SPORTS STAFF

• Published date: 28 September 2023
• Publication title: False Bay Echo

An iconic landmark on the Muizenberg landscape, The Corner Surf Shop, has had a long-standing relationship with the Echo since its establishment in the early 70s

Tessa Moore had been around the shop since August 1971 but in 1973, she joined the business full-time and is still there today, as Peter Wright’s right-hand woman.

The family and shop’s official historian, she has some fond memories to share, as published on the shop’s website.

Wright had resigned from his job at a Cape Town shipping company, intending to join “Chemical” Clive Barber at his surfboard factory. However, by the time Wright had said “cheers” to his desk job, Barber’s business had closed down.

Gap years were not an option at that time and being out of work was also rather suspect, so Wright set about building surfboards, for himself and friends, at his parents’ home in Kommetjie.

After a while, his parents rebelled and he was forced to look for somewhere else to build boards.

The little shop at No 1, Clarendon Lane was just big enough for a shaping bay and a glassing bay in the back, with a small retail area in front. It was a funky old teak-windowed shop, with lots of character and at the time, the only surf shop in all of Cape Town...