Legends of Surf 72 marks the 50^th anniversary of the legendary 1972 Australian Team. Tracing their competitive journey from the 1972 World Surfing Championships open men’s & open women’s only at San Diego, California in October to the big wave season in Hawaii in November & December. 

1972 witnessed the changeover from amateur competitions and the birth of new professional surfing events in Hawaii that would pave the way towards surfing professionalism.

The significance of the 1972 Australian Team comprising 21 surfers is that 14 of this legendary team have been inducted into the Surfing Australia Hall of Fame Awards, a statistic unlikely to be broken.

Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew AM was a 17-year-old junior at that time.

 “As a member of the 1972 Australian Team, I’m proud to be part of the Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition and its story on surf history and culture,” said Bartholomew the 1978 World Champion whose World Surfing Championship replica surfboards models will be on display. 

 “I’m honoured to have my boards on display that includes 1978 World Title design and the latest Free Ride model at the Exhibition. Looking forward to the opening at the iconic Bondi Pavilion.”

Organiser Andrew McKinnon a member of the 72 Team has collaborated with Curator Karen Neilsen and fellow Australian team member Rod Brooks to jointly bring this engaging story to life. 

The Exhibitions runs from Saturday 8^th October until Sunday 16^th October. Free admission.

Photos have been supplied by famous photographers of the times California’s Jeff Divine, Steve Wilkings, Drew Kampion, and personal photos from 72 Team member Mark Warren, Peter Townend, Anthony Hardwick, and Australian photographer Dick Hoole, Frank Pithers, and Mick Eyre.

Entry is free for the opening and admittance from 8^th – 16^th October but you must register via here.