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Newport Surf Club's Nemos in action at their annual carnival
Newport SLSC Members have commenced their 115th Season of Volunteer Patrols on this beach. Members will host Round 2 of the SLSSNB Surf Boat Premiership on Saturday November 16.
Surf Boats, which commenced their own careers as longboats used by Vikings and later by ships and onshore stations for rescues, the Broken Bay Customs Stations’ boats at Barrenjoey, on Station Beach, being one early example, are a favourite surf sport event locally, carrying forward an historic culture into modern use.
This will be your only chance to see a surf boat carnival in Pittwater this Season.
Round 1 took place at Freshwater on November 2. Round 3 will take place over the weekend of January 11-12 2025 at North Steyne, and will also include the State Selection competitions, and Round 4, the final premiership contest, which will also conclude the the State Selection competitions, will take place as part of the Collaroy Opens and Reserves and Young Guns Carnivals at Collaroy beach over the weekend of January 25-25, 2025.
The 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships commence 28 February and will run until 16 March 2025. Dates for events and age divisions, at this stage, are:
- 28 February – 2 March 2025: Lifesaving Championships (Champion Lifesaver & Champion Patrol) at: Freshwater SLSC
- 8-9 March 2025: Lifesaving Championships (First Aid Competition), at: Freshwater SLSC
- 6-9 March 2025: Age Championships, at: Queenscliff SLSC
- 12-13 March 2025: Masters Championships, at: Queenscliff SLSC
- 14-16 March 2025: Open & Surf Boat Championships, at: Queenscliff SLSC
These local carnivals, now run through the local SLS SNB Branch, allow connections and friendships to be made and renewed between new and long-term members of our local surf life saving clubs. They also with ensure members are using the skills and maintaining the fitness they will need to look after residents and visitors to our beaches this Summer.
The Mitchell Library, the State Library of NSW, has an excellent digitised collection of photographs from the earliest days of Pittwater and the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula, which chart the changes in the carnivals.
These resources, along with being able to look up past carnivals in the National Library of Australia’s TROVE, can take us into the humid salt air and what seas were running during these Spring and Summer events. They allow you to stand on the same beach in the same season and glimpse not only the past but how that is kept dynamic today.
Newport's surf boat carnival is one of several you may witness or be a part of this Season. There is something for all ages from the youngsters to the masters, in every surf sport going.
Bilgola SLSC's Under 8's Nipper Fun Carnival, held on their beach on Saturday November 9, is just one example of great carnivals and ocean swims that will take place through local surf clubs this 2024-2025 Season.
The efforts put in will, in some cases, win locals a spot to represent their area, state or nation.
The 2024 SLSSNB Interbranch Team, representing Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches at the 2024 SLSNSW Interbranch Competition, to be run over 2 days at Cape Hawke Beach on Saturday 30th Nov and Sunday 1st Dec., comprises the next generation of surf lifesavers with team members aged from the Under 12’s up to the Under 17’s.
The 2024 SLSSNB Interbranch Team, announced October 31 2024, is:
Another instance, for those who will honour those who have served on Remembrance Day, this coming Monday November 11, an early instance of a service held at North Narrabeen, and where the original Narrabeen RSL clubhouse was, or for those who will take part in the upcoming Pittwater Swim Series and love The Basin swim held annually at Mona Vale, an early instance of Mona Vale SLSC members using the pool there can be found:
GOSSIP FROM THE SURF
NORTH NARRABEEN'S NEW BOAT: MANLY MEMBERS AND 400 YARDS' TEST
(By BELTMAN.)
Members of North Narrabeen Club do not shirk hard work. Their new boat, after being launched on Saturday at Pyrmont, will be rowed to North Narrabeen, a mere matter of 18 miles. No records will be attacked, but the crew hope to arrive at headquarters in time for supper.
Stan Exton and J. (Scotty) Black, of North Narrabeen, report a busy week end. On Sunday Armistice Day was observed, not only by the club members, but by over 400 local residents. They foregathered in front of the club house, which was bedecked with flags. The club flag flew at half-mast. It was one of the most impressive services held an any of the beaches. North Narrabeen is still enrolling members, and instructor Gee McRae and Captain Scot Black are busy knocking four surf bronze squads into shape. At last Sunday's meeting, Treasurer Cec McRae resigned his position. Stewart White was elected.
A HARD PULL.
At last definite news of the arrival of N. Narrabeen's hush boat, the Barracoutta II., is available. The new surf boat (built by the old-time swimmer Charles Proudfoot, father of the two well-known surfers, George and Wally) will be launched at Pyrmont next Saturday, and, manned by the builder. Geo. Proudfoot, Stan Exton, Cec McRae, with Dick Dalton in command, will be rowed to North Narrabeen. The lads do not intend attempting records, but will indulge in some fishing en route, probably arriving in time for supper. From Pyrmont to N.N. is somewhere about 18 miles — a fair row. A new club house is N.N.'s next move,
MANLY'S OBSTACLE RACE.
