When the wave breaks there, don't be here: The story of Laurie Towner

By Marcus Thompson
Affectionately known as the ‘big three’ the surf industry’s biggest players Rip Curl (Torquay, Vic), Billabong (Gold Coast, Qld) Quiksilver (Torquay, Vic) all have their roots in Australia.
The companies grew from the back of cars and garages, servicing a small but growing surf population during the 1960s and early 1970s with clothes and surf hardware.
By the late 1970s surf culture had become a global phenomenon and the fascination surrounding surf culture led to unprecedented growth.
By the late 1990s the industry’s value was estimated at $10 billion.
Fast forward to the late naughties, the industry bubble was ready to burst. The global financial crisis of 2008, an over-saturation of surf culture in the marketplace and the rise of online retailers all contributed to the downfall. For core surfers the industry had lost its way. It was brought to its knees and is yet to recover.
As in most cases when industries fail, those who lose their jobs adapt their skill set and apply their tools to a new industry. But for the surfers whose job it was to surf to market the multi-billion dollar industry, the job openings were slim. There isn’t a big market for surfing critical, high-risk mountains of moving water outside the surf industry.
One surfer who was riding the wave and was plunged into the depths as the industry fell apart is Laurie Towner, regarded by many as the greatest big wave surfer on the planet. Laurie, like many former pro surfers works a trade and surfs between shifts.
Cover Image by Timothy Bonython
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[@mrimprovements]

Words to live by: appreciate every hour, be a father to your children, husband to your wife and the type of friend you'd like to have.

[@joemitchell639]

K

[@deleteyrself1]

K

[@jeffjeeves6337]

Surfing isn't a sport, it's an antidote to all the things in life that sometimes piss you off.You might have crappy job,a bashed up old car,and a board full of dings,but every now and then you experience the takeoff, the board comes alive,and you become earthed to some kind of current,the antidote........

[@ATMfromNJ]

jeff jeeves that current... crawls through the legs and plugs you into something... without name. If you've been there you know and the feeling is infinite yet leaves you hungry for more.

[@GeriDoc8]

I've been there hundreds of times. It's like nothing else in the world

[@laughteraddict1003]

Indeed

[@izzojoseph2]

Same reason I climb

[@tomandalbert]

The biggest thrill is being first out, in the biggest sets all to your self watching other surfer on the bluff chant and dance after you've been blown out of the tube to kick out and paddle back to the break. I sit and watch way outside knowing they won't make it through the soup. The Hook is just too big. Early '70 surfing the Santa Cruz 41st ave with Punch my Belgian Tervuren dog after Vietnam surfing on my AIPA like my hero Ben AIPA. Money can't buy hearing AIPA, AIPA, AIPA,.....

[@dutch1171]

4:42 right there is priceless... That my friends is why we become fathers and realise at the end of the day, money means nothing. Family is everything. Damn that brought a tear to my eye seeing that. What a great bloke.

[@valdo9482]

Preach brother!

[@hectorinnes6479]

dutch1171 G

[@73gmiller]

dutch1171 right on brother

[@justsomenerd8925]

Let me know how feeding a family on no money works out for you. Money isn't nothing, it just isn't the most important.

[@lisaschuster9187]

Money is nothing until you don’t have any. Come on!

[@MagicMalky]

i've known laurie since he was 13-14 he's always been a real good dude

[@nelsonlugo45]

Laurie has been my favorite surfer for so long that I can't even remember how long, and I'm 67 and started at age 9... my first memory of him is a photo of the boy at Ships, which is still on my wall next to autographed pix of Curren, Shaun, Rabbit, Owens, Propper, The Animal and others. This video is precious to me. Live long and prosper, brother. Aloha

[@AlexRiesco]

Nice story, Nelson! Greetings from a guy from...Lugo!

