Port Macquarie News caught up with Avalon, 10, Imogen, 12 and Lauren as they hit the wavebreaks in the 16th annual Mid North Coast Girls Surf Classic at Rainbow Beach on October 12.

Lauren, competing in the Over 35s Short Board division said surfing fever came naturally to the family despite her only taking up the sport as an adult.

"Because both Corey and I surf, it's just a nature progression for them. We don't push them into it because we all just enjoy surfing and being free surfers," she said.

"Tahli is the eldest and in year 12, she's very dedicated to studying for her Higher School Certificate. She barely surfs but she still surfs better than me through natural ability, which is really annoying.

"Kayle is 15 years old and he's a very good technical surfer. He's trying to work out how to make a career as a free surfer because competition surfing is really competitive and hard.

"Imogen and Avalon started surfing about age five with Imogen falling in love with it straight away, Avalon took a bit longer and she's got really keen this year to surf.

"I think the biggest thing is seeing the joy in their face when they know they have got a good wave. You can see it in their energy and the way they paddle back out."

Having an instant half-dozen surfers behind the breakers has left the family faced with a comical struggle to see who can get the first ride each outing.

"We play priority system so it's like having a surfing competition between us. It's pretty funny to paddle out and have to play the priority game with your own family," laughs Lauren.

"Now as much as we all hang out and joke I'm struggling to threaten them with 'if you take the next wave there's no dinner for you.'

"For me I can sit out there, watch them get a wave and wish I could do what they can do. Their strength and confidence never ceases to amaze me."

Both Imogen and Avalon are motivated by the calm and confidence-building of surfing as they contest the Under 16 Short Board.

"I gain confidence from surfing because I'm determined to get the best wave out there so that the confidence can transfer to other things," said Avalon.

"I just want to surf my whole life and it doesn't matter if I go into professional surfing. I just want to keep going."

"You just feel stoked when you're out there gliding through waves, it feels pretty special and it's a great sport," said Imogen.

"There's always a tiny chance of making it into the pro-scene and I hope to. No matter if I do make it or not, I want to surf my whole life."

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