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newspapers : 1932

Newspaper Extracts : 1932.

1931

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1933

Western Mail
Perth, WA, Thursday 14 January 1932, page 16.

ON A REAL SURF-BOARD.
How to Catch the Waves of Hawaii.
(By "Dumper.")

Of recent years, surfing with boards has become remarkably popular on at least one of our metropolitan beaches, but, good as it is, the sport here does not compare with surf-riding as it is practised on the beaches of Hawaii.
Real board-surfing is practically out of the question here, but nevertheless the following details of the sport as it is enjoyed at Waikiki, contained in a brochure issued by the Hawaii Tourist Bureau, are most interesting:
"A surfboard is best described as an overgrown ironing board that has gone native.
The boards are usually about 10 feet long, wide enough to lie down on, and weigh about 50 pounds.
Redwood and similar woods are used, the tendency being to make the boards lighter than the early implements that were fashioned from native woods.
"With the help of these wooden water wings it is possible to walk on the waves of Waikiki.
In fact, Waikiki is about the only place in the world where successful surf-boarding has been practiced to any great extent.
The reason for this is that the contour of the ocean bottom at Waikiki, coupled with the location of the protecting coral reefs, is such that it supplies just the right kind of continuous surf crests to propel the boards for as far as two miles shoreward on one wave.
"Surfboarding is the most thrilling of all water sports if you know how, and that is a big IF, because conquering the magic board is no small job.
Many Hawaiians, especially the beach boys, are skilled surfriders, sitting down, standing up, balancing on their heads, carrying passengers on their shoulders and stunting in other ways. .
"The Hawaiian 'sport of kings' can be explained in a few paragraphs because Surfriding on a typewriter is comparatively simple, but would-be wave walkers are advised to supplement this correspondence course with several weeks (at least) of actual experiene in the hands of an expert Hawaiian instructor in Honolulu.
On the Way Out.
*'The first problem is to paddle your way out to a point where the waves are breaking.
In assuming the first position, you lie face down on your board.
Use a perpendicular stroke through the water with your arms- not a breast-stroke.
To turn to the right, drag the right foot in the water.
(Experienced paddlers guide their boards by shifting the weight of the body, and do not have to use their feet for rudders).
"Pick your wave-a single wave, because the double waves are good only for canoe surfing.
Watch for the steepest section of the surf.
With your board facing to shore, paddle ahead of the wave as fast as possible.
As the surf catches you, it is necessary to give an extra spurt of paddling and shift your weight slightly towards the rear of the board to keep the nose of the surfboard from diving.
"The trick is then one of balancing properly and quickly.
If the wave is exceptionally steep, ride more to the stern of the board.
Then, after you 'catch' the wave, head the board at an angle with the surf.
This enables you to 'slide' with the wave.
"Now you are racing over the water at lightning speed.
By getting to your knees and watching your balance carefully, you ean sit up, stand up, and (maybe) stand on your head.
"Tourists and other unitiated surf-riders frequently find that it is far easier, however, to stand on somebody else's head, or at least to ride on the instructor's shoulders.
Double-decker surfing such as this is achieved by riding tandem on one board, and letting your surf-wise teacher do all the work."
This sounds like the ideal of all sea bathers, and it is a pity there is no scope for it here, as far as we know.
At the same time, I am told of a suitable beach at the west end of Garden Island, and I have been on a sand-bank in Thompson's
Bay, Rottnest, which would probably do, but unfortunately the area is infested with i sharks.
Trove
1932 'ON A REAL SURF-BOARD.', Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), 14 January, p. 16, viewed 1 March, 2013,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37834609

Truth
Sydney, Sunday 24 January 1932, page 1.

ROMANTIC TOURISTS WHO .
DRIFT TO TRAGEDY
Peril of Elemental Forces in Pacific Playground

THE WILD THRILL OF THE SURF-BOARD, which every American tourist wants to taste, brings brown instructors and white girl pupils together in a close contact that has done much to shatter the strict tabu formerly sheltering womenfolk from native molestation.