[@kanakahawaii6860]

"When the wave breaks here dont be there, or you're gonna get drilled." - Turtle

[@johnkirkhart4]

Yeah. No

[@johnkirkhart4]

Barney. But I'm not a barney. Brotha brotha kind

[@disturbedme101]

He doesn't even know hes joj

[@johnkirkhart4]

He so barney he doesnt even know he's barney

[@johnkirkhart4]

Down here we treat friends mo betta

[@nicelydone8017]

I have a lot of respect and admiration for this man. He lives a big wave surfer’s lifestyle, has an amazing family life, and yes that’s right: he works hard for a living too. All in all not too bad! He doesn’t really seem too busted up or bitter about not being a rich and famous pro. He seems grateful for his blessings. Great story.

[@75chrismccarthy]

A great example of the quote: "Whatever obstacle comes your way, you gotta be prepared to jump over it!" Well done bro...

[@selectsovereigntydefendlib9884]

His humility makes him that much more of a badass.

[@stuarthayward2220]

Mad surfing skills and appears to be a humble as well. Cheers mate!

[@larjkok1184]

Stuart Hayward Oh thank god he’s humble.

[@blostin]

What a fine guy! Beautiful family!

[@thesurfingviolinist]

This is so well edited. Well told. What an inspiring dude.

[@tricypher8565]

“Spectacularly-ly. ... It ended spectacular. Ly. .... It basically just blew up.”

[@MRxr400]

That’s some crazy surfing. Especially his paddle ins. Best of luck, may you live a long full life

[@illsayitsinceno-oneelsewil2721]

I'm a 55 year old surfer from Huntington beach. I've surfed all over the world YOU GUYS ARE NUTS!! Surfing a wave as oddball as that!!! Love to WATCH you do it though!!! Good for You!!! Keep on Surfing. Us old guys live vicariously thru you . THAT, is some Incredible athleticism#!!!!!

[@johnpullen5716]

I'm 52yrs brought up our home town Yamba Angourie our family left i was turning 16yrs old. moved to Burleigh Heads i started my plumbing apprenticeship but everytime the swell was on i was straight back home for it . Never missed plus earning big money working for big companies doing commercial jobs highrise. funding myself chasing waves everywhere for decades. Moved back turning 30yrs to home Yamba Angourie watching Laurie as a teenager already a full team rider. He is such a humble, grounded, gifted young man and his achievements in the big wave travelling free surfing career. he showed and delivered that he is definitely 1 of the best in the world in this chosen career. To hear that he got dropped and had his young family and loving partner that news i thought couldn't be true. unfortunately it was and i couldn't process this how Laurie's career with the name he had already built. they would end a contract drop 1 of the best in the world. and it's all over just like that we'll ive seen some clips on KZbin Laurie surfing now for Essential. and what shows you everything Laurie is was the clip him packing the family up. travelling Australia and Surfing many places ive spent decades travelling to . Watching him surfing many solid session's alone but the heartfelt moments. are Laurie out surfing with his wife and kids are priceless and fishing or free diving bringing in the dinner. A true waterman and devoted family man wish you all the best in the future plans Laurie.that life will provide you and your family with everything you deserve 🤙🤜🤛🍻🥂

[@sushimamba4281]

He seems like a good bloke with his head screwed on right. He can be thankful he was well paid to do what he loves for part of his life. Now he's gotta earn a living (like most of us) and enjoy surfing purely for the love it. That's not too bad an outcome.

[@Blunt3021]

Facts

[@AndreRMeyer]

+ Sushi Mamba "That's not too bad of an income"

[@thomasknight-wagener6630]

so in other words a tiler is a better surfer than the ones on contract and he does his part in his job and still finds time to hit the world's biggest waves

[@conspiraciesarejustgreatst2059]

Well, surfing doesn't have the ability to establish itself as a regular sport due to it relying solely on nature. So casual fans who have to travel to crazy locations to watch live contests won't spend the money, thus turning them off to surfing all together. There's also a very very small market for the professionals to become nationally recognized or world famous. In turn, they don't get to sell merchandise like jerseys, equipment or even boards. If they are able to create more man-made waves like Kelly Slater's ranch, surfing will grow amongst casuals cuz they know exactly where to go and the know that there's definitely gonna be surfable waves that are exciting. Hopefully a big wave tour style pool can be created so we can see guys charge waves over 20-30'. I know that's probably never gonna happen, at least in my lifetime, but theoretically it can be done

[@sloppyoppie]

As always my friend.

