What was the original name of the Sydney company that eventually

How the beach became Australia's backyard

Chapter 1

The dawn of daylight bathing

Chapter 2

Guardians in red and yellow

Chapter 3

Riding the waves of innovation

Chapter 4

The coastal sandbox of play and slang

Ch 3 · Riding the waves of innovation

Simon Anderson's three-fin thruster

matilda Narrabeen surfer Simon Anderson designed the square-tailed board in October 1980 and proved its speed at Bells Beach in 1981.

Quiz

At which famous Australian surf spot did Simon Anderson win a 1981 contest, proving his three-fin design?

Quiz

What is the name of the revolutionary three-fin surfboard design invented by Simon Anderson in 1980?

An innovation spreads fastest when its creator chooses not to own it.

Speedo and the racerback

matilda This hydrodynamic design inspired the famous slogan Speed on in your Speedos.

Quiz

What was the original name of the Sydney company that eventually became Speedo?

Quiz

Which revolutionary Speedo swimsuit design challenged moral codes in 1928 by exposing the wearer's shoulders?

Fun Fact

Thruster power: Simon Anderson didn't patent his game-changing 'thruster' three-fin design, allowing shapers worldwide to copy it for free.

Quiz

In which Victorian coastal town were both Rip Curl and Quiksilver founded in 1969?

Quiz

Who founded the global surf brand Billabong on the Gold Coast in 1973?

Glossary

thruster (noun)
A surfboard configuration utilizing three fins to improve stability and maneuverability. In 1980, Australian surfer Simon Anderson created this setup, permanently transforming global wave-riding technology.

matilda Budgie Smugglers

Cuffed on Bondi Beach, showin' off those thighs, budgie smuggler's free!

Quiz

Why were men wearing the new Speedo swim briefs arrested at Bondi Beach in 1960?

Quiz

What is the humorous Australian slang term for the tight-fitting men's swim brief?

Gossip

Would you wear classic 'budgie smuggler' swim briefs to the beach?