If you love the underdog, surfing and happy endings, then Occy satisfies on all counts. Co-author Tim Baker takes you on the rollercoaster journey of Occy’s life from a cheeky surfing prodigy at 16, ranked number three in the world at 17, to winner of the prestigious Pipeline Masters at 19. But by 22, the powerful goofyfooter’s talent for radical surfing was overwhelmed by a spiralling drug addiction, manic mood swings and career burnout that saw him quit. However, he eventually overcame depression and fitness issues to re-qualify in 1996 and by 1997 was runner-up to the seemingly invincible Kelly Slater. Finally, in 1999, aged 33, he won the coveted world title. Baker is a respected surf writer whose background includes editing Tracks and Surfing Life and co-writing the excellent biography of Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, the former larrikin surf champion, now head of the Association of Surfing Professionals. Baker’s done a good, workman-like job with Occy, he pulls no punches, allows his subject to speak his mind and has produced an interesting insight to a muchloved surfing personality. Occy is an accessible read, includes some excellent photographs and will find its strongest audience with youngish males who live, breathe and eat surfing. (See interview, page 44.)

Alison Aprhys is a freelance surf journalist and photographer

Tags: mark occhilupo & tim baker