Australian surfers love an out-of-control rebel. Particularly if they surf exceedingly well. We admire their free spirited, devil-may-care approach to life; both in the water and on the land.They do things in their own way, on their own time, and by their own rules, and are often motivated by a raging fire that burns deep within their damaged psyche. Initially, they’re driven to prove themselves, but ultimately, they’re driven to destroy themselves. It’s not pretty, but we can’t look away.

It’s a rare and fascinating flame that draws them in. Predictably, there’s a never-ending supply of sycophantic acolytes who willingly keep that fire well stoked. I should know, I’m their biggest fan. I’ve known only a few of them, but those few I’ve known well. It’s from these close friendships that I’ve formed the ‘Dark Lineage’ theory and provide first- hand accounts of what I witnessed. This is the final chapter in the Dark Lineage series, which also features Bobby Brown, Kevin Brennan, Keith Paull, Michael Peterson and Joe Engel. To read the earlier chapters head to Tracks Premium ( click here) .

Shane Herring

I spent more time with Shane Herring, during his rapid ascendance and descendance, than any other member of this brilliant, but cursed, club of surfers. In late ’91, my brother, Greg, asked me to video one of his new Insight team riders surfing at Dee Why. To say I was blown away by Shane’s surfing would be an understatement. He was the most intense, precise, and muscular Australian power surfer I’d seen since Tom Carroll or Occy. He was super fit, flexible, and focused. Every time he got to his feet on his surfboard he looked like he was shaping up in a UFC match. Every turn he did was a fierce slice or searing ...