Jim Banks Logo

 Jim Banks has been shaping boards since 1971 in his backyard under the house stripping down old boards then re shapping the foam.Banksy then ended up working for Clearline and then for G&S before eventually breaking out on his own.

Jim Banks

Jim Banks was not the first goofyfoot to surf Shark Island but he was at the time by far the best.  Jim charging the notoriously heavy reef was pretty full on going just as hard as the regular foots and getting just as deep. Photos like this classic image by Dave Shaw taken in ’77 was cutting edge back then.

Jim Banks ’78

1978 was a big year in the competitive life of Jim Banks. He started the year on top of the world when as a trialist in the Coke Cola Surfabout at Narrabeen Jim managed to knock out MR in there first round main event heat with the help of a 6 second tube ride. He continued his momentum up to the semis where he was defeated by Wayne Lynch. A 3rd place in the worlds richest contest saw young  Jim popularity on the rise. He was next thrown a 3 year sponsor deal by The Bronzed Aussies which offered to pay his travel expenses to compete on the rest of the tour. Banks was now Cronullas first pro surfer since Frank Latta moved Northside in the early 70’s. Banks pic from Waves.

Jim Banks

Surfing The Point around ’79 photo by Tony Roland Demovic.

 

Cover Shots Surfing Magazine

Heres the cover of three Surfing magazines featuring local boys gaining worldwide exposure. Nov Issue ’78 featuring Popout and Greg Melhuish.Jim Banks Pipe barrel April 81 and Occy Nov ’84.

Jim Banks.

Banksy was the first goofy foot surfer to lead the pack at Cronulla Point in the late 70’s. Jimbo took off just as deep, pulled in and made the tubes on the biggest gnarliest days as consistently as any of the front side stars. This shot Big Jim scoops off the bottom on his custom shaped Gun Club rhino chaser as he waits for the barrel section to form. Photo Chris Stroh Circa 80’s.

Jim Banks

In the 80’s Jim Banks began his serious travel adventures disappearing to exotic wave locations in uncharted waters all around the globe. Banksy would  return  home with great tales of wave discoveries and adventures inspiring countless other surfers to hit the highway. This pic styling at home while planning his next tubular odyssey photo Stroh.

Bong Boys

This is definitely the colourful early 80’s when Occy, Banksy and unknown Alley grom graced the pages of Tracks in a Billabong adv. Photo Uncredited.

 

Jim Banks Designs

Banksy logo from the 80’s when he sold his custom designs from his Original Cronulla Surf Shop in the Mall.

Jim Banks The Point ’83

This article on The Point was penned by Jim Banks in Tracks November ’83. It was just one of  many surf articles written by Jimbo who showed off his extensive literary skills as well as inside knowledge. The main opening photo featured Banksy driving off the bottom photographed by Tony Nolan.