The Mind Behind “The Search,” Derek Hynd, Loses House, Dog, Surfboards And Possessions In House Fire

As one of the great thinkers, philosophers, innovators, and experimenters in surfing, the influence of Derek Hynd is hard to surmise. From The Search, to his musings with Andrew Kidman in Litmus, to his Free Friction approach at J-Bay, he tinkers in his own universe, and in some, way, shape or form, we usually follow.

Sadly, it’s been reported that Hynd’s home in Byron Bay, Australia, has been lost to fire.

“At 12:30am on Sept 17 the Myocum skyline lit up as Pass surfer Derek Hynd and son Lochlan lost everything in a house fire on their property. No one was killed but a beloved dog did not make it,” reads a Facebook fundraiser page set up by Troy Gainger.

The dog? Possessions come and go, but a good dog is simply irreplaceable. Following the recent wildfires in California, one Stab Staffer’s family lost their home and that shell-shocked feeling that comes after the disaster is radical and doesn’t go away when the fire’s out and the headlines are gone. We wish Derek the best. 

Mr. Hynd a few hours after the infamous J-Bay shark “attack” of Sir Mick Fanning.

“Also lost was a considerable 40-year collection of writings, memorabilia and personal surfboards including the famed Litmus board,” continues the post. “He lives simply and is reflecting on how little he really needs despite this devastating loss to family and the general archives of international surfing. He is completely off-grid and does not like asking for anything, but right now needs basic help from friends and community.”

So there it is, Derek needs a little help from his friends. Don’t encumber the man with all the bullshit that’s boxed up in your garage, but if you’re in the area and can help, please do.

“Urgently required is a water tank, an old cleaned computer and the gaming equipment that many sons are locked into. He also needs a decent lightweight wheelchair for a mate who also lost the lot on Monday night.” 

And that’s the kind of man Derek is, when faced with the loss of everything, what does he ask for? A wheelchair for a mate and a computer for his kid. 

If you’d like to contribute, here’s the Facebook Fundraiser page, again.