Historical information

This photo, part 1 of a 2 photo sequence taken by John Witzig, is of of Bob McTavish riding a very large waves (15'+) at Bells Beach on Easter Sunday (April 18th) 1965. This wave is thought to be the same one described by McTavish in his book as one of the biggest, most powerful waves he had ridden, almost resulting in his drowning after being washed down past the next headland at winki pop. Bells, Easter, 1965 is considered one of the biggest days that this break has been surfed. The surfer in the photograph, Bob McTavish would go on to become one of the most influential surfer/shapers in Australian during the next decade.

Significance

The extremely large waves experienced by surfers at Bells Beach on Easter Sunday 1965 is part of surfing folklore. The wave featured in this photograph is considered one of the largest ridden waves ever documented at Bells Beach.

Physical description

Large black and white (sepia toned) photo.
Part 1 of a 2 photo sequence taken by John Witzig of Bob McTavish riding a very big wave at Bells Beach. Photo is titled 'Bob McTavish Big Bells 1 - 1965', and signed and numbered by John Witzig (11/100).

Inscriptions & markings

Signed by John Witzig. Numbered 11 / 100