You should've been here yesterday No. 5: Midget Farrelly wins in 1964.

thewhale's, 'You should've been here yesterday' posts will be random regular reminders of what has gone before us in the wonderful world of water sliding...

This moment in surfing history should never be overlooked; it was the start of the World Surfing Championships. It was a one off contest held at Manley Beach, Sydney, Australia and attracted many of the great surfers of the day, including Nat Young, Joey Cable and the runner up Mike Doyle. Farrelly scored the better waves on the day and using his hot dogging style came out on top. There is no doubt that this was a seminal moment in surfing history. Midget Farrelly, we salute you! Incidentally, it was also the start of the Women's World Championships and the women's winner on the very same day was Phyllis O'Donnell.

Midget Farrelly is close to thewhale's heart. thewhale made the greatest progression in his surfing life while living at Manly Beach in Sydney's northern beaches on a Midget Farrelly board!