About Force Field

What is Force Field?

Force Field is a company based on the Gold Coast, Australia that provides cutting edge surf life saving equipment to surf clubs, athletes, lifeguard services and recreational users from around the world.

Our paddle boards, surf racing skis and nipper boards are recognised as being of the highest quailty and using the latest technology to ensure the best performance in any conditions.

Force Field is owned by Dwayne Thuys, former Uncle Toby’s Super Series Competitor of 10 years, Uncle Toby’s race winner, Australian Ironman Champion, and World Ironman Champion.

Cassandra Sedgman, the office manager, is also an icon in the Australian surf life saving movement, having dominated the women's craft events for three decades.

Force Field’s board and ski manufacturers are also very experienced using the craft they make. Because of its ideal location and our personalised business style, Force Field is in constant contact with many top surf life saving athletes, who either live on the Gold Coast or visit it to train. These athletes are constantly trying new equipment manufactured by Force Field, and then give their feedback, which is used to improve the next generation. This results in a very rapid evolution of board and ski designs.

The History of Force Field

Force Field was established in 1988 making only paddle boards and nipper boards. At this time Australia’s greatest lifesaver, ironman Trevor Hendy (pictured right), was at the beginning of his career and gave Force Field its kick start by winning countless races on Force Field boards. In 1992 Force Field produced its first ski – the Traditional – which is still in its product range today. In 1995 Dwayne Thuys and Trevor Hendy bought Force Field.  One of the main focuses was expanding product range, starting with the signature series and catering toward the international market.
In 1997 – 1998, Force Field Europe was established with a license awarded to Thomas Zachert of Zacky Surf Sports based in Germany. During this time in North America, an agreement was also formed with Rian Wilkinson of Marine Rescue Products in Newport, Rhode Island. Marine Rescue Products sold only 6 Force Field boards in 1997; in 2005 they sold over 130. In 2000, Trevor Hendy stepped out of the business while Dwayne Thuys increased Force Field’s focus on the international market, making inroads into Japan, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

Karla Gilbert (pictured left) with an early Force Field Nipper board on which she won an Australian title

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