Crafting Performance Surfboards Since 1991

At Busch Surfboards, we specialize in high-performance surfboards, blending over 35 years of experience with the finest craftsmanship in Ericeira, Portugal.

Our Surfboard Journey

Our History

Our surfing journey kicked off in 1991 when two brothers, Kevin and Gary Labuschagne, began catching waves in a small town called Warner Beach on the South coast of South Africa. Coming from a broken home with strict upbringing and little financial means was just a part of life. We learned to navigate our circumstances from a very young age with very little. Surfing was viewed as a very Hippie type of sport back in those days and was often associated with the five-leaf clover plant by many observers who couldn’t accept that surfing was a legitimate sport. However, living by the sea soon transformed into a means of escape and a way of life for the two brothers. This was the moment when the surfing passion ignited, and the only hurdle standing between us and our newfound sport was the lack of surfboards. We couldn’t afford them unless we worked tirelessly to buy a secondhand board. Thus, our adventure began. We earned money by cleaning gardens and cars around the caravan park until we could finally purchase our very first boards, only to discover they were the wrong type. Luck didn't appear to favor our family, regardless of how hard we tried. There were no surf schools or mentors to guide us in those early days, and the thrill of catching our first wave felt as if it was etched in our memories each day. That memory continuously drew us back to the ocean, again and again. Those were the days when nothing seemed to hold greater significance than surfing. Nothing else seemed to matter, even while surfing during the Sardine run amidst ocean predators, not truly caring whether we would make it out alive. Every spare moment, regardless of how poor the surf conditions were, we ventured into the ocean as it was the only free time we had before having to work or return to school. The significant change occurred when I turned 11 with that oversized board. The board was unsuitable for me, and I couldn't even duck dive with it. Like any regular 11-year-old, I began to complain. My stepdad simply responded with one sentence: “Why don’t you make your own; it surely can’t be that hard, as I don’t have the money to cater to your surfing needs.” I was unaware at the time and couldn't have cared less about board construction, but that was the moment everything commenced. Together with my brother, I stripped all the fiberglass off that old board. We attempted to shape our own surfboards without a clue about what we were doing, as there was no internet, YouTube, or social media, and some of the fiberglass still remains embedded in our skin today. Those were the days we wished would last forever. Days filled with freedom, when people looked out for each other and lived a simpler life. Days when we packed our camping gear and sought out hidden spots along the coastline. Days when integrity was measured by one's word. Yes, integrity is why I can genuinely say that I have given away more free boards throughout my life than most likely any other person on this planet. I couldn’t sell a product until I was completely satisfied with it. Many boards were shaped and testing them ensued before I could even consider selling one, as my conscience wouldn’t permit me to create something while the customer was a mere subject of a test board. After three years of shaping, I launched my first surfboard brand under the KEV surfboards logo. I also sponsored my very first team rider ( Stefan kleinhans) and He did very well by knocking out South Africa,s top surfer and World junior champ Seth Hulley in a heat in Durban .Although things were going well I was not satisfied with the inconsistency of my work. Hand shaping was not like todays automated buy your junk in China rubbish. This was also about the time my mother said to me that I could not make toys for a living and have to concider to get an apprenticeship in a trade of my liking. All I ever wanted to do was surf and shape boards . This was the hardest decision of my life . So, the back Yard shaping continued while trying to study and complete my refrigeration trade. This was hard .. I eventually Qualified as an Electro Mechanical Engineer but the surfboards continued to roll out of the shaping bay on a daily basis. In the year 2000 I started shaping boards in the Uk. After the UK I moved to Ireland and started shaping there. I relocated back to South Africa where the Shaping continued then back to Ireland and now we are permanently based in Portugal.

When you arrive in Ericeira on Portugal's Silver Coast, you will discover a town with the best surf culture and experience along the entire coastline of Portugal. Yes, there are other locations in Portugal, but the surf culture and vibe in Ericeira is unmatched. This is the reason Busch Surfboards chose to relocate to Ericeira. The people, the vibe, and the waves is why we love it here. With over 35 years experience, come and see us for your next board. We ship boards to the rest of Europe. So from us here at Busch, Aloha and enjoy the ride