Viscount Ted Deerhurst

As we slip quietly into another year perhaps we should spare a thought for for those who helped make surfing what it is today.

In the late 70's Ted Deerhrst burst onto the scene. Ted or to be correct Viscount "Ted" Deerhurst was the son of the Earl of Coventry. He was also determined to be the surfing world champion as well.

He had drive unlike anyone I had ever met, to this day he remains the most focussed person I have known.

Ted's total belief in his ability to become world champion coupled wth his "title" made him disliked by some, remember no one had self belief like him so he was perceived as a crazy rich kid.

In the late 70's Ted rented a room from my GF's Mother so I ate and talked with him most days, I even got to dine with the Earl himself and he was a really nice guy. I also wrote a magazine article about Ted for the British mag "Atlantic Surfer", some of the pic's are on this site. 

Ted moved on to chase his dream and in doing so entered the history books as Britains first professional surfer.

Sadly he died on Oahu, Hawaii in October 1997 having never acheived his goal.

I for one mourn his passing and remember fondly the man who lived his dream to the max. 

Thanks Ted.

wavejunkie