In the early 1960s, as surfboard riding gained popularity on metro beaches, conflicts began to emerge between surfers and swimmers. Local authorities deemed loose surfboards dangerous to swimmers and consequently imposed bans on surfboard riding on well-frequented metro beaches.
In response to these growing tensions and the need for representation, the WA Surf Riders Association (WASRA) was established in 1963/64, aiming to advocate for surfers and address various beach-related issues.
Local authorities hired beach inspectors to seize surfboards from surfers who violated Council by-laws.
Due to council restrictions, City Beach surfboard riders were prohibited from surfing within a few hundred meters of the waves off the main groyne.
In 1963, the City Beach Surf Riders Club sought and received approval from the Perth City Council to surf the groyne area at night (under a light at the end of the groyne which operated to 1 am) and again at first light in the morning until 6am, when swimmers arrived.
Keen surfers would sleep on the beach in sleeping bags between overnight surfs.
This arrangement successfully resolved the conflicts between swimmers and surfboard riders. However, disputes between fishermen and surfers continued, as both groups desired to use the area around the light at the end of the groyne.
1967 The late Howard Johnson surfing the prohibited City Beach groyne waves mid-week while the Beach Inspector was off duty. Photo Jim King
1973-74 City of Perth Beach Inspector the late John Harbison (Tony Harbison’s younger brother) herding a topless girl off the beach and enforcing Council by-laws. Media image courtesy Harbison family.
Night surfing offered a partial workaround to Council restrictions, presenting a creative solution for surfing at City Beach groyne.
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