...

ANOTHER SURF-SHOOTING SCENE FROM WAIKIKI, revealing the intimate manner in which brown men and white women are of necessity brought together by this exciting sport.

Trove
1932 'Across the Color Line in Honolulu', Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), 24 January, p. 1. , viewed 04 May 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169136766

The Newcastle Sun
Friday 29 January 1932 , page 2.

Surf Board Exhibition

No less than 30 surf boards will be sent to Newcastle from Sydney to take part In the surf board exhibition.

Rupert Michaelis, captain of the Cronulla Club, .is an entrant in this event, and has won several exhibitions on the Sydney beaches.

Another outstanding entrant is C. J. McAlister, from Manly, whose handling of surf boards is famous around the metropolitan beaches.

Trove
1932 'Wally Maker Confident in Match With Welterweight Champion', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 29 January, p. 2. , viewed 04 May 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165376909

The Telegraph
Brisbane, Tuesday 16 February 1932, page 6.

FOR THE SURF GIRL.

A Fair Bather with one of the Dunlop-Perdriau Surf Boards
that are becoming highly popular on the Beaches.

Trove
1932 'FOR THE SURF GIRL.', The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), 16 February, p. 6. (FINAL), viewed 04 May 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181257486

Madera Tribune
Number 131, 4 October 1932, page 3.

SWIMS CHANNEL ON SURF BOARD

AVALON, Catalina Island. Oct. 3.—(UP)—
Flat on his stomach on a paddleboard. and using his hands as "oars," Tom Blake, Hawaiian surfboard champion, crossed the Catalina channel yesterday, a distance of approximately 30 miles, in five hours, 55 minutes.
It was the first time the rough water had been successfully negotiated on a surfboard.
Preston Peterson, Pacific coast champion, was 34 minutes behind Blake, while Willie Burton finished 55 minutes after the first man.
The event was sponsored by the Santa Monica life guard service, of which all three men are members.

California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside.
http://cdnc.ucr.edu
Madera Tribune, Number 131, 4 October 1932

The Argus
Melbourne, Saturday 28 October 1933, page 7.

PADDLE-BOARDS FOR LIFE SAVING.
Adopted by the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, these boards, shaped like ordinary heavy surfboards, are very light, constructed like an aeroplane wing, and can be propelled over the water at a high rate of speed.
They have proved highly successful for life-saving use, as any number of men can be rushed out to where needed in a fraction of the time
taken to swim or go by boat.
Each board will carry two people with case.

Trove
1933 'PADDLE-BOARDS FOR LIFE SAVING.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), 28 October, p. 7, viewed 1 March, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11705810

The Sydney Morning Herald
Monday 27 November 1933 page 15. ???
The programme included a march past, Junior surf, rescue and resuscitation, surf boat, beach flag relay, open surf and teams races.
In addition Dr S Crackanthorp formerly of Manly Club and J Toyer boat captain of Cronulla Club give a very interesting and thrilling demonstration of the new surf skis of which they are the joint inventors.

The Daily News
Perth, WA, Saturday 25 November 1933, page 28.

