Shaping From The Soul

Muzz Speaks


For Murray ‘Muzza’ Bourton, surfing is a “drug” and shaping is a lifestyle.  It’s been 45 years since the Gold Coast surfing icon moved to Queensland from Victoria but Murray says he is just as much in love with the coastal lifestyle as he was the first time he drove into Coolangatta.

In the early 1970s, ‘Muzza’ was poised to pursue a job as an art teacher in Ballarat but, after a taste of teaching, “cut loose” to get more time in the water.

The husband and father runs his one-man shaping factory out of Currumbin and was hooked into the trade through the joy of creating and the freedom of running a small business.

The local legend is often seen surfing the Gold Coast’s most famous breaks during the day. Mr Bourton supplements his working day with production at nights so he is able to take advantage when a strong swell makes for some gnarly waves.

By Jack Harbour