Some styles are cyclical. They fade in and out like the tide. Others are relentless and enduring. Usually for good reason. Forty years after he hacked and carved his way past Tom Curren to win the 1985 OP Pro in Huntington Beach, Mark “Occy” Occhilupo still surfs with the fervor and froth of a man half his age.
During his competitive heyday, Occy was known for living on the edge, both in the party scene and on his surfboard. He went at sections fast and hard. The Raging Bull, as he was nicknamed, was a foil to the mild-mannered Curren. But through sheer force of will and a pure love of surfing, Occy famously dragged himself off his couch, cut back on booze and drugs and won his maiden world title in 1999, a remarkable feat considering he was arguably past the peak of his powers.
But that’s the beauty of Occy. Just when you think it’s over, that backside bottom turn comes around and surprises you with its force and velocity. And at 58 years old, you’d be hard pressed to find a bloke more stoked on jumping in the water today. Billabong, which has supported Oc’ since 1983 (!!) is dropping a new “Raging Bull Collection” to pay homage to the colorful Cronullan.
Related: Watch: Occy’s Raging Bull Technique Analyzed By Brad Gerlach
In true vintage form, the ’80s-inspired merch will debut with a party and new surf film at the JS Garage in Oceanside. The event starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 15, at 305 Wisconsin Avenue. Free food will be available from Fireball Pizza and Kyoto’s Japanese Markets. Oh, and there will be a raffle for some crisp JS Surfboards and Billabong packs. You can RSVP to the event here.
Sean Rowland/World Surf League via Getty Images
If you’re in OC, consider coming by to slide a JS under your arm, talk shop with a surfing legend and support the local boardriders all in one go. One big move, just as Occy likes it.