Every wave sailor in NSW knows that feeling. You’ve checked the BOM, the Southerly is meant to hit Gerroa at 2 PM, and you’re hauling down the highway with the froth levels hitting red-line. But before you rig up, there is one mandatory stop.
You pull into the main street of Gerringong, grab a coffee at the Perfect Break, and soak in the vibe at Natural Necessity.
The Ultimate Origin Story
If you think our community is hardcore for chasing storms, you need to hear about the Ladkin family. The shop didn’t start in a boardroom; it started in a treehouse.
Back in 1970, a 19-year-old Kent Ladkin ditched the office life for the salt. He spent years living in a treehouse at Angourie—the one made famous in the cult classic Morning of the Earth. It was there, while living a life of yoga and uncrowded points, that Kent realized the paraffin wax from the local petrol station was rubbish.
He started experimenting with beeswax and local ingredients, and Honey Surf Wax was born. That’s the DNA of this place: solving problems for people who live in the ocean.
Rising from the Ashes
The road wasn’t always glassy. In August 1976, just as Kent was preparing to open the original shop, the factory caught fire. Eight tons of wax went up in smoke—a fire so big it could be seen from 50km away. That same afternoon, the council blocked his retail plans.
Most people would have packed it in. But in true wave-sailing spirit, Kent saw an opportunity in the carnage. He pivoted, bought an abandoned grocery store on the main street, and the rest is history. That resilience is why Natural Necessity is now the largest independent surf shop in Australia.
Your “No-Wind” Sanctuary
Let’s get one thing straight: you won’t find a 4.7m wave sail or a carbon mast on the racks here. But for the NSW wave sailing tribe, Natural Necessity is still our “essential kit” HQ.
When the wind is light and the swell is pumping, their surfboard gallery is second to none. With over 1,000 boards in stock—from high-performance shortboards for cross-training to massive SUPs for cruising the river mouth—they have the gear that keeps us fit and focused between wind cycles.
And when that winter Southerly Buster is nuking? Their wetsuit range is legendary. There’s nothing worse than cutting a session short because you’re shivering. The Ladkins have the warmest rubber in the business to make sure you stay out there until the sun drops.
A Family Legacy
Today, the shop is still a family affair, with Kent, Viv, and the Ladkin boys—Forrest, Ryder, and Taj—keeping the dream alive. They’ve built more than a store; they’ve built a culture. Whether it’s the demo board program that lets you “try before you buy” or the healthy fuel at the cafe, everything they do is about enhancing that coastal lifestyle we all live for.
Next time you’re heading down to Gerroa, don’t just drive past. Pull in, say g’day to the team, and support a business that has been the backbone of the South Coast for half a century.
The NSW wave sailing community thank Natural Necessity for all their support over the years. 🌊🤙🌬️🏆
Local Tip: If you’re heading down for a weekend trip, check their online store first to see what’s in the demo gallery—it’s the best way to test out a fresh shape before the next glassy morning session.
Check out the full range and the Ladkin family story here: https://www.naturalnecessity.com.au/pages/our-story
