Originally from Port Kembla, NSW, the Simon family – mum Niki, dad Mark, son Taj, and daughters Summer, Bodhi and Malia – moved to Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast about three years ago.
TAFE Radio’s Mick Cross chatted with Mark, Summer, Taj and Bodhi ahead of the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach (traditionally known as Djarrak) on Wadawurrung Country from May 30 to June 1.
The proud Biripi family has been a fixture at the event for the past 10 years.
Summer paved the way when she ventured down as a 13-year-old in 2015 and promptly won the Open Women’s title. That was the first of eight titles – three Junior and five Open crowns including doing the double in 2017-18.
The reason she was in the Open division at such a tender age was because the Junior Women’s event wasn’t introduced until 2017 – and of course Summer won that at the first time of asking too.
In the interview Mark, Summer, Taj and Bodhi talk of the importance of both the competition and the gathering of mob that goes with it, their love of surfing, family and competition, and what Reconciliation Week means to them.
When asked for funny surfing trip stories they supply a quite amazing tale of their adventures one year at Bells/Djarrak.
Listen to this interview and more on TAFE Radio’s Reconciliation Week show today from 10am. Mick Cross will be hosting with Flash Wilson.
Featured image: Bodhi Simon, eight-time AIST winner Summer, and brother Taj in action. Photos: Supplied