[@FishOutofWater00]

Robert Loblaw Big waves certainly take conditioning and commitment. JJF won the Eddie in all time conditions the same year he won the WSL championship so it's fair to say that the best big wave surfers are great surfers. Laurie Towner was in the wrong place at the wrong time in the surf "industry" but he survived the beatdown just fine. He has his head in the right place. The time he is spending with his daughter is priceless.

[@MetalProductions1996]

Beautiful surf, beautiful family, and beautiful attitude ... i wish the rest of the world could live and have such a great view twards life ... may god be with us all

[@shamusmurfett7136]

What a bloody legend! Wish there were more blokes like this getting it done.

[@kenmoore7195]

What a great ambassador for surfing In Australia. I started surfing in 1969 and now at 62 I still feel the Stoke however, like most things in life it is usually the good guys that get shafted. Shame about that . Just remember next time you are in a surf shop and are about to purchase a product make sure that it is one from a company that is ethical and not just chasing a buck ! Sad to see that surfing has become a "Business " with Bean Counters making the decisions.

[@lisaschuster9187]

What does “feel the Stoke” mean? Is it like being stoked? - a young American also 62.

[@lisaschuster9187]

“Chasing the big bucks” is the definition of a business, I’m afraid. :/

[@kenmoore7195]

Lisa Schuster The rush, that feeling you get when you really enjoy something.

[@redsammy7789]

started surfing in 69 also, looking back, chasing waves I missed several opportunities in life to make a lot of money, would do it all over again, I was and am rich in life thanks to surfing.

[@serinadelmar6012]

redsammy ♥️

[@larryslemp9698]

Man, that is one awesome guy!! Sincere compliments!!

[@edmccaffrey1]

Life is short and precious, good on ya mate!

[@ClaiomSolis]

Its always important to gain a trade skill when it comes to a sport.

[@lisaschuster9187]

Yeah. Think about young girls modeling. The work pays you for being young while doing nothing to prepare you for life.

[@killereverb3928]

This guy is an inspiration. Winning attitude and he knows what's most important - family.

[@MisterstereoOso]

Great vid, legend who has lived it, paid his dues, & now is grounded with a beautiful family , dude did good ! Bless ya !

[@rodtemplar258]

great story

[@7sunnycrest]

always admired Laurie for his unnerving commitment

[@deemiller943]

wow, have surfed since 1974...these guys are way more comitted...and talented then I have ever been... let's support them...

[@KandMe1]

This is a really Cool story. Good to hear Laurie talk about his experience and the love for surfing comes through. Oh yeah I should add the footage on this vid the waves are just glorious raw power and grace. thank you for this.

[@surffrothdelivery2654]

i've known laurie since we were kids. that nice guy he comes across as is spot on complete legend

[@rodneycaupp5962]

The biggest wave I was ever on, made our 400 foot long Destroyer behave like a submarine. We were already taking water and believed to be going down. Three decks up, the bridge was flooded. If you want to see some waves, you gotta be up against the outer wall of an F5 Hurricane..... In theory the highest peak a wave can reach is a 150 feet. We surfed that one on a broken ship. After three days, we managed to pound our way into the eye, and lived to tell about the "walk on walls". This video was a beauty of a different kind. You dudes keep it up, we'll keep watching.

[@cristinafultz4572]

"Never tell people this" Proceeds to tell everyone. I don't understand how this guy's not making money surfing. But until then, welcome to the grind. It's not so bad ,besbesides it definitely helps you appreciate the things in life you really love. Unless that is getting paid to surf. Best of luck to you , peace

[@bfnew4440]

Surf brands are a business. If you're working for them and not making them money, you're shown the door. I'm glad this bloke is doing well now.

