For more than 50 years, the Australian-made Super Sopper has been helping sporting venues around the world recover quickly after rain, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.
Originally invented by Australian golfer Gordon Withnall in the 1970s, the Super Sopper was born from a common frustration. After hitting a golf ball into a waterlogged area, Withnall began searching for a better way to remove excess water from playing surfaces and keep games moving. His solution was a practical machine that could soak up water quickly and efficiently, reducing delays and cancellations.
The Super Sopper works using a perforated drum and roller system that draws water into an onboard tank. What began as a simple invention has since become an essential piece of equipment at sporting venues across the globe. Today, Super Soppers are used in more than 15 countries and can be found at cricket grounds, sporting fields, athletics venues, schools, golf courses, tennis courts, lawn bowls clubs, and community sporting facilities.
The machine gained international attention during the rise of televised cricket, becoming a familiar sight whenever rain interrupted play. Its reputation quickly spread, leading to adoption by major venues including international cricket grounds in Australia, the United Kingdom, Asia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean.
Despite significant advances in turf management and drainage technology over the decades, the Super Sopper remains a trusted solution for removing surface water quickly and getting events back underway. The product range has continued to evolve with models suited to a wide variety of applications, from large professional stadiums to local sporting clubs.
Manufactured in regional New South Wales, the Super Sopper proudly carries the Australian Made logo and continues to support local jobs and manufacturing. The company remains committed to innovation, exploring future developments such as autonomous operation, battery-powered technology, and expanded applications beyond sport.
More than half a century after its invention, the Super Sopper stands as a testament to Australian ingenuity, solving a simple problem with a practical solution that continues to benefit sporting communities around the world.
Key Takeaways
- Invented in Australia by Gordon Withnall in the 1970s.
- Used in more than 15 countries worldwide.
- Trusted by international sporting venues and local clubs alike.
- Helps minimise rain delays and event disruptions.
- Proudly Australian made and manufactured in regional NSW.
- Continues to evolve through innovation and new technology.
The Super Sopper’s story demonstrates how a straightforward idea, built around a real-world need, can become a globally recognised Australian success story.