After Saturday many Manly surfers will know their fate. At the commencement of the season the club stipulated that previous to election, active members would be required to swim 400 yards in still water in 8min. A lot of the lads have been hanging back and delaying the test until the last moment, but Saturday will be their final opportunity to qualify. The club has staged a 400 yards handicap, and over 60 surfers will attempt to cover the distance in 8min or less. Boy Charlton is a candidate. Roger Moxham, in four weeks, has improved his time for 400 yards from 9min to 7imin.
On Sunday afternoon Life-saver Gorman made several rescues.
FRESHWATER GOING STRONG.
Freshwater will not hold its annual carnival on Anniversary Day. At a general meeting on Sunday, it was decided that, owing to heavy losses sustained on previous carnivals, an impromptu gala be held on January 6. On Sunday the following presentations were made by the president (Mr J. B. Steele) : Jack Johnson, most promising swimmer, watch; Norman Weiderberg, winner of point score competition, open order; Art Delmaine, runner-up point score competition, open order. The alarm reel races resulted: Jack Johnson 1, Bill Hill 2, Freddy Williams 3.
MONA VALE FLOURISHES.
Mona Vale should be in occupation of its clubhouse in a very short time. A concert in aid of the building fund is listed for Dec. 1. To allow members to indulge in still water swimming events, a swimming club was formed last Sunday in connection with the Surf Life Saving Club. The opening event, a 66yds handicap, takes place on Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. Mona Vale's basin is now one of the best pools on the coast.
BONDI BUSY.
The majority of members have completed their 450 yards swim under ten —minutes. This season the first Bond! junior to finish in any carnival event i* to receive a prize of a guinea. Bob Douglas is sanguine about his lad's chances of again carrying off the premiership.
NOTES.
North Bondi has decided to forego its carnival this season, as the date allotted clashes with the State championships swimming carnivals. Cook's Hill carnival will be held on Dec. 15. A new club has been formed at Burleigh Heads (Queensland). Cronulla has mapped out such a busy season that only two Sundays are listed as 'free.' Surfers will be sorry to hear that popular Stan Windon is ill. Stan has done wonderful work for Coogee.
NEWPORT'S PROGRESS.
Newport Club has decided to enlarge the clubhouse. When this has been completed (the plans are being prepared), a series of dance and other social functions will be organised. Newport, is apparently a safe bathing spot, for, to date, only one bather has been seen la difficulties. GOSSIP FROM THE SURF (1923, November 16). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103540135
This was the first Narrabeen RSL Clubhouse and was next to the North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club. This photo, from North Narrabeen SLSC's history book, 'The Beach Comes First', shows the Narrabeen RSL to the right of the image, circa 1949:
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A local carnival hosted by Mona Vale SLSC was moved due to conditions for surf boats:
Five Mona Vale surf boat men rescued in big sea
Five surfers donned belts and one swam without a belt to rescue members of Mona Vale's junior crew, whose boat capsized in heavy surf at Mona Vale yesterday.
The crew members were being swept to sea when the beltmen reached them. The crew's boat was 150 yards from the beach when a huge wave capsized it. The crew was rowing back to the beach after taking more than 40 minutes to lay the buoys for the start of a carnival.
After the rescues referee Geoff Hatten and S.L.S.A. Deputy superintendent Bill Feorerster, cancelled the carnival; which will be held next Sunday.
A channel had formed at each end of the beach, and was sweeping toward the centre. Members of the capsized crew were: Vic Garisyn (sweep), Don Dickson (stroke), Hans Kaufer, Jim Weir, and Bill Schweickle. Garisyn, Weir, and Schweickle received slight head injuries. After he returned to the beach Schweickle collapsed, but recovered after receiving treatment from club officials. Garisyn was struck with the sweep oar, and Weir and Schweickle were' struck by the boat as it turned over. Beltmen who rescued the crew were Nigel Hodge, Lindsay Paton, Dave Clare (Mona-Vale), Dud Crane (Avalon), and Ted Ramsay (Whale Beach).
Alistair Hodge brother and clubmate of Nigel, swam to the rescue without a belt. When the boat capsized sweep Garisyn ordered crew members to cling to the sweep oar so that they would stay together and make the beltmen's task easier. Beltman Ramsay was first to reach the men', and attached his line to the oar. This prevented them from being swept farther, out until other beltmen reached them. Five Mona Vale surf boat men rescued in big sea (1950, February 19). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 35. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248998415
'Dud' Crane is clearly a typo, something that frequently occurs here too. You can read about Doug Crane's long association with Avalon Beach in his 2011 Profile.
Above: Doug on his bike at Avalon, aged 18, 1944 with mate Max Watt beside him.
Doug and his Avalon Beach SLSC mates, circa 1946-48
Geoff Searl OAM, Life Member at Avalon Beach SLSC and president of the Avalon Beach Historical Society, when sent this little snippet for his records, shared, ''an interesting rescue and not surprising he (Doug) was involved being such a strong swimmer.
Lindsay Paton was the top examiner and carnival official when I was involved early on (late 1960s).''
Some clubs were just forming in the 1950's - Bilgola SLSC celebrated their 75th as this Issue goes to press:
SURF CLUBS' DEBUT,
Newly-formed Bilgola and Long Reef Clubs will be represented for the first time at South Curl Curl surf carnival on Monday.
