1963 Beach Gangs

The antithesis of the surfies were the rockers (think black leather jackets, jeans and boots, greased hair and motorcycles). Ongoing brawls between surfies and rockers in the early 60’s were a major reason for a general lack of respect for the seemingly social misfits on both sides. Newspapers at the time sensationalised the stories but there was a certain truth in it, even in Newcastle.

This is doubtlessly part of the reason the Merewether surfers were encouraged and motivated to lift their much loved sport out of perceived undisciplined infancy and into a position that could earn some respect in the community.