SALTWATER may very well run through the veins of Port Macquarie’s Hudson family, following an extraordinary surfing achievement that spans three generations.
Grandfather Peter (75), son Wayne (47) and grandson Ollie (18) have now all claimed the Open Title at the Port Macquarie Surfboard Riders Club (PMSRC).
Surfing NSW believes the achievement could be the first of its kind in Australia.
Although their local surfing business, Port Macquarie Surf School, is synonymous with the family name, the Hudsons’ journey in the waves started way back in the 1960s when Peter was a regular at Town Beach, surfing with angst against societal norms.
When PMSRC came to inception, Peter earned the distinction of Club Champion and went on to claim the Senior Club Champion title in 1970.
Not only excelling as a competitor, Peter collected multiple state and national titles, but also made his mark as a coach and judge at the highest level.
His roles included NSW Team Coach at the Australian Surf Titles in Western Australia in 1988 and Head Judge for the Australian Longboard Titles at Crescent Head in 1998.
Peter’s success helped build the strong foundation of what would become one of NSW’s leading surf clubs and the launch pad for Wayne’s surfing journey.
Starting in the junior ranks, Wayne climbed the Surfing NSW and Surfing Australia pathway, eventually competing in Pro Junior events and the World Qualifying Series (WQS).
Along the journey, he amassed three Australian Titles and five NSW State Titles, becoming one of the region’s most decorated and respected surfers.
Wayne made his mark on club history by winning two PMSRC Open Titles, in 2000 and 2008.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he combined competition with contribution, earning Level 2 judging and coaching accreditations and serving as a Regional Director, helping to shape events and development pathways for surfers along the coast.
“Surfing has allowed me to travel the country and the world, so I am super lucky and grateful,” Wayne told News Of The Area.
“It has allowed me to work and share my passion and knowledge with so many people.
“I am fortunate in so many ways that I can give back my knowledge, time and skills to the community.”
Fast forward to today, son Ollie has stepped onto the winner’s podium as the most recent PMSRC Open Title winner.
This triumph followed victories in six of the eight events during the club’s season, seeing him clinch the overall title.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Ollie is progressing through the national junior pathway and last year earned a solid ranking in the national series, signalling a bright future for his surfing.
Just like his dad and grandfather, Ollie is also giving back to the surfing community.
A Level 2 Judge with experience at QS events and a Level 2 Progressive Coach, he’s helping nurture the next generation of Port Macquarie surfers.
A familiar face amongst the Port Macquarie community, Wayne is beyond proud of son Ollie, who, outside of his remarkable surfing achievements, recently graduated high school with early entry into a business degree.
“Really, it didn’t shine on me, this generational success, until a few friends mentioned it when I was up at the Australian Boardriders Battle event,” Wayne said.
“I know that I was extremely proud and happy for him to be recognised as the best surfer in the club and was pretty stoked about how many of the monthly events he won this year.”
By Rikki WALLER
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