Rolf Aurness
| Rolf Aurness | |
|---|---|
| Surfing career | |
| Best year | 1970 |
| Major achievements | World Champion 1970 |
| Surfing specifications | |
| Stance | Goofy foot |
Rolf Aurness was born on February 18 1952 in Santa Monica, California. He won the World Surfing Championships in 1970. These were held at Johanna in Victoria, Australia.[1][2]
Surfing career
When he was nine Aurness suffered a skull fracture after falling from a tree. His father, reported to be an enthusiastic surfer, used surfing to help his son recover. He implemented a strict training regime of dawn sessions at beaches, long distance swimming and weekend beach trips, including the Hollister Ranch.[1]
Several times a year they visited Hawaii, renting accomodation on Mākaha beach.
Personal life
He was the son of Gunsmoke actor James Arness and nephew of Mission Impossible actor Peter Graves.[1][2]
In the decade following his championship Aurness fell out of surfing as his wife, mother and sister all died.[1][2] His wife died in 1978 from cancer, his mother Virginia (nee Chapman) died in 1976,and his sister Jenny Lee Aurness suicided on May 12, 1975.[3]
His half-brother Craig founded the stock photography agency Westlight and also was a photographer for National Geographic.[4]
His father, well known western and Gunsmoke actor James Arness, died on on June 3, 2011.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Kampion, Drew (December 2000) "Rolf Aurness Biography". Surf Line, Accessed June 5, 2011
- ^ a b c "Rolf Aurness Biography". www.worldchampionsofsurfing.com, Accessed June 5, 2011
- ^ "Jenny Lee Aurness". findagrave, Accessed March 15, 2010
- ^ Walker, David (December 16, 2004) "In Memoriam: Craig Aurness, 58". Photo District News, Accessed June 5, 2011.
- ^ "'Gunsmoke' star James Arness dies at 88". today.msnbc.com. June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
External links
- http://www.worldchampionsofsurfing.com
- http://www.surfline.com
- The Ranch www.surfline.com. Greg Heller, November 2000
category:World sports champions
{{bio-stub}}