In the early to mid-60s swells refracted off the rocks at the North Mole in North Fremantle and produced novelty lefts over the sandy bottom. The surf break worked in solid winter swells and was sheltered from the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ (southwest winds) by the rock groyne.
Around 1968, the Fremantle Port Authority constructed a new rock breakwater at Port Beach. This new groyne created a man-made surf break at Sand Tracks Beach, offering sheltered surf with both rights and lefts during larger swells in southwest winds. Unfortunately, during the land reclamation process, surfers lost access to the novelty waves at the North Mole surf break.
The North Mole surf break is no more!
‘All the king’s horses and all the king’s men. Couldn’t put Humpty together again.’ Humpty Dumpty nursey rhyme.
Google map showing location of North Fremantle’s North Mole and Sand Tracks after land reclamation.
North Mole surf pics
1966 City Beach junior Bruce King surfing the North Mole. Photo by the late Trevor Burslem.
1966 Steve ‘Sheepdog’ Cockburn surfing the North Mole. Photo by the late Trevor Burslem.
The 1967 WASRA Program cover featured an image of 1966 State Open Mens Champion Murray Smith nose riding at the North Mole.
1967 Program cover WASRA Fourth State Surf Riding Championships held at Yallingup. Program designed by the late Trevor Burslem.
In 1967 the City Beach Surf Riders Club presented Bruce King with a Certificate for his second place in the Junior Division of a Cordingley Trophy intra-club contest held at the North Mole. The Certificate is signed by the late Trevor Burslem (President) and late Kevin O’Dwyer (Secretary).
1967 Bruce’s Certificate for intra-club contest held at the North Mole. Image courtesy City Beach Surf Riders Club.
Related Content
Fremantle Port’s Early History – North Mole construction ca. 1896
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