"If this was just going to be some sort of cynical ploy by well known sportspeople with a bit of money to parachute into this latest craft beer trend, then I wasn't interested in that".

There's only one thing better than a post-surf beer, and that's downing one you've brewed yourself! Four surfers from the Gold Coast are putting the finishing touches on their first batch and brewery in Currumbin, before they open up 'Balter' for the masses.

When we say 'masses', we actually mean every single surfer in the country, who's going to be desperate to grab a six-pack of this stuff for one single reason - not because the beer will be amazing, not because it's cheap…

But because of who brewed it.

Those four surfers are: Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr and Bede Durbidge. You better believe it, the big four of surfing on the Gold Coast are not just mates now, they're business partners in their own version of a post-retirement money maker called Balter Brewing Co. Certainly a departure from the clothing company/super-wave-pool schemes dreamed up by granddaddy Slater in the US, this idea has legs, and already harks from a location known for its craft beer pedigree.

The nitty gritty involves three beers, starting with a Pale Ale in time for Christmas, then a Pilsner, and a special brew which changes each month, only available from the brewery. Master brewer, formerly the bloke behind the Byron Bay Brewing Company, Scott Hargreaves is the man with the measuring cups, so you know they'll be a great drop. "When they approached me, one thing I said to them straight up was… If this was just going to be some sort of cynical ploy by well known sportspeople with a bit of money to parachute into this latest craft beer trend, then I wasn't interested in that, because that's the antithesis of what craft beer really is and who I am." Explained Hargreaves to an Aussie brewing enthusiasts. He also told them; "We're not going to have surfboards hanging off the walls and that sort of thing."

While that's a bit of a bummer, because surfboards are cool, the 750m2 warehouse on Traders Way, Currumbin is already full of character thanks to the high ceilings, red brick internal walls , mezzanine level offices in the corner and some pretty funky bracing going on inside. It's big too, with plenty of room for the brewing equipment (which is on order right now), and a great size tasting room.

Currumbin will be the place Balter Brewing Co calls home, and they say you can expect to find your favorite pro surfer behind the bar from time to time. They'll be open to the public for tasting, as well as a host of specialty events where a few of their surfing buddies will no doubt be in attendance. Expect those events to start happening around November, when Balter Brewing Co kicks into first gear.

PS: Balter - (v.) to dance artlessly, without particular grace or skill but usually with enjoyment.