Ask a Merewether local what they’re made of and they’ll simply say sun, salt and community. It’s something we live by, we treasure it – and it’s something to be celebrated.
This weekend, The Merewether Surfboard Club’s annual King of the Rocks surf event, inspired by the late Garry Callinan, will once again be held to remember those club members who are no longer with us and kick off a new season, with an emphasis on true community spirit.
Every year the club honours Gaz, the original King of the Rocks, celebrating good times, surfing and mateship. The event is run and enjoyed in the spirit of Garry and his amazing ability to love every aspect of life, while simultaneously remaining competitive and compassionate. Think – a retro twin fin comp, where the competitors are drawn out of a hat for a bit of fun – but come finals time, it gets pretty competitive – just like Gaz himself.
The surf comp starts at the crack of dawn on Saturday, running all day long. The champion of the comp gets to take home their winning board for the year and a laughing Buddha trophy that encapsulates just how joyous Garry really was. It’s a pretty ripper prize to win – especially when you’re up against the likes of legendary Merewether locals like Ryano, Jacko Baker, Morgan Cibilic, Craig Anderson and plenty more.
Following a day on the waves, everyone gets on their foot falcons for a short wander up to The Beaches to celebrate the community that the club and pub, are so proud to be a part of.
To know Garry was to love Garry, he is a Merewether legend, he was a great surfer and mentored a generation of Merewether groms.
Gaz carved a place for himself in the Merewether community, particularly out the rocks where his roundhouse cutback was legendary. Gaz was a familiar face at The Beaches, in fact, it was hard to get him to go anywhere else! You’d often find him throwing around his classic ‘How are you beautiful?’ and having a good chat over a cold schooey with his family and friends. Garry made everyone feel special, no matter who you were.
As they say, the apple doesn’t fall far — his son Ryan Callinan is a true Merewether boy & grew up on Ranclaud, one street behind The Beaches. Ryan is as beautiful a human as his dad and has carved his path through the surfing world, currently making waves on the WSL Championship tour.
This year, we’re giving Garry a perfect spot in the pub – with one of the club’s favourite snaps of Gaz being hung on the walls of The Beaches to celebrate his memory.
We can’t wait to raise a glass to Gaz, The Merewether Surfboard Club and the special place they hold in this home we call Merewether.
