Riding the creative wave: Greg’s handcrafted surfboards

27 Mar 2025

Greg Anderson has always had a creative streak, shaped by a background in painting and decorating. Starting his journey with an apprenticeship under his father in the 1990s, Greg learned the fine balance between trade and artistry, an approach that has carried through to his current work. As the owner of NA Painting and Decorating, Greg continues to refine his craft, but his creativity has also found an exciting outlet – handcrafted surfboards that feature a touch of Resene colour.

Greg's love for surfing was reignited in 2023 when his partner signed him up for the Dawn Patrol with Surfwise Waikuku. Through this experience, he met a community of like-minded surf enthusiasts, which inspired him to merge his passions for painting, decorating and the ocean. Over the winter months, Greg began crafting his own surfboards, drawing on his skills in restoration and creative problem-solving.

Greg’s surfboards feature classic hues like Resene Quarter Fossil, Resene Mission Brown and Resene White, as well as Resene EzyFill Quick filler to ensure a smooth finish.

A strong advocate for sustainability, Greg incorporates reclaimed materials into his surfboard designs. Timber Venetian blinds, rimu timber framing and other discarded materials are given a second life through his craftsmanship. Each surfboard is not only a functional piece of surf equipment but also a work of art, with every component – from the stringer to the leash lip – designed with aesthetic and environmental consideration.

Greg’s designs are influenced by his appreciation for the surf and skate culture of the 1960s and 70s, particularly in places like Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and Santa Cruz. The bohemian aesthetic of this era resonates with him, as does the connection between nature and sustainability. Often, his inspiration comes directly from the reclaimed timber he finds on job sites – each piece telling a unique story and carrying historical value.

Greg’s favourite board, which began with a set of Western Red Cedar Venetian blinds, is now a masterpiece ready for the waves. The board’s exterior shows the natural beauty of the timber, with painted accents in Resene Home Run and Resene Quarter Fossil.

Of the surfboards Greg has made, his first, named Indi, remains his favourite. This board began with a set of Western Red Cedar Venetian blinds that he salvaged from a job site. After cleaning and sanding the timber, he laminated the pieces to the base of the surfboard, mimicking the hull of a ship. Greg adorned the deck with a wooden inlay of cedar and balsa wood, complemented by a bohemian fabric inlay. To tie it all together, he used the shades Resene Mission Brown, Resene Quarter Fossil, Resene Home Run, and Resene White on the rails and around the inlay.

In his happy space, Greg works on one of his surfboards ensuring a smooth finish.

As a professional painter, Greg has always relied on Resene for its quality and durability, making it a natural choice for his surfboard projects. He says the team at the Resene Rangiora ColorShop has been instrumental in advising him on the best techniques and products to use.

Currently, Greg’s favourite colour is Resene Home Run – a vibrant green-blue that reminds him of surfing in aqua-blue waters. His colour choices often draw from retro and natural palettes, reflecting both the vintage surf aesthetic he admires and the oceanic landscapes he loves.

While Greg’s primary focus remains his painting and decorating business, his surfboard creations are a deeply personal and passionate pursuit. With each board, he continues to explore the intersection of art, function and sustainability.

To learn more about Greg’s work, visit his website: www.napaintinganddecorating.com.

Published: 27 Mar 2025