Cronulla students to surf smarter

Sports participation connects students with community sport opportunities, building their confidence and capability to be active in life.

Cronulla High School, situated just 200 metres from Wanda Beach, has identified many talented athletes. With the schools' geographic location bordering Sydney's southern beaches, many of their students participate in the sport of surfing.

Surfing is now recognised as an Olympic sport. At Cronulla High School, they see this program as a vital component in identifying and developing surfing talent that will contribute to building a high-performance pathway for their students.

Teacher Bevan Gosby the Targeted Surfing Program Manager said students would be supported through mentoring, training and education from nationally accredited and industry experienced coaches.

"We see a huge benefit for a teaching model that combines a high-quality education and sports coaching in a nurturing and supportive environment.

"The program will provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes skill and technique development, strength and conditioning as well as strategies to enable students to build the mental capabilities required to be successful in the competitive world of surfing and beyond," Gosby said

The schools Targeted Surfing Program starts with year 9-10 students. Each year, interested athletes are asked to apply and gain nomination approval from their local boardriders club and a CHS staff member.

The CHS surfing selection panel assesses each applicant on their ability, performance, potential, and personal attributes such as attitude and coachability.

Principle Tony Ibrahim said it's a good program inspired by Cronulla High teachers for their students and supported by local businesses.

"This allows the students to pursue their passion with surfing whilst keeping them engaged with schooling and academic progress."

The program will enhance and develop individual student learning through the expert coaching industry links with Cronulla Surfing Academy and Surfing NSW. It is personalised, surf-specific fitness training from Lean Performance Gym, technical and competitive skill development, biomechanical and video analysis, sports physiology, and mental health education.

This is all helped with local support from Breen Resources, Triple Bull surf shop, CJ signs, Munster Kids, Dylan Surfboards, Payne Pacific, Carve Industries,Goat Sports Gear, Watkins Real Estate ,Grants Trophies and fueled by Acai D.Bowls.

Year 11 surfing student Cruz Mckee said it would make school a lot more enjoyable.

"It will keep us motivated and looking forward to doing the program with your friends.

"It will make me physically stronger, give me some competitive skills and learn how to surf smarter-which is important," McKee said

Life is not just a beach, and student performance will be monitored regularly with academic targets as necessary as the surfing levels.

Ongoing participation in the program will be determined through continued high performance, exemplary effort and behaviour.

To maintain their position in the program, the Cronulla student's must meet the expectations set out in the Student Code of Conduct and consistently demonstrate a high commitment to all aspects of school life.