Riv on the Record – Sarah Quinney

Welcome to Riv on the Record, a new weekly column connecting you with the unique and fascinating individuals shaping our community.

This series will offer an intimate, conversational look into the lives, passions, and expertise of local figures — from business owners and artists to community leaders and everyday heroes.

This week I had the great pleasure of being joined by local businesswoman and Boardsox owner Sarah Quinney. Spin it!

Tell us about your business career and how you got into it?

I studied marketing and went on to complete a master’s in graphic design and I actually had my first surf shop business plan written at 18.

I’ve always been drawn to creativity and building things but I spent over a decade in corporate marketing before finally backing myself. In my mid-30s I took the leap, launching Boardsox with my brother, while also starting my own business coaching practice. I’ve never looked back.

When did Boardsox launch and where did that idea come from?

Boardsox launched in 2018 from a pretty simple idea between my brother Dan and I.

We were frustrated by surfboard covers that didn’t last, so we set out to create something durable, functional and Australian-made. I asked Dan if he’d jump in with me and he didn’t hesitate. What started as a side project quickly grew into a full-blown business and now we get to build it together as siblings, which makes it even more special.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job and what’s the worst?

The best part is seeing surfers use our products every day and knowing they’re made to stand the test of time.

There’s also something incredibly rewarding about watching an idea you sketched out actually take shape and end up in someone’s hands on the beach.

The hardest part? Juggling all the moving parts of a small business. There’s no “off switch” and the to-do list never really ends.

Who are your biggest inspirations in business?

I’ve always admired brands like Patagonia that prove you can build a successful business without compromising on ethics. But my biggest inspiration is close to home, my brother Dan. Even though he’s 17 years younger than me — I was the one who taught him to surf as a kid — he motivates me daily and brings so much energy and creativity to the business. The roles have kind of flipped and now he pushes me just as much as I push him. We have a great balance in the business and I feel lucky we get to share this journey as siblings.

What’s good about where we live?

We’ve got the coast right at our doorstep and it’s hard not to feel inspired when you can see the ocean every day.

There’s also such a strong community vibe here. The people genuinely support each other and that’s been huge for us with Boardsox. Now that we’ve opened our shop in Ocean Grove, we’ve been able to connect face-to-face with locals, have real conversations, and feel like we’re part of something bigger. It’s a beautiful place to live and build a business.

RAPID RIV:

I’m coming over for dinner what are you cooking? I hate cooking — we will go out for dinner instead

Favourite movie? 50 First Dates

Pump up song? House of Pain by Jump Around

1 million dollars what are you doing with it? Investing in more sustainable production for the business

Best Boardsox product? Our zipperless surfboard cover. It feels like a real game-changer for surfers.