Bilgola and Long Reef were formed in the winter months. Both clubs have promising juniors, who could develop into stars later on. More than 1200 entries have been received for the carnival, which is the biggest so far this season. Former Australian champion Alan Williams (Queenscliff). Bob Johnson (North Cronulla), Brian Maloney (South Narrabeen), Ray Matheson (Freshwater) and Dick Twight (Collaroy) will be opposed in the senior belt race. Star juniors Barry Lumsdaine and John McPhee ; (Freshwater) and J. Clarke (South Narrabeen) will be among the starters in the surf race.
Lumsdaine is regarded as a likely NSW and Australian titleholder this season. South Curl Curl, with veteran Ritchie Roberts to sweep the crew, hopes to win the senior and junior boat races. SURF CLUBS' DEBUT (1950, December 29). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230877932
More in: Bilgola SLSC Celebrates 70 Years: Some Anecdotes From Early Members (2019 Celebration in PON)
Then, as now, surf boat crews train throughout the cooler months, and start looking for new juniors at the end of Winter and into Spring:
Winter Surf Training
All members of the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club will train this winter for their club's entry into surf carnival competition next season.
The club was formed three years ago and has 35 members, who have just finished building a temporary club-house.
The club plans to buy a surfboat, and to enter a march past team, .junior and senior rescue and resuscitation teams, and a boat crew in the next summer's surf carnivals.
It will base the boat crew around four former members of the junior crew from Collaroy, which is on the northern side of Long Reef. Winter Surf Training (1953, March 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18363274
It’s worth noting that the new Long Reef Surf Club, recently opened and a prize-winner at the NSW Architecture Awards earlier this year, was also a finalist in the 2024 National Architecture Awards will be revealed in a ceremony held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Thursday, 7 November 2024.
Long Reef held a carnival for surf boats in the early 1960’s – this great photo from a folder called ‘Walkabout magazine : New South Wales photographs [lifesavers, surfboard riding] by Tourism Australia, shows one of the old Avalon Beach SLSC at the forefront of the picture - there are also photos dated from same time that state they are from a carnival for surf boats at Dee Why, so this may well be a DYSLSC event:
Surfboats of various clubs on a northern Sydney beach [Long Reef], early 1960's / photo by Allan A. Hedges P/L. Item SLNSW_FL20059576, courtesy the Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW - section from:
Emptying a swamped surfboat, Curl Curl, no date, Item:SLNSW_FL20059767
What kinds of surf boats are these?
In 'History of the Modern Surfboat' compiled and written by Bert Hunt, Life Member Moruya Surf Club & Australian Surf Rowers League; our thanks to Bert and the ASRL for permission to re-run this October 2021 Feature Bert explained:
''Through a desire for lighter boats using less timber, the obvious place to start was a complete overhaul of boat design. So, during the 50s, a major transition took place when the old timber Clinker and Carvel planked “Whaler Style Double Ender” boat was replaced with a lighter “Cold Mould Strip veneer” tuck stern style surfboat.
The new 50s Veneer boats had internal ribs and stringers like the original clinker, over which at least three thin layers of cedar veneer strips were glued and pinned at 90 deg to the first strip, making for a relatively light but immensely strong hull. The new cross-ply construction method saw a very ridged hull which allowed much of the original internal timber ribs and stringers to be removed. This made for a new boat that could be built to around the 210-220kg weight range. Overnight surfboats had changed for ever.
During the 50s this new Cold Form surfboat saw the start of a new more mobile era and with that the number of surf clubs involved in surfboat events grew swiftly. A number of shipwrights became involved in the new design concept around the country and clubs had a wide range of choice.
The boat shape from each builder was pretty stable in design and didn’t change a lot, but each builder had their own distinctive recognisable shape and each boat their own different characteristics. To say the hull didn’t change, I am referring specifically to the external specified dimensions. These ply boats were being built over a skeleton style Jig and the longitudinal strip supports of the mould were not always fixed to the mould, so could have wedges inserted to push or pull the finished hull shape.
Matt Clymer who took over the Clymer boat business from his father Bill informs that in the early years of the timber Jig the centre beam could be lifted of flattened thus providing a banana shaped keel for a big sea boat or a straight keel for a flat sea boat. Once built of course that was it - put a boat with a straight keel into a big sea and you have a submarine.''
Newport SLSC's 'Bert King' surf boat - a great example which has been well-kept by the club
There are also some at a Carnival held at Dee Why, although this may be the same one hosted by Long reef SLSC.
The album also contain some early surfing shots at Fairy Bower, Dee Why and unnamed locations. The pictures, which include some of Midget Farrelly, look very similar to those taken for a later Women's Weekly article about surfing here from early 1960's onwards. They are dated from 1963 on and some, but not all, are taken by David Beal.
