SUP MANIACS PTY LTD
SUP Maniacs Pty Ltd is a company built on pure SUP passion and long-term commitment.
As part of the LSR Cosmic Experience, I've been running a little feature on the LSR Facebook page where I throw a handful of slightly random questions out into the cosmicsphere and see what comes back.
The answers always do something interesting - they give a genuine insight into the people who quietly contribute, inspire, and help shape our SUP world.
These individuals don't just paddle. they earn honorary board member status in the very exclusive, entirely unofficial, and highly respected company known as:
SUP Maniacs Pty Ltd
so far the interviews have been
No1 Warwick Lee
No 2 Rebecca Dunning
No 3 Scott McKercher
No 4 Ke'ale Dorries
No 5 Beau Nixon
No 6 Andrew Cassidy
No 7 Ollie O'Reilly
I'll start posting the interviews over the next few days as they make for interesting reading and provide depth of culture to our sup sport with a little story telling.
A proud welcome to the Sup Maniacs Pty Ltd board member Scott Mckercher, a huge life so far and so many paths travelled, a very intriguing story of a World Champion and a valued member of the LSR Cosmic Experience organising committee.
Thanks Scotty rippa story???????
Few people have shaped the direction of water sports like Scotty McKercher. From world-title windsurfing glory to driving some of Starboard's most iconic designs, to launching SMIK - one of the most influential SUP and surf brands on the planet - Scotty's journey is pure evolution. Now calling Margaret River home, he splits his time between testing boards in heavy remote waves, refining new shapes, and helping create events like the LSR Cosmic Experience in Bali. A true adventurer, designer, and original waterman, Scotty continues to redefine what's possible on a board.
1/ You've worn many hats over the years. World champ windsurfer / starboard head designer/ founder of smik. How did that evolution unfold for you
Well I do always wear a hat being a fair skinned bald man who's spent way too much time in the sun., but it has been an evolution of sorts.
Since 16-17 I've been sponsored for windsurfing. and been involved with board design from the get go. At first with Greg Laurenson at Santosha surfboards, then with Mick Manolas @ Performance surfboards (both legends) and then with Neil Scheltema at Windtech. Neil was the driver of thoughts that I should quit my teaching degree and give the world tour a crack, or another crack as myself and Dave sheen were given some money to do the European leg to promote West Australian surf products by the Govt before I went to college.
Anyway to cut a long story short, I gave myself the ultimatum, win enough money over the summer and I'm going to quit college and hit the road. Some serious serendipity occurred.
A freak wind gust to win the biggest event of the summer to beat (Svein Rasmussen) by a whisker and the wheels were set in motion .
Neil and I spent a lot of time in the shaping bay and by the time the first events rolled around in 1993, we had some pretty different looking boards. (Twin fins in fact). I made a couple semi finals, placing third and people really took notice of our boards and orders from tour riders started rolling in for Wind tech and a collaboration with Kinetic, which is the factory which produces boards in Vietnam was born.
Then was then a falling out between Neil and I in 1996 and was left board sponsorless wondering what the funk to do for the next season. It was then that Svein Rasmussen was just starting out with a little company called Starboard and in 1997 I got a deal to get some race boards and be involved of the development of their wave boards whilst also competing.
In 2003 we developed a board called the Evo which kind changed how waveboards looked back then (More fishy instead of looking like guns which is what they looked like before then). In 2004 I rode these boards to a world title and the Evo became the biggest selling waveboard in the world.
So I kept competing and developing throughout my career, when in 2007 my hip was starting to wear out, Stand up paddle was just coming onto the scene and Svein got me involved with the Sup shapes as well. Competing till not physically possible anymore (limping pretty bad needing a new hip at 38) I then went full time development between windsurfing and SUP. I'd drop off a couple bags of windsurf boards to be modified, pick up some sups, go test those and then alternate between the two. (I was flying a crazy amount.)
