Darren ‘Daz’ Longbottom’s first book Beyond the Break, co-written with Tim Rushby Smith, will be published on Monday, July 30.

The 272-page book tells the surf shop owner’s life-changing story after he suffered instant paralysis when he broke his neck while surfing in the remote Mentawai Islands of Indonesia in 2008.

“I had just experienced an enormous moment in my life. It was Saturday, May 20 2008, and we were in one of the most remote parts of Indonesia, and breaking my neck was just the start of an incredible journey, a journey where whatever could go wrong, did go wrong,” he writes.

The memoir also explores his white-knuckle inducing rescue via ambulance and helicopter in Indonesia and the long road to rehabilitation in Australia.

The two authors met in 2009 when Mr Longbottom had been discharged from hospital rehabilitation. Mr Rushby-Smith had also suffered a spinal cord injury in 2005. After staying in touch, Mr Rushby-Smith moved to Australia and now the pair live in neighbouring South Coast towns. 

An informal celebration of the book’s release will be held at Zink Surf, 136 Terralong Street, Kiama on Friday, August 10 from 7-9pm.

Both authors will visit Ulladulla Library on Tuesday, August 14 for an authors in conversation, Q and A and book signing. The event starts at 10.30am. 

Bookings are essential. Phone 4444 8820, email UlladullaLibrary@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or via shoalhavenlibraries.nsw.gov.au/events.