Gerringong’s SurfLife Festival has never just been about music, but a celebration of surfing culture and its key role in the village’s psyche.

Bookended by ticketed concerts at the Town Hall (headlined by Tex Perkins and Matt Walker tonight and local rising superstars Pacific Avenue on the Saturday), is a free day of surfing themed events at South Werri Reserve.

“Gerringong really does identify as a surfing town,” says organiser Adam Loxley.

“It brings the older and younger generations together, and creates a unique vibe.”

Right from its inception, the aim of SurfLife has been to celebrate that connection.

“We’ve kind of had a go at it a few times, but never really had the money to make it happen in the way we’d envisaged at the start,” he says.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to get these things together. Getting the funding really gave us a chance to put some muscle into it to pull all the different components together.”

From people who are really into surfing to those who just love watching their skill or chilling to the music, tomorrow’s gathering will offer a mix of music and talks on the main stage, a classic surf cars show, a surfboard swap meet, a sand castle competition and more, including an art and food market. All the ingredients for a memorable day at the beach, no matter your age.

“We’re starting with a session of yoga for surfers, followed by a Welcome to Country to acknowledge the history and First People of this land at 9.30am,” says Adam.

“At 11am, there is an opportunity for locals to hear Brett Connellan talk about how he now sees his shark attack as a positive experience.”

There’s going to busking all day on Fern St to extend the vibe, which Adam is hoping will lead to bigger things as SurfLife develops.

It's a weekend of surfing, with the HerLife Festival happening up at Jones Beach [Kiama Downs hosts a festival this weekend].