Affectionately known as Magoo and believed to be the oldest
competitive surfer in the world, Bondi legend Barry McGuigan has died,
aged 85.
Regarded as one of the true pioneers of modern surfing, Mr McGuigan
was still competing this year, and was recognised as the oldest
competitor at the Noosa Festival of Surfing in July.He also competed at the Crescent Head Malibu Classic last year.
Mr McGuigan began surfing about 1944, and frequented Bondi and Tamarama beaches during those early days.
Barry "Magoo" McGuigan (middle), with
Bluey Mayes (left) and fellow surf legend Scott Dillion surfing Hawaii
in 1963. Picture: Supplied.
He spent his later years on the Central Coast, surfing breaks near Soldier’s Beach.
An iconic figure in the surfing world, the Central Coast Malibu Boardriders Club have hosted the Magoo Classic since its inception in 1999 on McGuigan’s 70th birthday.
Attracting more than 150 of the best longboard surfers in Australia each year, the competition has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer respite and research.
Barry ''Magoo'' McGuigan, at the first Magoo Surfing Classic. Picture: Bill Rosier
Barry "Magoo" McGuigan with Scott Dillon on Bondi Beach. Picture: Supplied .
A picture of Barry "Magoo" McGuigan, taken in 1950's at South Bondi. Picture supplied .
Surfing helped McGuigan cope with his cancer, as did yoga, which he had practised for 60 years, with a daily ten-minute headstand part of his routine.
He passed away about 8.30pm last night at his Central Coast home.
A message, left for his Facebook friends at 8.47pm last night read: “It is with much sadness I have been asked to report Barry “Magoo” McGuigan has just passed away at home.”
Cisco Crescente, who posted the message on behalf of the family described him as “a real Bondi and Australian legend”.
