Freshwater SLSC Our History

Club History

In the early part of the 20th century the Freshwater area was a popular weekend camping spot for many people. As surf swimming grew in popularity in the early 1900’s, the need for a surf rescue club at the beach was recognized by a group of locals and in December 1908 the Freshwater Surf Club was founded, choosing maroon and white as the club colours.

Since that time, the surf club has continually patrolled the beach for the benefit of the general public. The club can proudly boast that since that first day, no lives have been lost at the beach while patrolling members have been on duty.

The club has a strong link with not only surf lifesaving but also surfing, with the famous Duke Kahanamoku demonstrating his surfboard riding skills at the beach in January 1915. The board used by the Duke was later donated to the club and is on display in the club’s Heritage Room.

As well as a proud lifesaving record, the club boasts a long and successful competition record, with numerous State and Australian champions amongst its members. It also has developed a strong junior activities section, with large numbers of nippers and their families taking advantage of the beach and family friendly atmosphere generated by the club.

From humble beginnings, the club has grown into a modern successful lifesaving club with strong links to the local community. The colours of the local Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Rugby league team can be traced to the association many of its original players had with the club.

The first substantial club building was completed in 1932 and is now a local heritage building forming an integral part of the modern club facilities which were constructed in the mid 1980’s and recently supplemented by the completion of the club’s Heritage Room in 2011.

The Duke

One of the first exhibitions of surf board riding ever given in Australia took place in 1915 at Freshwater Beach. Duke Kahanamoku was the swimming sprint champion of the world and was touring Australia. He had arranged with a Sydney firm to manufacture a surf board to his own requirements, modelled on the boards used in his native Hawaii. Don McIntyre, who at the time was the Hon. Secretary of the Surf Bathing Association, prevailed on "The Duke" to give his exhibition at Freshwater. When he arrived at the beach with his surfboard in an open carriage, a great crowd of spectators had gathered. Others had tried surf board riding in Australia but none had truly mastered the art. His display in the surf was an eye opener to everyone. "The Duke" was a very charming person and captivated his audience with his skill.

The board became the property of Claude West, one of our members, who later donated the board to the surf club. The board is on display in the club house and is one of our most treasured possessions.

Also see teaser link to “Dukes Day”page

Gallery

Our website has an extensive photo gallery. Select “Club History” tab once in the Gallery to view our historic collection. These represent some of the many photographs and historical artifacts that have been compiled by our Clubs dedicated History Group including George Webster, Ray Brennan, Mick Griffin, Eric Middledorp and (the late) Bluey Myers.

History Book

To celebrate the club’s 100th year, a centenary book was published highlighting the many achievements of the club and its members over the past 100 years. Copies of the book are still available and can be purchased from the club.