Dear Dad. It’s your beloved offspring here. Just a quick note to say thanks for helping mum bring me into the world all those years ago. Thanks for showing me how to ride my bike without training wheels, for being the one to launch me highest into the air when we play in the swimming pool and thanks also for giving me junk food when mum says no. I’m not sure what I’d do without you, Dad…
Bede Durbidge
PROFESSIONAL SURFER
Bede Durbidge will be better known for his surfing prowess than for being a dad, but his greatest accomplishment is his family. This month’s cover star, Bede has a daughter named Willow (6, pictured on our cover with her dad) with another bundle of joy on the way for Bede and his wife Tarryn in November.
Take us back to the moment you first became a dad. What do you remember? Just pure joy. I have so much love for this little human.
Did you have any big fears or concerns before having children? Did they come true? I definitely was a little worried about how it would affect my surfing career and I did struggle with it for a couple of years but I have now found a good balance between family and career.
What is your favourite way to bond with your child? My favourite way to bond would be doing the things that she loves and having lots of fun. Right now Willow’s favourite thing to do is go to the beach for a surf after school and climb on the rocks.
If you could pick one superpower to help you with your daily ‘dad’-ly duties, what would it be and why? I would be a master Lego builder so I can keep up with her!
When you’re at home, what is your favourite time of the day? First thing in the morning is my favourite time. Just having breakfast together with my family is the best.
What is one thing your kid does that drives you absolutely crazy? Definitely when she takes forever to eat her dinner. We finish half an hour earlier than when Willow finishes. I swear she eats one corn kernel at a time. Haha!
Do you have any family traditions? We like to watch Family Feud together every night trying to guess the top answer.
Describe a day in your home using a song title? ‘I got this feeling’ by Justin Timberlake (because Willow sings it all day every day!)
What skill or trait did you get from your parents that you hope to pass onto your kids? Treat people the way you want to be treated.
What lessons do you hope your kids pass onto their own children that they’ve learned from you and your partner? We just want Willow to grow up, be a good person and have respect for others. Oh, and manners. Manners are important. I hope that never dates.
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