Rolf Aurness (born February 18, 1952, Santa Monica, California) is an American surfer who won the 1970 World Surfing Championships held at Johanna in Victoria, Australia, beating Midget Farrelly in the finals.
He is the son of the famous Gunsmoke actor James Arness.
Surfing career When he was nine Aurness suffered a skull fracture after falling from a tree. His father, reported to be an enthusiastic surfer, used surfing to help his son recover. He implemented a strict training regimen of dawn sessions at beaches, long-distance swimming and weekend beach trips, including the Hollister Ranch.
Several times a year they visited Hawaii, renting accommodation on Mākaha beach.
Personal life Aurness is the son of Gunsmoke actor James Arness (who died on June 3, 2011) and nephew of Mission Impossible actor Peter Graves.Kampion, Drew (December 2000) "Rolf Aurness Biography". Surf Line. Accessed June 5, 2011."Rolf Aurness Biography" . www.worldchampionsofsurfing.com Profile], worldchampionsofsurfing.com. Accessed June 5, 2011
In the decade following his World Surfing Championship win Aurness fell out of surfing due to the deaths of his wife, mother, and sister. His wife died in 1978 from cancer, his mother Virginia (née Chapman) died in 1977 of an accidental drug overdose, and his sister Jenny Lee Aurness died of an apparently deliberate drug overdose in 1975. His adopted brother, Craig, founded the stock photography agency Westlight and also was a photographer for National Geographic.Walker, David (December 16, 2004) "In Memoriam: Craig Aurness, 58". Photo District News. Accessed June 5, 2011.
References
External links The Ranch www.surfline.com. Greg Heller, November 2000 Carroll: Swimming with Marshal Dillon Orange County Register. December 28, 2010