Family of surfers connect with culture at Indigenous Classic
Bodhi, Taj, Summer, Malia and Mark Simon (left to right) surf as often as they can. (ABC Newcastle: Bridget Murphy)
A love of surfing runs deep in the Simon family.
Mark Simon and his four children, Taj, Summer, Bodhi and Malia, all based on the Gold Coast, made the trek south to the Awabakal coast for the annual Surfest Indigenous Classic at Merewether Beach in Newcastle.
It's something they've done for the better part of a decade, competing in an event that marries culture to the water.
"We're from Birpai Country — we're saltwater people, so I think we really connect to the ocean in a special way," 22-year-old Summer said.
"When you're out in the water, you're not really thinking about much, it's definitely a nice little reset."
Summer (left), Taj (centre) and Bodhi carving it up. (ABC Newcastle: Bridget Murphy)
'Takes everything away'
The Indigenous Classic has been held for the past 26 years, and is known as one of the most prestigious Indigenous meets in Australia.
Just before Mark Simon hit the water for his first heat on Saturday he reflected on what the ocean does for him.
"Getting into salt water, it's kind of refreshing and it takes everything away," he said.
"I do think of our ancestors, especially if there's marine life coming in and around us.
"I always just say it's like our ancestors come in and say hello."
Moments after he paddled out, a pod of dolphins appeared nearby.
Mark was quickly greeted by a pod of dolphins when he hit the water. (ABC Newcastle: Bridget Murphy)
'You're never too young'
Usually it is the kids that pick up on what mum and dad do, but it was the other way around for the Simons.
"[Dad] didn't start surfing until we were born," laughed 20-year-old Taj.
Mark, 45, says "you're never too young".
"Just get out and have a crack and and make sure you have fun with it," he said.
Summer and Maleah Simon competed against each other in one of the heats. (ABC Newcastle: Bridget Murphy)
Bodhi, 17, said it was a given she would pick up the family pastime.
"Growing up I was always watching summer and Taj, so I just wanted to be like them, so that's what got me into it," she said.
The youngest sibling, 11-year-old Malia, said surfing with her family brought her joy.
"It's just a fun sport and you feel happy when you're in the water," she said.
Bodhi won the open women's title with a score of 7.40 and Taj won the open men's with a score of 13.85.