Local bloke – John Gannon from Maroubra

By James Hutton on November 1, 2016 in People

For several years, Maroubra local John Gannon was the envy of nearly every surfer in the world. He was being paid to travel to the best breaks in the world as the personal trainer of World Tour surfer Taj Burrow. Babies eventually brought an end to the eternal bliss for both men, but John still spends his time by the beach, getting people into their best shape. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? Since day dot. My dad owned the local butcher shop at North Maroubra, which we lived above.

What’s your favourite thing about the Eastern Suburbs? I’ve seen two cyclists come of their bikes in the last month – that was pretty bloody good.

What gets your goat about the Eastern Suburbs? The invasion of hipsters or the traffic – I don’t know what’s worse!

What’s your favourite beach? Maroubra. It’s regained its community feel.

What’s your favourite eatery? I can’t go past the pho soup from the bakery down at Maroubra Beach.

Where do you like to have a drink? Anywhere from the Maroubra Bay Hotel to the Coogee Pavilion. Getting a leave pass off the missus to go for a drink is the hard part.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? The South Sydney Rabbitohs. It was a disappointing year, but we still finished above the Roosters.

What music are you into at the moment? I’m a massive fan of Rihanna.

Who is your favourite person? My little boy, Grayson, but he is going to have a little sister soon so he will be my second favourite shortly.

What do you get up to on the weekends? I work, hang out with the family, go for a surf and have a couple of beers.

What do you do for work? I have a business geared towards exercises and movements that help people with back pain and create better posture; it’s known as ‘Foundation Training’. I run these classes around the Eastern Suburbs. More recently, though, I’ve started up Ocean Gladiators with Mark Mathews, which covers all aspects in surf fitness. I am also a lifeguard. You can find out more information about my training sessions at johngannontraining.com.

What’s your favourite thing about work? I’ve found a profession that interests me that I love doing. I enjoy meeting and helping people from all walks of life.

Do you have a favourite quote? Health is wealth.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? If you’re still reading this, the only words of wisdom I have is to be kind.