Newcastle boasts one of the world's best beachside promenades; a long, smooth artery of coastal path that runs from Merewether Beach to Bar Beach and beyond.
New Dad, Owen Wright, wasn't going to miss out on the walkway fun.
With his famously long arms clasped around the handle of his stroller, the big O was intent on cruising the glorious stretch from Merewether to Bar Beach with partner Kita and baby Vali.
Given the social atmosphere that dominates the walkway, it was also an opportunity to chat with old faces from the contest scene and reflect on his successful return to competitive surfing.
In the casual conversation we had on the path, Owen was upbeat and engaging, bouncing between surf related subjects and proud fatherly observations.
"Well, yesterday really couldn't have gone any better," responded Owen when I quizzed him about his plans for the upcoming Quiksilver Pro and the tour beyond.
"I know they will give me a wildcard into every event if I want it," he continued. "So my team and I are just going to see how it goes and assess after this event. "
By team I wasn't exactly sure who Owen was referring to but one would assume it includes a combination of family, friends, medical practitioners and coaches.
As the conversation continued Owen enthused about the barrels he'd had at a semi secret Newcastle wedge earlier in the week. He also reflected on the fact that the last time he was in Newcastle was eight years ago for a pro junior.
"Ryan Callinan reminded me about the left Rip Bowl I was surfing in the pro junior final," chuckled Owen.
Talk around the contest site implied Owen had been given the 100% green light from neuro surgeons to compete, and there was certainly nothing in his conduct or conversation to suggest that he was still suffering the after affects of the head injury which had put his competitive career on standby.
Yesterday Owen's heat didn't go quite to plan, but the signs were all positive. Despite opening strongly Owen found himself needing a score in the dying stages. Two trademark backside hangers delivered him the score he needed and for a few seconds it seemed the dream return run would continue.
However, fellow competitor Jean De Silva had also improved his situation with a buzzer beater ride and edged out the sentimental favourite.
Owen suggested he wouldn't be at the Australian Open in Manly, giving team Wright plenty of time to return to Lennox and "assess" whether or not to take up the offer of a position in the Quiksilver Pro.
Owen indicated that he'd revelled in the opportunity to surf the last swell at Snapper, but we will all have to trust that whatever decision he makes about the Quiksilver Pro will be the Wright one.
