Rolf Aurness

Background

His father, reported to be an enthusiastic surfer, used surfing to help his son recover.

Career

When he was nine Aurness suffered a skull fracture after falling from a tree. He implemented a strict training regime of dawn sessions at beaches, long distance swimming and weekend beach trips, including the Hollister Ranch. Several times a year they visited Hawaii, renting accommodation on Mākaha beach.

Achievements

• He won the 1970 World Surfing Championships held at Johanna in Victoria, Australia, beating Midget Farrelly in the finals. In the decade following his World Surfing Championship win Aurness fell out of surfing as his wife, mother and sister all died.