Todd Morcom
After a successful amateur career in the late 1980s and early 90s, which included a US Championship in 1990, Morcom turned pro. He managed a few victories and high placings but then began to withdraw from the competitive scene to take on the immense walls of water at wild beach breaks deep in Mexico. One could assume that while winning pro events might give an adrenaline rush, it could not compare to a 30–40-foot Mexican tube, at least not for Morcom.
Over the ensuing years Morcom and heavy water pals Andy and Bruce Irons, Nathan Fletcher and Brian Conley developed the skills and knowledge to be considered true underground big wave watermen. They became proficient at tow in and step off surfing in XXL conditions but were determined to push the limits of bare-handed paddling into bigger surf. On one paddle in wave, one of the most freakishly huge and perfect tube rides ever witnessed in Puerto Escondido, Morcom made his statement to the world. It was ‘the paddle-in tube ride heard around the world’ proving another level to paddling in big wave surfing was achieved.
“Tube Ride of the Year” honors followed, a Billabong XXL award, along with movies like “My Eyes Won’t Dry” and numerous appearances in the Surf NRG video series. Morcom learned that great risk can lead to great reward. Yet, in very large surf there is another side. On a huge day in Puerto Escondido in 2013, Morcom suffered a brutal wipeout which left him with a compound fracture of his lower leg, a break so bad there was fear he would lose the leg. Through surgery and a long rehabilitation, he maintained his yoga practice to heal, strengthen and increase flexibility. When recovery was complete, Morcom commented, “Yoga is amazing. I love it. It strengthens the body, quiets the mind, and opens the heart. We’re here to thrive not survive.”
Photos by Tom Dugan, Pete Hodgson, Nicola Lugo, Dick “Mez” Meseroll, and courtesy Todd Morcom
Video contributions by Bob Bolen, Michael Baytoff, Richard Bernardi, Bruce Chrisner, Jon Coen, Eastern Surf Magazine, Donald Cresitello, Tom Dugan, Vdon Farias, Ryan Gamma, Norm Grosskruetz, Ray Hallgreen, Carlos Hernandez, Pete Hodgson, Darrell Jones, Jon Ker, Nicola Lugo, Matt Lusk, Kem McNair, Dick “Mez” Meseroll, Eric Olsen, Larry Pope, Tony Prince, Dan Przygocki, Barry Schulz, Joanne O’Shaughnessy, Jon Steele, Mike Vuocolo, and Chris Wilson.
