the life and times of pioneer Australian surfer Tommy Walker 

Follow the life and times of Manly pioneer surfer Tommy Walker as we investigate some of the  early events and people who shaped Australia's favourite two pastimes, surfing and photography.

Osric B Notley's No 1 Kodak Camera

A book will be launched in 2025 that gives an in-depth view of this unique maritime story that is steeped in controversy, history, bravery, and heart break all of which paved the way for what we all enjoy today.

a little bit more
about Tommy

He was born in the same year as Hawaii's most loved son, surfer Duke Kahanamoku, however the story of Australia's "Surfboard King", Thomas Gordon Walker (Tommy), is mostly an unknown story, until now.

Fifteen years of evidence based research reveals surfing was indeed a pastime at Manly and South Steyne beaches not long after daylight swimming was allowed on public beaches. 

This particular Australian maritime story is 135 years in the making and begins with a couple of surfing photos taken in the first decade of a new century and finishes with a very surprising twist that continues to this very day.

Join me as we explore the bohemian life and extraordinary times of Thomas Gordon Walker who surfed the vanguard of change in an era that saw not only revolutions, wars, a depression and pandemic, but racism and societal upheaval all shaping a new Australia on the back of federation.

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1911-12 Photo of Tommy Walker doing a headstand at Yamba

Photo credit: Osric Notley

Tommy Walker surfing at Yamba wearing his Yamba Surf Life Saving Brigade one-piece swim suit.

Photo credit: Courtesy Port Of Yamba Historical Society

Yamba Surf Life Saving Brigade, circa 1913. Tommy Walker front row, second left. Osric Notley back row, first right

Photo credit: Courtesy Port Of Yamba Historical Society