International bodyboarder Ryan 'Hardballs' Hardy is making his first return to the Port Macquarie waves in a decade.
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The bodyboarding pipe master and an Australian Tour Champion is hosting a bodyboarding clinic at Town Beach from 8.30am on Saturday, January 18.
Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association will be taking registrations on the day, there will be Active Kids vouchers available and free coaching for PMBA members.
The legend of the sport, originally from Margaret River in Western Australia said the history of bodyboarding has always been firmly rooted in Port Macquarie.
"Port Macquarie has definitely got some of the deepest history of the sport in Australia. Many successful riders have come from that area and there has always been a really strong community base," he said.
"There's year round waves and it's a nice temperature, it's a nice atmosphere to bodyboard there.
"There are gentle waves for beginners and good quality waves for that progression to advanced riding.
"The whole town is situated close to the beach and that experience of going to beach whenever you want is on tap in Port Macquarie."
Mr Hardy said there are many benefits with being involved in bodyboarding, both the physical swimming and mental health positives.
"Bodyboarding is easy and accessible to anyone in the beginning. The board is soft and riding can be done in the whitewash early," he said.
"From my coaching experience, people challenging themselves in the ocean are rewarded with very positive feelings.
"Boarding has got huge mental health benefits and it's a neutralising place to calm you if you have been under stress. Mental health wise I think it's one of the best things you can do.
"At the highest level of performance bodyboarders can ride the biggest and most powerful waves. With craft that's flexible we can fit into waves and barrels that are considered extreme. It is quite aerobatic as well with 360 spins and flips, which is quite exciting."
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