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The full story of the leaked texts dividing Australia’s surfing community: Surf legend Derek Hynd, 69, spoke at a women’s rights protest… then a young writer exposed message he sent her a decade ago
Surf writer and former professional surfer Derek Hynd has faced criticism after Lucy Small shared a message she says he sent her about ten years ago. The exchange surfaced days after Hynd spoke at a Byron Bay protest against sexual harassment and gender inequality in surfing, prompting debate over his own conduct and calls for accountability.
Small said she was 22 and seeking professional support for an article about Angola when she contacted Hynd about collaborating. In the message, he declined to join her, citing sexual tension and saying he would want to sleep with her. Hynd later told a surf website he regretted the wording and that the criticism “holds reasonable water”, while saying he wanted to see the full conversation before issuing an apology; reactions in the surfing community remain divided.
In short
- Lucy Small shared a decade-old message she says Derek Hynd sent her.
- Hynd had recently spoken at a protest against harassment and inequality in surfing.
- He expressed regret over the wording but wanted to see the full exchange.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those calling for accountability can argue that a prominent figure who publicly condemned harassment should address a message that, as described, introduced sexual interest into a young writer’s professional approach. Hynd’s regret and acknowledgement that the criticism has reasonable grounds may support a direct apology and reflection, while public scrutiny can affirm that professional boundaries matter regardless of status.
The case against
Those urging caution can argue that the message is being discussed without the full exchange or broader context, and that Hynd should have a chance to review it before being judged or pressed to apologise. They may also distinguish regrettable wording from a broader pattern of misconduct, favouring a proportionate response based on what can be established.
Explained simply
Surfing in Australia has a close-knit professional and media community, where athletes, writers and organisers often work together. Debate about sexual harassment and unequal treatment in the sport has led to protests and calls for change.
Derek Hynd is a former professional surfer and surf writer, while Lucy Small is a writer and former professional surfer. Their reported exchange has prompted discussion about professional boundaries and accountability, particularly because it came to light after Hynd spoke at a protest about women’s rights in surfing.