Australian Invasion of the North Shore

The Australian Invasion of the North Shore in the 1970s was one of the most pivotal eras in surfing history. Young surfers from Australia and South Africa, including Shaun Tomson and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, brought new styles and shorter boards to Hawaii’s most famous waves. Their arrival clashed with Hawaiian traditions but ultimately transformed surfing worldwide.

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North Shore Surfing Before the Invasion

In the 1960s, the North Shore of Oʻahu was already the center of big-wave surfing. Surfers like Greg Noll and Eddie Aikau rode Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach on heavy, single-fin boards designed for survival rather than performance. Surfing was powerful but limited—focused on handling massive waves rather than pushing progressive maneuvers.

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Australians and South Africans Arrive

By the early 1970s, surfers from Australia and South Africa made their way to the North Shore. With smaller, lighter boards, they emphasized speed, turns, and radical lines on waves like Pipeline, Sunset, and Backdoor.

• Rabbit Bartholomew brought aggressive competition.

• Shaun Tomson pioneered a new barrel-riding style at Pipeline.

• Simon Anderson and others refined the shortboard approach.

This fresh energy sometimes clashed with Hawaiians, but it also set the stage for modern professional surfing.

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Shaun Tomson at Pipeline

No name defined the invasion more than Shaun Tomson. At Pipeline, he consistently rode deeper into barrels than anyone before him, proving that speed and positioning could conquer one of the world’s most dangerous waves. His success in contests and free surf sessions elevated the global reputation of the invasion and inspired future generations of surfers.

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Eddie Aikau’s Influence

Through it all, Eddie Aikau remained a central figure on the North Shore. As Waimea Bay’s first lifeguard and one of the island’s most respected surfers, Eddie protected visitors—including the brash Australians and South Africans—when wipeouts went wrong.

Eddie’s role was not only about saving lives but also about preserving Hawaiian surf culture. He insisted on respect in the lineup while still showing aloha, earning admiration from both locals and international surfers.

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Legacy of the Australian Invasion

The Australian Invasion of the North Shore left a permanent mark on surfing:

• Shortboard Revolution: New designs replaced heavy guns, making surfing faster and more dynamic.

• Pipeline Progression: Shaun Tomson’s tube-riding style became the gold standard.

• Professional Surfing: Rabbit Bartholomew and others pushed contests that evolved into today’s World Surf League.

• Cultural Exchange: Hawaiian legends like Eddie Aikau ensured respect and aloha balanced the competitive drive.

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Conclusion

The 1970s Australian Invasion of the North Shore was more than just a clash of surfing styles. It was the start of a new era. Shaun Tomson redefined Pipeline, Australians pushed progressive maneuvers, and Eddie Aikau stood as the guardian of Hawaiian surf culture.

The result was a surfing revolution that blended performance with tradition—and set the foundation for the modern sport we know today.

Want to know more? Check out the following documentary:

Watch: Bustin’ Down the Door

Want to see the story of the Australian Invasion of the North Shore brought to life? Check out the trailer for Bustin’ Down the Door, the acclaimed documentary featuring Shaun Tomson, Rabbit Bartholomew, and the surfers who changed Hawaii forever.