Some internal political stuff within the company had me thinking it was time to go out on my own and jumped off the deep end to start Smik. At the same time ( Arnon from Thailand) started the HCT factory and I was able to access high quality PVC carbon boards. With the shapes being " just the way I liked them". The funny thing was, when I left, I grabbed a set of MR twin fins that were sitting in the factory.
A couple years later, I thought I really need to make a board for those fins and the Hipster twin was born. (And the Market has been trying to catch up ever since).
2/ smik has become one of the most respected names in sup foil and surf design
Whats the philosophy behind the brand and what makes a board truly smik.
Ultimately, what I've found with testing is it's the boards you don't want to come in on are "The ones." They make you want to surf more because they're working well. The focus is a certain level of automation built into a board. They HAVE to carve well as a good hack has been pretty much the focus of my entire life. But the way a board reacts with the lip, how it accelerates. All critical. And it has to be automatic.
A huge part has always been about construction. Full PVC wrap with carbon decks is without doubt still the strongest / lightest most durable construction available. (without a shadow of a doubt.)
3/ you've always been deeply hands on with design and testing
What does a typical R&D trip up the coast look like, and how wild do things get out there.
This has certainly been a major part of my life, over various forms of craft. With windsurfing it was boards, but also sail development. And it's had me moving a hell of a lot all over the years . Thankfully, I kind of like driving and flying to an extent. It's quite meditative.
Back in the day it was always hectic, fly from thai, drive up for two days, drive back, fly back up modify etc etc.
Since SMIK I've had more time to park up and take more time in my old 1977 caravan that lives up there. Play around with boards more. Take more time to evaluate. (Whilst nursing my beer.)
It's not all heart in your mouth sketchy drops and barrels up there. On smaller days it's quite playful out the front of camp and another wave in the bay. There's a mixed bag of conditions which is pretty handy for assessing boards.
Which is what I think is the most important thing with board design and testing. To try boards in a variety of conditions over time to get a true feel for a design.
But yeah, on it'sday, it can truly scare the **** out of you. Only when paddling in though. Windsurfing is like towing in. It's too easy.
4/ you're known for seeking out heavy remote waves. With Margaret river as home and WA offering some of thwe most adventurous world class surf on the planet , wht draws you to this rugged isolated breaks along the coast.
Margarets has been home for 24 years. Before that I grew up in Perth which has the least amount of swell due to Rottnest blocking it all, but Margies has the most consistent swell supply of anywhere I the world.
And I'm generally not into surfing with crowds, which is why I have my little secret outer reef that I'm usually surfing alone. Or with my mate Paul Lane. Thankfully we've only seen dolphins out there up till now. (It's quite a paddle out to sea) which is why we get it to ourselves.
But I really love our entire coastline. The isolation, rawness, beauty. I've scoured pretty much every inch of it over the years. And never tire driving to the east, south or north as it's so diverse in waves climate and landscape.
5. The LSR Cosmic Experience in Bali has grown into something pretty special. What inspired you to bring that idea to life, and how has the event evolved over the past four years and what would you like to see happen with the future of the Cosmic?
Well, that was just having spent a fair bit of time in Sanur testing at RIP CURL Jonnies place and got to thinking that Oka point was a great longboard sup wave that rarely has anyone on it. So it was a place that we could hold a comp and not piss anyone off. And you 're in Bali eating Nasi Goreng and drinking Bintangs.
I mentioned it to yourself and Jonni and the response was a unanimous "**** yeah"
And sanur is the old world part of bali that hasn't changed too much (Hipsterized). It grew as people just came and had a great time, very casual, not too much of a contesty type vibe, but then as it's grown, it kinda has become a bit more serious.
I just love hanging out with my team as they're such a great bunch of people. As are all the folks that have been rocking up. I'm a little out to lunch on the inclusion of foiling, so we'll see how that evolves.
6. You've shaped boards for everyone from weekend warriors to elite pros astound the World. What's the key to designing equipment that works across such a wide range of riders?
Well I guess I'm now the target market for the majority of the SUP market, (couple fake joints,little heavier, less flexible) that enjoys a board that's forgiving with good balance, but can also appreciate what a performance turn feels like.
