Honours for surfers during Pro

Surfing WA will award four new life memberships next week as part of this year’s Margaret River Pro.

Dunsborough resident Bob Monkman will receive a life membership alongside Geraldton surfer Leon Norin and Yallingup’s Murray Smith.

The fourth life membership will be awarded to world champion surfer Taj Burrow.

Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane said life memberships were given to people who had made outstanding contributions to surfing over an extended period of time.

“In 50 years, only 20 have been awarded, ” he said.

“So these new inductees will join a growing chorus of those who have committed a significant part of there lives to surfing in WA.”

Murray moved to the South West in the 1960s to explore the region’s early surf breaks. He started working as a surfboard shaper and eventually opened his own business.

“I did a lot of sponsorships and helped a lot of young people teaching them how to shape and surf, ” he told the Times.

When he moved back to Perth, Murray often found himself back in the region and eventually returned to live in Yallingup about six years ago.

Murray said he was proud and happy to be receiving a life membership.

“It’s just one of those things you don’t expect, ” he said.

Monkman – who has lived in Dunsborough for 32 years – said he was honoured to be offered a life membership.

He said he was “bitten by the surfing bug” at age 13 and is still as in love with the sport today.

“The surf keeps me here, ” he said.

“It’s a beautiful area and a nice place to come home to.

“I travel a lot since I supposedly retired and I think it’s one of the best places in the world.”

Burrow owns a home in Yallingup and is still heavily involved in the South West surfing community, with events including the annual Small Fries surfing competition.