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The Hstory of surfing in Sydney started with Fred Williams who’s bodysurfing was reported in the press in 1907. He was recognised at the “surf shooter” of the Sydney beaches.” having learnt the skill from Tommy Tanner from the Soloman islands. This was the first documented evidence of the art of body surfing in Australia.
Years later the Hawaiians brought surfboards to Manly and Olympic swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku gained the name as the father of modern surfing. The story goes that he wowed the locals at Freshwater Beach in 1914 with his surfing demonstrations. In 1915, staying at Freshwater’s “Boomerang Camp” he made his own surfboards from local sugar pine. He took out a girl for a tandem surf and so Isobel Lathem became Australia’s first surfboard rider...Go Girls.
The story goes that the first man to be taught the art of surfborad riding by the Duke was Claude West who was given a board by him which is proudly displayed at the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club on Freshwater Beach. These solid wooden boards were used until the introduction in the mid 1940’s of hollow plywood surfboards which were forerunners of the modern Malibu.
At Manlt Beach you will see malbu or long boards, shortboards, kneeboards, boogie boards or bodyboards, Surfskis or Wave skis, or just using the wave to bodysurf. The art of paddle surfing was re-introduced in late 06.
If you are licky to visit Manly during a surf carnival, the most existing spectator sport is watching the surfboats in action.
Work in progress, more coming
Meanwhile check out the surf
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Paddle Surfing