Surfing Australia has today announced the launch of a brand-new competition, the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships, set to take place on the Gold Coast next year.
This unique event aims to showcase the talent of secondary school students in a tag team format, similar to the hugely popular Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle, as well as individual divisions.
Surfers will compete in teams of three, divided into two age groups for Boys and Girls: Year 7-9 and Year 10-12.
Surfing Australia’s Chief of Sport, Luke Madden said he was thrilled to add a major schools surfing competition to the Surfing Australia events repertoire.
“We’re excited to launch Australia’s largest school surfing event. The Australian Interschools Surfing Championships will fill a huge gap in our development pathway at the school surfing level whilst providing an amazing opportunity to show the depth of school surfing talent across the country. We hope that in the future every school will be watching surfing, either on the beach or live from their auditorium, with thousands of students competing and families also making holidays of the national events.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “What a fantastic format for surfing, providing the opportunity for school-based athletes to showcase their skills on the Gold Coast.
“Creating a pathway for these talented youth competitors will help uncover our next Joel Parkinson, Steph Gilmore or Mick Fanning. Congratulations to Experience Gold Coast and Surfing Australia and welcome to the majestic Goldie in 2024.”
The Australian Interschools Surfing Championships will be held on May 22-24, 2024 with Surfers Paradise as the primary location for the event and backup locations spanning the Gold Coast.
The Australian Interschools Surfing Championships is open to all secondary schools, including government, catholic and independent schools across Australia, to compete and field teams in each division. Schools can enter multiple teams and individuals across Boys and Girls from Year 7-12, but it also caters for schools to enter just one team or one individual.
Schools are urged to register their interest HERE and visit surfingaustralia.com to stay updated with event details. Entries open in late January, and all schools will be confirmed in February.
Competition Divisons:
• Senior Girls Tag Team – three Year 10-12 students
• Senior Boys Tag Team – three Year 10-12 students
• Junior Girls Tag Team – three Year 7-9 students
• Junior Boys Tag Team – three Year 7-9 students
• Senior Girls Individual – one Year 10-12 student
• Senior Boys Individual – one Year 10-12 student
• Junior Girls Individual – one Year 7-9 student
• Junior Boys Individual – one Year 7-9 student
Schedule *subject to change
Wednesday 22nd May 2024 – Day 1
• Welcome Ceremony & Briefing Session
• Training and Coaching sessions
• Group photo’s and interviews
• Teachers and Coaches surf session
• Pro Surfer Meet and Greet
Thursday 23rd May 2024 – Day 2
• Boys Tag Team division start and finish
• Girls Individual division start and finish
• Awards presentation for both divisions
Friday 24th May 2024 – Day 3
• Girls Tag Team division start and finish
• Boys Individual division start and finish
• Awards presentation for both divisions
• Overall awards presentation
The Australian Interschools Surfing Championships are proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast.
Participation
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