"Kong: The Life and Times of a Surfing Legend" is a surf book with the barreling life memoirs of the Australian champion Gary Elkerton.
Gary Elkerton is a synonym of power surfing. The Australian big wave rider born in Ballina, New South Wales, started surfing when he was only nine years old.
With Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew as lifelong mentor and friend, Elkerton improved his skills and began winning titles. He was crowned Australian Amateur surfing champion in 1984 and won two Triple Crown of Surfing title, in 1987 and 1989.
Gary Elkerton finished runner-up in the world pro surfing circuit, in 1987, 1990 and 1993. He is known for losing these titles in narrow disputes and controversial interferences in the final decisive heats. That is why Elkerton is known as "best surfer never to have won the world title".
"Kong", Elkerton's infamous nickname, was a party animal but never kept from winning relevant trophies. In 1989, Gary won the Pipeline Masters. In 2000, 2001 and 2003 he won the World Surfing Masters.
"Kong: The Life and Times of a Surfing Legend" is an eye-opening wild ride and a great Australian story.
