Surfing fraternity mourns loss of adventurous pioneer

Alex de Vos
Tributes flowed yesterday for surfing pioneer and Rip Curl Pro co-founder Peter Troy, who died on Tuesday aged 69.
The surfing legend died at his home in Queensland’s Mudjimba Beach after suffering a blood clot.
The former Torquay resident is renowned for pioneering developments in surfing around the world.
Throughout the 1960s he travelled the globe in search of the worlds’ biggest waves before working as a historian with Surfing Australia.
In 2000 Mr Troy was honoured for his service to surfing with an Australian Sports Medal.
He was later inducted into Australian Surfing Hall of Fame before earning a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007.
Jan Juc surfing historian and friend Bob Smith said Mr Troy was an “inspiration” to young surfers.
“He loved surfing at Bells Beach and most people surfing round here would remember Peter,” Mr Smith said.
“He was a great big-wave surfer and probably the first surfer from Australia to travel the world on a surfing adventure.
“He was a great guy who loved to share his surfing stories with the world and will be sorely missed within the surfing community.”
Mr Smith said his friend’s last wish was to have some of his ashes sprinkled over Bells Beach.
“He loved it there.”
Surfing Australia’s Martin Grose also paid tribute to Mr Troy.
“The surfing family of Australia has lost a dear friend,” Mr Grose said.
“Peter was regarded as Australia’s first surf adventurer, travelling to all corners of the globe in search of waves – he was one of Australia’s true surfing legends.”
Troy is survived by wife Libby and step-children Andrew and Lisa Rufus.
A memorial service will be held at Bells Beach later this year.