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The Sydney Morning Herald
3 January 1928, page 9.

SURF THRILLS.
NEWPORT CARNIVAL.
Boats Disabled.

Heavy seas, the aftermath of Sunday afternoon's southerly gale, made the surf exceedingly treacherous for the surf boat races at the Newport surf carnival yesterday afternoon.
A number of the competing boats were swamped, and several competitors received slight Injuries.
A deep, wide channel existed along the beach, and huge waves bumped heavily on tho sandbank on the seaward side of the
channel.
Many of the swimmers had hard tussles against the breakers, and in the rescue event some of the beltmen experienced difficulty in reaching their "patients."
The heavy sea was a fine test for the competitors, who displayed remarkable endurance.

BOAT RACE.

The real thrills of the carnival were provided by tho surf boat race.
The event was decided in two heats and a final, and each contest was marked by exciting incidents.
Crews from the Manly, Dee Why, North Steyne and North Narrabeen Clubs competed in the first boat, and the four boats were buffeted by the big seas from the moment they touched the water.
The North Steyne boat, In charge of H. C. Evans, was struck by a huge wave and the captain had difficulty In retaining hold of the "sweep."
Soon after leaving the beach the Dee Why boat was swamped, and one of the crew, G. Opperman, vice-captain of the club, received a slight injury.
Either the boat, or one of the oars, hit him, and he had to be brought ashore and treated by other competitors.
The Manly boat, the Sawfish, was first round the buoy, and when "shooting" towards the beach on a breaker the captain, R. Ford, was thrown out of the boat, but with some difficulty was able to got aboard again.
In the second heat, Collaroy, Newport, and Freshwater were the competitors.
Freshwater got away nicely, but the Collaroy and Newport boats were soon in trouble.
Both the craft became waterlogged and were brought back to the beach.
The water was emptied out of the boats, which then resumed the race.
The Collaroy boat was well handled by the captain, W. Forbes, and although the captain of the Newport boat, Gordon Robertson, made a great effort to get through the seas, the craft was again swamped, and had to be towed ashore with a line.

THREE BOATS DISABLED.

In the final of the event the "Sawfish" had matters all its own way.
There were four competitors- Manly, Freshwater, Collaroy, and North Steyne.
First the Freshwater boat was swamped, and a moment later the Collaroy boat filled with water.
Both the latter boats returned to the beach, and the Collaroy crew, having broken an oar, retired from the race.
While crossing the bank beyond the channel the North Steyne boat, in attempting to "ride" a huge wave, turned over with the crew beneath It.
The members of the team extricated themselves and brought their boat ashore.
Just as the "Sawfish" had finished the race, the North Steyne boat was launched again, and rowed the course.
In the meantime the Freshwater boat had made a second attempt to get out, but again returned to the beach.
While excitement was running high, and the crews were working at high pressure to get their boats away, a competitor gave a fine display of surf-board shooting, standing on the board, and also standing on his head on the board while it rode the breakers to the beach.

TANGLED IN LIFELINES.

In the first heat of the alarm reel race, Newport's beltman, R. Rolfe, had a thrilling experience.
The lines of the other competing teams got tangled round his body and dragged him under the water.
He was brought ashore, suffering the effects of the immersion, but soon recovered.
Several other minor mishaps happened during the afternoon, but none of them was of a serious nature.

SMART RESCUES AT MANLY.

A strong surf which was running on Manly Beach yesterday morning increased the responsibilities of the Iife-savers.
A number of people got into difficulties.
Between 11 and 12 o'clock 10 surfers had to be brought to safety, but owing to the vigilance of the surf club officials, none got very far beyond the danger line.
The rescues of two persons who had been carried out a considerable distance, which were effected by life-saver L. McIntosh by
means of a surf board, were regarded as being smart and skilful.
The second rescue was particularly difficult and the life-saver received a great ovation when he returned to the beach.
On other beaches several people had to be assisted.

Trove
1928 'SURF THRILLS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 3 January, p. 9. , viewed 11 Apr 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16431285

Evening News
Sydney, Tuesday, 3 January 1928, page 5.

