Surfing New South Wales

Surfing NSW make waves with National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Students and staff from Alexandria Park Community School took the plunge into a 4 week program today at Maroubra beach with Lets Go Surfing Surf School, as part of a National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) and Surfing NSW Surf Safety Program.

Students from both country and urban Indigenous backgrounds will be gaining knowledge from Local Life guards and Lets Go Surfing surf School, focusing on both theoretical and practical surf safety skills.

The partnership formed between NASCA and Surfing NSW will give opportunities for Academy students to gain life long skills, which NASCA Project Officer Ash Hogan is very excited about.

"We are thrilled for Academy students to gain qualifications through the program as well as learning about beach/surf safety and learning to surf", said Ash.

"The ability to be able to take these skills back to their communities is vital and they will become mentors on surf safety to other Indigenous students".

Indigenous surfer Otis Carey (Coffs Harbour) who now resides in Bondi, will be joining the kids in the water in the next few weeks before competing in the Boost Mobile Surf Sho at Bondi in March.

Carey will be taking on surfing royalty - Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson but is looking forward to being involved in surf education from a grass roots level.

"I think the program is a fantastic opportunity for young Koori kids to experience the sport of surfing and hopefully the kids will want to get involved more often and really enjoy it", said Carey.

Students will gain a Level 1 and Level 2 Surf Safety certificate which will teach them to navigate rips, understand the different techniques related to surf safety and negotiate wave zones identifying dangerous situations.

Tashala Torens found herself in the middle of a set but was all smiles with her friends and Instructors from Lets Go Surfing Surf School giving her guidance.

"It's so much fun to surf with my mates out there, I'd love to do it on weekends and come to the beach more".

Year 10 student Timothy Kanyk stood up a number of times catching waves right into the shore and is keen to come back in the coming weeks to Maroubra Beach and Surfing with Lets Go Surfing Surf School.

"I have ridden a body board before, surfing is harder but you go faster and it's way more fun".

Surfing NSW CEO Mark Windon is excited to broaden the already strong education program Surfing NSW has implemented throughout the state, by passing on knowledge that will be a life long skill.

"Surfing NSW are delighted to have NASCA join their Indigenous Surfing Program, over the 4 week course the Students from NASCA will not only have fun but gain a skill set that will be beneficial to them for the rest of their lives".

"The practical Surf lessons coupled with talks from Randwick City Council Lifeguards will provide them with knowledge regarding surf safety that they can share with their community", said Mark.

NASCA Students will be participating in 3more weeks of education on and off the beach with qualified Surf Safety personal and Sporting personalities incorporated to provide a well rounded program.

NASCA uses sport and high profile athletes as Role Models to encourage Aboriginal children in urban, regional and remote communities to stay at school, lead healthy lifestyles and make positive choices in life.

For more information on the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy visit www.nasca.com.au