WA surfing pioneer Tony ‘Harbo’ Harbison (age 86) passed away Friday 28 March 2025.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Tony Harbison was a finalist in the Men’s Division of the first ever State Surfboard Riding Championships held at Yallingup in 1964 and is recognized by his peers as one of the original big wave surfers in WA. He was one of the earliest surfers to buy land in the South West and built and managed Hideaway Holiday Homes at Yallingup in the 1970s. Tony represented the State riding surfboards and towards the end of his board riding days, he transitioned to wave skis and won State and Australian Titles, at Open and Seniors levels. Tony was President of The West Australian Surf Riders Association (WASRA) 1976-1977 and is a Life Member of Surfing WA
Kevin Merifield. “Harbo was an absolute Legend in my book and one of the gutsiest surfers to have surfed down south. Also, a very handy mate to have on your side when the bikies invade Cave House. Along with Jim Keenan, Harbo is a real character and great storyteller especially talking about the good old days of surfing where the waves get bigger and bigger with every story and middy! Also a genuine water man with gutsy spear fishing days way off Cape Naturaliste in the early days with Jim Farrell and others, something you certainly wouldn’t consider now days. Harbo was also one of the first surfers to work behind the bar at Caves House and from memory Bar Manager for a while. Harbo and Jim Keenan started out with City of Perth Lifesaving Club both being good swimmers and lifelong mates.”
Images
1958 City of Perth SLSC. Bernie Huddle, Tony Harbison, Artie Taylor, Dave Williams, Colin Taylor, & Bruce ‘Moonshine’ Hill. Photo John Budge.
1973 Media story on Tony and his son Glen by Alan McIntosh RIP and photographer Rod Taylor.
1977 WASRA Team Manager Tony Harbison chatting with the media at state team departure from Trigg Point. Photo Ric Chan.
1980 Yal Mal Senior Finalists Kevin Merifield, Brian Cole, Rob Stevens, Dave Ellis, & Tony Harbison. Photo Mick Marlin.
2004 Tony Harbison contestant Yal Mal event Yallingup. Photo Loz Smith RIP.
2008 Kevin’s Merifield’s 70th at Millbrook Yallingup. L-R Ron Fussell, Dave Williams, Mark Pato Paterson, Jim Keenan, Cocko Killen, Kevin Merifield & Harbo. Photo courtesy Kevin Merifield.
2012 Tony Harbison & Kevin Merifield at Yallingup Small Fries Comp Photo Loz Smith RIP.
Rest in Peace Harbo.
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