Surfing, Dee Why. March 1963 - photo by David Beal, Item: SLNSW_FL20059598, courtesy State Library of NSW and Tourism Australia
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Midget Farrelly, world surfing champion surfing, no date or location, but obviously in 1964, and possibly at Fairy Bower, where he often surfed during these years and which is similar to other pictures of surfing at Fairy Bower in the album. Item: SLNSW_FL20059624, courtesy State Library of NSW and Tourism Australia
Surfboards became a part of Surf Life Saving equipment due to the work of Palm Beach SLSC during the 1930’s. that club, in particular, had an inclusive culture centered around surfing which went back to the 1800’s through the daughter of a once famous and prolific author of adventure books, Alrema Samuels, nee Becke, and son of Palm Beach Barrenjoey Land Company gentleman, John (Jack) Ralston.
Club members also developed new boards, some of them outrageously long, at the clubhouse premises. Reginald ‘Blue’ Russell was a proponent of the way too long surfboard.
Adrian Curlewis, circa 1930 doing a headstand at Palm Beach - photo courtesy Philippa Poole, daughter of the 'Father of Surf Life Saving'
FOAMING breakers, warm sunshine and a happy quartet. From left to right, Maude Gabbe, Edna Wright, Joy Minnett and Ray Jones in the surf at Palm Beach. Holiday Time At Palm Beach... ...Summer, Surfing And Sunshine (1934, December 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 10 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230158248
Mrs. Adrian Curlewis with her small daughter Philippa, her nephew Tim Bell who is in the centre of the three children, and her son Ian. The Palm Beach Playground (1935, January 9). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166109037
Local surf boats, which were and are expensive to buy and often required events and functions to be held to raise the £ and then $ to do so, were often gifted or sold for a pittance to other clubs in other states when a replacement had been funded:
Urgent Need For New Surf Boat
The Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club s desperately in need of a new surf boat. The boat the club has at present is completely unseaworthy.
The Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club is desperately in need of a new surf boat. The boat the club has at present is completely unseaworthy. ! Last Sunday four young people were caught in a rip tide and swept out to ; sea south of the Port ' Noarlunga jetty. . They were rescued by five members of the Life Saving Club, Messrs. M. Wedd. T. Roberts, G. Arnold, B. Maddocks, and O. Turner, and were later treated for shock and exhaustion. If more people had been in the water at the time it is possible that tragedy would have occurred.
The club is working under extreme difficulties without the use of a seaworthy surf boat, and these difficulties will become even greater as the summer weather approaches. It.is interesting to note that more rescues are made by the Port Noarlunga Life Saving Club every season than by any other club in the State. How can these rescues be successfully made without the proper facilities within the Club. It must be remembered that these young men sacrifice | their spare time to help the public. i The Life Saving Club is i attempting to raise money for the new surf boat, The target is £550 and an-' other £250 is still needed. At present the few women on the Club's Auxiliary i Committee are making the valiant attempt to j raise this money for the Club. Public support is desperately required to achieve this goal and without it tragedy will most certainly occur in the very near future. , ' More life savers are urgently needed and there i are facilities at the club i house to accommodate prospective members from the suburban areas, who wish to stay over the week-end. The club welcomes any suggestions and support from the public in raising this much needed money. For the safety of the public this boat must be purchased as soon as possible. Urgent Need For New Surf Boat (1962, November 15). The Seasider (Christies Beach, SA : 1956 - 1963), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276856040
Surf Boat From New South Wales
Four members of Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club made a marathon return trip to Sydney early this month to buy a surf boat from Newport Surf Club.
They were the captain, Max Martin, vice-captain, Bruce Smith, boat-captain, Barry Maddocks, and publicity officer, Jim Mc-Baath. The boat which was purchased for £50 is, well-known on the Sydney beaches as a good surf boat. It is a memorial to members who lost their lives in the war. It's name is in Latin and means "Lest we forget." The Port Noarlunga Club will retain this title.
GENEROUS HELP
The Club's other boat, the "Hugh Corpe" is under extensive repairs, made possible by generous public donations and the work of the boat builder who is building another new boat. The club is grateful to Mrs. Corpe for covering the cost of the boat from New South Wales. The surf carnival held at Port Noarlunga on Sunday was a great success despite difficult weather conditions. Twelve members passed their preliminary exam, last Saturday for the bronze medal. This, promises well for the future of the club. Surf Boat From New South Wales (1963, January 17). The Seasider (Christies Beach, SA : 1956 - 1963), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276858167
This practice, which began back in the 1920’s and 1930, also fostered camaraderie in the movement across Australia.
Newport has always been at the forefront of surf boat technology and use – with a wide long beach they have utilised this vital piece of surf life saving equipment from the get-go of the club, formed in 1906.
In recent years the club has represented Australia in wins in the Trans Tasman under Michael King, Sweep, along with brilliant years in a row of Aussies wins.
With past president Robert Emerson and former Bilgola Boat Captain, Mark Fitzgerald, currently focused on the next generation in this sport at Newport SLSC, there could be great things coming out of Newport's surf rowers this Season. The plan is to develop crews along the same lines as the very successful Kinghorn Surf Academy which runs from the same club and had a recent success with their rower Jemma Smith winning the Coolangatta Gold for 2024, while another Kinghorn Surf Academy member, Jackson Borg, was among the placings.
See; Newport SLSC's Jemma Smith Wins 2024 Coolangatta Gold Ironwoman - Jackson Borg secures podium finish
Newport SLSC had Professor Frank Cotton as their surfboat coach in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.
