Surfing Australia Academy

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.

2025 Academy Athletes

Applications Open

Prioritising High Quality Education

Surfing Australia is proud to have Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School as our official school-based education partner.

Lindisfarne is a high-quality, independent, Anglican, co-educational grammar school that serves the southern Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and northern New South Wales.

Lindisfarne provides the distinctive identity, relationships, learning and leadership that will support Academy athletes in achieving their surfing potential, without having to compromise their education.

Learn More

Academy Coaches

Christian Cook

Academy Manager

Bede Durbidge

Head Coach

Michael O’Rafferty

Head Coach

Tru Starling

Coach

Glenn Workman

Lead Physical Preparation Provider

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.

Nathan Hedge
Jay Phillip
Josh Fuller
Linton Fafie
Callum Robson
Morgan Cibilic
India Robinson

Academy Applications

Applications for 2025 Academy positions will open on October 7th 2024 and close on November 31st 2024.

Applications can be submitted using the ‘Apply Now’ button below. Please note that you will need letters of reference, copies of recent school report cards and NAPLAN results to finalise your application.

After reviewing all applications, Surfing Australia will contact a shortlist of applicants who have progressed through to the interview stage.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Display none

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.

Do I have to attend Lindisfarne to be in the Academy?

Academy athletes will be required to attend Lindisfarne on a full-time basis where possible. Surfing Australia will grant a limited number of exemptions for non-Lindisfarne students’ and we encourage any surfer that does not attend Lindisfarne to apply.

How much are Lindisfarne school fees?

Full details on the Lindisfarne enrolment process and fees can be found on their website.

Are Academy athletes guaranteed a place at Lindisfarne?

No, Lindisfarne is under no obligation to take or retain the enrolment of any Academy athlete and reserves the right to manage enrolments per existing processes and at the discretion of the school’s principal.

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 can be paid upfront for the entire year or 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 2025 Elite Academy.
18 surfers will be selected for the 2025 Development Program

What is the weekly schedule for the Elite Academy in 2025?

Terms 1 and 4

Monday               4pm -6pm                           Beach TBC           Surfing
Tuesday               4pm – 5pm                          HPC Surf Specific Strength and Conditioning
Wednesday        6am – 8am Beach TBC           Surfing
Thursday             8am – 12:30pm HPC Surfing

Terms 2 and 3

Tuesday               4pm – 5pm                          HPC                        Surf Specific Strength and Conditioning
Wednesday        6am – 8am Beach TBC           Surfing
Thursday             8am – 12:30pm HPC                        Surfing
Saturday 8am – 12pm Beach TBC Surfing

What is the weekly schedule for the Development Program in 2025?

Monday 4pm – 5pm HPC Surf Specific Strength and Conditioning
Thursday 8am – 12:30pm Beach TBC Surfing

Who provides transport to and from sessions?

Parents of Lindisfarne students are required to drop their child to each session but will have transport available when returning to school after morning sessions. Parents of non- Lindisfarne student are responsible to ensure that their child is dropped and picked up to each session.