Pacific Longboarder Magazine is a mag dedicated to providing a comprehensive coverage of longboarding and the surfing lifestyle. The latest issue looks at the resurrection of the ‘surf van’. Who better to ask than Southside Malibu Club member, Wayne Egan! Wayne and wife Janet picked up their new Fiat based Torino Xtra motorhome in March 2014. This surf van now resides in Cronulla on Sydney’s Southern Coast. Having had a VW Campervan for 20 years, tents, caravan and hiring motorhomes, they knew exactly what they needed when it came time to purchase their Torino Xtra and turn it into the ideal motorhome. Wayne has noticed the numbers with over 6 metre long surf vans is growing, especially with older surfers now retiring and looking to travel, mates are looking at theses as their kids are grown up and gone.
Wayne was limited to 3 metres in height as they needed to be able to fit the motorhome in the garage and be able to carry boards on the roof. The Fiamma roof racks made this all possible, with no drilling into the side of the vehicle and kept the nice exterior lines provided by the Fiat Ducato body. Wayne uses a telescopic step ladder for access to get the boards (carries up to 3 on a trip) and secures the surfboards with Kanulock locking straps. A large plastic surf bucket is stored in the motorhome’s large boot for storage for wet suits etc.
This adventuring couple much prefer free camping so opted for the Remote Pack to allow for fully self sufficient camping. They use the vehicle’s diesel fuel for the cooktop, water & room heating and have plenty of solar on the roof for additional battery charge. The Torino Xtra allows them to get up a go wherever they want, whether it be a short or long trip. The below image of Wayne’s is from a month’s trip to Tasmania in 2015.
“It has to be one of the best places in the country to travel with free camping and so many great scenic locations with very RV friendly towns and people across the state. With the Remote Pack it was just the best experience and for us what free camping is all about.”
The latest issue of Pacific Longboarder magazine is available in news agencies or can be purchased online.