Bobby Brown ’64

The 1st World Surfboard Titles where held at Manly Beach and Midget Farrelly won the event which put Aus. on the map. Young Bobby Brown represented NSW and impressed many with his stylish moves and placed 6th in the final against more experienced riders from the US. Below is Bobby’s profile as it appeared in the official programe of the event.

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The Wall

Sunset at The Wall Circa 70s by Butto

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Dean Hughes

 

Dean Hughes (Gary’s brother) partying in the 70’s and a talented surfer in his own right at 1st reef Cronulla Point in ’76 by Butto

 

Duke Kahanamoku

When legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic-medal-winning swimmer Duke Kahanamoku visited Australia during the summer of 1914/15 he caused a sensation. After breaking his own 100 yard swimming world record before a crowd of 6000 at the Domain Baths in Sydney, and putting on thrilling displays of surfing at Dee Why beach on a board ‘as big as the bottom of a boat’, it was the Sutherland Shire’s turn to play host to the superstar.

On 7 February 1915 Kahanamoku and his party, (which included fellow Hawaiian swimmer, George Cunha, and Australian freestyle champion, Harry Hay), were met at Sutherland Station by members of the Cronulla Surf Lifesaving Club. The sportsmen were whirled off in a convoy of motor cars on a sightseeing tour to Waterfall, returning to the National Park via Lady Carrington Drive for an alfresco lunch at Audley. It was noted at the time that many of the Sydney men in the entourage remarked how extraordinary it was that ‘they should have missed the beauties of that gully so near Sydney all their lives.’

After lunch a launch took Duke Kahanamoku and the others up the river to Cronulla where the beach was decorated with bunting and packed with people. Unfortunately (as the St. George Call newspaper described it) ‘Jupiter Pluvius and Father Neptune were in a bad mood and spoilt the afternoon.’ In other words, it was raining and there wasn’t much surf!

Never-the-less an impromptu alarm reel race was quickly staged between Kahanamoku, Cunha and Hay with the Cronulla clubmen acting as linesmen. There was much speculation over who would win as Hay was one of the fastest beltsmen in the State and the two Hawaiians had never competed in such a race before. Cunha, who swam a ‘crawl stroke’, struggled to get used to swimming with the belt and line and apparently nearly wrenched his toes off when he caught them on the line. But Duke was a natural and Hay lost by a yard to the Olympic champion and his famous ‘Kahanamoku Kick’.
By then the waves at Cronulla had improved and so to the delight of the spectators, Kahanamoku took to the water for an exhibition of surfboard riding – standing upright, standing on his head, diving off, twisting the board. ‘It all looked so ridiculously easy,’ declared the St. George Call, ‘and so it was to the Duke, but local men who tried after came to the conclusion that they had a lot to learn about the game. One wants to try and stand on that unstable piece of wood, even in smooth water, to appreciate fully the sight of that bronze statue tearing in through broken and choppy seas.’
The day ended with tea at Cronulla’s new pavilion followed by music at the Surf Lifesaving Club captain’s house where the guests of honour entertained their hosts with Hawaiian songs accompanied by Duke Kahanamoku strumming on his ukulele.

Story courtesy Sutherland Libary

G&S Shape

Gordon and Smith 8ft by 25 in wide Circa 67/68.

  

 

Larry Cohen

It’s circa late 80’s during the “moustache era” when we all tried to look like Magnum !?

The board was a 6ft 5″ Willis Brothers thruster I bought back from Hawaii and it went unreal out the point. (I’ve still got it) I’m sure the shot was taken by, and given to me by Butto back in the crazy 80’s.

One of those cold, clean winter groundswell days when it’s barreling from 2nd reef right on through 1st reef to the cutback section, and the tube stays open all the way.

What a buzz it was to come flying through the tube section and see Butto out on the shoulder with his trusty Nikonos and his big old grin.One of the nicest blokes I ever met amongst the Cronulla surf crew.

I remember raging on with Butto at many dodgy Cronulla parties, Toga nights, Pyjama Parties, etc with Dick Bent & The Bentnicks providing the sounds.

What I wouldn’t give to go back to those outrageous times again. Words by Larry Cohen

Kneeboard Crew

Ross Bullard, Bob and Choco Whyte Sandon Point 80’s

Frank Latta ’71

Shaping at The Peter Clarke Surfboard Factory at Taren Point, Adv from Tracks ’71

Dunny Hangers

Some of the original Elouera Beach Dunny Hangers 1979

Angry Anderson and Rose Tattoo

Angry Anderson at Sylvania Hotel 1981