Pegg'sOwn Corner
How to Use a Surfboard

Dear Sunshiners
Last Monday morning I had just arrived at the front door of the of fice when I noticed Sunshine making his way down the passage. It is nothing unusual to see him walking down the passage, but on this particular morning he wasn't walking at his ordinary pace, in fact every stride seemed to pain him.
I soon overtook Sunshine, and I saw by his red face that he had spent the week-end at the beach.
'Hello, Sunshine!' I greeted him as cheerfully as I could, 'I hope you enjoyed your swim yesterday, and I also hope you are in the best of health.
' Noio instead of a happy reply this is what I got— 'Huh! except for a face which is so red that it seems at any moment going to burn up, a sore toe from kicking a rock, a pair of legs which are as stiff as boards from doing too much run ning and a rattling headache, I am enjoying the best of health.'*
Then I told him that he had to write in the letter how to use a surf board.
What a glare I got!
He said some unkind person had run over him with a surf board the previous day, and he could still feel the effects.
However, he gave way and here you are.
'Well, Shiners, learning the art of using a surf board is ever so simple.
All you have to do is wait until a suitable wave is about up to your legs, then jump forward with the board underneath you.
Now if you find the wave is passing you, kick out until you are once again a little ahead of it.
The main thing to remember is to jump at the right moment and to choose the right kind of wave.
If you are just learning DON'T at tempt to come in on a big wave, for there is every chance you will be just churned up and finish with a sand-scraped nose and a few mouthfuls of nice fresh salt water.
By the way, if you hire a surf board and come sweeping down a wave and finish up on the bottom with a broken surf board, just take the board back and ask for a new one, the same as a parachutist I read about recently who jumped from the machine and the parachute failed to open.
Of course you all know what he did — took it back and asked for a new one.
Now I must say cheerio, for Peg has something more to say to you.'
Sunshine seems to have been talking rather too much, don't you think?
Before I close I must remind you that you can send in any short stories or jokes and also that new Sunshiners are always welcome.
Lots and lots of fun,

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)
Monday 11 December 1933 page 15.

SURF CARNIVAL.
BONDI LIFE-SAVING CLUB.
SKILFUL BOAT CREWS

The canoe race gave the onlookers some exciting moments as the frail craft battled with the breakers.
A number of surf skis participated but ia led to make sufficient headway against wind and water the more orthodox cinoes gaining the decision.
...
Results –
…
Surf Lifesaving Board Rescue - Palm Beach A (K. Hunter and N. Webster)

Sydney Mail
Wednesday 2 January 1935, page 7.

SURF-BOARD COMPETITORS AT CRONULLA.

They are entering the water for the start of a surf-board race at the Cronulla Surf Carnival last Saturday.
The race was won by R. Holcombe (in the centre).
Other pictures of the carnival appear on page 44.

Trove
1935 'Spectacles of Youth', Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), 2 January, p. 7. , viewed 25 Apr 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166110843

The Newcastle Sun
4 February 1935, page 10.

THE FIELD IN THE SURF BOARD RACE.— From left
P. Gorman (Cooks Hill),
S. Sadler (Nobbys),
K. McLean (Nobbys),

J. Stroud (North Bondi),
A. Harvey (Newcastle), and
A. Sargeant (Newcastle).
The event was won by Stroud.

Trove
1935 'Thrills at Surf Carnival— Gala on Newcastle Beach', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 4 February, p. 10. , viewed 25 Apr 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165953850

Tweed Daily
Murwillumbah, Wednesday 4 December 1935, page 9.

CANOE-SURF BOARD

The "Surf-Ski" for surf thrills.

Agent for these super surf play things is Mr. L. G. Godlonton, Chemist, Coolangatta.

Trove

1935 'CANOE-SURF BOARD', Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), 4 December, p. 9. , viewed 25 Apr 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192409523

The Age
Melbourne, Friday 20 November 1936, page 5.

SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Holiday Makers' Guide.

A SIMPLE SURF BOARD.

We are passing on for the benefit of other intending holiday makers information about making a surf board, asked for by J. S. Hoskins, Ballarat.

The simplest kind of surf board is a flat piece of timber, about 5 feet 6 inches long, 2 feet wide and an inch in thickness.

One end of tlie board is rounded off to a blunt point, as shown in the sketch.

This type of board is best made in one piece, as any screwed or glued joints are liable to scratch the. surfer, or may. come apart with the rough treatment the board gets.

Any light wood is suitable for the board.

Trove
1936 'Holiday Makers' Guide.', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 20 November, p. 5. (SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE), viewed 25 Apr 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205945121

1931

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1933

surfresearch.com.au

Geoff Cater (1997-2016) : Newspapers, 1932.

http://www.surfresearch.com.au/1932_Newspapers.html