November 1979 Spring Surf Session 2 by Gary Gibbon

Gary Gibbon is a retired schoolteacher and an enthusiastic member of The Prevelly Penguins swimming group at Margaret River. He is now working as a Cave Guide in the region.

Formerly from Queensland he has lived & surfed in the Southwest since early ‘70s.

Gary Gibbon. “I’ve called this contribution 1979 Spring Sessions 2, because it happened very close to the last set of photos I sent you. So I guess by the time you publish it will be coming up close to 43 years to the day.“

November 1979 Spring Surf Session 2

A drop in swell combined with favourable offshore winds saw old mate Andy Jones and I having a day off together and deciding to check a nearby location known to produce some wedging right-handers, when on. Along with my camera and lenses, Fonzie and Karli, Andy’s dogs came along on the ride. Neither of us having access to a 4WD at the time, meant we had to park and walk in to the break along a scenic coastal track.

When we arrived we found we had the place to ourselves and I set up the camera to take some shots of Andy. After a while we were joined by a couple of friends, the two Dave’s: Dave Seward and Dave Hattrick, who were likely taking a break from making Pipelines Leg Ropes back then. There were plenty of waves on offer, with lots of thrills and the odd spill to be had. Eventually Andy came in and being familiar with my camera equipment, offered to take some shots of yours truly in the uncrowded and very clean conditions.