IT'S ALL IN THE MIND I GUESS
He looks exactly like a pro-surfer should. Lean, neatly dressed and a telltale fluidity to his movements which mimic those in the water for which he is now so well known.
The hair, still wet, hints at a last-minute surf or shower (or both) while the picture is rounded out with our hero sporting the sensible coupling of shoes and socks.
Beside him stands a statuesque woman of impossible beauty and the duo take their place off to the side of the crowd who’ve gathered at an event named in his honour.
Old friends gather and dignitaries circle, but the pair seem right at ease on this fine West Australian afternoon, happy to be home after another year circling the globe.
I edge in closer for a quick chat and note a few greys sticking out from his stubble, which surprises a little, but at 42 years of age, Taj Burrow still looks as though he hasn’t a care in the world.
Ten short years ago, Taj handed over a trophy at this same event – Taj’s Small Fries – to the blonde-haired kid with the world at his feet and it appeared Jack Robinson had arrived.
“Jeez, he was, what…this big?” chuckles Burrow, holding out a hand waist high.
“Just all blonde hair and a cheeky
