Avalon has become the prefered "sea-change" location for Sydneysiders wishing to adopt the surfer lifestyle during the last decade or so. As a result, there is a large and enthusiastic board-riding community here, although skill levels vary widely, so it's best to watch for a while before jumping in. You'll discover surf shops, homeware boutiques, wholefood stores, booksellers, seafood places, and cosy cafes that represent the area's surf lifestyle.