The Northern Beaches is known for a lot of great things (yes, we’re biased), but top of the list is being synonymous with surfing partially thanks to Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku gracing our shores over a century ago.

His dazzling demonstrations of wave-riding techniques at Freshwater Beach in the Summer of 1914/15 are credited with popularising the sport of surfing not only here but across Australia.

Thanks to this visit and what transpired, Council has worked with Heritage NSW to acknowledge and celebrate this momentous visit in our history with the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at Freshwater Surf Lifesaving Club this week. 

The NSW Government’s Blue Plaques program aims to capture public interest and fascinating people, events and places which form the story of NSW. It is inspired by the famous London Blue Plaques program which originally started in 1866, and similar programs around the world.

In addition, Freshwater Beach, along with Manly Beach has been recognised as a World Surfing Reserve. The honour being awarded by the not-for-profit Save The Waves Coalition which strives to protect outstanding surf breaks and surrounding areas around the world.

Freshwater was dedicated in March 2012, being the third place in the world to be given this accolade. Today, the list has grown to 11 locations (with one more pending designation).

If you want to be part of history and catch a great wave as the Duke did, head down to Freshwater Beach, and while you’re there check out the plaque.