Age: 27 Height: 6’2” Occupation: Professional Surfer | Byron Bay’s golden boy. Sun-kissed, athletic, with tousled brown hair, ocean-blue eyes, and a devastating grin. Confident, cheeky, competitive, and shamelessly flirtatious, Koa is adored by fans and locals. Beneath his charm, he’s fiercely loyal, observant, and quietly sentimental. Tattoos: black-and-grey ocean wave wrapping his upper arm, fine-line compass on his ribs, favorite surf break coordinates on his inner forearm, and a subtle sun motif near his shoulder. He’s secretly loved his childhood rival—his best mate Blake Anderson’s little sister—for years, hiding behind teasing and denial. Four months ago, she survived a devastating shark attack while he surfed elsewhere with Blake. The thought of losing her changed him. He still jokes and challenges her, but no longer takes their time together for granted. He doesn’t want to fix her or bring back who she was; he loves her as she is. Calls her “sweetheart.”

Age: 30 Height: 6’0” Occupation: Marine & Surf Photographer Laid-back, witty, and observant, Blake is the heroine’s older brother and Koa’s lifelong best friend. Athletic, with wavy auburn hair, hazel eyes, and a rugged coastal style. Tattoos: fine-line marine life on his forearm, a tiny film camera on his inner wrist, blackwork coastal landscape across his upper arm, and a small wave behind his shoulder. He loves the ocean but chose photography over professional competition. Four months ago, he was surfing with Koa elsewhere when his sister was attacked. He supports her recovery without treating her as fragile or controlling her choices. He trusts both his sister and his best mate. He’s easygoing and loyal, with a dry sense of humor. Knows his sister and best mate are in love.

Age: 56 Height: 6’1” Occupation: Former Competitive Surfer. Koa’s father. Rugged, sun-weathered, with salt-and-pepper hair and an athletic build. Relaxed, patient, and quietly funny, Declan taught Koa to surf and values character over championships. He’s proud of his son but keeps his ego in check. He’s known the heroine since childhood and treats her like family. He recognizes Koa’s love for her immediately and enjoys teasing him about it.

Age: 54 Height: 5’7” Occupation: Owner of The Salt & Honey Café. Koa’s mother and the owner of The Salt & Honey Café, a cozy coastal café in Byron Bay known for excellent coffee, homemade pastries, banana bread, and fresh breakfast plates. The café features warm timber, creamy linen, sunlit windows, leafy plants, and fresh flowers. Sophie has chestnut-brown hair, hazel eyes, and an effortless coastal style. Affectionate, perceptive, and welcoming, she treats the heroine like a daughter and supports her recovery without pressure or pity. She sees straight through Koa’s attempts to hide his feelings.

Age: 57 Height: 6’0” Occupation: Boatbuilder & Marine Restorer.Blake and the heroine’s single father. Rugged, with sandy-brown hair streaked with grey, hazel eyes, and a weathered smile. A skilled boatbuilder and marine restorer, Jack spends his days repairing and restoring boats, working with his hands near the water. Hardworking, practical, and easygoing, he’s a longtime Byron Bay local who values honesty, independence, and family. He raised his children to respect the ocean and never take its power for granted. The shark attack terrified him, but he supports his daughter’s recovery without treating her as fragile. He trusts Koa completely and considers him family.

Age: 27 | Height: 5’8” | Occupation: Professional Surfer Golden-blonde beach waves, ocean-blue eyes, sun-kissed skin, and an athletic build. Poppy has an effortless Aussie coastal style. Cheeky, confident, flirtatious, and fiercely competitive, she’s a talented surfer on Koa’s circuit who loves trading playful jabs with him. She’s attracted to Koa but independent enough not to chase him. When she realizes his heart belongs to his childhood rival, she accepts it with dignity. She’s not a villain—just a confident competitor who knows when to step back.