James Arness aka Marshall Matt Dillon from “Gunsmoke” surfing Bells in 1970

Australian National Surfing Museum: “In 1970 Rolf Aurness won the Surfing World Championship at Bells Beach and his father James Arness the Hollywood actor (he featured in the TV western drama 'Gunsmoke' as Marshall Matt Dillon) travelled with him to Victoria, Australia. The pair surfed at Bells in the lead up to the event. This footage from John Bennett's film Blue Cool shows James Arness surfing Bells on his Bing Foil.”

James had dropped the “u” from his name, presumably because they can’t spell in Hollywood. 

Vid sent to PLB by Ian “Gumshoe” Lording. For some insights and exceptional shots of son Rolf check out John Witzig’s Instagram @johnwitzig