First Memories and Impressions by Dags

Posted: June 19, 2011 at 1:55 pm

 Before the Yanks brought out their balsa  boards in ’56 , there was only  the long racing boards,at about l6ft. in length. Mostly ridden by Clubbies (SLSC) and the boards were kept at the board shed. Made of ply,with flat top and round bottom,blunt nose and long tapered tail. Some called them “cigar” boards. You had to be a strong bloke just to get them to the water.Every beach had their share of guys  who could make them slide.

      At Cronulla, while still at school, I remember being out body surfing and having to dodge school buds Gordon Opperman and Bruce Morris on the big beasts. A little later I joined the club and could share the magic that these guys were into.  Alan and Keith Brown had boards at the club and gave me access.They were easy enough to paddle and get on  a wave but a lot more practice to stand up. It was a great feeling sliding toward the beach, and sound of the water drumming against the board. Similar sound to chop lapping against a row boat when your old man took you fishing as a kid.
 
                 At Cronulla we were blessed with “THE POINT” so the more experienced surfers could catch monster waves on monster boards and the king of the days was called “Monster” i.e. Keith Suann. I was told the Keith would take off on the biggest wave,turn backwards and wave to the boys. Impressive.
                 Another day, when the swell was really big, I was at the George Bass Memorial in Port Hacking,(just around from “Sandshoes”. These Heroes of the early days were catching big green swells and sliding  1 to 2 K’s up river. John  Yabsley was always there.
 
                 I did not get to join them at the Point in those days, because I was one of  “the forunate sons’ , who was onthe beach at Cronulla in ’56, and a new life started!   Written by Ray “Dags” Greenaway. Picture above of Dags Cronulla Point ’62

Posted in 60's

Board Hire 1963

Posted: June 19, 2011 at 1:42 pm

According to photographer Bob Weeks who shot it…This  pic  was taken at Red House in 1963 when Bob Findon set up a board hire business on weekends. I think he borrowed the boards from Jacko. That’s Bob on the left and Ian Selig with the hat and I don’tknow who the other guy is.
Filthy Findons board hire. when the North Easter came up we would put our own boards in with Filthys. It usually made enough for pie or cake at Cronulla pie shop remebers Ray “Dags”Greenaway.

Posted in 60's

Jim Banks ’76

Posted: June 19, 2011 at 1:29 pm

When this pic of Jim Banks was taken at Elouera Beach in’76 Bansky was just beginning to make a name for himself as a local ripper. Photo Tim Vanderlaan.

Posted in 70's

Ross Marshall ’76

Posted: June 15, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Check out Ross Marshall and mate exiting after a session at Elouera Beach in ’76. Note the classic Stinger design. Photo Tim Vanderlaan

Posted in 70's

Pikers Hole ’70s

Posted: June 15, 2011 at 7:22 pm

This shot appeared in a Surfing World mag back in the 70s probably the first image of Solander ever seen.check out the guy in the foreground with the George Greenough spoon kneeboard. From the Chasing Chalk website.

Posted in 70's

Point Bazza

Posted: June 15, 2011 at 7:22 pm

This classic shot appeared in Surfing  Magazine June ’79 featuring Bondi surfer Geoff Doig from a 6 page article on Cronulla Point photo by Dave Shaw.

Posted in 70's | The Point

Jim Banks SI

Posted: June 15, 2011 at 7:22 pm

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.

Posted in 70's | Shark Island

Dean Whiteman

Posted: June 11, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Former Schoolboy champion Dean Whiteman carving a solid hack for his sponsor HB mid 80’s. Dean a diehard Sharkies supporter now runs Rusty Clothing.

Posted in 80's

G&S Surfboards 70’s

Posted: June 11, 2011 at 3:50 pm

70’s advertisement for Gordon and Smith featuring Terry Richardson and Nulla boys Banksy, Greg Melhuish and Gary Hughes and his Rock n Roll models.

Posted in 70's

Ross Longbottom

Posted: June 11, 2011 at 3:24 pm

Longtime glasser at Gordon and Smith Surfboards before heading south, Ross was also one of the Sandshoes crew throughout the 70’s. This photo was taken by Steve Core and appeared in the pages of Surfing World. Circa 70’s.

Posted in 70's