SURF RESCUES IN HEAVY SEA
BATHERS FIGHT FIRE

HEAVY seas were running on all beaches yesterday, which were attended by tremendous crowds.
Numbers of surfers got into difficulties, and lifesavers had a busy day.

There was a unique incident at Manly, where a member of the local life saving club, McAlister, using a surf board, effected a fine rescue.
Olare and Ryan also figured in surf board rescues.
George Pike, lifesaver, received a nasty gash, when be went to the rescue of a man.
His chin came in contact with the patient's head.
Four stitches were necessary.
L. Gorman and R. Phillips also put in good work.
One man, in the excitement, donned a belt and went to the rescue of a lifesaver who was not in any difficulty.
When the 'patient' refused help he tried to force a rescue.
Eventually the man had to be hauled in.
There were several rescues at Palm Beach in which Adrian Curlewis, son of Mr. Justice Curlewis and captain of the club, and Braddick figured.

OUT OF FRYING PAN

Bathers who went to Bronte to escape the heat were called upon to light a fire.
Early in the afternoon thick scrub above the baths caught alight, and as It seemed that a blazing mass would fall on the wooden sheds below, bathers fought the flames until the arrival ol the fire brigade.

Trove
1928 'SURF RESCUES', Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), 3 January, p. 5. , viewed 11 Apr 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121692197

Frankston and Somerville Standard
Victoria, 6 January 1928, page 8.

A VISIT TO SUMMERLAND

During the week it was our privilege to take a run out to "Summerland," the new model township that is in process of formation out at the nobby end of the Island, and we were surprised to see the amount of work that had been put in and the progress made in the way of laying out the roads and the planting of them with ornamented trees, while a golf house is in course of erection.
...
Just at the foot of the highland on which it is situated, lies Sullivan's Beach, into which the surf was breaking in a most enticing manner, and where some few gaily attired venturesome spirits were engaged in this fascinating sport, and where, recently, the
vice-regal party, Lord and Lady Somers, provided with surfing boards, enjoyed a similar pleasure.
Just beyond this little bay, a point just out, completing the half moon shape, while round it is Kitty Millars Bay, ..

Trove
1928 'A VISIT TO SUMMERLAND', Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939), 6 January, p. 8. , viewed 11 Apr 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74993614

The Telegraph
Brisbane, 9 January 1928, page 13.

Patrolling the Beaches
Life Saving Society Work
Heroic Rescue by Girl

On no beach in Queensland patrolled by members of the Royal Life Saving Society was a life lost by drowning during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
...
He also criticised, the "surf board maniacs," who seized upon a piece of board or grating and shoot the breakers where the crowd is thickest.
Quite a number of people had been injured by these nuisances.

Trove
1928 'Patrolling the Beaches', The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), 9 January, p. 13. , viewed 11 Apr 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article179738686

Table Talk
Melbourne, 12 January 1928, page 61.

Flower Posies on Bathing Gowns
LATEST IDEA IN BEACH FASHIONS

...
"The gayest week-end. and the best weather, we have had so far this year," was the general verdict
On Sunday the scene on the pier reminded one of the old-time brilliance, when all sorts of aquatic antics were indulged in by the young and beauteous mermaids and youths, who used to attract attention and draw the huge week-end gallery.
Norme Atkyns, one of the star performers of bygone days, was down on Sunday, and with the Agars, Gowans, Barretts and Derek Stogdale, gave some inimitable exhibitions of diving and trick swimming.

Surfing at the Back Beach

Surfing at the back beach is be coming very popular.
The Leslie Stuart girls, Nannette and Lavender, are graceful experts on the surf boards, and with their house party of pretty girls have almost forsaken the pier and its environments for the more exciting feat of riding the breakers on a surf-board.
Other addicts are the Norman Pleasances, Geoff Heath, Mr and Mrs R. Wertheim and Miss Mamie Felstead— who has been their guest for some time—and Mr and Mrs Ted Yencken.
These latter also visit Portsea proper and one of the prettiest pictures witnessed on Sunday morning was to see their pretty little four-year-old daughter, June, who did not appear to know the meaning of fear, diving from the pier to her mother.

