SUMMER IN TULLAMARINE
Written by URBNSURF | January 28th, 2020
Summer in Melbourne is electric. From October, the days grow longer, the clouds start to dissipate, and warmer weather creeps in. Before you know it December’s arrived, and city-dwellers capitalise on any opportunity to bask in the sunshine.
And after four months of lockdown, we needed it. The desire to escape the metal and glass, enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with family and friends was overwhelming. There’s no denying that 2020 was challenging, particularly for Victorians. Our solution was surfing, and lots of it.
To celebrate the third opening of URBNSURF Melbourne in less than 12 months (third time’s a charm, right?), we invited surfers and frothers from all walks of life to enjoy Australia’s most unique surfing destination at the start of Summer.
Planning a surf trip is always perilous, particularly in Melbourne where the weather is infamously unpredictable. On the first day, we were greeted by 12 degree air / 18 degree water temperatures, strong onshore winds and horizontal rain. Urgh.
But we had new turns waves to test (which’ll feature in our new Advanced Turns session, launching in February), and the onshore conditions created a coping to hit. As is tradition, we gathered everyone on the bank and fired out the first set. Any hesitation about the weather quickly faded, and everyone’s inner grommet took over.
The second day was a stark contrast. 28 degree air / 21 degree water temperatures, blue skies, light offshore winds and pumping waves. Perfect.
Performances in the water were mind-blowing. Australia’s next crop of junior superstars pushed boundaries while longboarders cross-stepped and styled on the nose. Athletes and underground rippers put on a technique masterclass and tested a diverse range of craft, from Innegra-stringered EPS fishes to Ryan Burch handshapes, refined thrusters, midlengths and channel-bottom asymmetricals.
Multi-generational surfing families traded smiles, waves and high fives after memorable rides, and new surfers of all ages and backgrounds stood stoked on a surfboard for the first time.
Mark and Chriso from the Ducks joined us in the water each day (and night) before whipping up delicious, healthy food for us to savour post-surf.
Offering epic views of our lagoon, we devoured fresh salads, roasted meats, woodfired pizzas and sustainably sourced seafood while perfect waves broke just metres from our tables.
In an uncertain world, particularly when it comes to travel, we’re grateful that we can provide a reliable, accessible surf destination just minutes from Melbourne Airport and a short drive from the CBD.
So if you’re chasing guaranteed perfect waves, a weekend getaway with the family, or the ultimate strike mission with friends – complete with world-class food by Three Blue Ducks – come and #surfmore with us in 2021.
We’d love to have you!
Cheers,
The URBNSURF Crew
