Surfing youngsters bond at First Nations celebration site

More than 60 ''grommets'' aged between six and 16 years hit the beach between Thirroul and Bulli for a day of competitive surfing that an Indigenous elder acclaimed as a great success.

The Kuradji Junior Surf Competition at McCauleys Beach ran alongside the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Sandon Point Tent Embassy, beginning with a smoking ceremony and storytelling from Dharawal elder Uncle Peter before heats began.

“We helped the kids understand the importance of the place, and how it's about bringing people together in the spirit of reconciliation and in the order of respect,” Uncle Peter says.

Sandon Point Boardriders ran the competition on December 13 at the request of Uncle Peter, welcoming everyone to enjoy music, dance, BBQ and ceremony along with the surf competition, celebrating the continued connection to and protection of Sandon Point Aboriginal Place.

“The atmosphere was awesome, the surf was really good for them as well, everything just clicked together and everyone enjoyed and had a really great day," Uncle Peter says.

Illawarra Sports High School student Taj Air won the under 16 division. Sam Kornek came first in under 14s and Noah Kornek won the under 12s. Mahalia Robson came first in under 10s and Lennox Hayes won under 8s.

"Sandon Point is a world-renowned surf location. There's world-class competitions held here, and it's a big thing in Sandon Point. I'd say a lot of champions have come out of this place,” Uncle Peter says.

For Karl Lavis, president of the Sandon Point Boardriders, supporting the Kuradji event aligns perfectly with the club's family ethos. His club aims to produce more than just champions.

"We not only try to produce good surfers – we try to produce good humans," Karl says. 

"It's not all about surfing; we’re all about helping people and helping different organisations in the community – there’s a lot of respect and that's what we're all about.”

The Kuradji competition was an example of this all-inclusive approach. Karl noted that Uncle Peter specifically requested the event be open to everyone to foster education, respect and connection.

“At the start, Peter told all the kids what it's all about, what Kuradji means, who he was, the smart man of the region – how his remains were found down there and what that area means to the Indigenous people," Karl says.

"It was good for the kids to realise what it was about and just give them a bit of perspective and I suppose a bit more respect for what's down there and respect for the land and the ocean ... just to look after it, really."

The event was sponsored by Djiriba Waargura, Sandon Point Boardriders, Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, Finbox, Surfpit, DP Surfboards, Byrne Surf, Ocean and Earth and Surfboard Empire, who provided support and prizes for competitors. Uncle Peter thanks the community for their support over the years.

"It means a real lot. People showing respect and caring and showing how important this place is for them."