Former pro-surfer Larry Blair shares his crime-filled childhood in new book The Outside

Larry Blair, a former pro-surfer, has released a book titled *The Outside*, detailing his troubled childhood surrounded by crime. He grew up in fear of notorious criminals, including his stepfather, Frank "Baldy" Blair, a bank robber who was murdered by the Toecutters gang. Blair's early life was marked by violence and crime, including witnessing a major robbery. His mother, Patricia, a jewel thief, played a crucial role in protecting him and his sister. After his father's murder, she took swift action to escape danger, ultimately leading Larry to find solace in surfing. Now in his 60s, Blair reflects on how surfing became his escape and redemption. He achieved significant success in the sport, winning prestigious competitions and building a new life away from his past. He currently resides on the New South Wales north coast, where he continues to embrace the ocean.