Jim Banks SI

Jim Banks was one of the first to take on Shark Islands notorious reef waves on his backside. In the late 70’s the Island was looked on as one of the heaviest waves in the world and Banksy proved the shallow reef could be ridden backside just as successfully as the natural foots. The classic shot of Jimbo appeared in Steve Cores “Surf” Magazine around ’77 taken by Cronulla water photographer legend Dave Shaw.

Jim Banks and Emerald

From the pages of Tracks early 80’s when Jims shapes were in high demand photo Peter Simmons

Island Swell 1980.

It was  in March 1980 when the ocean served up a massive easterly swell. It was overcast and rainy which made it look ever scarier than it was.  The Island was maxing out but still ride able in between the closeout sets. Jim Banks was easily the standout amongst only a handful of takers. Banksy rode one of his  Hawaiian guns and wrote a story about the day in Tracks which stirred up a bit of controversy with a few jealous locals. This shot by Peter Simons was from that day.

Banksy and Emerald

Early 80’s, Jim Banks shapes for Emerald just prior to going it out alone.

Banksy Wins Pro Trials ’79.

Jim Banks won the prestigous Pro Class Trials at Sunset in ’79 establishing himself as a big wave force, from the pages of Tracks.

Jim Banks

By 1982 when this pic of Jim Banks was taken his reputation for barrel riding is unsurpassed. After a prestigous win at The Om Bali pro contest at Uluwatu the lanky goofyfoot is admired around the globe for his uncanny tube riding skills. Photo Peter Simmons from Tracks.

Banksy Interview ’78

From the pages of Tracks , Jim Banks interview by Paul Holmes discussing his offer by the Bronze Aussies to take Cheynne Horans place on the team. Its a career and life changing move for the Cronulla kid who will soon be thrown into the world of pro surfings fame game.

Jim Banks Logo

This was the logo used by Jim Banks in the late 70’s it was found on a Bronzed Aussie surfboard that was shaped out of the G&S factory at Taren Point.

Banksy’s Big Wave Guns

In the 80’s Jim Banks gained a reputation as one of the first big wave soul surfers. Travelling the globe to Indo, The Desert and anywhere the waves were big,hollow and  with long winding walls. At the same time he had built a solid reputation for shaping boards that could handle the types of waves he craved.

Banksy Going Off

This pic of Jim Banks was from a mid 80’s article in Surfing World taken during a trip to West Oz with Occy called the “In Search of Quokka” issue.