s career in SLS and also competitive ocean ski paddling (Molokai channel crossings and other big achievements). Tom, now 26, working with his father Greg, and carrying on Barry’s enormous legacy and (Barry sadly passed away in 2022). Both Father and Son are extremely proud to be carrying this great Australian business on with the main aim of continuing to supply quality surf craft to our customers.

Other topics covered in this episode:

1. How are the boards made? And the rescue boards designed & made? Tom and Greg describe traditional techniques, evolving to modern construction techniques being light weight closed cell EPS core, finished in high strength epoxy resins, vacuum bagged for additional strength. The aim to make boards perform well, and not cut corners on durability.

2. Rescue Boards: what is the future? Bennetts see soft boards increasing in popularity, with added safety in mind. Soft rescue boards have been the most popular seller for a few years now. They will naturally give the user more comfort and confidence in using the board due to its soft construction.

3. Environmental issues - Bennetts practice various recycling techniques in terms of ensuring the various plastics and cardboards used in the manufacturing and logistic stages are recycled in the correct way. The aim is to keep plastics to a minimum, and are in talks with suppliers around how to lessen the amounts of packaging and non eco friendly materials used. It is important to Bennetts that they can improve the manufacturing process and make it cleaner into the future.

4. How to get involved in surf life saving? Both Greg and Tom want to ensure we encourage the younger generation to get involved in Surf Life Saving Australia. Australian beaches are becoming increasingly popular, and we need to ensure surf safety knowledge is known. Joining in and getting involved in your local surf club is not only a great excuse to spend time at the beach with friends, but also a great way to keep fit and better your skills in and out of the ocean.

Bennetts Boards can be ordered online: https://www.bennettsurf.com/ or at their store in Manly, NSW, Australia.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol Podcast. SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

You can learn more at https://bondisurfclub.com/