Frank Stanley Cotton (30 April 1890 – 23 August 1955) was an Australian lecturer in physiology, specialising in the study of the effects of physical strain on the human body. Cotton was also responsible for the ergometer, a machine to test the athletic potential of sportsmen and women. Cotton claimed through this machine to have discovered the swimmers Jon Henricks and Judy-Joy Davies. The Australian swimming coach, Forbes Carlile, began his career as an assistant to Cotton.
Frank Stanley was educated at Sydney High School and the University of Sydney (B.Sc., 1912; D.Sc., 1931). He excelled in sport and developed a lifelong interest in its effects on the body; he won a blue for swimming, and in 1921 he took the New South Wales 440 yards (402 m) and 880 yards (805 m) championships; he held all university titles from 220 yards (201 m) to one mile (1.6 km) for over twenty years. He had become a lecturer and demonstrator in physiology in 1913, and married Catherine Drummond Smith with Presbyterian forms at Hornsby on 25 August 1917. He was made chief lecturer in 1923.
Cotton's doctoral thesis was on 'Studies in centre of gravity changes' and he published papers on the physiology of circulation and respiration. In 1932 he was awarded a Rockefeller travelling scholarship and spent eighteen months in the United States of America. Appointed reader in 1938, he was senior research fellow of the National Health and Medical Research Council in 1939-45. He became research professor in 1941 and was professor from 1946 until his retirement in 1955.
In World War II, with the Royal Australian Air Force, he was mainly responsible for the invention of the 'Cotton aerodynamic anti-G flying suit', which minimized the effects of high-speed flying on pilots. His research into the techniques of various sports and their physiological effects won international renown after the war. He devised machines and instruments to test the effects of strain on athletes, and his experiments made it possible to improve training methods and to predict the adaptability of competitors to certain sports. Friendly and congenial, he received co-operation from many men and women. Amongst the Australians he assisted were Denise Spencer, Judy Joy Davies and Jon Henricks in swimming, Peter Evatt in rowing and Edwin Carr in running. In 1949 he used his ergometer to help select the victorious university eight-oar crew, and in 1952 was scientific adviser to the Australian Olympic team at Helsinki. From: - Bede Nairn, 'Cotton, Frank Stanley (1890–1955)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/cotton-frank-stanley-6326/text9815, published first in hardcopy 1981
A few examples of past carnivals hosted by Newport SLSC, including those brilliant surf boats:
SURF LIFE-SAVING.
NEWPORT CARNIVAL.
Although the various events at the sixth annual carnival of the Newport Surf Life having Club on Saturday were keenly contested, the holiday spirit was pre sent to a more marked degree than at the carnivals
held nearer the city there was a large crowd on the beach, and the surf was sufficiently lively * to call for strong swimming and for careful handling of the surf boats.
Representatives of 10 clubs took part, and seven clubs participated in the parade and march past the event goiing to "North Steyne, which club is having a remarkable season
The principal event was the senior surf boat race for the Harrington Cup, presented by Mr John Harrington, a vice president of the Newport Club A condition governing the competition for the cup Is that the event must take place on Newport Beach. The cup is to remain the property of tile club winning it twice in succession, or three times in all.
Last year the Newport Club won the cup, but on Saturday North Steyne wrested the trophy from the local club. The race for the cup was rowed in two heats, in the first of which Newport and North Steyne A teams qualified for the final. In the second heat Deewhy und North Steyne B teams secured first and second places respectively. North Steyne Club having only one boat at Newport, that club's B team did not compete in the final, which was a tussle between Newport, North Steyne A, and Deewhy.
The final was a most thrilling race, and has not been equalled on any beach round Sydney for many a day. Newport and North Steyne got away first, and the former led to the buoy, and rounded it half a length ahead of North Steyne. A few yards after turning the two boats becoming level, and maintained that position until nearing the beach. Then both boats caught the same wave, and although for a moment Newport's boat was a little in the lead North Steyne shot ahead on the wave, and reached the beach a boat’s length in front of the local boat..... SURF LIFE-SAVING. (1927, January 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16344606
TEST FOR SURF BOAT CREWS (1928, January 3). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245499534
NEWPORT CLUB.
The eighth annual carnival of the Newport Surf L.S. Club will be held on Tuesday, December 27, when the Harrington and Hitchcock cups will both be competed for. Fifteen clubs are competing.
The Harrington Cup was presented by Mr. J. Harrington, patron of the club, and is for surf boats It must be won twice in succession or three times in all, and is at present held by Manly LS. Club. The Hitchcock Cup was presented by Councillor Hitchcock for competition among clubs In Warringah Shire. It Is for a point score in connection with the rescue and resuscitation competition, surf belt race, surf race, boat race, beach sprint, beach relay rare, and Junior boat and surf races.
The carnival will start at 11.30 a.m. with the rescue and resuscitation event. In which there are three heats of three teams each. The grand parade and march past will be held after lunch. NEWPORT CLUB. (1932, December 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16940790
ONLY A SECOND BETWEEN THEM
Thrilling Surf Boat Race NEWPORT'S DAY
Ten teams went all the way to Newport for that club's revived surf carnival yesterday. After a lapse of ten years, club officials wondered why they had been inactive In this respect.
