Supporting Australian Athletes to Become the World’s Best Surfers and People
The Surfing Australia Academy Program is a 12-month high performance coaching program, combining year-round performance coaching and the highest quality education for surfing athletes in years 7 to 12.
It’s not about being the best; it’s about being your best and maximising your potential as an athlete, both in and out of the water.
The Academy has two tiers that provide different levels of coach support for two distinct levels of surfer.
Elite Academy
- currently competing at a regional, state or higher level and aspiring to become a professional surfer.
- up to 12 hours of coach contact per week.
- available to boys and girls in years 7 to 12.
- 12 surfers selected.
Development Program
- currently competing at a boardriders level and aspiring to compete at a regional, state and higher level.
- up to 6 hours of coach contact per week.
- available to boys and girls in years 7 to 12.
- 18 surfers selected.
2027 Academy Athletes – Who Will They Be?
Applications Open
Applications Open
Applications Open
Applications Open
Academy Coaches
Christian Cook
Academy Manager
Bede Durbidge
Head Coach
Michael O’Rafferty
Head Coach
Glenn Workman
Lead Physical Preparation Provider
Jay Phillips
Surf Coach
Darryl Vandepolder
Surf Coach
Carter Cook
Surf / Skate Coach
Ryan Cafferkey
Acro Specialist
Nathaniel Sipple
S&C Coach
The Surfing Australia Academy program will utilise a comprehensive network of HPC coaches, ex professional surfers and current WSL Challenger Series athletes to assist across the program when available.
- Josh Fuller
- Linton Fafie
- Pia Rogers
- Matt Bemrose
- Nick Vasicek
- Morgan Cibilic
- Jacob Willcox
- Sofie McCulloch
Academy Applications
Applications for 2027 Surfing Australia Academy positions are now open and will close on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Applications can be submitted by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
Once applications close, the Academy Coaches will review all submissions and create a shortlist of applicants.
Final Letters of Offer will be issued by 30 November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do Academy athletes get selected?
Athlete applications are reviewed by a selection panel made up of Academy coaches and Surfing Australia’s High Performance staff. Successful applicants will demonstrate that they surf at an advanced level, have competitive experience and apply themselves academically.
Can Academy athletes attend any school?
Yes – Academy athletes can attend any school of their choice. Please note, however, that the school will need to approve their absence each Thursday morning to accommodate Academy training.
Do athletes have to commit to the full 12 months?
Yes, this is a 12-month program and athletes participate in all four school terms.
When are Academy fees due?
Academy fees are paid in 4 x term instalments. Term payments are due prior to the commencement of the term i.e. term 1 fees are due prior to the commencement of term 1.
How many athletes are accepted into the Academy Programs?
12 surfers will be selected for the Elite Academy.
12 surfers will be selected for the Development Program
What is the weekly schedule for the Elite Academy (TBC)?
Tuesday 4pm – 5:30pm HPC Surf Specific Acro and Strength & Conditioning
Wednesday 6am – 8am Beach TBC Surfing
Thursday 7:30am – 12:30pm HPC Surfing
Saturday 7am – 11am Beach TBC Surfing (each fortnight)
What is the weekly schedule for the Development Program (TBC)?
Monday 4pm – 5:30pm HPC Surf Specific Acro and Strength & Conditioning
Thursday 8am – 12:30pm HPC Surfing
Is the Academy recognised as a school subject that goes towards an athletes Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)?
No, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School administers all educational components of the Academy program.
Participation
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