Gary Birdsall The Point ’61

Rod Katis

Kat was one of EBC’s main clubmen  in the 80’s. When he wasn’t shaping boards at G&S under the Katzap label he was always influencing the groms at Elouera with his surfing and positive attitude. Glen Pringle names Kat as the most influential member of the club ever. This shot taken at Elouera early 80s by Stroh.

 

Peter Clarke Savage Model 70’s

Kneeboarding at The Point

In the early 70’s The Point was the place to be for hardcore Kneeboarders on the Southside. Names like Mark Munro, Ross Bullard, Butto, Fat Tony, John Sullivan, Peter Britton, John Waterworth , Rob McClagen, The Bear, Peter Wyhte, The Captain, Tony Wales and Peter Choco White were just some of  the regulars who excelled at getting deeper in the hollow barrels than the stand-up crew could. By the 80’s the popularity of Tom Morey’s boogie board took over and the Kneelo impact in the lineup died out. Today the art has nearly disappeared all together. Below Choco at The Cabbage Patch by Peter Simons.

 

 

 

G &S Logo

Floyd Smith the part owner of the successful Gordon and Smith brand in the  USA set up an Australian franchise in 1965 at Taren Point. Floyd ran the factory until the early 70’s when he sold the local  buisness to Steve Gibson. The G&S corporate logo below has since been the brands  most recognisable feature.

Southwave

A new website called Southwave  is coming that will feature Cronulla surfing with a fresh new approach like it has never been seen before on a daily basis produced by Craig Stroh. You will be able to keep up to date with photos, news , clips plus all the new talent thats coming through the ranks. For a taste of things to come check out www.facebook.com/southwave.surf

Gary O’Maley

In the mid to late 70’s The Point was regarded as the focal centre of surfing in Cronulla. There was a strong crew of diehards that lived for the wave and charged it on the heaviest days. Photographer Peter Simons was there to capture plenty of the local action that opened the surfing worlds eyes to the potential on the Southside. This shot of Gary O’Maley appeared in SW around ’76.

 

 

Andrew Murphy

Here’s Andrew Murphy going for a barrel roll at Midway in the late 80’s. Murph was one of the first of the Cronulla crew to get into aerials and new school moves . Photo Chris Stroh

Shark Island Design

Surfboard logo for Shark Island Designs shaped by Geoff Solness Circa 80’s

Speg

Dave “Speg” Mckinley recently was spotted out The Island in June 2012 scoring one of the best days in recent years. In the 90’s Speg and his brother Ox along with Jezza, Sparky, Harey, Grub,Terapai, Boogs and Rusty where the  Island standouts. Speg returned to the Island after several years in hibernation this swell and proved he still has what it takes to pull in and make it at Cronulla’s infamous reef. This shot of Speg Circa 90’s by Chris Stroh