[@jamesbadham228]

Laurie's a cool dude. Respect for standing by his commitments and responsibilities to himself and his family through what had to be heavily stressful times. Came out the other end smiling and happier, it seems, than a lot of the aggro surf rats you see in the water with stickers on their boards.

[@prunejuice3796]

What a legend!

[@glywnniswells9480]

Well done for taking real humble job ...tilers and tradesman of all kinds do alot more for society than any actor or billionaire.

[@SJUCityBoy]

My respect to you, sir. It takes a unique type of person to do this sport. The type of person with balls of steel, man or woman. Even though I grew up by the ocean, I knew I didn't have it in me. Kudos!

[@Glanduse]

Would much rather watch guys like Laurie do their thing than support the direction WSL is taking the sport.

[@shanedennis1136]

Reminds me of this girl shes an absolute legend. We call her 3 story laurie. Jumped off the 3rd floor cause she thought the cops came to a house party when we were all underage....anyway shattered both ankles killed the vibe of the party. Shes a legend tho 3 story laurie

[@rhonduh]

Dude he is amazing! Prayers to him and his family to continue to be happy and do whatever it is that makes them happy 😉

[@jarrodhill9149]

What a gentleman!!

[@ghmods102]

so much positivity from this guy

[@richardgrant9367]

Your a real waterman and a gentleman 🤙🏽

[@jayc4880]

Laurie is one cool dude. Such a good man.

[@MoonbeamBear61]

Laurie is my fave. What a guy...

[@Arrica101]

I think what a lot of people forget is that sports are an entertainment industry. If they can't make money from entertaining people then you aren't gonna get paid, simple as that. Sure selling shirts and shorts etc helps but at the end of the day it's an entertainment industry, and you are your own product. But dude seems super humble and I'm glad he never just fell of the bandwagon and let life get him down

[@NickoOutBush]

Such a great role model, too.

[@vincentharley2116]

No money can pay for the price of getting spat out of a huge barrel! Legend for recognition! From west oz underground :)

[@lisaschuster9187]

Hey, I’ve never done more than body surfing, but I would spend whole long afternoons “down Maine” just jumping over waves at that spot before they begin to break. Heaven. Bliss. Endless youth.

[@roymoneyhun2838]

Good on ya, Laurie. Hope you're doing well. All the best you and your family.

[@clarkewi]

Great surfer. Really stepped out.

[@BaldwinBay]

Always good to develop a few skills in life. But never give up following your dream.

[@DD-eb1bi]

This guys freaking awesome!

[@aarontillery26]

as a father my dream would to be on a surf board with my daughters in warm water.. We live in northern cali.. jealous..

[@lisaschuster9187]

I grew up in Maine, and once you’re numb, the water feels fine! 🤗

[@patrickhedman4489]

What a legend!! He should get a million dollar a wave!!! Especially those waves he's surfing!!!WOW!!! Woooohoooooo

[@brucelee-wo5ge]

Excellent profile of a damn fine human being!

[@whitecloud3356]

Super mad respect 🙏 🎉

[@e3dave744]

Wow,, cloudbreak is beautiful .

[@berniehiggins3537]

Best commercial ever!

[@Old_Sod]

Love the Northshore reference in the title of the video

[@noahgalicia2638]

Face Plant yeah!!😂

[@ATMfromNJ]

Turtle!

[@kreepykrawly8866]

Great vid

[@nanoloopbandit]

Some of the greatest surfers I’ve seen in my life were guys who did it just for the fun of it, never got paid a cent, some never even bothered to compete. Just for the thrill

[@tomgrove8491]

What a lovely bloke

[@pigdapug5417]

Im a 12 year old girl and it is my dream to surf a wave like this. My parents ont let me but ivd been wishing for so long that when im 16 im aloud to!

[@paddyobrien1643]

Go get em!

[@clarkewi]

Hell man extraordinaire.

[@upsidedahead]

If i won the Lotto I'd sponsor Laurie immediately, no questions. He's one of the best surfers in the world. It ain't right that he has no surf industry backing, after all he's done for the sport. Fucking LEGEND !!!

[@patrickbutler87]

Legend.

