Duke’s Day returns to Freshwater Beach
Duke’s Day returns to Freshwater Beach next weekend and we are thrilled to invite your club to be part of the fun.
A great day in the water is all set with a dedicated surf zone on Sat 10th. Freshie extends the welcome with local clubs hosting timeslots through the day to welcome all surfers in their discipline to join the surf zone. A day of inclusive participation, wear your team colours or fancy dress, bring your board and your Aloha vibes.
Duke’s Day will be running from 9-12 Jan 2025 to celebrate the ongoing connection between Freshwater and Hawaii that was brought to life by the friendship between Cecil Healey and Duke Kahanamoku. In honour of Duke’s inspirational surfing display held at Freshwater Beach during the summer of 1914-15 that popularised surfing in Australia and ignited the local surf industry.
A lively long weekend for all water-lovers to come together to surf, connect and care for the oceans. The Aloha spirit returns with many events, all listed on the on the 2025 events page but some highlights below https://www.dukesday.com/2025-events.html
Thursday 9th Opening Aloha
-
Opening Aloha night sponsored by Freshwater Brewery & Hawaiian Tourism, with live music and hula dancers to reignite our Aloha spirit. No charge but RSVP required.
Friday 10th connecting culture and ocean protection
-
Official Lei Draping Ceremony and Welcome to Country at the statue on the headland
-
Explore your creativity with a Blue Groper as inspiration in a workshop with scuba diver and artist, Sue Liu (discount of 10% when you use the “friends of” code BUDDY)
-
Join our fundraising for ocean protection with a spectacular evening line up with short films Belinda (Surfers for Climate) and Southern Blast (Surfrider) both with stunning surf footage and ideas for change, followed by interesting discussions on community impact with Gamay Rangers and Spot A Shark. Ticketed event at Harbord Diggers raising money for ocean protection.
Saturday 11th surf surf surf
-
Dawn photoshoot! There are a very few who have made it to all six dawn lineups, with FSLSC legend Peter Rowlands leading the field.
-
The day continues with market stalls on the grass, and in the water a dedicated Surf Zone with times for each surfing discipline, so bring your boards!
-
Join the feature event curated by long-term Duke’s Day friend and surf film director/ producer/ cinematographer Jack McCoy. Hosted at the new Bennetts Brooky ‘museum’ by Nick Carroll, this is an evening of Surf Cinematography legends sharing their footage and no doubt some incredible stories.
Sunday 12th movie matinee and drinks to wind down
-
Screening at Harbord Diggers, Aussie short film Ocean Is She a fictional story of teen surfers, followed by conversation with the director / producer Gabriella Maselli McGrail. The film includes a cameo by junior high-performance local surfer, Jaggar Philips, and is an afternoon for surfers and curious creatives of all ages. No charge but RSVP required.
-
Have you seen Waterman the Movie? Again screening at Harbord Diggers, this is an award-winning documentary about Duke Kahanamoku’s trailblazing lifetime achievements. Come along to the films and enjoy a wind-down drink afterwards.
Lots of exceptional times ahead!
Get your tickets so you don’t miss out https://www.dukesday.com/2025-events.html
Get your tickets so you don’t miss out https://www.dukesday.com/2025-events.html
