Last Surf At Sandshoes, Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach which the local surfers call "Sandshoes" is a little beach found just past the Point at South Cronulla. Nicknamed "Sandshoes" this little known reef break, in Cronulla, when the conditions are right, provides surfers a high quality right handed reef break. Suitable for more experienced riders and liked as it's ussually quiet and uncrowded. Always a danger are the shallow rocks, rips and sea urchins.
Garry Recalls: In the 1960's his good mate Terry "Tossle" Tumeth was one to discover it's world class swells of this reef break. However, due to not having a leg rope back then, Terry wore sandshoes when surfing, so as to protect his feet while retrieving his board. Hence, "Sandshoes" has become the name as to what the locals now call this reef!
Garry was born in Sydney where surfing is a national pastime (in his words). He spent all his leisure time as a youth on the beaches surfing. He was one of the pioneers of Malibu surfboard riding. Garry’s surfing ability was so good that he competed in numerous Australian and world surfing events. He was the first artist in Australia to do airbrushed paintings on surfboards. Most of his life he’s worked in the surfing industry form board building to wholesale & retail sales.
Today, Garry paints in his Sydney based studio. He uses a variety of mixed media but mostly favours the technique he used in “Cronulla Point Going Off” which is a combination of opaque and translucent watercolours. He’s still out actively surfing and many of his painting are inspired by the magic of the ocean and his love of riding waves.
Also try: Our Wooden Photo Frame 11x14", made of Victorian Ash Natural Oak wood, Perfectly sized to fit our "Surf Art Prints by Garry Birdsall". Elegant and contemporary