WA Surf Gallery: A Deep Dive into Western Australia's Surfing Legacy
Nestled within the scenic Aravina Estate winery in Yallingup, the WA Surf Gallery stands as a remarkable and unconventional museum dedicated to preserving the rich surfing heritage of Western Australia. Officially recognized as the State's first surfing museum, it opened its doors on December 2, 2017, through a collaborative effort involving Surfing WA, Aravina Estate, and the broader WA surfing community. Over the past nine years, countless enthusiasts have loaned or donated pivotal items, ensuring this collection thrives with authentic stories and memorabilia.
The Heart of the Gallery: Surf Historians and Their Mission
At the core of the WA Surf Gallery are three dedicated surf historians: Bill Gibson, Jim King, and Mick Marlin. Bill Gibson, a legendary surfboard shaper and lifetime member of multiple clubs, describes the gallery as a public treasure, emphasizing its unique focus on West Australian contributions. His personal collection of vintage boards, each with its own tale, highlights the evolution of surfing technology.
Jim King, motivated by a fear of losing this history, co-authored Surfing Down South and manages a website to archive these stories for the State Library. Mick Marlin, a photographer and founding member of the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club, has documented the "Malibu revival" and local legends, stressing the importance of preserving history before it fades away. Together, they work tirelessly to capture and share the narratives that define WA's surfing culture.
Exploring the Collection: From Balsa to Bell's
The gallery's design is user-friendly, with boards hanging from the roof to guide visitors through decades of surfing history, from the 1940s to the 2000s. Visitors can trace the technical transition from 16-foot "toothpick" boards to hollow plywood Okanuis from 1958, culminating in high-performance thrusters that put WA on the global surfing map. Bill Gibson points out the evolution of fins, from old D fins to twin fins and thrusters, showcasing the innovation in board design.
Among the exhibits are rare photographs and items like old wooden change rooms at Yallingup and surf film reels, which Mick Marlin notes were once the primary source of surfing knowledge before social media. The gallery also celebrates diversity, with a focus on women in surfing. Exhibitions like WA Women in Surfing highlight pioneers such as Jodie Cooper, whose 1987 Bell's Beach trophy is on display, and Flick Palmateer, whose broken big wave board from Hawaii symbolizes the courage of female surfers.
Crown Jewels and Unique Artifacts
The gallery's "crown jewels" include a circa 1968 Hawke Tracker, cherished by Bill Gibson, and Jennie Cordingley's 1958 plywood Okanui board, built by her husband and brother in Mosman Park. Quirky items like Johnny Budge's 1957 homemade balsa board from Boans department store and Alex "Alfy" Cater's early foil board from Hawaii add character to the collection, illustrating the experimental spirit of early surfers.
Location and Legacy: Surfing Meets Winemaking
The gallery's location at Aravina Estate reflects the historical intersection of surfing and winemaking in the 1970s, when surfers worked as grape pickers to support their passion. This synergy helped both industries evolve into world-class endeavors. In 2022, the WA Surf Gallery received the surf culture award at the Australian Surfing Awards, recognizing its role in capturing Australian surfing culture. Mark Lane, Surfing WA CEO, was also honored with the Peter Troy lifetime achievement award for his contributions.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Engagement
Today, the gallery continues to host exhibitions on professionals, amateurs, and surfers with disabilities, such as the 2018 Margaret River Pro exhibition and a 2022 kneeboard showcase. The team emphasizes storytelling through captions, social media, and videos, with Mick managing the Facebook page and Jim publishing weekly stories. Their work ensures that the history remains alive and accessible for future generations.
Fact File: The WA Surf Gallery is located at 61 Thornton Road, Yallingup, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free, with donations welcomed to support maintenance and new acquisitions.
