Hi I purchased a new Long Board ($1200) from a leading Sydney retailer. On the third ride (2-3ft wave) a crack developed and the board snapped underneath me.
I did not hit anything or the bottom. I was mid wave and it collapsed underneath me.
The retailer and manufactuer basically said it happens and bad luck.
They offered to sell me the same board again for $800.
Do I have any recourse?

Might be a leading retailer but was the board from a leading shaper or a cheap Thai stick, if its from a reputable shaper they will probably come to some arrangement as they'll want to protect their name as a craftsman but if its a board pumped out overseas you can probably kiss your bucks goodbye in which case spit the dummy at the retailers and demand a refund.very disappointing for you.Best to buy from a shaper not a shop

Please read my below blanks rant on other thread........
Yes and no
Yes if it was a big name board from reputable shaper...
Most likely a no as proving to the supplier that you did not go top to bottom on a triple overhead closeout is impossible.....
A firm and emotive yet eloquent letter with additional photos and red arrows pointing to suspect snap point is always a good start, phone calls are gone away as soo n as supplier (generally 17 year old kid running front desk on 18 dollars an hour) has hung up and they return to their yoga monthly magazine whilst drinking the soy latte with the 17 year old girl in the retail section of said shop

Nonetheless sorry for your loss, that really sucks

GusD said..

a crack developed and the board snapped underneath me

From a legal perspective, sort your story out first before you start trying to recover anything from the manufacturer/shaper

Thank you for all your replies.
Gus what do you mean? I was on a small 2-3ft full wave in deep water. The wave hadn't broken. Didn't hit anything. I could see the board break underneath my feet. It wasn't in an instant it took half a second.
If I post pictures here it would easily identify the board to most of you. Would I have to worry about my legal standpoint if I did so?
It was a custom made, top of the line Aussie Board. I understand the hazards of surfing and boards aren't guaranteed. However any product should last more than 3 rides on a small day without incident.

So I guess in summary your collective advise is:-
1). Another call to the retailer.
2). Another call to the manufacturer.
3). Letter to retailer/manufacturer.
4).Post to retailers and manufacturer social media sites.
5). Letter of demand.
6). Contact Fair Trading.
7). Get my story right from a legal standpoint.

If the retailer and manufacturer are two different entities then it's a weird "custom". If you're not dealing directly with the shaper then that's not how I'd want to order a custom.

Home Insurance.
Blew off the top of the car when the tiedown broke or let go.