[@jerygregorson4861]

That last wave is crazy, and in figi!. Perfect glassy huge swell and he sits in that huge barrel like it's nothing.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Yes, "you figure things out when you're older" and you learn there are important things to live for, like family! I used to heli-ski when it first started, and even today, I marvel that I was never caught in an avalanche -- lucky indeed! And I used to dive but I never courted danger, I've seen too many lives lost to not value my own! I knew my limits and did not press them. I don't know if I'd dive today, with so many sharks coming in close due to the slight elevation of ocean temps, and I never pressed my luck going deeper than I knew was safe. It's easy to get caught in the moment, but you look at your fathometer and say OMG I better go up, gradually! I never went more than a few feet into a cave and I wouldn't go unless the tide was going out. There's just too many phenomena that can happen at a second's notice. I did some very daring things when young that I wouldn't chance for anything now, like bungee jump! And certainly not in the dark anywhere!

[@lisaschuster9187]

Sound like you’re ready to try wind surfing in a wing suit haha! I’ve always been a total coward, and I’d rather have been like you - the happy medium. 😊

[@s.roberts3839]

Wooooooooooooooooooo yeahhhh man🤘👍🇦🇺

[@greje656]

Super humble guy

[@sirql8]

good on you, mate.

[@rumbledrumskin4654]

pls can you tell me the track title of that g-up drum song played @ 7.30 ???

[@OldManPaxusYT]

Hahahah that first minute sounds _exactly_ like me when _I_ was 14!!!! Paddling out to Margarate River when I was that young and seeing only grizzled older _men_ out there in the line-up!

[@chrisor187]

he has a very good soul!

[@adambamf9365]

1:38 thats pure charge

[@stoneworx09]

without mentioning any names , for a long time and today just the same , it helps having your rich parents support to stay on the tour .

[@micpotato8158]

Top bloke ..enough said

[@rodneysanders5092]

Man I’d live to see him on a big wave agin

[@dlvox5222]

Nice video. I am friends with quite a few athletes as is my son in many different sports (baseball, golf, basketball, etc.). It’s very rare to be in a position to monetize/establish a career in any sport. It’s a combination of luck and timing (mainly because at that level everyone is talented).

[@KNIGHT-T1ME]

Legend

[@petrektek1385]

Good guy!

[@realbudgiesmugglertwohatsb2611]

Reminds me of Greg Long a really cool human being all good energy to you Laurie...

[@st3rling60]

wowzersss

[@73gmiller]

My worst wipeout was a backside cover up, deep. I saw my line, went high on the wave. It sucked me up and over, slamming me on the shallow bottom. I'm surprised I didn't break my neck.

[@groundcrew9066]

1:42 OMG!!

[@grantsewell782]

Good Aussie Legend full on

[@consciousobserver629]

Whenever I see footage that looks like 0:34 I get nervous. Lol

[@solsurfer1558]

🙏

[@johnthompson9440]

Good Story

[@bigearedmouse17]

If Surfers copyrighted their performance in some way, ie, "If you film me you pay me" Would that mean they would not need sponsorship ?

[@hudmaughan]

Yeah Loz!

[@120wphwavesperhour4]

Mullaghmore in Ireland has waves just as epic...

[@lisaschuster9187]

But... gotta have sun...... 😄

[@120wphwavesperhour4]

@@lisaschuster9187 us Irish get sunburnt 😂😂😂

[@hoezpetty3465]

It’s 3AM why am I watching this

[@bringingtherukas7473]

like Australian CD prices they overcharged for a product and there customers went somewhere else

[@olivierbolton8683]

Good luck mate...

[@lamontdj3968]

What a humble guy ... actually tiling is a pretty cool occupation and you are creating something for someone. Maybe his motto could be "Go hard AND go home" ...

[@scottvanderlinden118]

Champion

[@Galemor1]

Came here to learn about the dangers of waves... That's not the kind of wave I was thinking about.

[@jilliannewell8731]

Who else thought this was gonna be a tragic crash story not a bunch of surfers whining they aren’t paid as much anymore