![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/10\/church-of-the-open-sky-198x300.jpg\")
It\u2019s these unconventional descriptions that are indicative of the book\u2019s title, which Young believes should be true for any surfer. <\/p>\n
The foreword of Church of the Open Sky is by Pulitzer Prize winning author William Finnegan, who claims Young could have been a reporter. <\/p>\n
Having had his name printed beneath his weekly column in the Sunday Telegraph for about nine years, Young has become affectionately known for his laid-back and witty writing style. <\/p>\n
The book explores the world of surfing, how and why it becomes cult-like for those involved and the big names responsible for its inception, including Miki Dora, George Greenough, Bob McTavish and Vinny Bryan. <\/p>\n
Young also speaks for the first time about the \u201cso-called feud\u201d between him and Bernard \u201cMidget\u201d Farrelly. <\/p>\n
\u201cI believe there is an obligation to embrace our history, to tell the real story of where we came from and to explain the ways surfing can be appreciated as something wholly apart from a traditional sport,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur heritage is unique and should come across clean and strong, to give an honest impression of what surfing really is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Great Escape Books will host Nat Young and Jock Serong at Strapper Surf, Aireys Inlet (83 Great Ocean Road) on October 12 at 7pm. <\/p>\n
The pair will discuss Nat\u2019s surfing life, as well as the friends, foes and heroes he\u2019s encountered along the way.<\/p>\n