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A snapshot of North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club history

North Steyne Surf Club is an iconic Australian surf club that has been serving the community for over a century. Established in 1907, the club has a long and fascinating history that reflects the development of surf lifesaving in Australia. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the history of North Steyne Surf Club, from its early beginnings to its present-day activities. 

 The Early Years (1907-1920s) North Steyne Surf Club was founded in 1907 by a group of passionate surfers who were concerned about the safety of beachgoers. The club was established on the northern end of Manly Beach, and its members were dedicated to the principles of surf lifesaving.

North Steyne Clubhouse 1914
North Steyne Clubhouse 1914

 In its early years, the club had limited resources, and members often had to rely on their own equipment and expertise to carry out rescues. However, despite these challenges, the club quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to safety and its high level of skill.

Early members of the club date unknown
 Early members of the club date unknown

 During the 1910s and 1920s, North Steyne Surf Club continued to grow in popularity, with more and more people becoming involved in surf lifesaving.

North Steyne Snr Surf Belt team at Bondi Carnival (Date unknown)
North Steyne Snr Surf Belt team at Bondi Carnival (Date unknown)
The club participated in a number of competitions, including the prestigious Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships, and achieved many successes.

Carnival December 19th 1925, North Steyne, showing the then new circus seating
Carnival December 19th 1925, North Steyne, showing the then new circus seating

The North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club promoted their 4th annual carnival, scheduled for Saturday 19th December 1925 at 2.45pm, with a flyer
printed by the Manly Daily Press.
The North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club promoted their 4th annual carnival, scheduled for Saturday 19th December 1925 at 2.45pm, with a flyer printed by the Manly Daily Press.
The noted "Surf and Beach Attractions" included:
"1200 Competitors, 18 Leading Surf Life Saving Club's Participating
Surf Boat Races, Thrills and Spills, Board Exhibitions, All State Surf Swimming Champions Competing". 
North Steyne boat crew "poster King Cup" 1925
North Steyne boat crew "poster King Cup" 1925

 

The club also played an important role in educating the public about surf safety, and members were often called upon to assist with rescue operations outside of their usual patrol areas.

The Interwar Period (1930s-1940s) The 1930s and 1940s were a challenging time for North Steyne Surf Club, as the world was gripped by the Great Depression and then the Second World War. Despite these difficulties, the club continued to operate and remained an important part of the community.

Carnival at North Steyne December 1930
Carnival at North Steyne December 1930
North Steyne boat crew January 1st 1931
North Steyne boat crew January 1st 1931
North Steyne January 3rd 1931
North Steyne January 3rd 1931
During this period, the club also played a key role in the development of surf lifesaving as a sport. Many of its members were involved in the creation of new events and competitions, and the club hosted a number of successful carnivals.
North Steyne boat crew Freshwater Carnival January 26th 1931
North Steyne boat crew Freshwater Carnival January 26th 1931

 

 

In 1942, the club was forced to temporarily close its doors due to the war effort. Many of its members joined the armed forces, and the club's facilities were requisitioned for military use. However, as soon as the war ended, the club was re-established, and it quickly regained its position as one of Australia's leading surf lifesaving clubs.

Brother-in-arms and brothers-in-law, Manly Servicemen on leave sitting during WW2 sitting on the sandstone wall across from their parent's home on Ocean Beach Road, opposite North Steyne Surf Club.

Brother-in-arms and brothers-in-law, Manly Servicemen Leo Ibbotts, Bede Sutton and Stan Lyons, in 1941 sitting on the sandstone at North Steyne,
opposite their parent's home on Ocean Beach.

Barbed wire on the beach during WWII

Barbed wire on the beach during WWII

 

The Modern Era (1950s-Present) Since the 1950s, North Steyne Surf Club has continued to be a vital part of the community. The club has expanded its facilities and services, and today it boasts a modern clubhouse, state-of-the-art equipment, and a team of highly skilled and dedicated members. The club has also continued to be involved in the development of surf lifesaving as a sport, and its members regularly compete at local, national, and international events.

Belly board, surf skis, hollow board and others, Manly Beach circa 1951.  Photograph probably Ray Leighton  Longhurst, page 79.

Belly board, surf skis, hollow board and others, Manly Beach circa 1951.
Photograph probably Ray Leighton
Longhurst, page 79. 

In addition to its lifesaving and sporting activities, North Steyne Surf Club also plays an important role in community service. The club runs a number of programs aimed at promoting surf safety and educating the public about the dangers of the ocean. It also provides training and support for new members, ensuring that the tradition of surf lifesaving continues for many years to come.

 1964 World Championship  Manly Beach Sydney  1st   Midget Farrelly  2nd  Mike Doyle (USA)  3rd   Joey Cabell (Hawaii)  4th    L.J. Richards (USA).  5th    Mick Dooley  6th    Bobby Brown   World Tittles Awards, Many Beach, 17 May 1964 . Photograph by Ron Perrott.
1964 World Championship Manly Beach Sydney 1st   Midget Farrelly,
2nd Mike Doyle (USA), 3rd Joey Cabell (Hawaii),  4th L.J. Richards (USA), 
5th Mick Dooley6th Bobby Brown.

World Tittles Awards, Many Beach, 17 May 1964 .
Photograph by Ron Perrott.
Midget Farrelly World Championship winner Manly Beach 1964
1964 World Championship Manly Beach Sydney1st Midget Farrelly in action

 In conclusion, North Steyne Surf Club has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. From its early beginnings as a small group of passionate surfers to its present-day status as one of Australia's leading surf lifesaving clubs, the club has played an important role in the development of surf lifesaving and in the local community. With its focus on safety, skill, and community service, North Steyne Surf Club is a true Australian icon, and a testament to the enduring spirit of surf lifesaving.
 Club members including "Boy" Charlton seated (forground) to the right of Hawaiin surfer Bill Harris, with straw hat (c.1923-24)
Club members including "Boy" Charlton seated (foreground) to the right of Hawaiian surfer Bill Harris, with straw hat (c.1923-24).
Photo and caption resources: North Steyne Life Saving History website;
Surfresearch.com.au; World Tittles Awards, Many Beach, 17 May 1964 Photograph by Ron Perrott.

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