If you think surfing is a rebellious pursuit for wild-eyed chancers… think again. For conservative superhero, Tony Abbott (Australian opposition leader) is amongst us.

Tony flicks the sluggo’s for a short arm and gets amongst it.

If you are holding on to the idea that surfing is some kind of rebellious pursuit for an unruly a tribe of wild-eyed chancers… think again. Surfing’s once gloriously tattered, alternative lifestyle image has been patched up, ironed over and starched to a stiff, even sheen by a sewing circle of enthusiastic new participants. Politicians are the latest squares to get in on the game. We’ve seen Obama and Garrett bodysurfing, Wayne Swan floating a mal, and now conservative superhero, Tony Abbott is among us.

South Coast photographer, Dean Dampney took these shots of Mr Abbott surfing at Mollymook for The Australian earlier this year. I asked what he learned about the federal opposition leader in the process.

What was your initial impression of Mr Abbott?

I’ve photographed him in the past so I’ve already got a pretty solid impression of him. I see him as a goanna. Most pollies seem to take on a reptilian appearance of one sort or another. This time ’round I was taken back by how close to my face the goanna was when he first introduced himself. He didn’t hiss, but he spoke loudly and his mouth moved to the words less than 20cm from mine. He talked of surfing…

“Ah, Mr Speaker, I had no prior knowledge Rudd was going right on that last wave, I absolve myself from any and all responsibility. Dropping in is not a policy we endorse, but I will say this Mr speaker, I don’t regret fading him one iota.“

Did he need encouragement to get in the water for the shoot?

He’d surfed twice that day and was up for a third sesh even though his “wetsuit was wet”. The surf was one foot but good for a learner. When we’d agreed on a location down the road I was struggling to keep up. While I was untangling key straps from my water housing wrist strap, trying to juggle camera’s and busted water housing triggers, Tony was suited up and half way out in a heart beat.

What sort of board does the Liberal leader ride?

A big fat mal.

“Let’s go surfin now, everybodies learning how, come on a safari with me…”

Describe his style….

Paddle legs apart, slouched upper back, determined stroke, slow to his feet, bad arm action, but a determined stance that took him as far as the three waves he caught allowed.

A conservative approach? Did he only go right?

It was a determined attack but one that entailed a noticeable amount of synergy with the ocean. His pursed lips and focused gaze left no room for idle thoughts.

Was their much surf talk? Did he take any interest in you?

I pointed him towards a slab that happened to be 8 foot and evil the next day or two. Needless to say he was a no show. Heard he was banging about Golfies. Didn’t really show any other interest in me personally at all. Got the impression that he figured he had me read: South Coast Surfer Bum come Photographer (pretty right).

It has been suggested that Mr Abbott may have taken up surfing so he could personally greet wayward boat people. Was he carrying a club?

No.

By Kirk Owers

Photos: Dean Dampney