A book detailing Port Macquarie's more than 100 year links to wave riding and surfing has been launched.
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Keith McMullen's book Port Macquarie's History of Surfing has been snapped up since its launch at Saltwater Wine in mid-September.
The book contains over 70,000 words, hundreds of images and importantly details the depth and dynamic surfing's impact has had on Port Macquarie's psyche.
Mr McMullen says he's proud of the book, describing the feedback as "really good".
"It has been well-received," he said.
"We have three guest speakers at the launch with Jeff Chelman talking about his experiences as a surfer in the 1960s, while world-champion bodyboarder Damian King spoke about his era of some 20 years ago.
"The third speaker, Darren O'Rafferty, spoke about his time as a touring professional and his experiences as a surfing in the area.
"There was a great crowd on hand and it was a very interesting night."
An avid surfer through the 60s at Flynns Beach, Mr McMullen says the book shows the evolution and adaptations the surfing industry has undergone over the years.
He says it is not hard for the sport to reignite your interest in surfing.
"That's despite some of us no longer getting out on a board," he said.
"But we still consider ourselves as 'surfers'.
"When you consider that Port Macquarie is not known as hot spot for surfing - I mean even the waves aren't that great - yet we have produced five top line touring professionals.
"I don't know any other area in Australia that has produced per capita more touring professionals.
"We are punching well above our weight."
The author described the surfing community in Port Macquarie as alive and as having a phenomenal impact on the local community.
Mr McMullen's grandfather, Harry McLaren invented the surf ski in Port Macquarie in 1912.
"So I have a deep, personal involvement with surfing," he said.
Port Macquarie's History of Surfing is available from the Port Macquarie Surfing Museum on Horton Street and online by searching for www.keithmcmullen.net
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