Rest in Peace: Aussie Surf Legend Graham “Blackie” Black

Per a tribute from Andrew McKinnon for Surfing Queensland, Peter Blair remembered:

“He had cat like grace and smooth flowing style. When the 1966 Australian Titles were about to start where Graham was representing Queensland, I was surfing inside from Greenmount Point with a group from Victoria. Wayne Lynch was not famous yet but was simply brilliant in this session and very friendly. We were sitting together watching a set off the point when Blackie took off on his backhand absolutely ripped a nice wave. We both looked at each other with ‘how good was that!’ and I could tell he definitely recognized a fellow goofy superstar.”

Later, following his competitive surfing career, Blackie went on to become a surfboard glasser, working with some of the biggest shapers on the Gold Coast of the time. And by the sound of it, he and his longtime partner, Gail, always had an open-door policy at their home – ushering in a revolving door of groms coming to play ping pong with Blackie and share a cold drink.

But Blackie’s most iconic moment came in the water, and during a particular competition. McKinnon continued:

“Beyond doubt Grahams biggest contest achievement was at the 1969 Queensland State Titles at Snapper Rocks where he pulled off a huge upset win to defeat the defending QLD State Champion Peter Drouyn. This was during the transition period from longboards to the shortboard revolution. There was an A-frame peak in front of Little Marli Rocks inside Snapper offering both lefts & rights. However, Graham dominated the final with his fluent forehand and backhand style.”

Rest in peace, Graham Black.