The exhibition was held at the old pump house building at the New Pier in Durban from 1 July to the end of August. The show was loosely broken down into each of the decades and set out to achieve a vibe of each era using relevant pictures and design. Thanks to Lorna Currie Thomopoulos, Greg Ewing, Sean McCarthy, Luke Patterson and the publishers of Zig Zag magazine for the use of their photographs and help with this project. There was also a gallery of photos of surfing in Durban and thanks to Greg Ewing, Alan van Gysen, Luke Patterson, Chris Van Lennep, Dawn Rouse, Nic Aberdeen and Kelly Cestari for their superb contribution to this. Also Leighton Alcock did a cartoon poster for the event. The show was compiled by Koop Architects. Photograhy, design and curation by Pat Flanagan. Phil Gandy contributed with photography and construction. Tim Williams and John Whittle also helped with curation and sourcing.
SPONSORED BY ETHEKWINI MUNICPALITY, DURBAN TOURISM AND PRESENTED BY SOUTH AFRICAN SURFING LEGENDS
CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE
THE 60’S
THE 70’S
THE 80’S
THE 90’S
NOW
THE LEGENDS
OTHER DISPLAYS
A big thank you to all concerned.
Great exhibition, and well done to all involved in putting this important show together. Durban needs a permanent home for the housing of it’s history of South African Surfing.
You guys are forgetting some of the countries top surfers, those ones that won SA titles and although did not live in Durban & surf there daily were still part of the SA surfing scene in a big way. Umhlanga Rox produced some of the countries best & most successful surfers in the country such as:
The Renaud Brothers:
Dave Renaud
Bobby Renaud
Patrick Renaud
Greg Eisele
Vincent King
Richard Edy
Steve Anderson
Carl Roux
Dean Grobler
Seth Hulley
Rein Van Der Vaal
Mo Van Der Vaal
Paul (Skin) Van Der Vaal
How about some recognition for these surfers who brought so much to SA surfing?
Shot!
Pat Renaud
Pat, other than considering a couple plus one or two names on that list I’d not register any as “Legends”! Hell, I’ve been a ‘Rocks local since the very early 70’s…..maybe a “legend” like some of the old lifesaving crew (laugh)!
But Pat, precisely what makes a legend a “LEGEND”, what have the contributions from the individuals been that would constitute “Legend” status? Starting the wizards surf club or running the local surf shop? Great shapers and board manufacturers (none in ‘Rocks, though many years ago there was Tony “Loopy” Cerf and Neville Bransby, now there was a legend in huge Rocks waves!), representing province or country? Winning world titles? Maybe somebody who pioneered surfing at Rocks, but nobody on that list is guilty?
Some of the names on your list were damn good surfers…. I’m even tempted to throw in a few old boys names….
Remember Pat, that surfing took root on Durban beaches, out at Rocks we were far away from the legends of old from Durban. Some of us were also Bay locals in the 70’s and 80’s and knew the legends from town….great respect for them, characters!
Greg its not about achievements, its about giving back. Thanks the positive comments.
Hey Greg,
Fair comments, although let me direct you to the Legend Criteria…it is focused around achievements in the competitive world. All those people on my list surfed for Natal, the majority won multiple SA Championship titles, World Title, Springboks, surfed in the World Surfing Games, contributed to surfing and supported their province. They all took a proactive approach to club surfing & gave all their time on weekends surfing NSA contests etc. Umhlanga was known as a solid platform for core talent & we were all a close family, you should know?From a small town we produced super talented surfers.
Other names like Steve Khun, past SA Champion & big wave charger, Dave Peterson achieved his Natal colours several times & still competes, Mike Allaway local ripper & ASP Tour Member for several years. Jackie Allaway set up Wave Wizards with Steve Anderson & Bobby Renaud..the list goes on…
To me they are all legends and have contributed in a very positive way. Many of those people mentioned have made surfing not just a life style but a career..
This exhibition was about Durban. I’m working of a feature on one of the above. Watch this and other media space.
What a great story through the ages of surfing in Durban. I feel privileged to have grown up surfing New Pier.
https://www.beginnersurfgear.com/