 Joanne Harvy |
Joanne Harvy
Adelaide - South Australia - Australia Sponsors: Ocean Culture Sandboards Native born, Joanne Harvy, has been rippin' Aussie surf for the last decade with only an increased craving for more boarding. The opportunity to feed the need came in '93 when 'Jo' took an interest in sandboarding. "Like all curious board riders I liked the concept of riding sand." Wandering out to a local dune with her first home made sandboard not knowing what to expect, Jo was surprised to find other boarders surfing the sand. From that point on research and development took over. Jo has been developing sandboards ever since. |
The coastal town of Beachport is where her story began as a teenage surfy chick venturing into the famous Australian surf. "I started surfing in 1988, but still prefer to ride 3-5 foot waves instead of giant killers! I'm at a level that I could compete but I'd rather surf for pleasure, not for it's competative aspects. Besides, to take up competition would mean relocating to another state such as Queensland, something I don't really want to do." Jo's been involved with the organization of surf competitions and will most likely be involved with the Australian sandboard circuit as well. Like most boarders Jo has many interests, "I like making music, I play guitar. I like to jam with my friends and enjoy going out. I love my valuable friends and lately I've become a bit of an internet addict. The internet is just a great way to meet new people and expand possibilities, especially for business." |
 3 Mile Bowl - Beachport |
 for Joanne Harvy to 'Come On Up' |
Introducing many people to sandboarding over the years has made Jo plenty of friends as 'word of mouth' spread the news,
'Joanne Harvy was the source for sandboards.' Mostly boarding with friends, sometimes other female boarders or sister, Belinda,
Jo prefers to get a huge group together and really have a great time. "I almost always go with a group except when I go by myself to test
a new board." Jo relates. Beachport is Jo's main spot, a small fishing town only 35 kms from her home with lots of good spots. Just over the border in Victoria the opportunities to sandboard include some great locations. 'Swan Lake' is an excellent place to board as well as a favourite spot we call 'Canyons' near Nelson, as the name suggests it's like a canyon which has steep vertical drop offs and faces to carve. Jo enjoys organizing day trips to other sand dunes and exploring to discover new spots. "That way we get to name them!" "Sandboarding is a great alternative to surfing but I hate sand clumps in my ears." Yeah Jo, we know how that is... "The feeling of sandboarding is a lot different than surfing but more like snowboarding" Jo says. ( Did I mention Jo snow and wakeboards too?) "I like carving down the dune and it does at times feel like surf. I like how sandboarding compliments the fitness side of things too, although sandboarding strangely makes my arms ache! Maybe because I climb back up on all fours!" |
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Joanne's company, 'Ocean Culture' saw its beginnings as a small alternative clothing label back in 1992. Ocean Culture branched into the growing sport of sandboarding in '94, which in itself had already taken its own place as an independent sub-industry to the surfing lifestyle. The cross over is natural and easy. If you're a boarder and not sandboarding yet, you're missing out! Jo takes her boarding seriously by setting standards in development and innovation she's seen the distribution of Ocean Culture sandboards increase consistantly over the years thanks also to the popularity, progression and expansion of sandboarding throughout the country. Jo is well aware that the popularity growth is not limited to the 'Land Down Under'. Sandboarding is booming all over this incredible planet! "The focus here is on functional board designs for the purpose of pure sandboarding fun." Jo told us and we agree. If it isn't about having fun, what's the point of boarding at all? At 27 years of age Joanne Harvy has accomplished so much already but the future is wide open and waiting for her. With a catchy positive outlook and friendly nature we're sure, for Jo, the future holds 'No Worries'. Would you like more information about Joannes boards? Click this link! Ocean Culture Sandboards by Lon Beale Sandboard Magazine 7/00 |
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