I had a few relationships in school, but I wasn’t that interested – for the first two decades of my life I was dedicated to surfing. I went to the year 10 formal with Chantelle, a girl I had a crush on. She never liked me back; rather, it was convenient for her.

My first serious relationship was at 17, when I met Laura at the beach. She was finishing high school and was so easy-going. I spoiled her with gifts and took her to Hawaii. She wanted to go to London after graduating and our break-up was tough.

I was 19 when I met Ash. Her family was involved in the local surf scene. Ash had just finished year 12, and we spent a year together. She wanted to focus on her career and again my heart was broken. From that point on, I spent more time with my mates.

I wasn’t looking for a relationship when Lauren, who’s now my wife, showed up. She was finishing a marketing degree and preparing for a corporate career. Lauren was petite, blonde and full of positive energy: my dream girl. We got along so well and respected each other. I fell in love pretty quickly.

I constantly do things that show Lauren I love her. I buy flowers and make sure she knows how appreciated and awesome she is. Lauren is an outstanding mum to our boys, Bobby, 13, and Duke, 10.

With social media and the rise of toxic masculinity, it’s a difficult time for boys and young men
in terms of how to treat women. The way we’re going to teach our sons is via the way I treat their mum. It’s not a sit-down lesson; it’s how I consistently treat Lauren.

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In 2023, I set the world record for the longest continuous surf and raised $500,000 for mental health charities. Being in the water for 40 hours, I felt both elated and frustrated. But there were dark times, too, as I reflected on my whole life – what happened with my dad, not making it as a pro surfer.

Lauren was with me the whole way. She continued to run our surf school, so she hardly slept. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but upon exiting the water, my beautiful wife was the first person I saw. To see her there was so powerful. Without Lauren, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Swellbeing (Hachette Australia) by Blake Johnston is out September 30.