If you get the young pro's to develop, sure they can make great 6'8's and 7'0 ft shortboards, but they never actually ride the larger sups. Or actually don't have the weight to be able to push the larger sups around.
I remember team riders always wanting to have their boards with narrow noses that were super hard to stand on, and that just didn't translate to what the market was actually needing under their feet.
Ultimately, listening to what people want is the key. And as I said before, testing in a wide variety of conditions is the key to appease everyone.
7. Smik supports an impressive group of ambassadors and riders worldwide. What do you look for in someone representing the Smik brand?
That's just kind of evolved.
Obviously they have to surf well, and I guess be of a like mind?
Wes Fry was my first team rider and we just gelled on trips and somehow managed to ALWAYS score on trips. And we just had a good time hanging out. That expanded to when Skyla came into the picture, naturally, and I always been a great admirer of Kai's surfing so when I bumped into him up in Exmouth and asked the cheeky question. I was super stoked he got on board. Zanny and Brea are also rippers that are like family.
Iballa is a phenomenal athlete and a friend for a lot of years, so that was a no brainer, who illuminated me to the talents Of Julietta and Enrique. (Whom I've never really met but trust iballa.) The best thing about being on the trips though is how much fun we've had.
8. Between windsurfing, SUP, foiling, what's firing you up the most right now?
That's a horses for courses thing
What ever the weather is doing is what I'm fired up on. (Ouitside right now is light onshore and **** waves and I'm keen for a wingfoil. Sunday morning looks like good for SUP, and Sunday arvo looks like an epic windsurf. If I'm in Perth, there's no waves, so I'm pretty keen on the parawing thing for downwind. I still love SUP and windsurf the most though.
As all these news sports have come along I do enjoy the challenge of trying to figure them out, whilst simultaneously developing gear. It definitely keeps life diverse and interesting.
9. You've built a life around the ocean, design, and adventure. What keeps that passion burning after so many years at the forefront of water sports?
Peter pan syndrome? I haven't grown up yet? Part gypsy, need to keep moving?
I'm not sure. Not ready to be a full time gardener yet. However the garden is looking really good J
10. Looking ahead, what's next for you and for Smik? Have we reached the point where SUP board design is close to its limit - with only minor refinements left - or do you see new breakthroughs in the design of boards?
It's all just a case of history repeating I reckon.
Trying to find new idea's out of old ways of thinking. Right now I'm playing around with some design ideas after seeing a mates retro twinny collection in Barwon heads. Some really heavy V'd twins
I've made a couple proto's there's been some nice sensations, but not polished yet. But I guess it's the small tweaking that needs to be played around with. Fins , to rocker, to outline, all so critical to each other. It's a lot of fun to try and figure out the matrix. And motivates you to get on the water more too.
@everyone SMIK SMIK Europe #champion Australian Paddle Surfer Magazine @windsurfworld #westernaustralia
Brilliant. Thank you for posting the article on Scott. I don't have FB. Really enjoyed reading about his journey and very much a fan of his designs. Power to the SUP Maniacs.
SUP Maniacs No.7 - Ollie O'Reilly
Behind every great team is someone quietly holding all the pieces together - and in the world of high-performance SUP, Ollie O'Reilly is that person. A genuinely great bloke, Ollie somehow makes the complex, high-pressure task of organising the world's best SUP athletes look effortless, even though anyone who's done it knows just how intense that responsibility really is.
At events like the LSR Cosmic Experience, Ollie moves with calm authority - part leader, part problem-solver, instinctively looking after every detail and every rider. His instincts run deep, ensuring the crew is supported, focused and firing, while never losing sight of the bigger picture.
A highly rated surfer in his own right, Ollie also lives a life that many would only dream of - travelling the globe, testing cutting-edge equipment, working with elite athletes and helping shape the future of the sport through his role at Starboard, one of the world's leading SUP and adventure brands. From the outside, it's a lifestyle filled with extraordinary opportunities and experiences - but it's also built on relentless hard work, commitment and vision.
