Brenden Margieson, born on July 3, 1972, is a former Australian professional surfer, widely recognized as one of the pioneering free surfers to achieve substantial financial success in the sport.[4] In 1996, he secured victory at the inaugural Nias Indonesian Pro[5][6] and earned the title of "Best free-surfer in the world" in consecutive years (1998 and 1999) according to Australia's Surfing Life.[7] Known by the moniker "Margo", he is often praised for his stylish regular foot, characterized by a smooth and powerful technique, making him a captivating presence in the world of surfing. Margieson remains a cherished figure in Australian surfing.[8]
Brenden Margieson | |
|---|---|
 Margieson in 2020 | |
| Born | 3 July 1972 Sydney, Australia |
| Personal information | |
| Nickname | Margo |
| Residence | East Coast, Australia |
| Height | 182 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Surfing career | |
| Major achievements | • 1996 winner Nias Indonesian Pro • 2 times voted Best Free-Surfer in the World (1998 and 1999) by Australian Surfing Life Magazine • Finalist at ISA World Titles France 1992 • Winner of the Heritage Heat - WSL Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast 2020[1] • Legends Division Champion Burleigh Heads Boardriders Single Fin 2023[2] |
| Surfing specifications | |
| Stance | Natural (regular) foot |
| Shaper(s) | Present: Album Surf [3] |
| Website | www |
Life and career
editBrenden Margieson was born in Sydney on July 3, 1972, and relocated to Byron Bay at the age of 5. Following in the footsteps of his father, Rodney Margieson, who was an avid surfer, Brenden entered the surfing scene at 18. Recognizing his potential, Billabong sponsored him, providing the support necessary for him to pursue his dreams.[9]
Margieson's career predominantly involved extensive travel to remote locations, funded by sponsors, where he engaged in editorial photoshoots for both Australian and international surfing publications.[10] He graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Tracks, Waves, Surfing Life, Surfer, and Surfing. Additionally, he has been featured in over a dozen surfing videos, collaborating with renowned figures such as Jack McCoy[11] and Justin Gane.
In 2003, Justin Gane Productions released Wanderjahr: The Margo Project, a documentary offering insights into the life and journeys of Brenden 'Margo' Margieson. The film delves into the reasons behind Margo's influence on professional surfing, highlighting his role in opening doors for future surfers by prioritizing the joy of surfing over competitive endeavours.[12]
Personal life
editBrenden Margieson has two children from his first marriage. His eldest son, Micah Margieson, born on February 25, 2001, has followed in his father's footsteps. In 2018, Micah secured the Australian Junior Title,[13] showcasing powerful maneuvers reminiscent of his father's style while adding his distinctive touch.[14]
As of the present, Margo resides on the east coast of Australia with his current wife, Lorena Margieson. He continues to exhibit his distinctive surfing style during occasional surfing sessions.[15]
Filmography
edit| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| The Green Iguana | 1992 |
| The Sons of Fun | 1993 |
| The Billabong Challenge | 1995 |
| Unleashed | 1995 |
| Pulse | 1996 |
| Pulse 2 | 1997 |
| Odyssey | 1998 |
| Activ8 | 2001 |
| Pulse 2001 | 2001 |
| Tempo | 2002 |
| Wanderjahr: The Margo Project | 2003 |
| Frame Lines | 2004 |
| The Free Way | 2005 |
References
edit- ^ Champions WSL Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast 2020, Retrieved 14 October 2020
- ^ Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin 2023 LiveHeats, Retrieved 02 December 2023
- ^ Album Surf website, year 2023, Retrieved 02 December 2023
- ^ Craig Anderson and the Stab Innocents, movie by Stab Magazine and Craig Anderson, year 2020, Retrieved 16 July 2020
- ^ Surfing Indonesia: A Search for the World's Most Perfect Waves, Book by Leonard Lueras, Retrieved 14 July 2020
- ^ The Margieson Name Continues it's Lineage At Lagundri Bay, WSL website, 11 September 2019, Access 16 July 2020
- ^ The Encyclopedia of Surfing, Book by Matt Warshaw, Retrieved 14 July 2020
- ^ Walk Slowly, Surfing World Magazine, 30 June 2019, Retrieved 16 July 2020
- ^ "Podcast: Ain't That Swell – The Lennox Head Lechery LIVE feat. Bede Durbidge, MARGO, Matt Wilkinson and Surfcore2001" (Podcast). Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ^ The Encyclopedia of Surfing, Book by Matt Warshaw, Retrieved 14 July 2020
- ^ IMDb Jack McCoy, Retrieve 02 December 2023
- ^ Wanderjahr: The Margo Project, movie by Justin Gane, article by Tracks Magazine, Published 14 August 2018, Retrieved 16 July 2020
- ^ Coast star on the rise in pro ranks, interview with Micah Margieson, Gold Coast Bulletin, 2 July 2019, Retrieved 16 July 2020
- ^ Margo's Son Follows In His Father's Foot Placement, interview with Micah Margieson, Stab Magazine, 2018, Retrieved 16 July 2020
- ^ [Neil Cameron (18 June 2020). "Margo's surf skills excite". Byron News. p. 32.