Gwyn Haslock: A Local Newquay Legend

Sea Together launched a new art project about women’s surf history in 2020 and as of late can’t stop thinking about all the women who have pioneered new paths and new waves for women in the surf industry. Those who have helped to show us that we, all of us, are women’s surf history unfolding. And when we think of the history of women in surfing, we can’t help but think of Gwyn Haslock. Gwyn grew up in England and began surfing in the 60s on heavy, wooden Malibu boards. And she hasn’t stopped surfing since. Surfing has evolved and changed over the years, and yet you’ll still find Gwyn in the lineup, patiently waiting for her next wave.

1966 Tolacarne Beach, Newquay - Photo taken by Gwyn’s brother Bob Haslock

Photographer: Bob Haslock

How did you get into surfing and what was surfing culture like in England when you started?

Living in Cornwall I could swim from a very early age and in Newquay in the 1950s we went to Tolcarne beach. As a family, we surfed with the wooden belly boards like many others. In about 1963/64, the lifeguards and locals were starting to surf with Malibu boards (stand up boards). In 1965, following my older brother, I decided to try to stand up surfing. I borrowed a Malibu board from the beach owners. In those days, the boards were ten feet long and heavy. The lifeguard said, if you can't carry your board then you should not surf. So, I put it onto my head to carry. The culture was mainly men as they had more opportunities and most of the surfers were local and worked at beaches or surf shops. I was a shorthand typist working for the local Cornwall Council. I was 20 to 21 at this time.

Can you tell us a little bit about what it felt like to be a part of the documentary film, Chicks on Boards?

It was interesting to meet with Dorthe Eickelberg. She was a true professional and also her cameraman and soundman. Dorthe was very enthusiastic about surfing and surfed several times with me. Also, she brought over Christene Delanne, the first French lady surfer. It was also lovely to meet Christene and hear her surfing story. In 2018, I also went to the Berlin International Film Festival with Dorthe. For the first time I saw her very good film and it was interesting to hear and see the other lady surfers stories.

What about surfing and the ocean still draws you in after all these years in the water?

Just to see the formation of different waves and the feel of natural power being out in the swell. No wave is the same, they are all different, so it is a new challenge every time.

Can you describe your relationship to the sea?

A relationship with the sea is something I have always had since I was a child. I just love the feel of the sea water and the great feeling of nature all around.

Standing at Fistral beach Newquay - 2019 - Photo by Gwyn’s friend Paul Childs.

What kinds of adversity have you faced in the lineup (if any)? How has that adversity changed over time?

I had always been encouraged by my parents and brother in my surfing. In the lineup I have always respected my fellow surfers and I have had no real adversity from the men, only encouragement and advice. One always gets an individual who likes to bully others in the surf whether you are a woman or man. I try to surf away from people and not get involved with conflict. In fact, any conflict I have had is now in the present time merely because of the amount of surfers in the water whereas in the 1960s you had plenty of space.

Tolcarne beach, Newquay in 2005 - Photo by Gwyn’s friend Geof Tydeman

How do you perceive how women's surfing has evolved?

When I first started, there were just a few ladies but then again, not a lot of men surfed either. The sport has grown and grown.There are just as many lady surfers now as men, and a lot of the ladies are excellent surfers. Also surfwear caters more now for ladies. My early wetsuits were mainly for men, which was okay as it was best to try the different sizes on until one was good. Mind you sometimes I still buy mens wetsuits if I find that they fit better because I don't like tight fitting items to get in and out of.

What has surfing all these years taught you about your life that you’d like to share with other women in the global surf community?

With surfing one must respect the sea and its powers. It has taught me about one's own capabilities and also what one can achieve by practice and determination. Also take advice from people with better expertise and experience. Even at the age of 74, I am still learning and I like to listen to other people's knowledge before making a decision especially if it has to do with surfing conditions, tides and weather.

Towan Beach, Newquay in 2016 - Photo by Gwyn’s brother Bob Haslock

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