It’s a long way from Langwarrin to Sydney, but Luke Parker’s passion for surfing has well and truly survived the journey.

From the beaches along Frankston’s coast to the glamorous Bondi, Parker seems to have fitted in pretty well. It helps that a handful of his teammates have a passion for surfing, too.

“We have Jarrad McVeigh, Birdy, and Joey Kennedy starting up so it’s actually a really good crew to go surfing with.” – Luke Parker

“We’re better on the beach than in the water,” Parker said.

“We have all the gear, the best wetsuits, best boards so you’d see us walking up the beach and think we’re pro surfers and then we get in the water and we’re total spuds.”

Featured during Channel Seven’s Round 19 footy coverage, Parker says the hobby gives him an escape from the stresses of day-to-day life as an AFL player.

“I think I started surfing when I was about nine-years-old. It was just in the summertime and dad pushing me along on his old board.

“It’s been a bit more consistent coming up here. I’ve been able to get out on our days off at least once or twice a week, which is so relaxing and it takes your mind off football and any stresses you have.”

If surfing is having an effect on his footy, there’s no doubt it’s a positive one.

The 22-year-old has continued 2015 in the best and fairest winning form he showed last year and will come into All-Australian calculations at season’s end.

He’s slowly roping more teammates into hitting the water too, and is building up a star entourage to share the ocean with.

“It’s good to come out here and have a bit of fun with a fair crew now. We have Jarrad McVeigh, Birdy, and Joey Kennedy starting up so it’s actually a really good crew to go surfing with.”