Scott Dillon

Scott Brewster Dillon (born 19 August 1928) is an Australian surfer.

In 2004, Scott was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame as one of the original six legends of the Australian surfing industry.

Scott Dillon owns a former surf and shark museum near Coffs Harbor, New South Wales, called Legends Surf Museum.[1]

Early life

Father was Secretary-Treasurer of Bondi Surf Life Saving Club at Scott's birth. Scott at age 15 became a lifesaver with the club having spent every weekend at the beach with his parents. Rode and paddled a 16-foot-long hollow, timber surf ski then called 'toothpicks' in the era pre-Malibu solid balsa surf boards. At age 24 Scott departed for a ten-year overseas working holiday, lumber-jacking in Canada and Alaska and professional boxing televised in Canada and northern USA.

Bantam weight boxing career

Began boxing at Bondi SLSC boxing events. Australian Amateur Bantam Weight Champion 1952, when aged 24. won the main title for three consecutive years, narrowly missed competing in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. Continued boxing in Canada and northern USA on TV for five years.

Free diving and spear fishing

Began at Bondi in 1946 during the very early era of the sport, with Don Linklater, Andy Amstrong, Spud Murphy, Jack Murray and Vic Ley senior before the foundation of the Underwater Spear Fisherman's Association (in 1952). Later went professional spearfishing in Ceylon for 12 months.

Race car driver

Drove midgets and sedans at Sydney Show ground and speedways around Australia for eight years winning many major events including three NSW titles.[2] (Was sponsored by TV actor Ty Hardin who was working in Australia on a series).

Surfboard manufacturing

Began company Scott Dillon Surfboards at Brookvale making longboards in 1961. Other manufacturers starting at that time were Gordon Woods, Barry Bennett, Bill Wallace and Keyo. First boards were solid Malibu-style made of balsa wood which preceded foam boards. Continued until 1967 then went to Coffs Harbour and later established Legends Surf Museum.

Hawaii surf trips

Has attended major surf riding events Hawaii, France and UK since his first visit to Hawaii in 1963. Visits Hawaii every year since 1963.[3] First to surf Bare Island bombora (Botany Bay, Sydney) estimated wave height 10 meters in 1952.

Appearances in surf movies

Appearances are numerous and include all Australian made (long board) movies beginning in 1961.

References

  1. ↑ Legends Surf Museum, which was forced to close in 2011 when major highway reconstruction began.
  2. ↑ A-grade dirt midget speed car champion, New South Wales 1956
  3. ↑ Represented Australia at each Oahu surf championship 1963 to 1975
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