“ We do everything: design,shape and glass. Our boards are tested with years of experience. All hand shaped, no machines. Made here in Kingscliff. It all started back in the 70s my first label was called Invader. Boards were shaped and glassed in Mermaid Beach in a factory next to Nielsen Brother’s.
Then worked at Kirra Surf in the early 80s and shaped Local Knowledge which was Kirra Surf’s own brand.

I started the Kempo label in 1983 while still shaping for Local Knowledge. In 1995 we set up a factory in Tweed Heads which was called The FunZone Glassing Company.
I was shaping and manufacturing such labels as Gordon & Smith ( which I owned the manufacturing rights for in Australia for many years). Also shaped and manufactured such labels as Dick Brewer, Mambo Beach Culture, North Coast Longboards, Juke longboards, Bad Company, Good Time and my own label, Kempo.
Well, I’m still going, manufacturing in Kingscliff for the Tweed Coast, Gold Coast & beyond. Specialising in Retros, twins and longboards.You can talk to me directly about your custom board.”

Thanks Al ,Still shaping, still ripping ! Interview by Tony Barton