While their peers relaxed during the final weekend of the October school holidays, a group of the state’s most promising ocean competitors traded books for swimsuits at an intensive camp designed to improve their skills.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club member Kirra Dale was among those who gained insight into the reality of life for an elite surf sport athlete.
Forty-three teenage athletes aged between 12 and 14 from across NSW gathered at Sydney’s Academy of Sport on the Northern Beaches last week for a this year’s development program for young talents who have demonstrated an aptitude for any of the water disciplines contested at a surf sport event.
It is the first time that many of these youngsters have been exposed to a high performance environment though many of them have already enjoyed success at the NSW Country and State Championships in their fledging careers.
While they endured the longest trip just to get to the program, the southern based lifesavers relished the chance to train alongside and make friends with rivals they might only see at one or two carnivals a season.
Throughout the three-day program that was held at the Sydney Academy of Sport on Sydney’s Northern Beaches the athletes participated in training sessions under the eagle eye of some of the best surf sports coaches going around including Jim Walker mentor of the NSW Senior team, attended discussions on nutrition, had their skills and techniques analysed and were introduced to high performance and recovery techniques.
Additionally some of the lectures were delivered by guest speakers with their own background in competitive sport providing an intriguing backdrop. Mark Webster from Winning Edge spoke about the importance of sport psychology on performance, while London Olympian kayaker Jo Brigden- Jones delivered a lesson on goal setting.
Kirra Dale was attending her second Junior Development Academy and was the lone representative from the Far South Coast Branch.
She didn’t let that hinder her and thoroughly enjoyed the camp.
“It was a good being able to learn new things and make new friends while doing it especially on the board. The program helped me set some goals and I really want to work towards winning a medal at the Australian Pool Rescue Champs after doing well at state level,” she said.
While Kirra has enjoyed plenty of success in the pool she still loves competing at a summer carnival as well.
“I think my favourite event would be the swim teams largely because you have others with you throughout the race and it’s always a lot of fun at events.”
Surf Life Saving NSW Development Officer Tim Piper said introducing these youngsters to a high performance environment will accelerate their development as they look to make their mark on surf sport.
