I wonder where Larry Rick got the information that surfing was first
"invented" in Australia, Port Stephens. My understanding that surfing was
practiced by the Polynesians (Tahiti and Hawaii) for many centuries before
it was first noted by Captain Cook. Duke Kahanamoku brought surfing to
Australia (in the Port Stephens area) in 1914 or 1915 when he was
demonistrating his swimming techniques. I believe that he had a board built
of sugar pine when visiting. Perhaps it might be this board? I would be
interested about this history. All accounts which I can find, attribute
Duke to bringing the sport to Australia. I had the pleasure of riding one
of the solid wood boards of this era in Hawaii in the early 50's. The board
I rode belonged to the mother of my then girl friend who had surfed often
with Duke Kahanamoku. Solid wood and weight well over 100 lbs, with no skeg.
Bob Austin
I wonder where Larry Rick got the information that surfing was first
"invented" in Australia, Port Stephens. My understanding that surfing was
practiced by the Polynesians (Tahiti and Hawaii) for many centuries before
it was first noted by Captain Cook. Duke Kahanamoku brought surfing to
Australia (in the Port Stephens area) in 1914 or 1915 when he was
demonistrating his swimming techniques. I believe that he had a board built
of sugar pine when visiting. Perhaps it might be this board? I would be
interested about this history. All accounts which I can find, attribute
Duke to bringing the sport to Australia. I had the pleasure of riding one
of the solid wood boards of this era in Hawaii in the early 50's. The board
I rode belonged to the mother of my then girl friend who had surfed often
with Duke Kahanamoku. Solid wood and weight well over 100 lbs, with no skeg.
Bob Austin
