Australia

Byron Bay

In 1770, the famous British navigator James Cook sailed past the easternmost tip of Australia and named it Byron Bay, honoring the explorer John Byron, grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. With its exceptional climate, agriculture and fishing flourished. Decades later, surfers were drawn to Byron Bay's ideal waves, transforming it into a surfing hotspot. As the surf culture grew, so did the demand for high-quality surfboards, many of which were crafted from locally harvested cedar, a resource central to the area's early economy.

Duke Kahanamoku

In 1915, the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, known as “the Duke,”
introduced surfing on his 10 ft cedar wooden surfboard in Australia.

A surfer from that time recalled: “He paddled through the surf, turned around, and paddled to the crest of a breaking wave. He caught the wave back to the beach, standing upright on his homemade wooden surfboard. Fantastic."

Byron Bay is nowadays the dream destination for many surfers,
but the Duke's first rides paved the way...

In the year 1967

In 1967, Byron Bay witnessed a landmark year for surfers!
It was the zenith of surf culture, as the perfect wave crashed upon its shores. The weather was impeccable, the waves extraordinary, and the true daredevils experienced the thrill of a lifetime!

Byron Bay

Nowadays

Byron Bay remains one of the most popular destinations for surfing, sunbathing, and relaxation. It attracts a vibrant and colorful mix of people from all over the world. Most backpackers traveling through Australia make a stop in Byron Bay to experience its stunning scenery and laid-back atmosphere.