Cronulla has always been a surfing town and the Esplanade walk is still one of its biggest attractions.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Carmelo Pesce, unveiled a series of interpretive signs at Elouera Beach on the weekend. They form part of a series along Bate Bay.
Topics include the National Surfing Reserve story, development of the surfboard and past champions in the Cronulla Surfing Walk of Fame.
Mayor Pesce said the community was rightly proud of its wonderful Bate Bay beaches and the rich history tied to the establishment of surfing as a sport in its own right, the founding of surf lifesaving and boardriding clubs and the development of young locals with big dreams who took on the world’s surfing best.
“This area of Australia is truly unique which was recognised in 2008 when Cronulla was declared as a National Surfing Reserve, acknowledging the role our community has played in developing Australian beach culture,'' he said.
“The Crown Reserve highlights a number of significant surfing sites within Bate Bay including Sand Shoes, Shark Island, Cronulla Point and Voodoo. Importantly it also acknowledges our community surf lifesaving/boardriders clubs and the fact that legend Duke Kahanamoku surfed our shores just over 100 years ago,” the Mayor said.
The event coincided with the 35 year anniversary of Elouera Boardriders Club, formed in 1980 and now at the top of its competitive game.
See more in the Leader.