Layne Beachley became a household name when she was the first woman to gain seven world surfing championships consecutively.

While Kirk Pengilly was the guitarist and saxophonist for one of the biggest bands Australia has ever produced INXS.

Diners were not disappointed when the charismatic couple told stories of their relationship and offered inspiring words for others in the room.

The champion surfer and the rock star met through a mutual friend Noiseworks front man Jon Stevens and had their first date at Dee Why RSL.

They have been labelled an odd couple with Pengilly finding himself suddenly in the strange world of surfing and Beachley tagging along as a groupie for INXS.

“Here I was a musician who was essentially a towel boy for a world champion surfer,” Pengilly said.

To which Beachley candidly reminded him of his skill for changing her surfboard fins, dubbing him ‘fin boy’.

“I felt so out of place but the one thing that did comfort me was they had a bar at all these surfing events,” said Pengilly.

Pengilly’s music career has spanned 35 years while part of the Aussie band that just keeps going despite losing their front man, Michael Hutchence in 1997.

The very talented musician describes himself as a house-husband now and jested about being known as Mrs Beachley.

It was evident that the gathering at Bannisters was hanging on every word Beachley shared and opened up about her life

Beachley was born Tania Gardner to an unmarried 17-year-old mother who gave her up for adoption.

Her adoptive parents Neil and Valerie Beachley were a surf loving family and she spent her childhood surfing Manly beaches.

When Beachley was a six-year-old her adoptive mother died and she spoke about her personal struggles.

“Being adopted I’ve struggled with a sense of belonging and the ocean has always been a place of healing and comfort for me,” Beachley said.

“By the age of eight I was determined to become the best of the best in the surf.”

Beachley was candid about her battle with chronic fatigue in 1995 and ongoing issues with depression.

“I’ve learnt that there needs to be acknowledgement that things are not okay and learn to deal with it,” Beachley said.

“I find that if can be grateful for one thing in my life everyday I’m ok.”

Beachley’s achievements are empowering for all women she has created a legacy for female surfers in Australia and she is a true feminist.

She encouraged the women of the room to embrace sisterhood and support each other.

Beachley is an inspirational individual and her story is an evidence of the power of self-belief.

Her biography written by Michael Gordon, Beneath the Waves, is available from Harbour Bookshop Ulladulla.