Peter Solness Photographer.

Peter Solness was the brother of Shark Island charger Geoff. Around the mid to late 70s while Soulman (Geoff) pulled into the barrels, Peter was shooting water shots of the action and quickly built a name for himself as one of the best on the Southside. His pics had an artistic side to them which made his work standout from other photographers and he  regularly featured in Surfing World. The photo below was a night session taken at Sandshoes with Banksy, Dave Shaw and Greg Melhuish. Peter was using a Nikonos with a waterproogf flash to get these unique shots back then.

Chris Iredale

This shot was taken at Voodoo in the late 70’s of Chris Iredale. This was the same day refered to in an earlier post when after getting caught inside by a set  my mat that I was shooting from went sailing to Bundena. Chris ended up fetching it…. see older post for the long version .  Photo Stroh.

Tim Vanderlaan ’74

Tim Vanderlaan and home made ’spear board’, 1974 .I asked Tim to tell me about the boy and the board.Photo of Tim taken in front of the family home at Wanda, Cronulla. It was early 1974 and I’m displaying my first home made board. My older brother Rick and myself made the board and bought the materials from Graham King’s home at Grays Point. The blank and materials cost me $33, that was a lot of money considering the milko i helped do morning deliveries paid me $1.25 for 3 hours work.

The board was 5′10″ and 13″ wide. My brother read somewhere that the width of a board should be the measurement between your nipples plus 2 inches.We had seen magazine shots of Terry Fitz riding something similar at sunset in hawaii and we thought the spear shape would work at a Wanda beach break. I persisted trying to ride it for ages but Icouldn’t turn the thing. I later sold to to Max Garlings of the Benz shop in Cronulla. He had the board on display amongst all the bikinis. (big thanks Tim Vanderlaan)

Dave Shaw ’86

Dave Shaw best known for his water photgraphy throughout the 70’s was also an accomplished waterman whether bodysurfing, mat riding or  boogie boarding. On the biggest Point days Dave was deep amongst it with the rest of the Point heirachy. This shot from the pages of Tracks Nov 86, taking the drop at 2nd Reef by Stroh.

Gary Hughes Helmet.

After a near fatal wipeout in Hawaii at Sunset , Gary Hughes was speared in the top of the head by another surfers loose board. He was forced to wear a helmet for a while to prevent further injury plus he had a metal plate inserted into his skull. Not to be detered Gazza was soon back out there when this shot by Dave Shaw was taken at The Point in the late 70’s.

Mick Anastas

70’s standout and Shoes regular Mick Anastas casting a looming shadow over Cronulla Point. Photo Steve Core.

Alistair Waddell 70’s Clip.

70s footage shot by Cronulla surfer, film-maker and board riding club mover Alistair Waddell.Includes footage of Jim Banks, Ross Marshal, Craig Naylor and classic Cronulla scenes.

http://vimeo.com/24666081

Danny Childs

Heres a shot of  Shaper/owner Danny Childs back in the mid 70’s for Southern Comfort Surfboards. RIP.

Point Crew ’76

Throughout the 70’s The Point was Cronulla’s most celebrated wave. It attracted all the big wave riders in the area and the local crew were a tight knit bunch. This image was from a issue of Surfing World Vol 24 No 2 in a story written and photographed by Peter Simmons on Cronulla. The shot captured many of the regular faces of that era including Greg Brissendon, Dave Shaw, Gary Hughes, Peter Glasson, The Bear, Rolf Myers and friends.

Pete Smith

Cronulla goofyfoot Pete Smith was a rising star in the ametuer ranks when these 4 shots were taken in the mid to late 70’s at a NSW Schoolboys Comp.The caption called him an outstanding prospect. Pics Borland, Mcleod and Channon from SW.