To outsiders, Maroubra seemed like another world. It was Sydney’s toughest beach, ruled by a tribe of tattooed surfers named the ‘Bra Boys’, already notorious for mixing mateship with mayhem. But to young Richie Vaculik, Maroubra Beach was his playground and the Bra Boys were like family. He’d grow up to become their Minister for Good Times and a central character in the Bra Boys’ story as they became famous and infamous in equal measure. Richie’s ‘poor risk assessment’ and fearlessness were legendary in the surf but also landed him in trouble with the law.

Bra Boy is Richie’s account of those wild days, when fuelled by adrenalin and anarchy he took on monster waves, monster nights out and several levels of authority. It’s also an account of how he turned his life around, took up mixed martial arts, was signed by the UFC and fought on the biggest card in the sport’s history. Gripping, outrageous and hugely entertaining, it’s a story told with Richie’s trademark humour and an insight uncommon on the street. As his mate reckons, ‘He’s the only guy I know who gets punched in the head and gets smarter.