Cronulla’s Emerald Surf City is the longest operating bodyboard shop in Australia and one of the first specific bodyboard specialists in the world.
The store opened in 1979 and is celebrating 40 years this year.
Started as a surfboard brand at Taren Point the Emerald label was born when the young underground sport was in its infancy, and now the specialty shop is relocating back to Taren Point.
The shop was originally started by Arnold and Kathy Cohen, and the company has grown in its niche market and is now primarily a bodyboard specialist store owned and operated by Des Govender and is the backbone of bodyboarding locally.
“Our new premises are double the size for half the rent,” Des said.
“Parking is always an issue in Cronulla.
“At our new Adventure Place outlet we have designated parking spots and we can have a bigger online presence.”
The shop has been a longtime supporter of the Shark Island Challenge among other events and has sponsored world champions and many top local Aussie riders.
Emerald Surf City is also the principal sponsor of the Cronulla Bodyboard Club which is the oldest running bodyboard club in the world and has been responsible for developing some of the world's best bodyboarders.
Andrew Lester, Adam “Wingnut” Smith, Shaun Pyne, Dave Ballard, Doug Robson, Nathan Purcell and many more athletes from the club have pursued a career on the world stage.
Emerald Surf City is strongly invested in the grassroots level of the sport, committed to the ongoing support of the Cronulla and Maroubra bodyboard clubs.
This involvement helps to provide a platform for participants of all ages and skill levels to have fun, progress their skills and most importantly, have a great time in the ocean.
The new aren Point/Adventure Place premises will be open on August 6.
