Royalty drops in for launch

Celebrating at the book launch are Shamik, Luke Wright, Chris Lane and Sol Carroll.

Members of Australian surfing royalty dropped in at Yaroomba gallery on Surfari just before Christmas.

More than 50 of the biggest names from the last three generations of Australia’s surf fraternity came together to celebrate the launch of local author and documentary-maker Andrew (AC) Crockett’s masterpiece Switch-Foot II.

This massive almanac of surfing history carries photographs, interviews and articles about many of the most influential figures of Australia’s surf culture.

Switch-Foot II, four years in production, is the sequel to iconic surfing bible Switch-Foot and is sure to take its place on the shelves of all serious wave riders.

The weighty tome, at 368 pages and with 90 contributors, starts out with an in-depth 20-page interview featuring Peter Troy, which in itself makes the book a must-have.

On Surfari co-owner Nigel Arnison was still on a high a week after the book launch buzzing from the star-power of the night’s guest list gathered at his gallery.

Apart from the book’s reclusive creator Andrew Crockett, free surfing legend Dave “Rasta” Rastovich was there to catch up with some of his many friends.

Another pioneer of the sport, Cooroy surfer and board shaper Tom Wegener also made an appearance.

Among his many achievements over a long career, Wegener is responsible in the last three years for re-introducing the traditional finless Polynesian Alaia board to a whole new generation of surfers.

Belinda Baggs, one of the world’s top female longboard riders and Jacob Stuth, supreme longboard noserider added to the luminaries in attendance.

But it was not just champions of the sport who made up the numbers on the night. Surf tragic and local ABC radio host John Stokes was there as well as the highly respected 1970s surf photographer Ian Boreland.

Libby Trickett was also spotted chilling out after her recent retirement from competitive swimming.

The night’s entertainment was led by Sol Carroll and OJ Newcomb of band Afro-Dizzi-Act and Chris Lane and Stu of Oka in an impromptu jam session.

A mix of friends and clients of gallery owners Nigel Arnison and Sally Ridyard added to the convivial pre-Christmas atmosphere of reminiscences and memories which went well into the morning hours.

Switch-Foot II creator Crockett praised the work of his old friend Arnison in the final shape of the long term project’s success.

“He was the glue which held the first Switch-Foot book together,” he said.

Arnison, meanwhile, said he had been honoured just to be part of it all and considered good enough to be included as one of the new book’s contributors.

Switch-Foot II is now available online at switch-foot.com or through the on Surfari website www.onsurfari.com.au or at the Yaroomba gallery.

More pictures page 18.