Celebrate the spirit of surfing

In the 1960's when surfing was in its infancy local photographer Bob Weeks was at the forefront of recording the developing character of local surfers and surfing.

Bob along with fellow photographer Jack Eden really put Cronulla on Australia's surfing map and their Black and White images are still today some of the most iconic in the nation's psyche.

Bob said his photo of the car in front of the Cronulla Milk Bar was one of his favourite lifestyle photos of the mateship of the early years of board riding in Cronulla.

"The old DeSoto in the photo was owned by John Gittens and I do not remember it without a load of boards on the racks" said Weeks when reflecting on this photograph.

"The photo was taken in Gerrale Street in 1962. Not every surfer could afford a car in those days so they relied on their mates with cars to carry their boards to different surfing spots" Weeks explained

Local photographers continue to capture the "Spirit of Surfing" in Cronulla, as the surfing community gets set to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Cronulla Beaches National Surfing Reserve.

The winners of both the Open and High School categories are eligible to win some great prizes including an action sports camera, accessories from Miggo as well as a Wavechaser SUP package and surfboards from Force 9 and JS Industries.

The top 5 photographers in each category will be invited to a gala celebration dinner, being held at Rydges, which will be opened by Cronulla MP Mark Speakman where Leader photographer John Veage will announce the winning images from the competition.

The function which is generously supported by Olsen's will be attended by representatives from local board riding clubs, Cronulla Surfing Walk of Fame inductees and community representatives.

For more details and to register, visit the Cronulla National Surfing Reserve Facebook page.