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.

G&S ’69

Gordon and Smith adv. from Surfing World 1969.

Frank Latta ’69.

This advertisement appeared in Surfing World in  ’69 featuring Frank Latta who was head shaper and sponsored surfer for the fresh new brand called Steve Core Surfboards. Both Steve and Frank had worked together at other local Board manufactures when they branched out on their own in a factory at Taren Point. The venture  lasted about 1 year.

Storm Damage at Southies

1950 a huge swell demolished the sea wall at South Cronulla. It wont be the last time that mother nature takes its course.

Nigel Dwyer

One of Cronulla’s orininal crew in the early 60’s. Nigel first started working in the surfboard industry in 1958-59 at Cronulla, . He worked in  with Brian Jackson and Norm Casey, and became a skilled glasser. Terry Tumeth’s reports of good surf and cheap icecream in NZ were enough to convince Nigel it was worthy of a visit. Nigel began to produce boards in an old house in New Plymouth which marked the beginning of Del Surfboards.

 

John Gittins ’62

Cronulla Point was the ideal place to test your skill and nerves in the 60’s. It was the ultimate big wave testing ground on the Southside. Here John Gittins tries his luck on a solid day in ’62.

 

 

Jens Moller, Chubby and Jacko.

Peak hour at The Point in the early 60’s. This was regarded as crowded. Jens Moller goes backside while Jacko and Chubby share the experience Photo Del Surfboards.

Cronulla Team in NZ

In 1965 a crew from Cronulla sailed over to New Zealand to compete in Gisborne. Among the surfers was Keith Paul and Nigel Dwyer seen hanging out  with the team car. Nigel loved the place that much he moved there a short time later and hasn’t returned. Photo courtesy Del Surfboards.

Norm Casey Surfboards

This is a rare Norm Casey Surfboard logo from ’65. The Norm Casey factory at Taren Point ended up becoming the Peter Clarke factory.

Wanda Beach 50’s

This could possibly be one of the oldest lineup shots of Cronulla. Taken in the 50’s at Wanda it shows a horse drawn cart on the beach.Photo courtesy Del Surfboards.