When Worlds Collided: Scenes from the 1970 Johanna World Contest

In TSJ 29.2, author Phil Jarratt recounts the events surrounding the 1970 World Contest in Johanna, Australia—near Torquay and Bells Beach—where Nat Young, Gerry Lopez, Michael Peterson, Reno Abellira, Rolf Aurness, and other top surfers from around the world convened to determine a world champion. The town was not prepared for the arrival of the bohemian "professional" surfers and—amidst a dismal waiting period—mischief ensued.

Gathered here is a collection of footage from Tim Burstall's 1971 documentary of the event "Getting Back To Nothing," along with excerpts from the print story narrated by the writer.

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