Like a baby duckling released into the wild, Deep Water made its first public outing amid the froth and bubble of the annual Easter surf contest at Bells Beach. The book was launched at Bomboras Café in Torquay on Wednesday, April 8, at a gala event presented by Coastalwatch. A rogues’ gallery of surfing personalities was in attendance, including legendary shapers Maurice Cole and Simon Anderson, media identities Sean Doherty, Reggae Ellis, Peter ‘Joli’ Wilson and Andrew ‘Shorty’ Buckley, as well as a host of local luminaries, including BJ Jones, Drew Ryan, Russell Graham, Bill Couch and Craig 'Crackers' Barker.
The highlight of the evening (aside from the free beer & pizzas) was a panel discussion featuring photographers Ted Grambeau and Jon Frank, surf explorer Timmy Turner, Rip Curl co-founder Doug ‘Claw’ Warbrick and yours truly. The discussion was hosted by Surfing World editor Adam Blakey and, although it strayed from the script, it seemed to entertain the crowd. Thanks to all who came along (particularly the Port Fairy contingent) and those behind the scenes, including Kim Sundell, Doug Lees, Phil Osborne and Alexandra Mayhew.
