Surfing loses one of its gentlemen

I'm definitely not the best qualified person to write about Denis, but even without knowing him as closely as others, there's so much about this bloke to pay tribute to, it's easy for an outsider to do so.

Denis died today of a heart attack aged just 53. Here's the thing: you or I could live to 100 and if we wanted to match the good that Denis achieved in his lifetime, well, we'd better get cracking. He founded SAND, Surfers Against Nuclear Destruction, back in the '80s - and as the Nuclear threat mellowed, he kept the ball rolling by changing it to Surfers Against Nature's Destruction - long before the green movement became fashionable. In his time, Denis raised hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars for all manner of charities, and he did it all in the name of surfing.

Denis was a solicitor by profession, often representing numerous Burleigh ratbags on their various infringements, but over time channeled his lawyer's brain into other avenues such as surf coaching, sports management, education, surf camps, and a whole lot of surf travel. But no matter what path he'd head down, it'd seem he'd always be doing something for the benefit of those less fortunate than himself.

And, tell ya, he was fortunate. His life was enriched by easily being stoked. I reckon he appreciated every surf he ever had. You'd see him grovelling barely surfable North Burleigh beachies on his own, just for the sake of it. In the best ways he was just a big grommet, with a laugh that could startle you if you weren't ready for it. He'd make light work of the Burleigh sweep on his eight foot Dennis Pang gun, and ride with a nice style you could pick from the car park - knees a little closed in, back arm hooked out. When I'd see him out there I'd know my session was going to be lighter somehow.

Here's something Denis did at every opportunity. It's so basic but hardly anyone seems to do it. He simply introduced people to each other in the lineup. Denis knew a shitload of people, so if you were out there and hadn't met so-and-so, he'd make these formal introductions, talk you both up to each other, then leave you to it. Such a simple, positive thing to do. Typical Denis.

From Samoa to Straddie, Tally to Tonga, Sunset to Snapper, and from the Cove through to the Point.

We won't forget you fella.

Gra Murdoch