From pre-work surfs at Wurtulla to orthopaedic wards across Queensland, Dr Callum Fryer fits his time in the water around a demanding medical career. The Sydney-born doctor shares his favourite waves, memorable trips and a piece of surfing advice from his dad that has stayed with him.
Background and career
Nationality
Australian. Born in Sydney.
Current position
Currently working as an Orthopaedic Service Registrar in Queensland.
Education and work experience
I completed primary and secondary education in Australia, followed by a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney and a Doctor of Medicine in Western Australia. I also completed a Master of Traumatology, specialising in Orthopaedics. After internship and junior doctor years primarily at Royal Perth Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital, I progressed into orthopaedic service registrar positions across Queensland, including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
Medical interests
My main interest is orthopaedic surgery, which encompasses a broad range of clinical presentations. Working in Cairns also developed my interest in tropical medicine and emergency response, including cyclones, crocodile bites and unusual infections such as melioidosis. I particularly enjoy paediatric orthopaedics. Caring for older patients with neck-of-femur fractures is another area that continually challenges me and motivates me to improve.
Surfing and travel
Local surf spot
Currently living in Brisbane, my two main surf spots are Wurtulla Beach on the Sunshine Coast, where I previously lived, and Cabarita Beach in northern New South Wales.
Your favourite wave in the world and why
One of my favourite waves is Wurtulla Beach on the Sunshine Coast, opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. It’s a beach break with submerged reef, making it relatively consistent and a great option for a surf before work. When the swell picks up, it can hold a decent size and produce some beautiful peeling barrels. The consistency, the memories and the ability to squeeze in a surf before work make it a favourite.
Travel experience
I’ve enjoyed a number of surfing trips, including travelling throughout Bali and Western Australia.
Best surf trip ever
My first trip to Bali with my girlfriend, staying in Uluwatu. Experiencing that wave for the first time, watching sunsets from the clifftop and eating nasi goreng made it an unforgettable experience.
Worst surf trip ever
A university surf trip to Kalbarri, approximately five to six hours north of Perth. The surf was enormous, with only a couple of locals managing to paddle out. I attempted to paddle over the reef but managed to cut my hand quite deeply and tear my wetsuit. That was pretty much the end of my surfing for the trip! Despite being a disaster from a surfing perspective, we had a fantastic time camping, sharing good conversations, visiting a local farm and exploring the town museum.
The best thing about surfing
The feeling you get from surfing. Firstly, it gets you into the water and away from gadgets and the distractions that can dominate everyday life. It’s exercise, sunlight and an opportunity to reconnect with the ocean and appreciate the importance of protecting the environment. It’s also something you can share with other people. Ultimately, the waves are temporary and beyond your control. Surfing teaches you appreciation, perspective and the ability to recognise that some things are bigger than you.
The best advice you were ever given about surfing
“Paddle hard and wait a little bit before you get up.” My dad gave me that advice when I was young and surfing on the north coast of New South Wales. It’s something I still think about today and pass on to others learning to surf.
Current go-to surfboards — make and dimensions
A 6’6” utility board for a range of conditions, including slightly bigger surf, and a 9-foot longboard for easy cruising and smaller, more relaxed conditions.
Medical experiences and surfing challenges
Your share of barrels over the last three years, or has work dominated
Unfortunately, work has dominated! I’ve managed to get some surfing in, but haven’t had my fair share of barrels.
Wave pool experiences
I’ve surfed one wave pool, in a canal in Utrecht, the Netherlands, while visiting my wife’s family. The canal has been adapted to create a surf wave within the city. It was an enjoyable and unusual experience, with music and spectators lining the narrow canal. The water was freezing, and it wasn’t necessarily a barrel-producing wave, but learning to surf something completely different was a challenge in itself. A very fun experience!
The set of the day comes grinding down the reef. It’s big, gnarly and heavy. You’re next in line, your board is a bit small and the wave looks sketchy. Your friends are shouting for you to go, and everyone is watching. What do you do
I’d be excited to see a bigger set coming through, but the first thing I’d do is maintain situational awareness. I’d want to understand the conditions, where everyone else is positioned in the lineup and whether I’m actually in the best position to take the wave. I don’t think you necessarily need to rush to take the first or biggest wave of the set. I’d look for the right wave, which might be the third rather than the first or second, and choose one with the best shape rather than simply the biggest. I’d also appreciate the limitations of my board, but draw on my experience surfing it and back myself if the conditions were manageable. Ultimately, I’d take a deep breath, make a considered decision and use my surfing experience to enjoy the wave as much as possible.
For now, the work-to-barrel ratio could do with some improvement. A few more mornings at Wurtulla should help.
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