Tributes flow for Tasmanian surfing legend Mick Lawrence who unexpectedly died on Wednesday

‘He became a bit of a godfather to a lot of young blokes’: Tasmanian surfing legend Mick Lawrence is being remembered for his generosity and passion.

Tasmanian veteran surfer Mick Lawrence at Clifton Beach. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Surfing pioneer, passionate environmentalist, father figure, valued friend.

Tributes have flowed for legendary Tasmanian surfing identity Mick Lawrence, an elder statesman of the waves whose passing on Wednesday has left a community in mourning.

Surfing Tasmania’s Shayne Clark remembered two Mick Lawrences – the young, free spirit who travelled the world in search of the perfect break, and later the “godfather” figure who went on to mentor a generation of Tasmanians in surfing, and in life.

“In the early years, I knew Mick from when he was surfing at some of the places I was,” Mr Clark said.

“But when his son Tim was killed in a tragic in a tragic accident in Marion Bay in 2017, myself and a couple of close friends got him involved in Surfing Tasmania, where he became president.

Tasmanian surfing legend Mick Lawrence. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Later he joined the Surfrider Foundation, using his core skills as in writing and filmmaking to work on their national campaigns.

“He also loved working with teenagers, especially those that might be off the rails a bit.

“He became a bit of a godfather to a lot of young blokes, and parents really appreciated his input.

“There are a lot of families that are feeling this loss.”

Richie Hassett remembered a man who generously gave his time and experience to develop the raw talent of Mr Hassett’s son, Noah.

Mr Hassett said Mr Lawrence would take Noah to the same remote surfing spots where he had taken his own son, Tim, at a similar age.

“Noah jumped at the opportunity to spend time with Mick on these adventures, and they formed a super-close bond,” Mr Hassett said.

“Mick was just one of those amazing mentors, and many young people in the community have benefited from having him in their life.”

And it was not only young men that benefited from Mr Lawrence’s homespun philosophy and wise counsel.

Budgies under the lip, Padang Padang 1982. Picture: Ian Stewart

World Grommet Champion for 1999, Dara Penfold, said Mr Lawrence had time for everybody, and was always willing to share a story or hard-won life lesson with those lucky enough to enter his orbit.

“Mick was a passionate, gentle man,” Ms Penfold said.

“His roots were in surfing, but his passion stretched so much greater.

“From the mountain he watched to rivers he paddled, to the ocean and communities he loved.

“He was full of laughs, wisdom, and quirkiness, and will be missed dearly.”

Stacey van Dongen, who succeeded Mr Lawrence as Surfing Tasmania president, remembered a man determined to ensure that girls and women in the state had an equal opportunity to participate in the sport.

Ms van Dongen said Mr Lawrence was a born wordsmith who used his writing documentary-making talents to educate the community about the wonders and precious beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness.

Mick Lawrence winning state titles at Eaglehawk Neck 1967. Picture: Adrian Lockhart.

Mr Lawrence, who first landed on the surfing scene in the 1960s when the sport was in its infancy and who later became state champion, was one of the early ‘discoverers’ of Shipstern Bluff as a surfing location in 1994.

As a film maker he made a documentary reflecting on his own life called Rogue Waves.

“Mick was a wise man, and his passing is a great loss for the surfing community in the state, and nationally,” she said.

“He was really a pioneer in identifying areas for wonderful surfing in the state, which had been hard to access for the average surfer.”

New board 1982.

Mr Lawrence’s love for the Tasmanian wilderness, and first-hand knowledge of its rugged South West region, were not lost on Par Avion tour manager Greg Wells.

Mr Wells said Mr Lawrence’s authentic nature and people skills endeared him to clients on the company’s multi-day tours of Melaleuca.

“Mick just had this great wealth of knowledge and understanding of the South West area, he was someone who engaged people pretty quickly,” Mr Wells said.

“He was such a good person to hang around with, and was just so mature and well-read.”

Par Avion managing director, Shannon Wells, said the surfing legend’s positive impact on visitors became apparent soon after he was hired.

“I noticed that every time one of his tours returned to the airport, all the passengers were still smiling,” Mr Wells said.

Mick Lawrence, who was 77, is survived by his wife, Robyn.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Tasmanian surfing legend Mick Lawrence who unexpectedly died on Wednesday