Bondi Beach Annual Surf Championships

Printer Mortons Limited

Date27 February 1926

Object number00016659

NamePoster

MediumLithograph

DimensionsOverall: 305 x 254 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Aussie Bronze

Terms

DescriptionThis illustrated poster advertising the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia's Annual Surf Championships was printed in 1925. Promotional posters such as this typically included details of the event including its location, price of tickets and activities. The poster also includes a prominent advertisement for Wills' Gold Flake cigarettes.HistoryThe earliest surf carnivals, originally called gymkhanas, were held at Manly, Bondi and North Steyne in New South Wales in 1908 as fundraisers for the Royal Life Saving Society. Surf Life Saving clubs formed around Australia from 1907 onwards, with carnivals held in the summer months as a way to test the skills of members and maintain their fitness for patrol and rescue work. Carnivals usually opened with the ceremonial march-past parade of competing teams wearing swimsuits in club colours marching with military precision while carrying club pennants and surf reels. Carnival events included surf races, alarm reel (belt race), surf relay (surf teams), rescue and resuscitation, as well as novelty events such as tug-of-war, pillow fights, catching the greasy pig, chariot and sack races.SignificanceThis program represents the colourful promotion of surf life saving carnivals in New South Wales at a time when surf life savers were idolised for their athleticism, heroism and community service.