Over three thousand were present— the greatest crowd ever to assemble at the pretty little beach. Handing over the Harrington Cup he had donated, Mr.' J. Harrington, patron of the club, told Freshwater that they had won one of the most exciting finishes he had seen in a surf boat final. It was replete with thrills. North Steyne's famous "Bluebottle" being beaten by a second.
N. NARRABEEN'S CUP North Narrabeen. with 23 points, won the Ald. Hitchcock Cup for clubs within the shire. Freshwater was second with 16. Results:— March Past. — Queenscliff 1,' North Narra-been 2. Mona Vale Alumni 3. R. and R. Competition. — Manly (J. L. King patient, F. J. Bennett belt). 73.64 points, 1; North Steyne, 72.06, 2; North Narrabeen, 71.72, 3. -Harrington Cup Boat Race. — Freshwater 1, North Steyne 2, Dee Why 3. Beach Sprint.— J. Tippett (N.N.). Senior Belt Race, — F, J. Bennett (Manly) 1. R. Dickson (Mona Vale) 2, T. King (N.N.) 3. Junior Surf Boat Race, — North Steyne (H. Evans sweep, F. Sutton, F. Green, R. Gog-gin. A. James). Junior Surf Race.— E. 011ft (Manly) 1, H. Cliff (Freshwater) 2. s. Blyth (Freshwater), 3. Open Surf Race. — J. Wilkinson (North Bondl) l. J. Rellly (N.N.) 2, I. Wyatt (N.B.) 3. Beach Flag Relay. — North Steyne (J. Carter. J. Gosson. R. Geary, D. Soutar). Open Boat Race. — Freshwater (D. Wauhope capt.. B. Luker. L. Dunn, G. Anderson, E, Wiltshire) 1. North Steyne 2, Dee why 3. ONLY A SECOND BETWEEN THEM (1932, December 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247326443
Newport Surf Picnic Carnival
Newport Surf Life-Saving Club will hold a picnic surf carnival on Saturday afternoon, when a full programme of competitive events will be staged.
The competing clubs will be Newport, North Narrabeen, South Narra-been, Avalon, Mona Vale-Alumni, and Palm Beach. If Newport members do well — they pin greatest hopes on the rescue and resuscitation team and the surf -boat crew — they will participate in larger numbers at other metropolitan carnivals. Newport Surf Picnic Carnival (1937, January 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247382274
NEWPORT SURF BOAT
Newport Surf Life Saving Club, which has ordered a new boat, will have leading rowers (E. Bromley and R. Cain) to coach the boat crew. The chief instructor (L. Payne) is confident that the club will figure prominently in march pasts this season. NEWPORT SURF BOAT (1938, October 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247358332
GIFT OF SURF BOAT.
Members of Newport, Women's Surf Club will present Newport Surf Life-Saving Club with a surf-boat, which will be launched on Sunday afternoon, and to raise funds for the purchase they held an informal dance at the clubhouse on Saturday night. Committee workers present included the president, Mrs. F. H. Booth, the honorary secretary, Mrs Cliff Rudd, and Misses Jean and Sheila Dawson, Georgette Jeffries, and Betty and Mary Hickey. GIFT OF SURF BOAT. (1939, January 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27974746
NEWPORT'S NEW SURF BOAT
The Newport Surf Life Saving Club will launch Its new surf boat on Sunday. Presented by the local Ladles' Surf Club, the boat Is of the latest design, and will be specially valuable for competitive work. Newport expects to figure prominently boat races at future surf carnivals. With Empire Games oarsman E. R. Bromley, Olympian W. Jordan and King's Cup representative, J. Burrell, the club has the material for a fine crew. NEWPORT'S NEW SURF BOAT (1939, January 12). Daily News (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1940), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236319436
Surf Spots
NEW BOAT FOR NEWPORT CLUB
Newport boat crews are undergoing a specially prepared training programme to fit them for the big races ahead, and the A crew wants to finish just one boat better in the Australian championships this season than it did last, when it finished second.
ESPECIALLY heartening was the crew's win at the Collaroy carnival, and a new surf-boat, to be presented to them tomorrow, will be launched by Mrs. Harrison, mother of Australian beach sprint champion, John Harrison. It is hoped to "christen" the boat with a first-up win soon. Surf Spots (1949, December 17). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 9 (Late Final Extra). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article273579183
Good sports are also good sportspeople:
Surf Spots
NEW BOAT FOR NEWPORT CLUB
Newport boat crews are undergoing a specially prepared training programme to fit them for the big races ahead, and the A crew wants to finish just one boat better in the Australian championships this season than it did last, when it finished second. JT SPECIALLY heartening was the crew's win at the Collaroy carnival, and a new surf-boat, to be presented to them tomorrow, will be launched by Mrs. Harrison, mother of Australian beach sprint champion, John Harrison It is hoped to "christen" the boat with a first-up win soon. Surf Spots (1949, December 17). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 9 (Late Final Extra). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article273579183
PRESSED TO WIN SURF BOAT RACE
Newport, runner up in the last Australian surfboat championship was pressed by Palm Beach in a test row at the Avalon Surf Carnival yesterday.
