As 24 clubs and hundreds of surfers flock to Newcastle this weekend for the Australian Boardriders Battle, a national final of boardriders clubs, one surfer has a lot more than just catching waves on his mind.
Brett Connellan was mauled by a white pointer shark at his home beach in Kiama on the south coast nearly six years ago and will use the event as a measuring stick for his continued recovery.
After a series of operations, including a muscle transplant from his back, Mr Connellan has been back competing and will lead the Jones Beach Boardriders squad of five.
"The operations are thankfully now over, unless there are any other serious complications, but it's been a long time since I've been on the operating table and I'm thankful for that," he said.
"Fingers crossed, no more trips to the operating table."
Mr Connellan said in the early days of recovery he did not think it would be possible to get to where he was today, physically and mentally.
"On the mental side of things there have been a lot of challenges that come with that physical recovery," he said.
"The confidence I have got just from being able to go out and do things, and have the ability to make the most of that recovery, has been a big part of getting to the point I am at now.
"Having support around me has been a huge part of that, something I am really lucky for."
Surfing as a teams event
The now 27-year-old said getting involved again with the Boardriders Battle has enabled him to enjoy surfing more as a team sport rather than an individual pursuit.
"Surfing in a team setting is something I have always loved," Mr Connellan said.
As Mr Connellan has recovered his strength and agility he has taken on new challenges, like working as a mental health ambassador and a film maker.
It is a role Jones Beach Boardriders team manager Geoff Latimer said Mr Connellan had grown into, making him a natural role model to others.
"I think the kids just look up to him," he said.
"He is definitely a big motivator."
Christian De Clouett is president of rival Illawarra club Scarborough Boardriders, which is also off to Newcastle, and paid tribute to the way Mr Connellan and his team has battled through.
"Brett is an inspiration for all of us," he said.
"Jones Beach were beating us pretty much up until the last second [in the regional event] and what we saw from Brett and the Jones Beach side was just incredible."
Surfing rivalries and respect
Both clubs will be up against formidable opponents including local Newcastle team Merewether Surfboard Club, which has won before and a number of its surfers on the world tour.
It also has a home side advantage.
"[It's a] really prestigious event and we have another solid team, but its awesome to be in Newcastle. We'll have friends and family coming from around the corner and over the hill and cheering us on."
The Australian Boardriders Battle series grand final at Newcastle Main Beach kicks off Saturday morning and will run through until Sunday afternoon.
