Ryan Callinan grew up a few streets back from Merewether Beach in Newcastle. His dad Garry was a keen surfer and Ryan would learn to surf surrounded by legendary surfers like Mark Richards, Luke Egan, and Matt Hoy. By his teen years, it was apparent that Callinan was easily the next big deal to roll off the Merewether conveyor belt. His mix of rail carves, underrated tube sense, and electric airs made him one of the most progressive surfers of his generation. Many thought a freesurfing route was the obvious path. Not just because of his aerial ability but also it seemed Callinan just wasn’t that competitive. His total lack of arrogance and cheery disposition didn’t seem to lend itself to the cutthroat world of professional surfing. However, under that humble nature lies a gnarly competitor who prefers to let his surfing do the talking. After battling on the QS he made the cut in 2016 and surfed his rookie CT season in 2017. Tragically early that year his dad, and best mate, died of cancer which took its toll. He dropped off tour and then just 15 months later was forced to deal with the sudden death of his mum, Janice. Callinan took time off to deal with the loss and support his younger twin sisters but returned in 2018 with a new perspective and maturity earned through his grief. QS wins in Japan and Ericeira cemented his comeback while a Final in the Quik Pro France as an injury replacement for Kelly Slater showed that the likeable Aussie was truly back. He was solid, if not always spectacular on the CT in 2019 but qualified with ease. 2021 was a repeat of 2019, with a strong start undermined by a lacklustre finish which saw end the year as the World No. 15. With more CT experience under his belt, Callinan is due to get the competitive returns that his electric and spontaneous talent warrants. A WSL Finals appearance should be the least his talent deserves.

Instagram: @ryancallinan