EP 62: Mark Richards - Newcastle Cup Contenders, Twin fin inspirations, The growth of the Championship Tour, Hawaii and Eddie Aikau, and Newcastle’s surf culture

Four-time World Champion and Newcastle native Mark Richards talks about his hometown’s strong surfing culture, how it produces so much high-level surf talent, and which tour surfers have looked best during their preparation for the upcoming Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona. He tells stories of his first trips to Hawaii during the “Bustin’ Down The Door” era, winning respect from the local surfers, and becoming friends with Eddie Aikau. He looks back at his legendary career, touching on his four World Titles, his insatiable must-win mentality, the massive growth of the tour from its early days, and how hard it was to stop competing. Finally, MR breaks down the inspirations for his infamous twin fin design, his passion for and career in shaping surfboards, and his family’s history of making boards and running surf shops.

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