Newport beat Palm Beach in the last 15 yards of the race. Whale Beach was third.
Professor Frank Cotton supervises the training of the Newport crew. Professor Cotton does not let the crew row at their best in open carnivals because he thinks they may "burn out" before the Australian championship. Professor Cotton coached Newport when it narrowly lost last year's title to Manly at North Bondi.
Brian Head (Avalon) was disqualified for swimming to the wrong buoy after he had finished first in the junior belt race, from D. Meares (Palm Beach) and O. Ramsay (Whale Beach).
Officials gave Meares the first placing. However, Meares and Ramsay approached their respective club captains to ask the referee to grant the trophy and first placing to Head.
The referee announced that Head would be allowed to receive the trophy, and declared him the winner of the race.
Australian beach sprint champion R Harrison scored easily in yesterday's event.
Harrison will not defend his national title this year.
He will go to England to take up an engineering position. PRESSED TO WIN SURF BOAT RACE (1950, January 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27582247
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Peter Spence, Palm Beach SLSC Boat Captain and Dennis 'Nugget' Meares, in 2023, PBSLSC Life Members
Surf Stars Defeated
NEWPORT CARNIVAL
Twenty-year-old Don Reynolds beat a top-ranking field at the Newport surf carnival yesterday when he scored his first win in an open surf race. Reynolds was one of four North Bondi lifesavers to finish in the first five placings.
Tony Hurst was second, John Regan fourth, and Australian representative Alan Johnston fifth. The third place was given to Peter McMahon, of Freshwater.
The big field included two other Australian representatives, Bob Johnson and Ray Matheson, and the Australian junior cham-pion, Max Riddington.
McMahon and his clubmates Norm May and Matheson shared the lead around the buoys, but soon after big waves loomed up, giving the middle men a chance to lead.
Ten swimmers, including Reynolds, caught a big wave, but Reynolds was the only one to hold it for any distance.
SHARK ALARMS
Freshwater, the State champion team, won the rescue and resuscitation competition from Deewhy and South Narrabeen.
Two shark alarms were sounded during the afternoon.
A six-foot shark was sighted about 400 yards from the beach before the carnival began. It was chased out to sea.
Later a three-foot shark was seen about 70 yards north-west of the swimming buoys which competitors were rounding in the A grade novice surf race.
Fifty competitors in the B grade novice race-the next event on the programme-remained seated on the beach in the rain for about half an hour before they were allowed to enter the water.
HICKMAN BEHIND
Australian beach sprint champion Paul Hickman made his first appearance of the season yesterday but he was unplaced in the sprint final. Hickman found the well conditioned Collaroy sprinters Bob Langbein and Wal Murphy too good for him.
There were many surfboat upsets and several lifesavers were hurt during spills. Worst injury was a torn cartilage suffered by 17-year-old Clovelly oarsman Laurie Corrigan. The Clovelly boat was washed against him as the crew attempted to drag it up the beach at the finish of the race.
Clubmates carried him from the water to the ambulance room, where he received treatment.
March Past.-Coogee, 1; South Narra-been, 2; Maroubra, 3,
Senior R, and R.-Freshwater, 73.4, 1; Deewhy, 2; South Narrabeen, 3.
Senior Surf Race.-D. Reynolds (North Bondi), 1¡ T. Hurst (North Bondi), 2; V. McMahon (Freshwater), 3.
Junior Surf Race.-B. . Lumsdaine (Freshwater), 1; J. McPhee (Freshwater), 2; K. Brown (North Cronulla), 3.
Junior Teams' Race.-Freshwater, 32, 1; Bondi, 36, 2; North Bondi, 37, 3.
Novice Surf Race.-A grade: R. Strachan (Cronulla), I; J. Regan (North Bondi), 2¡ C. Crawford (North Bondi), 3. B grade: T. Burr (Tamarama), 1; C. Flynn (North Curl Curl), 2; R. Mar-ron (Tamarama), 3.
Senior Surfboat Race.-A Division (final): Coogee, 1; South Curl Curl, 2, Maroubra, 3. B division (final): Freshwater, 1; Cronulla, 2; Coogee, 3.
Board Race.-R. Wilson (Coogee), li R. Sorrell (Coogee), 2; R, Callum (Coogee), 3.
Single Ski Race.-H. Booth (Coogee), 1; R. Mulcahy (Maroubra), 2; W. Brown (Maroubra), 3.
Double Ski Race.-R. and M. Mulcahy (Maroubra), 1; R. Payne and B. Daw-son (Newport), 2; R. Brownell and J. Bell (Tamarama), 3.
Beach Relay Final.-Collaroy, 1; Cro-nulla, 2; Coogee, 3.
Beach Sprint Final.- C. Langbein (Collaroy), li W. Murphy (Collaroy), 2; K. Miller (Deewhy), 3.
Musical Flags.-Final: A. Sullivan (North Curl Curl), li I. Livingstone (Newport), 2i J. Donnison (Collaroy), 3.
