Townend had an extensive résumé apart from surfing, including movie stuntman, contest organizer, writer, publisher, marketer, and coach to future champions.
[1] Shortly afterwards Townend co-founded the Bronzed Aussies in an attempt to not only legitimize surfing, but build a global franchise and attract well-funded sponsors to the sport.
Townend spent much of 1977 riding waves as William Kat's stunt double in the filming of Big Wednesday.
[2] In the same year, Townend moved to Huntington Beach, California to serve as America's National Team coach and executive director.
[2] By 1984, Townend had begun working for Surfing Magazine, eventually moving up to associate publisher and advertising director.