Surfing the waves of giving

HE’S the co-founder of one of Byron Bay’s most famous surf labels, so it’s fitting that the first fundraising event for local charity Liberation Larder since John Morgan became president is a screening of a classic surfing film.

The special event screening of the rescanned and remastered The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun, which was first released in 1970, will be held at Byron Theatre on Friday March 14.

Morgan had only been in the role a short time when old friend, California-born surfboard shaper and filmmaker George Greenborough, offered use of his famous movie.

“I didn’t choose it, it chose us,” Morgan said. “It was quite fitting.”

Morgan, who founded Maddog with surfboard shaper Mark Plater, was still a Brisbane schoolboy when the film was released.

“It’s pretty cool because it’s got a lot of surfing footage from around here and Lennox Head, as well as California,” he said.

“It’s got stuff about the beginnings of the shortboard revolution which is of particular interest to a lot of surfers, especially around here, because of the nostalgia people are into now. A lot of people are riding old-style longboards.

“The Pass and Wategos lend themselves to that sort of surfing because of their long point breaks and cruisy waves.”

The movie features many legends of the era, including Bob McTavish, Gary Keyes, Chris Brock, Russell Hughes, Ted Spencer and “Baddy” Treloar.

Morgan became involved with food rescue organisation Liberation Larder after retiring in 2016 and loves helping local people in need, some of whom are guys he used to surf with when he was in his 20s.

“I have been pretty fortunate with what I did so it doesn’t hurt to kick the tin a little bit,” he said. “It’s a pretty amazing organisation – we have about 45 volunteers but they punch above their weight in the work they do for the homeless community.”

For more information or tickets, head to byroncentre.com.au/theatre-events