While Sydney slumbers in the early hours of tomorrow, David Banks will paddle out to catch a few waves before sunrise " and perhaps strike up a conversation about Jesus.
Mr Banks is part of a keen group of surfers from his local church who are using the sport to enjoy each other's fellowship and witness to their mates in the surf.
"We strike up a conversation every time we go out," says Mr Banks, one of the core members.
"We're trying to evangelise in a non-threatening, friendly manner.
"You're just waiting for the opportunity" usually when the surf's not so good," he laughs.
The surfers are all members of the beachside parish of St Michael's Anglican Church in Newport. The group began two winters ago when one or two friends from church began catching waves together.
Now there are about nine regulars " predominantly men but some women " who surf every Saturday and Sunday morning from dawn at idyllic North Avalon and Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
In their 30s and 40s, almost everyone rides a long board (known as a Malibu) and a growing number are bringing their kids and partners along to join them.
Barriers broken down
Two trips away to popular surf spot Crescent Head on the NSW North Coast have been organised so far, bringing together believers and non-believers in a relaxed environment where lives and faiths can be shared.
Fellow surfer Peter Schaffler says the surf provides opportunities to build deeper relationships with other people from church in a natural way.
"I get lots of waves, but it's [also] a good way to bond with the guys," Peter says. "You see them more than just on Sunday."
Fruitful conversations are also to be had " between waves " with non-believers about the difference Christ makes.
Peter says this has translated into some surfers accepting invitations to come to church.
"It's been quite a good evangelistic tool," he says.
David agrees. "Cold call evangelism is something many Christians really fear. [This] speaks to people who may find [that] threatening. It's a very slow form of witness but it's a lovely door opener."
"If you sit on a surfboard, people are drawn to you like a magnet" Striking up dialogue with a complete stranger is very easy."
For more information email David Banks at drbanks@ihug.com.au
