Tim Baker pre-reef dance at Lance's Rights : photo Eastway/Surfing World

Surf Writers

Phil Jarratt & Tim Baker hit Reality Bites Literary Festival

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 June, 2009 : - - Surfing writers Phil Jarratt and Tim Baker will appear at a Literary Lunch at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, on Sunday June 14, as part of the Reality Bites Literary Festival.  With over 50 years surf writing, some 20 books, and a couple of decades of surf magazine editing experience between them, Jarratt and Baker will tell tall tales and true from the surfing world.

From the early days of Tracks magazine at a ramshackle beach house overlooking Whale Beach in Sydney, to the madness of the modern Hawaiian surf season, these two writers have documented the evolution of Australian surfing from its counter culture roots  to the present day. Their most recent books chart the careers of two of the world’s most iconic surfers and have been national and international best sellers.

Jarratt’s biography of nine-time world champ Kelly Slater, “For The Love,” has sold well all over the world, giving unprecedented insight into the greatest surfer of our times. And Baker’s biography of ‘99 world champ Mark Occhilupo, “Occy,” was one of the best-selling sports titles in Australia in 2008.

From eating competitions at the Torquay pub and fisticuffs in Hawaii, to the dizzying world of modern surf stars and exotic travel, this feast of surf storytelling will have something for everyone.

“Jarratt is the godfather of Australian surf writing and one of my literary heroes, from the time I was a wide-eyed kid reading my older brother’s copies of Tracks,” says Baker. “It will be great to be on the bill with Phil and quiz him about the early days of Tracks and pro surfing, because he captured it all like no other, our own Hunter S. Thomspon,” says Baker.

“Few jokes, couple of dance routines, bit of swearing...give 'em their 40 bucks worth! 40 bucks is a bit steep for us, don't you think? I wouldn't pay that much for you, me and Westerly naked!” Jarratt commented, when quizzed about the gig. Westerly, of course, is the recently gender re-assigned surf legend, Peter Drouyn,  just one of the larger-then-life characters Jarratt and Baker will attempt to psycho-analyse in the course of what should prove a rather long lunch.

The luncheon costs $40 for a two course meal, with drinks at bar prices. Reality Bites is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Regional Council and celebrates the world of creative non-fiction.

Festival sessions are intended to be informal, relaxed and enjoyable, with dedicated time for your questions from the floor. Seating is provided on a 'first in best dressed' basis, so it is advisable to arrive in plenty of time to grab a seat up front. There will be time between sessions to purchase books for signing by the authors.

For bookings phone 07 5472 0107, or for more information go to: http://realitybitesfestival.blogspot.com

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Tim Baker

Writing - Surfersvillage