Huge thanks to Ollie for embracing the questions, sharing his journey, and bringing his knowledge and energy into the SUP Maniacs family. #ollieOReilly
Welcome to the board of SUP Maniacs Pty Ltd ????
1. You travel the world testing race boards, surf shapes and prototypes with elite athletes. At what point did you realise that your role at Starboard was more than a job, it was a global adventure?
One of the things I love most about my role at Starboard is the versatility. As I'm writing this now, it's Sunday morning and I've just welcomed a rider from Japan who's here to work on new SUP race board shapes, while another rider has been with us all week developing and testing new wings and foilboards.
Looking back over my 11 years with Starboard, many of the highlights are the test trips and travel to wave locations around the world. Working with the best riders, understanding how shapes evolve to match their needs, while continuing to push my own limits. That combination is what makes it feel like much more than just a job.
2. Your fitness is next-level. SUP surfing, foiling, paddling, strength work and even cycling huge climbs like the Pyrenees. How important is personal fitness to the R&D and innovation side of your work?
Fitness is 100% part of my identity. It has been a constant in my life and an escape, although I probably need to slow down sometimes and focus more on recovery.
From the moment I joined Starboard, it was clear that fitness would either make things a lot easier or a hell of a lot harder if I wasn't fit. Even if I wasn't at the same skill level as the very best, I still had to keep up. There were periods where we would have multiple riders at once, Connor Baxter and Michael Booth, testing up to 12 different race board prototypes over multiple days with constant reworks and back to back sessions.
As much as I value fitness for my own wellbeing, it is essential for development. As soon as fitness slips, everything becomes harder.
That said, I've been managing a bit of a dodgy back, so longevity needs to become more of a priority.
When I travel to places where I can't get in the water, running has always been my go to way to explore. More recently I've found cycling, which has been both humbling and exciting. It's now at the core of my base fitness and great for VO? max. I'm training for my first Ironman in 2026.
3. Starboard was one of the first major global brands to support the LSR Cosmic Experience. What made the event stand out for you, and how did it feel seeing your riders take out the Team Prize last year?
The LSR has definitely become an iconic event for Starboard and the broader SUP world. Over the years we've seen SUP surfing events reduce, so an event that is inclusive across all levels is incredibly valuable.
The Bali location makes it even more special with the support from Jonni and the Rip Curl team and simply being in the Land of the Gods. It's no longer just a competition for us. We use it for our annual photoshoot and as an opportunity for people to demo the latest Starboard gear and share time on the water with the world's best riders. That's not something you get to do every day.
Catching up with all the riders is always fun and inspiring, and seeing Starboard come out on top makes the work behind the scenes feel even more worthwhile. The level of competition, including riders from other brands like SMIK, raises the bar and makes it more exciting for riders and spectators alike. It's an event that all brands and riders should continue to support.
4. You spend time watching world-class longboard SUP surfers in Bali, Hood River, Europe, Thailand and beyond. How does observing these athletes influence your board designs and product direction?
Testing in multiple locations is critical. Boards need to respond to real world conditions globally. Hollow Bali waves are not everyday conditions for Europe, so testing across different environments helps create a more rounded product.
Thailand is actually an incredible testing ground if you understand the seasons and weather. I'll leave it at that. I also have a base in northern Portugal, which offers a complete contrast with cold, heavy waves. That environment, combined with working closely with local shaper Luis Lacrau, has proven hugely successful.
During Covid we developed and tested the Spice and Pro there, and most recently the TwinFin.
5. Starboard has embraced the longboard SUP movement with some seriously impressive shapes. What excites you most about the design evolution happening in this genre?
For me, longboard riding is often more interesting than traditional shortboard surfing. It blends elegance and style with progressive riding, a mix of flow and explosive movement.
The Bali event has been a great testing ground with everything from knee high Serangan to punchy Oka Point. Boards need to perform across all of it and rider feedback is critical, not just from elite riders but also from weekend warriors.
This year we're introducing a new shape into the quiver that I think will unlock a fresh expression and style. Let's see.
