Surfing Santa will be hanging 10 again this year when he makes his way to Soldiers Beach on Christmas Day.
In what has become a great family Christmas tradition, Surfing Santa, aka John Gatt, has been hitting the waves dressed as Santa for the past decade.
The event has grown over those years and now sees between 150 to 200 people gather on the beach to watch Santa come in on the fire truck before riding the waves surrounded by dozens of “elves”.
“It’s become such a tradition in the area,” said Gatt, who operates John Gatt K9 Services at Canton Beach.
“I started doing it when my kids were little and they’re teenagers now.
“It’s a free, fun event and something for people to do before lunch on Christmas Day.”
Gatt is now calling on little surfing elves to join him on Christmas Day, to both ride on the fire truck and ride some waves.
“If your kids can surf a little but definitely can swim, please contact me,” he said.
“There will be lifeguards on the lookout for Santa’s group.”
He said people were also encouraged to donate a small amount to the fabulous old fire truck, the Fun Engine, that volunteers to carry Santa and his elves to the beach to meet all the lovely boys and girls.
Mrs Claus as well as the Grinch on a motorcycle will be there this year.
Gatt also urged parents not to forget their cameras/phones.
“You won’t get a better photo with Santa, his elves and the Grinch on the beach,” he said.
“And it’s all free.
“See you all on Christmas morning at 10am, cheering and clapping as Santa comes down with his elves on the fire truck throwing heaps of lollies to all the boys and girls.”
Any parent who would like to have their children as Santa’s little helper on the day can contact Gatt on 0414 562 746.