Bra Boy: Surfer, fighter, larrikin

(Paperback)

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Description

To outsiders, Maroubra seemed like another world. It was Sydney's toughest beach, ruled by a tribe of tattooed surfers named the 'Bra Boys', already notorious for mixing mateship with mayhem. But to young Richie Vaculik, Maroubra Beach was his playground and the Bra Boys were like family. He'd grow up to become their Minister for Good Times and a central character in the Bra Boys' story as they became famous and infamous in equal measure. Richie's 'poor risk assessment' and fearlessness were legendary in the surf but also landed him in trouble with the law.

Bra Boy is Richie's account of those wild days, when fuelled by adrenalin and anarchy he took on monster waves, monster nights out and several levels of authority. It's also an account of how he turned his life around, took up mixed martial arts, was signed by the UFC and fought on the biggest card in the sport's history. Gripping, outrageous and hugely entertaining, it's a story told with Richie's trademark humour and an insight uncommon on the street. As his mate reckons, 'He's the only guy I know who gets punched in the head and gets smarter.'

Reviews

'His thoughts about the primal similarities between surfing and fighting are intriguing ("Walking out to the Octagon feels like you're on the end of the rope at Teahupoo") - at its best, this hugely enjoyable read comes off like a twisted, Aussie version of a Boys Own adventure.'
Inside Sport

Author Bio

Richie and fellow big wave surfer Mark Matthews were the stars of Garage Entertaiment's Fighting Fear, a documentary about their lives as Bra Boys, surfers and Richie's MMA career (Garage Entertainment were also the makers of the hit documentary Bra Boys). Richie is part of a weekly Foxsport UFC commentary team, and is also one of the three stars of the long-running Foxtel series The Crew, also produced by Garage Entertainment.