Gwyn Haslock

One of the first women surfers in Britain Gwyn Haslock bought her first board in 1965/6  (aged 21) and surfed every weekend from then on. She had a car and drove from her home in Truro to Tolcarne in Newquay. Her first wave was caught on a 10ft board called Big Bertha.

Interview: Helen Munro Berry 19/03/12 Ref: AV4001

Full interview available in The First Wave Archive.

Surf spots

Themes

Timeline

Diving suits

Inspired to stand up

Busy surfer

Loving the sea

No leash – more control

Heavy boards

Wearing hats

Getting too fussy

Surfing banned

No ladies’ comp

Knee notches

Starting with bellyboards

One piece suit