Boards still the Byrnes' passion after nearly 50 years
Taylor and Parrish Byrne are the friendly faces of Byrne Surfboards – a family business run by two brothers born and bred in Thirroul
Taylor and Parrish Byrne are the friendly faces of Byrne Surfboards – a family business run by two brothers born and bred in Thirroul with an international reputation as a renowned surfboard-making brand.
Parrish said he and Taylor got into surfing ''because it’s in our blood – our father and his brothers all grew up surfing”.
“We always try to give a family feel to the people who come to us for boards and advice – they become part of the family. Not just competitive surfers, but any of our clients that we do boards for,” he says.
“It's a personal feel and a personal touch, which is kind of what we have to offer a bit more, as opposed to those bigger brands.”
Byrne Surfboards was started in 1977 by Taylor and Parrish’s father, Phil, and his brothers, Dave and Chris. The original factory was in Fairy Meadow, and earned national respect for innovative, quality craftsmanship. For decades, the Byrne family have shaped boards for local grommets and star surfers alike.
In 2014, Parrish and Taylor moved the business to Thirroul and began working to continue the family legacy.
“Over time, the main focal point for surfing for the Illawarra had moved from the city of Wollongong out to the northern suburbs," says Parrish.
“We've always had really good waves here compared to the city beach. Our beaches, our point breaks ... Sandon Point is a beautiful place to be even when it’s flat. But when the waves turn on, it’s one of the best waves in Australia, for sure."
“From here, even the whole way down to Ulladulla, you have world-class waves – everything from heavy waves, point breaks, beach breaks … When you travel, you speak to a lot of people about the area and it’s one place that the surfers will always gravitate towards,” Taylor says.
Taylor (at left) and Parrish. At right: Parrish with his sons and his dad, Phil
The surfshop on Railway Parade offers a collection of boards, surf gear, merchandise and importantly, a place to come together. The on-site cafe and lounge often serves as a meeting place for surfers looking for a cuppa and a chat. With services and advice available locally, the shop helps bring the benefits of surfing to the shore.
“You can come into this store and we can push you in the right direction – whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, we’re always here to help,” Taylor says.
“Surfing does a lot for you physically, it’s great fitness obviously, but mentally it’s great to be out there. My kids have just started surfing too, and sometimes I’m in the water with my dad and kids – three generations of people in the water together, which is pretty rare and it’s good to see,” Parrish says.
“When you can carry on doing something you love with your parents and your own kids, that’s pretty special.”
The Byrne brand started in 1977 and is now internationally renowned
The brand sells boards across Europe, Japan, Indonesia, South America and mainland America. Coming up to 50 years in 2027, the brothers are proud of the Byrne legacy and continue to aim higher, expanding to other countries.
“We grew up surfing from such a young age, and now we get to do what we love, and we're still doing it," Taylor says.
“We’re really aiming to keep carrying the international reputation of the business. Byrne’s always been an internationally renowned surfboard making brand and to carry on that legacy and still continue to do it today, that’s a pretty cool thing to hang your hat on,” Parrish says.
The company is committed to giving back to their community, sponsoring pro surfers, boardrider clubs, Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club and football clubs such as the Thirroul Butchers Rugby League Club.
“Me and Taylor both played for the Butchers as kids, my kids too – we’ve been a part of the Butchers for over 35 years now. We want to look after the area that’s looked after us,” says Parrish.
“Being around so long, you feel like you know nearly every face in the water – everyone looks after everyone and that’s part of surfing," says Taylor. "Around here, you don’t even have to call anyone – you go to the beach and you might see three of your buddies there. If you go surfing every morning, you’ll see the same faces and friendships start. I watch it happen, whether they’ll come in here and have a coffee after they surf.
“Surfing is the community. Especially in the northern suburbs, surfing is a hub for the community to come together. After school, all the kids gravitate towards their beach and create these little hubs where all through the northern suburbs, the community is nearly based around surfing.”
Boardmaker Parrish works to shape each board to suit its rider, taking their needs and level of experience into account. Committed to helping young surfers develop, he has shaped boards for local champions such as Jed Ashton from the very beginning of their careers.
“I've made Jed’s board since he was about 10 years old, since he started surfing. I've seen him progress from a little kid starting to develop as a good surfer all the way to Australian champion,” Parrish says.
“Helping the kids improve, whether it's just them being a good local surfer or going on to the world tour – that’s great to see and we enjoy doing it,” Taylor says.
“Surfing is that one thing you can always go back to. It’s the thing for when you’re stressed out – that’s where you go, and when you come in, you always have a better day.”
