Back in the mid 60s the international image of surfing in Britain was a bit of a joke ;surfers riding the worlds smallest waves and even turning to river riding. Today its well known that we have some world class reefs and big waves spots, and on its day some of the best beach breaks too.
Henry has sent in some articles from 1963/4 written by Aussie travelling surfers for Aussie mags Surfing World and Surfabout, reporting that surprise surprise, if you visit outside july/ august then there are decent waves pumping in all through the year. And back then there were strong surfer communities too.
Surfabout vol.2 no.10 ( 1964 ?) Written by visiting surfer Roy Giles. Like most visitors he comments on the big tides and cold water, and the hardy and enthusiastic local surfers. Surfing centres are reported as St Ives and Newquay (and Jersey) , and the known board makers are Bob Head and Bill Bailey in Newquay, and Keith Slocombe in St Ives. Photos are of surfers at Porthmeor St Ives.
Surfing World july 1964. Written by Ian Wilson. Another article based in Newquay, although reporting that main surf spots in 1964 were the north coasts of Cornwall and Devon ,and the Channel Islands. Malibus first arrived in 1961, and in Newquay in early 1962 with a travelling surfer. Bob and Bill are reported as being high quality board builders in the town, with demand exceeding supply. Malibu riders hadnt broken free yet from the confines of the Surf Life saving assoc. , but that would be soon. And importantly for Aussie readers - there were no sharks ! apart from the harmless baskers.
PUGWASH SAYS YEAH ,KEEP IT CORNISH.
ReplyDeleteWHAT HAPPENED TO THAT BEAUT OF AN INDO PEALER WITH HENRY INSIDE IT ?
ReplyDeleteHenry`s a quiet & retiring surfer & collector, not too keen on publicity it seems, even though we all love the photos of him & his collection. More of H killing Pacific barrels is on Facebook though if you are interested . Henry, when you read this, please don`t wipe them off, they are great photos which some photog took big risks to get !
ReplyDeleteFascinating - and another challenge for surf mag collectors!
ReplyDeleteHenry is a leg-end, a gentleman amongst vintage collectors.
ReplyDeletewelcome to the henry appreciation society.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYEAH . DISAPPOINTING ON THE HENRY PICS BUT GOOD TO SEE THE APPRECIATION SOCIETY HAS BEEN FOUNDED.YEAH A MANS PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT. THATS WHY I ALWAYS BE SURE TO TAKE ROGER INTO THE CABIN .
ReplyDeleteThe photo shoud stay in the blog, if youve ever been pitched backwards ov the lip of a big grinder trying ta hold on heavy sharp camera gear onto a dry coral reef you want your photos seen.
ReplyDeletewho is pugwash ?
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it from a semi reliable source the photog was happily perched upon an ample cushion, juggling a cold can of coke, a gitan, and camera, in the channel in a 14' dingey. Being part of the Indo boat crew he (photog) was very pleased not to be on boat having to prepare lunch, laundering the sheets and delivering Bintangs to the thirsty guests (reprobates). The next year I heard said photog got much better shots of deeper barrels of the guests, but his newly appoined agent "Seaman Stains" instructed him not to release said photos until they are duely recompensed.
ReplyDelete