The Lake Cathie Santa is back to spread Christmas cheer and impart joy into the hearts and minds of adults and children.
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Waving at people from his red kayak on the lake is a tradition which Santa, also Ron Hunter, gets as much pleasure from as the people who smile as they spot him from the bridge.
Motorists show their appreciation for Ron’s efforts by honking in response to his waves.
“Some people have started honking their horns in time to the tune of jingle bells,” he said.
Other people, Ron said yell out to him, while emergency services give a quick blast of their lights and sirens over the Christmas period.
This year is the first time Ron’s helper Ruby has been out on the water.
Ruby is a Jack Russell who might not get any presents from Santa this year.
“She’s very disobedient,” Ron said.
“We’ve been taking her to puppy school.”
Ruby enjoys barking and chasing the paddle as Ron tries to kayak out on the water.
In 2017 Ron was reluctant to continue the annual tradition as his dog Spike passed away earlier in the year.
In previous years Spike had accompanied Ron to help spread the joy and put smiles on the faces of children and adults.
Spike was 17-years-old when he died and Ron owned him for 11 years. Spike’s previous owner was Ron’s brother in law.
Ron started playing the role of Santa after he was told by a mother about the positive impact he had on children.
“There used to be children with special needs go across the bridge and one of the mothers said they loved seeing me on the kayak and the dog,” he said.
Ron purchased his red kayak from the Wauchope Show when he first moved to the area.
He uses his bike to tow the kayak on a trolley to and from the water.