Junior surf boat race: South Curl Curl, 1; North Narrabeen, 2, South Narrabeen, 3. Surf Stars Defeated (1950, December 31). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 11 (Sports Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28671741
Bob Langbein in 2017 at Newport SLSC -
We lost Bob this year, he passed away during Winter 2024 aged 95. Surf Life Saving New South Wales stated on August 15, 2024:
Surf Life Saving NSW is saddened to advise of the passing of Collaroy SLSC, Sydney Northern Beaches Branch and SLSNSW Life Member, Robert Langbein OAM. He was 95.
Bob first joined Collaroy in 1948, earning his Bronze Medallion in February the following year and held roles at the club from the very beginning of his Surf Life Saving journey.
Perhaps most appropriate to his endearing personality was his very first position at the club – that of the Social Convenor, bringing people together. This would lay the foundation for Bob to be a Patrol Captain in the early 50s and steer him into his love of beach sports.
For a period of more than three decades, Bob held the position of Junior Beach Coach at Collaroy however this role benefitted young beachies across the entire Branch. He was also the Interbranch Beach Coach for Sydney Northern Beaches between 1994 and 2010.
He was awarded Life Membership of his club in 2004 and Branch Life Membership swiftly followed the following year.
Notably, Robert’s impact was felt just as much by those helping to run the beach as those who competed on it.
“Bob was a great mentor. His area of speciality was running the beach sprint finish gates and he loved to show you how the system worked,” renowned beach official, Louis Tassone said.
“He brought me under his wing to get me across the setup and he was always willing to provide advice and encouragement.
“His love of coaching and developing athletes was a great asset to the sport. At any carnival he attended, no matter which club an athlete was from, Bob was always happy to give them tips and advice to help improve their performance. He had a great eye for seeing competitive talent and nurturing it.
“He helped me to become a better surf sports official and his good nature and camaraderie will be sorely missed.”
“Everyone always said you’d never meet a nicer bloke, whether on the golf course or the beach, he was a true gentleman,” added SNB Branch CEO, Tracey Hare-Boyd.
“Bobby gave himself so wholly to Surf Life Saving and the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch is very lucky to have been on the journey with him.
“He held down a variety of positions in his time and was invaluable in those roles, but particularly as a coach. I believe he was the Collaroy Beach Coach for more than 30 years which is an incredible achievement.
“People like him are integral to the grassroots of the movement and he’s going to be sorely missed not just at Collaroy but by the entire Northern Beaches community.”
More in his Profile from 2017: Vale Robert (Bob) Langbein OAM
DAMAGED BOATS' SURF WIN
Whale Beach senior crew yesterday won a surf race in a badly damaged boat. The boat was damaged in a road accident on Saturday night. The club had won the State junior championship with the same boat at Caves Beach on Saturday. A trailer carrying the boat broke away from a towing truck on the return journey from Caves Beach. The trailer capsized and finished on top of the overturned boat. The bottom planks on each side of the boat were split for more than 10 feet, and two ribs and the gunwale were broken. Used puffy Club officials yesterday plugged the split planking with putty to allow the crew to complete in the races. It is the only boat the club owns. The boat was half full of water after yesterday's race.
The senior crew which used the boat yesterday was: Keith Jones (sweep), Mal Robson, John Arblaster, Frank Gardiner, and Alan Gonsalves. The club will try to have the boat repaired to enable the crew to compete at the Australian Championship Carnival at Newport on March 14. DAMAGED BOAT'S SURF WIN (1953, February 16). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248878786
Whale Beach surfboat cresting the waves in a race, December 1962, photo by E. McQuillan, Item: SLNSW_FL20059771
Emptying a swamped surfboat, at Curl Curl, n.d. SLNSW_FL20059767
Avalon Beach surf Carnival circa 1967 - Item: SLNSW_FL19973153
Your interest in our local surf clubs this Summer through Autumn, whether it's enjoying a great view with a cold drink and bite to eat, or taking the opportunity if you do get a chance to spot a local carnival happening on a local beach to enjoy what's going on, supports those who support complete strangers who find themselves in difficulties right along the peninsula during beach season.
We hope you pause to enjoy the good sportsmanship on display and witness how local volunteers work as one team over each Season to save lives on our beaches - although we may not witness all the practice that goes on all year round, not just when it's time to go to the beach, we can see how surf sports foster camaraderie and a high level of skills that will be put to use on the beach and elsewhere outside of the Patrol Season.
Maroubra and Narrabeen Women's Surf Life Saving Team in March Past, Manly Beach, dated July 1963 (possibly when used, obviously not when taken) / ANIB photo by J. Fitzpatrick
Bronte and North Narrabeen teams in March Past, Manly, dated Sept 1963 photo by E. McQuillan (2002)
The full albums, File 11: Walkabout magazine : New South Wales photographs [lifesavers, surfboard riding] - hyperlink 1 and File 10: Walkabout magazine : New South Wales photographs [lifesavers, beaches] - hyperlink 2, are available online at;
- https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/16AJ82gn/26MPXjNZAeAp0
- https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/nGm4plMY
Dive in and have a look at the immediate past that has built a solid yet fluid present. That's your grandparents and great-grandparents on the beach in these carnivals!
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