Ali Mhalhal ready to go for a surf at North Beach. Photo: Supplied.
North Wollongong surfer Luke Neven could have walked by the man struggling to help his son ride a wave on a foam board with a wonky fin.
Instead, Luke politely approached and said to the boy, “buddy, your fin is facing in the wrong direction”.
That was a year ago and that small act of kindness has forged an ongoing cultural bond that has reverberated throughout the North Beach surfing community.
Luke, a registered nurse, who surfs every Sunday morning, saw the pair – Gus Mhalhal and his son Ali – the following week and noticed the boy’s board was in even worse shape, with plastic coating now dragging in the water.
“I went home and cleaned up one of my old fibro surfboards and gave it to Ali the next week,” said Luke.
He also gave Gus a board he could use to surf with his son.
“It was a small gesture, but they were so thankful especially when they saw I had added Ali’s name on the top of his board,” Luke said.
Despite the pair’s lack of surfing knowledge at that point, their determination was and still is exceptional.
“Ali wakes his father at 4 am every Sunday rain, hail or shine for the 75 km drive from Western Sydney to Wollongong,” said Luke.
Ali and Gus Mhalhal with their surf mentor Luke Nevan and Luke’s sister-in-law Michaela. Photo: Supplied.
“Once they arrive, they sit in the dark in their wetsuits and wait for the first glimpse of sunlight to peek over the horizon before jumping in the water.”
In the past year, the only time they missed a surf was during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Luke discovered Gus had settled in Australia as a refugee after war broke out in Iraq in 2003 and now lives in Leppington with his wife, two daughters and Ali.
“Gus told me when we met his daughters were doing well but Ali needed motivation to do better at school and to socialise,” said Luke.
“Soccer and tennis missed the mark but by bringing Ali to the ocean Gus saw it immediately gave his son the lift he needed.”
Knowing Iraq has a limited coastline with a small surfing community, Luke decided to step in and share not only surfing skills but also water safety tips.
“Over time, we started this routine where after I go surfing, I come out and help them,” said Luke.
“I’d first push Ali off on a wave then his dad.
“Ali is now proficient in paddling, duck diving and how to use rips to his advantage by understanding water movements.
Ali was thrilled with the surfboard Nick gave him, especially the addition of his name on it. Photo: Supplied.
“Ali is just crazy about surfing so knowing that one day is not enough, his father has put a poster of the ocean in their garage for Ali to do exercises throughout the week that will improve his surfing technique and muscle strength.”
He says the cross-cultural connection has been a two-way street.
“I have a five-year-old daughter and it’s made me think more deeply about parental roles,” said Luke.
“Ali’s drive and energy to pursue something he loves is infectious and his father’s determination to support his son is just as inspiring.
“Gus allowed his son the freedom to choose his path and has supported him 100 per cent.”
Luke said the friendship has now grown beyond a student-teacher arrangement.
“Gus’s wife is always sending down cakes and biscuits to express her family’s gratitude and Gus is keen to get my family to his house for a barbeque,” said Luke.
“Over the past year, my friends have become their friends along with many of the surf club members and early morning swimmers.
“It makes me very happy to see them revelling in our beautiful beach culture.”
