The Viponds say their love of the ocean is what brought them together and it's a passion they continue to share after 60 years of marriage.
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Judy and John are integral members of the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club, which they label as their second family.
Members of the club helped the couple celebrate their 60 year marriage milestone on Sunday, September 8.
John Vipond first spotted Judy on Queenscliff Beach, Sydney in 1955.
"I saw this good looking chick coming up the beach," he said.
Judy's parents wouldn't let her marry until she was 21-years-old. On the year of her birthday, the couple married at St Matthews Church of England in Manly on September 5, 1959.
The couple lived in Sydney for about 10 years before they bought a property at Herons Creek and moved in the late 60s.
Judy said it was a big move from the city to the country. John would travel to Wauchope each day in their only vehicle. Judy stayed on the property to raise their two children Craig and Debbie.
Judy said the neighbours 'were wonderful' and they would keep each other company.
The Viponds eventually moved to a property at Kendall, before relocating to North Haven in the 70s.
John joined the surf club after talking to his friend at the Kendall Post Office, who said he was heading to the beach.
"I remember going down and seeing the most beautiful stretch of beach," John said.
"I was there every weekend after that."
John is a life member of the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club and of the Surf Life Saving Club Mid North Coast.
John was also manager of the Laurieton Pool for 25 years.
"I just loved the water," he said.
Judy and John's family live in Queensland. They have nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Judy and John said a long marriage takes a lot of hard work, communication and patience.
"You have to sit down together and work things out," Judy said.
They said the surf club has been fabulous for connecting them to many wonderful people.
Both still play important roles for the club, with Judy making lunch for the surf club patrol members and John surveying the beach armed with binoculars and a radio.
John trained many members of the club over the years through his roles as a teacher, examiner and instructor.
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