Who’s who in the surfing legend zoo
Hosted by Surfing World’s Vaughan Blakey and presented by Electric, this year the Byron Bay Surf Festival kicks off the Surf Legends Lounge, formerly the Surf Literature Lounge. Expect to meet some of the biggest legends and icons in surfing at this year’s talkshow-style evening. With big names, this legends lounge is set to fire off the party on this year’s festivities. We asked host Vaughan Blakey, editor of Surfing World, what to expect from the event and bring us up to speed on all things surf culture right now.
Q.1 Who’s the panel?
Stephanie Gilmore (pictured), Andrew Kidman, Creed Mctaggart, Bob McTavish and other special guests.
Q2. Who’s the crowd?
All welcome to come and enjoy the discussions with these Aussie legends!
Q3. What makes this event so special?
It’s all your favourite people in one place, talking about what matters most.
Q4. Where do you see the future of surf media going?
Surfing is beautiful and surf photography can’t be properly appreciated when flicking through websites. When a photo sits on your wall and you stare at it day after day, putting so much time and imagination and stoke into it… I mean that kind of inspiration becomes so deeply entrenched in your being. The printed image gives you time and that’s why I believe it will always have a place in surfing.
Q5. Surfing World is Australia’s longest-running publication. How have your team contributed to its success?
I’m so proud of what the mag has become in the past three years. Our team has a really good time putting Surfing World together and our only objective is to make mags that people get stoked out of their heads reading.
Q6. Best thing about the surf industry now?
People’s general attitudes within surfing are far more accepting and open minded than they’ve been in the past. I love the variety and freedom to ride what you want to ride, to express yourself in any way you choose, and the level of appreciation out there for choosing such a path.
Q7. How has the surf industry changed?
There have been so many changes both positive and negative. The web has obviously had a huge impact on the way surfing is delivered to the public. It’s had a huge effect on surf retail and even the humble old surf check is something you do from your lounge room now. The growth of surfing and the industry worldwide has been huge too and there are a lot of ethical and environmental issues that the surf industry needs to examine more closely and take responsibility for.
Opening night will be epic! | Thursday 22 February | Byron Bay Community Centre | 6pm Venue open with food, beers and tunes | 7pm Legends Lounge panel | Tix are presale $20, or on the door $30. Limited tickets available.
For more information please visit www.byronbaysurffestival.com.au
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
