Athlete Program

Surfing

Program overview

The SESA surfing program is endorsed by Surfing NSW.

The program provides high performance training opportunities for talented young surfers from the Far South Coast region of NSW.  The program supplements any home based coaching / training program that the surfer has in place. The program provides surfers with skill assessment and development, education, strength & conditioning, personal development and surfing event experiences. 

The program will include two camps that will be holistic and include surf sessions, breath work, yoga and education. A wave pool session (selected athletes) and competition support at State titles.

Athletes should be working towards representing NSW at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles or Australia and World ISA Games OR NSW State Titles and Team NSW at the Australian Titles.

The camps will either be performance based (technique, decision making and consistency) or competition goal based (heat stimulation, drills and tactical preparation).

Surfers will be accountable for communication between camps with coaches via XPS to promote consistent communication.

The program will run for approximately 4 months commencing in April and concluding in July 2025. There  Scholarship holders will be required to undergo the induction process, attend camps and participate in Surfing NSW events & experiences the program offers.

Scholarship Benefits

Scholarship athletes will be provided with:

• Technique and skill development

• Individual and squad coaching

• Athlete education

• Insight into what it takes to become a professional surfer

• Performance coaching at 2 x 2-day holistic camps at Narooma

• Competiton support at State titles

• Opportunities for remote coaching

• Strength & conditioning

• Wave pool camp*
  * selected athletes only

Athlete eligibility

To be eligible for a SESA Surfing Scholarship, surfers must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Reside within the South East Region of NSW

2. Female and male surfers 13 - 18 years of age in 2025 (under the WSL Pro Junior Age in 2025).

Selection criteria & process

To gain selection into the SESA Surfing Program athletes must satisfy the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the following:

• Be athletic and show potential in improving skills and ability.

• Be enthusiastic, motivated, and committed. 

• Willingness to learn and apply coaching ideas.

• Have a home coach or be willing to get one.

  Surfers are required to complete an online nomination form and attend trials.

  Surfers will then be selected based on their results in order of relevance from the following:

  1.     Competing at WSL Pro Jnr Level in 2024

  2.     NSW State Team 2023

  3.     Place at South Coast Regional Titles 2025

  4. Performance at trials

  5.     SESA Team in previous years & commitment/attendance

  6.     Coaches feedback and the NSW Ranking system will also be considered.

Nominations close 22 April 2025

Coaches:

Matt Hoar

Kai Otton