6. Your job blends tropical living, high performance testing, elite sport, design meetings and global travel. What does a typical week look like for the Brand Director of one of the biggest SUP companies in the world?
Things move fast. Anyone who's been around the office will back that up.
I started at Starboard in marketing, then moved into product management working with Scott and Mat Rauzier, and now oversee the brand. It takes a big team of talented people to stay on top, so my role today is about enabling the team, helping people perform at their best and aligning around our goals.
I still stay hands on with development and testing while also working on broader strategy and future direction. Most weeks involve time in the workshop, briefing prototypes, planning test trips, building marketing campaigns and managing the bigger picture business and brand planning.
It's broad, it's a lot, but it's rewarding and tangible and the wins feel shared.
7. You've been with Starboard since 2014. In that time, what do you see as the single biggest shift in SUP culture?
Foiling, without question.
It has introduced entirely new sports like wing foiling and downwind foiling, along with new skills and a huge amount of new gear to develop. We all look at waves differently now. What used to be a bad SUP surf is now a full foil wave.
In racing, events like Molokai have shifted heavily toward foiling, whereas SUP used to be the focus. Foiling still has the biggest growth opportunity ahead, and there's a lot of refinement to come. It's no longer just about the board. It's the board, foil and wing working together.
That said, my core passion remains SUP surfing, and Starboard's surf offering has grown year on year. From the Pro, to the Spice, to the TwinFin, expanding the quiver and riding styles unlocks new possibilities and stoke. Racing remains core to Starboard's DNA and will always lead development, even if the race scene has come off its peak.
8. R&D at Starboard takes place in some of the world's most beautiful surf breaks. Is there one testing trip that stands out as the moment a design clicked for you?
There are so many memorable trips shared with riders. When you get a session to yourselves and a shape clicks, everything flows and you come out grinning.
Some of my best sessions have been sunset surfs in Thailand with Trevor Tunnington. We've really dialled the spots and forecasts there. An hour's flight, a ten minute drive, and you're in an empty lineup with a pulsing reef break.
One trip was booked with barely an hour and a half before takeoff, a last minute call with a bit of nervous uncertainty. It paid off with a magic session until dark, followed by a well earned beer on the beach. Those sessions beat any crowded lineup.
Another standout was a sunset session in Portugal when we first scaled the Spice boards. Lots of smiles there too. Cheers Trev.
9. You live in a stunning tropical home in Thailand. It looks like a design project in itself. How much influence did you have in creating that space, and how does living in that environment fuel your work?
Thanks. After working on a renovation project in Portugal during Covid, I wanted to commit to a more permanent home in Thailand.
Svein and Starboard generously offered me the opportunity to build on land at Taco Lake next to Starboard HQ. With a blank canvas, I had a clear idea of what I wanted. The feel, the materials, the scale and how the lake would be the main feature.
I worked closely with an architectural firm from Chiang Mai called Shermaker. Being close to the site allowed me to help project manage, choose materials and keep everything connected to nature. There were hurdles and plenty of learning along the way, but the end result is a tropical home from home that I appreciate more the longer I live there.
10. Looking ahead, what can the SUP world expect from Starboard in 2025 to 2026?
There is always a lot in the pipeline that I'm excited about. Over the last year we've developed a new shape that will debut at this year's LSR event. It's been a lot of fun refining it with Trev.
I'm also excited to see the continued success of the TwinFin as more people receive their boards and spend time on them. It's a shape that continues to excite me personally.
In racing, there are some major developments I can't share yet, but expect news soon. The latest All Star shape and campaign has already gained a lot of attention.
On the foil side, growth is happening fast, so we're continuing to explore new shapes for wing foiling. In parallel, we're working closely with our suppliers on new technologies to reduce weight while tuning flex and strength.
There's a lot coming, and as always I'm excited to get on the water and share the finished products. Cheers.
@everyone @Starboard SUP @Stand Up Magazin @starboardsup #sessionmag #standupjournal #totalsup #starboardportugal. #starboardaustralia