Trove
1928 'Flower Posies on Bathing Gowns', Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), 12 January, p. 61. , viewed 11 Apr 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146842679

The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser
Saturday 21 January 1928, page 2.

KIAMA COUNCIL

...
In no uncertain terms Ald. Walker condemned the use of surf boards in the surf, instancing the case where a woman riding one hit another in the face and "knocked her out."
There's not one but dozens being used now, and they are a positive danger to other surfers, he said.
He moved that notices be put up on both sheds that surf boards are prohibited, which was seconded by Ald. Meredith and carried.

Trove
1928 'KIAMA COUNCIL.', The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser (NSW : 1863 - 1947), 21 January, p. 2, viewed 15 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104786290

Western Mail
Perth, 2 February 1928, page 7.

RIDING THE SURF AT GERALDTON :
The beach offers surfing equal to Sydney beaches and the broad bay forms a natural haven for yachts.

Riding the surf at Geraldton.
1. Boys on the beach.

An article concerning the beach appears in our sporting columns.

3. Geraldton back beach

2.Coming in on a roller.

Western Mail
Perth, 2 February 1928, page 31.

SHOOTING "GREEN UNS."
Surfing at Geraldton.
(By H.E.C.)

Surfing is á sport that bas grown considerably in popularity in Geraldton since the war.
The back beach, a panorama, had the reputation of being dangerous, the stigma going back to old convict days, when two men on the road gang were dragged under the reefs.
Since then, however, the water level has risen, with the result that we have a beautiful long level beach sheltered from the. southerly "busters" by sandhills, with shallow water out nearly three-quarters of a mile from the shore.
This beach stretches for miles in an even sweep.
In the centre of the bay, the breakers roll in evenly, majestically, sweeping up on the shore and sometimes attaining a speed of twenty miles per hour.
These breakers start nearly a mile out and move shorewards like a green wall till they strike the shallow water; then; they curve over and, in lines of heaped spray, rush shorewàrds.
Visitors from the Eastern States first drew attention to Geraldton's facilities for surfing and for boards.
The suggestion was quickly adopted, and the hack beach grew in popularity until last year the council were forced to widen the existing road and erect new shelter houses.
The word "forced" is used in its real sense, for it is a deplorable fact that the council have ever been apathetic towards the new beach.
In the summer of '24. swimmers from the G.A.S.C. approached them, and pointed out how the glorious swimming facilities of our front beach had gone down before the tread of commerce.
Á railway line stretched like a scar the length of the beach, and the clear water had become muddy and filthy.
They appealed to the council to try to regain our reputation as a holiday resort by fostering surfing, giving financial aid for life saving equipment and building decent sheds for both sexes.
The councillors, however, refused help.
Old-timers recalled the dangerous currents.
The delegation eloquently pleaded that no beach worthy of the name was entirely free from current, but the back beach was exceptionally safe- all to no avail.
We were then faced with the prospect of laying water, building a shed, and supplying a reel from our own lean pockets, the surfing club and patrols in that year were still in embryo.
Shark watches were posted on the bibs, which all command a wonderful view, and the one case of a swimmer in difficulties was remedied with-out lines.
The public continued to support the beach, in spite of bad car parking space and absence of bathing booths, and this year one local firm has sold hundreds of feet of timber for surf boards.
The boards used are lighter and easier to handle than the recognised Hawaiian pattern.
Built of seasoned light wood they are barely half an inch thick, the height of one's body, and some sixteen inches in width.
They are boat-shaped and the edges bladed.
This light pattern has been almost universally adopted this year, its big advantage being its weight-around seven pounds-which makes it easy to carry out to the waves.
To surf one walks out to the edge of the shallow water, shooting over the incoming breakers.
On reaching the region of the "green 'uns" one stands firmly on the bottom holding the board in front of the body.
As-the wave reaches the surfer he is caught and carried to its summit, when the wave breaks with the board on top of it.
The rush to the bottom is one of the big thrills of the sport.
Then the board commences to rush shorewards till it strands the surfer high and dry.
Skill in handling the breakers only comes with practice.
Old surfers are able to stand on their hands and other stunts, but these entail the use of a bigger board, which is heavier to handle.
Another diversion for the skilled surfer is to "body surf" without the aid of a board.
The average beginner can master the art in several days.
A peculiarity of all devotees of the surf is their strong wrists, which the guiding of the board develops.
Surfing is the most glorious sport of all.
The thrill of speed is combined, with the tang of the salt, crisp air, the blaze of the sun, and the pride of controlling an errant board in the big breakers.
Once a surfer, always a surfer.
The beach sees many new faces, but never loses an old one.
The venue again is very attractive wide beaches, sheltered sand, and long, white hills that command vistas of the country side, the town nestling in the opposite bay, the gleam of the distant river, the lazy smoke of a pasing liner, and the glorious air.
Geraldton's climate is the most wonderful in the whole length and breadth of Australia.
We have a summer that extends from September to March, and our alleged winter is never taken seriously.
We are mercifully free from sharks, and as yet have not had any serious case of near drowning.
The boards are all painted red- an unpopular colour with sharks.
The man-eating fish very seldom ventures in' our* surf, as he is unable to get out.
Were you to come up here the third person you met would honk a finger in your button-hole and say: "Lemme tell ya
about our SURF!"
Next year MC are going to build our clubhouse, with showers attached, and probably patrol the beach as a matter of form.
The existing patrol is done hy Sea Scouts, who have to save themselves ever so often to keep in practice.

