MEET THE TEAM
Surf Farm’s experienced team with 40+ years of collective expertise, have pioneered one of the world’s first commercial surf parks in Australia. Their legacy extends beyond the wave pool development, leaving an indelible footprint on landmark real estate projects, commercial enterprises, innovative technology initiatives, and high-end hospitality ventures.
Their diverse tech background perfectly positions them as leaders in redefining wave pool experiences; setting benchmark standards in the surfing and leisure sector that elevate Surf Farm to a level that is truly world-class.
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Chris Salmon
DIRECTOR
Chris Salmon is a founding investor and board advisor to URBNSURF, one of the world’s first commercial surf parks, with sites in Melbourne and Sydney Olympic Park. With over a decade in wave pool development, he is also Co-Director of Surf Farm, helping drive its growth.A finance and economics graduate of University of Queensland, Chris previously worked in investment banking before becoming CEO of Salmon Earthmoving Australia, leading the family’s heavy equipment and earthmoving business.
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Tom Lane
BOARD MEMBER
Tom Lane is an entrepreneur and brand builder spanning luxury retail, sustainable design, and property development. A former Director of Oroton, he later founded QuickSmart Homes, delivering sustainable student housing for Australian National University.He created The Farm Byron Bay, now a globally recognised agritourism destination, and co-founded The Range Estates, developing acclaimed rural and coastal communities. Through Tom Lane Consulting and as a board member of Surf Farm, he advises on design-led, sustainable growth and brand strategy.
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Joel Parkison
BOARD MEMBER
A world champion surfer with 12 Championship Tour wins, four World Title runner-up finishes and three Hawaiian Triple Crown victories, Joel Parkinson brings deep surf expertise to the Surf Farm board.
Since retiring from the World Surf League, he co-founded Balter Brewing, later acquired by Carlton & United Breweries. At Surf Farm, Joel focuses on the overall surf experience, partnerships, coaching and community initiatives. With more than 200 years of family heritage tied to the area — his ancestor settled near the Glass House Mountains in 1791 — the project holds deep personal significance.
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Craig Morrison
BOARD MEMBER
Craig Morrison is an entrepreneur with experience across IT, hospitality, property development and real estate. A Sunshine Coast local and IT graduate of the University of the Sunshine Coast, he is a strong advocate for the region’s investment and lifestyle potential.A key stakeholder in Surf Farm and other commercial ventures, Craig is well known in the local business community for building and scaling successful enterprises.
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Mark Salmon
PROJECT MANAGER
Mark Salmon brings over 40 years’ experience in property development, leading major commercial and high-density projects across southeast Queensland and interstate. He has served as Project Director for Kawana Waters, the 20,000-lot Caloundra South project (now Aura), and the Maroochydore City Centre, and played a key role in the creation of the SunCentral CBD.As Project Manager for Surf Farm, Mark oversees development and sustainability, drawing on decades of large-scale project leadership.