First Nations Youth High-Performance Program Applications Now Open

Surfing Australia has created a National High-Performance program for our First Nations Youth for the first time. The program runs across Australia for 12 months from January 1^st to December 2023. This includes 3 camps throughout the year, with the first 2-3 day camp running at the start of 2023 in Jan/Feb in Victoria. The remaining 2 camps are TBD.

Each surfer will have an individual High-Performance plan including; strength and conditioning, sports psychology, school/education, life skills, connection to culture and community, equipment development, trick acquisition, athlete wellbeing, and other services as required. 

All services are planned to be provided free of charge including flights, accommodation, food, transfers, coaches, content, equipment, surfer mentors and complete training services as needed.

Please email your signed application & supporting references to Summer Simon at summer.simon1501@gmail.com

Download the application form here

We aim to give support to young Indigenous Australians to be the world’s best surfers and people.

The high-performance surfing part of the program will include Surfing Australia Talent Pathways Manager, Clancy Dawson & Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Aquatics Manager & Performance Coach Jordie Campbell. Also supporting is Chelsea Hedges (Talent Pathways coach & former World Champion)

The cultural elements of the program will be guided & decided by the First Nations Youth HP Program Guidance committee made up of a group of well-respected Indigenous surfers.

The camp is generously supported with a donation from Norm Innis & his foundation plus support from Billabong.

What are the outcomes?

·       This program is an opportunity for young indigenous surfers to become better at surfing and to become better people.

·       Athletes get to connect with local traditional land owners and communities across Australia.

·       Share and tell impactful and positive stories of our First Nations Youths in surfing.

·       Connect with great surfing ambassadors.

·       Inspire more First Nations people to be more active, healthy and surf.

Who can apply?

Indigenous surfers ages 13 to 20, (maximum 20 years old prior to December 31^st 2023 i.e. cannot turn 21 or older in 2023 & must turn 13 in 2023) who are looking to improve their surfing skills and learn more about their culture. 8 Boys and 8 Girls will be selected. Applications are open from the 22^nd of August 2022 and MUST be sent in by the 2^nd September 2022. Applicants who are successful/unsuccessful will be notified by 23^rd September 2022.