Freshwater Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches is the starting point for surfing in Australia. Ironically just days after landing in Sydney Harbour, Governor Arthur Phillip explored the same area by foot.

The beach as Australian's are aware is an integral part of Australian Coastal life and leasure. Shorty after the turn of the century (1900) people began utilising the beach for relaxation and pleasure. A camp was established at Freshwater Beach which eventuated into the original Freshwater Surf Club.

Shortly after in 1915 a Hawaiian man by the name of Duke Kahanamoku entered the water at Freshwater Beach. His board comprised of a solid timber, built using the timber surrounding the camp formally know as Boomerang Camp.

He paddled out and caught some waves with his hand made timber plank. Much to the surprise of a local in awe of his magnificent grace and aquatic abilities the Duke called one Miss Isabel Letham and invited her to join him in catching swells at Freshwater Beach. At this point Miss Isabel Letham became the first Australian to surf in the conventional sense, subsequently Australia had been formally introduced to surfing in all its glory and the day marked the beginning of a new dimension in respect to aquatic engagement and leasure.

Duke Kahanamoku shared with Australians what soon became one of Australia's most enjoyed activities, over the past century it has evolved into an essential cultural activity for residents along the Australian coastline. Beginning at early age or late, surfers in Australia are and were blessed in 1915 by one of Surfing's great boardriders the Duke himself. Ever since the introduction of surfing to Australia people have enjoyed and respected the ocean surround our great land more than ever possible without the physical and emotional attachments that surfing provides.