Trove
1928 'No title', Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), 2 February, p. 7. (Regular supplement - Pictorial Section), viewed 11 Apr 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37662320
1928 'SHOOTING "GREEN UNS."', Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), 2 February, p. 31. , viewed 11 Apr 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3766216

The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser
Saturday 4 February 1928, page 3.

A Melting Meeting.

...

SURF BOARDS.

Mrs. Reid, Manning street, asked the prohibition of surf boards be modified, pointing out, unless the surf was very crowded there was no danger to other surfers in using the boards.
The Council did not feel disposed to alter the decision.

Trove
1928 'A Melting Meeting.', The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser (NSW : 1863 - 1947), 4 February, p. 3, viewed 15 August, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104785641

Andrew 'Boy' Charlton was one of Australia's most succesful competitive swimmers and a regular surf shooter at Manly Beach.
On his visit to Europe in 1928 to compete in the Amsterdam Olympic Games, he was accompanied by his trainer and fellow Manly surfer, Harry Hay.
Hay was one of several local surfers instructed in surfboard riding by Duke Kahanamoku during his Austalian tour in 1914-1915, subsequently became a jounalist and wrote one of the earliest surfing books, Swimming and Surfing in 1931.

The 1500 metre Olympic champion at the 1924 Paris games, in 1928 Charlton came second in the 1500 metres and second in the 400 metres.
Other swimming competitors included the American team members Johnny Weismuller and Buster Crabbe, both competed with Kahanamoku and both later played the role of Tarzan in Hollywood films.

"Among the crowd that day was a group of Charlton supporters who had come from the Manly Surf Club, including two late arrivals, Sandy (sic) McAlister and Tommy Farrell.
They had saved every penny to travel tourist class on the liner Jervis Bay with just one purpose: to see their close friend win the 1500 metres.
When a stowaway caused the Jervis Bay to be delayed they transferred to another vessel, but further problems occurred in London and they missed the race.
Having gone forty-eight hours without sleep they arrived at the pool while Charlton's 400 metres heat was being swum.
McAlister, a champion board rider, talked his way on to the starting boards and saw the rest of the races from a prime position."

Following the Olymic competition, McAlister travelled to England, apparently with a surfboard, and was
interviewed by the Daily Mail about his intention to surf on the beaches of Cornwall.

Observer Adelaide, 3 March 1828, page 37. SURFING AT PETREL COVE Surfing has become a popular pastime at Petrel Cove (near the Bluff, Encounter Bay). These snapshots show:- 1. Spectators on the beach, with motor cars in the extreme left of the "saddle" to the Bluff. 2. Bathers with surf boards.
3. In the surf. Photo. Hines Trove 1928 'SURFING AT PETREL COVE.', Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), 3 March, p. 37. , viewed 11 Apr 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165638426