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c.d.p. : nsw surf camps,
1908
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C.D.P. : Sun-Baking,
Surf-Bathing, and Camp Life in N.S.W., 1908.
Extract
from
P., C.D.: Sun
Baking, Surf Bathing, and Camp Life in New South Wales.
The Red Funnel,
27 Rattay Street,
Dunedin, New Zealand.
Volume VI, Number
3, April 1908
Pages 268 to 271.
Introduction.
The article,
with four photograhs, details early 20th century Sydney beach culture.
The author, although
only identified by initials, is possibly Charles D. Paterson, a member
of the Manly Surf Bathers Club and said to have imported a surfboard from
Hawaii circa 1908-1912.
Page
268
SUN-BAKING, SURF-BATHING,
& CAMP LIFE IN NEW SOUTH WALES.
By C.D.P.
DURING recent
years surf-bathing has taken such a hold on the people of New South Wales
that now every town that has a beach, or is within coo-ee of one, has its
devotees of the sport; and there is no more healthful pastime for young
people of both sexes.
As a matter of
fact, at some of the seaside suburbs of Sydney many of the residents look
more like South Sea Islanders than whIte people, being of a healthy brown
tint, with firm glossy skins.
At Manly, for
instance, the ...
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SURF BATHING
ON THE BEACH
AT FRESHWATER
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Page
269
... home of surf-bathers,
there are many expert swimmers and "shooters", whom it is a delight to
see in the water.
Shooting the
breakers is achieved by the bather catching a strong incoming wave on the
curl; a vigorous kick and one or two overarm strokes give an impetus; the
body is then held perfectly rigid, head up or down, and the arms pressed
firmly to the sides and a little underneath the body.
The impetus gained,
the force of the wave drives the shooter well up on to the shelving sandy
beach, when the bather jumps up and plunges out again to meet another wave.
Frequently beginners,
envying the skill of the more expert, try to shoot, and, not being able
to judge the waves, get severely "dumped."
Ladies fail signally
in their attempts to shoot the breakers.
In all the thousands
who bathe at Manly very few make the least show in this respect, wereas
it is every youth's and man's ambition to be an expert "shooter."
Dual bathing has
given a great impetus to surf-bathing.
Municipal Councils
recognize its value as inducing additional settlement and increasing the
ratable value of properties, and have provided facilities in the way of
ladies' and gentlemen's dressing sheds (free), life-lines, surf-boats,
and life-saving attendants, whose efforts are ably supported by surf and
life-saving clubs.
Bathing is allowed
all day without restriction.
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BATHERS
SUN-BAKING ON THE HOT SAND |
The
great adjunct to surf-bathing is sun-baking, and this has its devotees
amongst ladies as well as gentlemen.
After the dip
in the breakers, costumes are slipped down to the waist, and the sun-bakers
lie or stand about in the sheds, or, in the case of less frequented beaches,
on the sands.
After a liberal
dressing of cocoanut oil (to prevent peeling or blistering, and as an aid
to securing a dark brown shade on the body); they revel in the sun's heat.
It would, be
a difficult matter to identify the original colour of some of those who
are constant surfers and sun- bakers, but the result is a good physique,
splendid health, and a fine and strong race of young men and women.
So great is the
craze (if it can be so called) that lads will club together and hire a
camp after the style of those shown in the illustration, and they are well
catered for in this respect at places where the speculative builder has
not yet laid his spoiling hand.
People who live
in cities and country ...
Page 270
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TYPE OF CAMP,
SHOWING COOKING AND DINING ARRANGEMENTS
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...
towns fail to realise the ideal healthy life led by these young men.
Week after week
throughout the year (for winter has no terrors in the delightful climate
of Sydney) these young fellows wend theIr way to the beaches, and there
indulge to their hearts' content in surf-bathing, beach sport, sun-baking,
and camp life.
What could be
more healthful and less harmful, morally and physically?
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GENERAL VIEW
OF THE CAMPS
AT FRESHWATER
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Page
271
A few illustrations
are shown that give an idea of the manner in which these lads enjoy themselves.
Freshwater Beach
leads the way in this respect.
The place is
a regular camp settlement. There are dozens of camps, rented by the year
or season, and each is occupied by from four to six lads, and perhaps more
on a holiday.
Each camp is
constructed on a wooden frame, floored, roofed with ruberoid, scrim-sided,
lime-washed in and out, and fitted with guttering and tank, as well as
with a colonial oven.
Canvas stretchers,
rough dresser, table, and forms are provided, and the tenants make themselves
extremely comfortable.
In many instances
pianos are to be heard, a phonograph or gramaphone in the evenings; but
all day, apart from the time required to prepare meals, the lads are rolling
in the blazing sun on the red-hot sand, or ducking about in the breakers.
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P., C.D.:
Sun-Baking,
Surf-Bathing, and Camp Life in New South Wales.
The Red Funnel
27 Rattay Street,
Dunedin, New Zealand.
Volume VI, Number
3, April 1908
Pages 268 to 271.
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surfresearch.com.au
Geoff Cater (2008) : C.D.P. : Sun-Baking,
Surf-Bathing and Camp Life in NSW, 1908.
http://www.surfresearch.com.au/1908_CDP_NSW_SurfCamps.html