Jim Banks

Jim Banks built a reputation as a fearless reef rider by charging waves like the notorious Shark Island on his backside. During the 70’s and 80’s the Island was regarded as one if not the most feared waves in Oz and the world. Banksy rode the Island as good as any of the natural foots of the time and with his back to the wall he got just as deep. This shot flying out of the bowl ran in Waves magazine around ’83.

 

Pottz Surfboards by Stewart D’Arcy

When Martin Potter was on his first tour as a rookie the D’Arcy clan took him under their wing when the South African aerial pioneer was in Cronulla. Years later Stewart began shaping and manufacturing Pottz boards at Taren Pt throughout  the 90’s. Here’s an adv. from that time period.

Ken “Major ” Williams

One of Cronullas most talented surfing identities of the sixties was Ken Williams. Here the Major shows off his 1947 Prefect at The Point in ’61. Photo by Jack Eden.

Force 9 Surfboards

 Force 9 Surfboards was owned and run by longtime Cronulla surfer/ shaper  Jim Lucas and it has remained in the same factory now for decades. This  advertisement from the 90’s era  appeared in Underground Surf mag.

 

 

 

 

Gary Hughes

Cronulla Point in the 70’s and 3 names first come to mind, Jim Banks, Popout and Garry Hughes.  Hughsey was the rock n roll star that laid down some big performances when the Point was at its cracking best. As the photo belows shows he was more than just a big barrel rider. Big reo photo taken by Steve Core.

Paul Armstrong – Express

Paul Armstrong spent his early years shaping at Gordon and Smith before busting out on his own  in the mid to late 80’s and starting Express Surfboards on the highway at Engadine. Paul specialised in Kneeboards as well as custom standup shapes with Michael Mackie  on the team as well. Today Paul has moved Express back to Taren Point and is still producing quality custom shapes. Below  Pauls original custom Express logo. 

 

Occy Wins Trials ’85

Mid 80’s Occy was on fire. He was the first Cronulla rider since Bobby Brown to really have a major impact on competitive surfing. This shot winning the Beaurepaires Trials at Elouera aged 17.

G&S Advertisement ’78

Gordon and Smith advertisement from Tracks May ’78. Featuring team riders Mark Pringle, Greg Melhuish, Popout, Jim Banks and co.

Denny Childs Southern Comfort Logo

Rod Katis

Rod Katis puting his own custom shape G&S Katzap through its paces at Elouera seq Stroh Circa 80’s