Outside by Larry Blair

‘Mum once admitted that the only time she thought I was truly safe was when I was out in the water, beyond the breaking waves, in the tranquillity of “The Outside” . . .’

Larry Blair shot to fame at just 19, coming from nowhere to take out the biggest ever cash prize in surfing. The outsider from Australia backed it up by winning Hawaii’s revered Pipeline Masters at the world’s deadliest wave, twice. In an instant, he was a household name, transcending sport to become an actor, model and personality.

But Larry was harbouring a deadly family secret.

His dad, ‘Baldy’ Blair, was a bank robber; his mum, Patricia, was a beautiful jewel thief who regularly hosted all-star gatherings of underworld personalities, dreaming up their next heist from the comfort of the family home.

A record-breaking armed robbery and a brutal murder led to the family seeing the notorious ‘Toe Cutters’ gang – climbing out of motel windows, escaping from planes and hiding out in desert caves. In the aftermath of the vicious gang war that followed, and tired of the family arm tussling for control of his future, the teenage Larry decided he wanted out. His exit plan- a very long surf trip and a dangerous journey of self-discovery into some of the most exotic, forbidding places on earth.

Written with long-time friend and surfing partner Jeremy Goring, The Outside is Larry Blair’s extraordinary story of overcoming impossible odds, and harnessing a deep love of the ocean, to find peace, community and a new beginning.

About the Author: After the events in this book, Larry Blair left the acting and pro surfing worlds and became a professional chef and providore of fine seafood. When Canggu, the bustling resort town in Bali had just two cafes on the beach, Larry met the daughter of the owner of the better one and he is still married to her today. They have two brilliant young children. He has kept out of trouble between Indonesia and the NSW North Coast ever since, apart from when he’s being chased by sharks.

30 Jul 2024
 

The Outside: Cheating death, chasing waves and growing up in one of Australia’s most notorious crime families by Larry Blair ISBN 9781761345005