WITH surfing contests canned in Australia until at least October due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local Port Stephens waxheads have been busy in the salt staying sharp in anticipation for their restart.

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Competitive surfer and local core-lord Joshua Stretton has been using the downtime out of the competitors rashie to work on his air and rail game by getting amongst the line-up as much as possible.

“I’ve been training a fair bit to pass the time and maintain my fitness so I’m ready to go when everything starts back up again,” said Stretton.

“I’ve been mainly surfing Birubi and One Mile, the waves have been cooking!”

Whilst Stretton notes that there has been a localised increase in surfer numbers hitting the ocean due to the effects of the health crisis it’s all been above board and in good spirits.

“There seems to be a few more people out surfing but I think it’s pretty cool to see everyone getting out and having a good time in these strange and weird circumstances we are living in currently,” said Stretton.

“The vibe in the lineup has remained fun and chilled out with still a few social distancing precautions being taken.

“All the general crew are out with a few extra locals I’d say as well getting out and giving it a go.”

Stretton is amongst the new breed of local rippers that include Mike Clayton-Brown, Elle Clayton-Brown and Jasmine Sampson.

Stretton says his cohort and himself are beyond thankful that they can still grab their boards and hit the foam zone.

“I just got to say thankyou to Port Stephens Council and our governing bodies for allowing us to continue to surf,” he said.

“I’m not sure what we’d all do if we couldn’t!”

By Mitch LEES