Indigenous Youth
Wadandi Surf Academy
Busselton and Margaret River Senior High School, cultural exchange through connecting to ocean and culture.
The Academy aims to create and develop a surfing pathway for Indigenous youth in Western Australia by connecting them with the ocean and their culture.
This program has been made possible thanks to a successful partnership Surfing WA, The Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries, the Undalup Association, Southern Ports & Margaret River Surf Academy.
The program commences with a welcome to country ceremony, led by local custodian Iszaac Webb, followed by surfing lessons with Simon Tien and his coaches. After lunch, the Wadandi Surf Academy runs a cultural exchange with students to reconnect them to their culture through language and stories.
The long-term goal is to create a sustainable Aboriginal Surfing Academy which hold regular events, delivers dedicated surf coaching programs for Aboriginal people and train Aboriginal judges and officials.
Coodanup College – Aboriginal Surfing and Leadership Program.
Year 8-10 students participate in a six-week program which aims to develop their connection to country through surfing and cultural exchange.
Surfing lessons are run through Ian Macpherson at Mandurah Surf School which aims to develop students’ surf awareness and relationship with the ocean. The Indigenous cultural connection is run with local elder Trevor Stack who welcomes all participants and coaches to country with a smoking ceremony.
Trevor also offers students a bush tucker lunch and during these sessions and explains the traditional methods of preparing food. He encourages them to reconnect with their Aboriginal heritage by talking about local history and the relationships of local communities.
Surfing Australia’s First Nations Program.
Sixteen surfers have been selected for the Surfing Australia First Nations Youth High-Performance Program using a combination of event results and surfer potential. Maggie Shaw from Lancelin, Western Australia has been invited to participate in the program where surfers aged 12-18 will hone their skills at various beach breaks and take part in cultural sessions, guided by an all-Indigenous Committee.
Each surfer will have an individual High-Performance plan that prioritises well-being and cultural identity, valuing the voice of the young person and their families. The plan includes strength and conditioning training, sports psychology, life skills, trick acquisition, goal setting and other support as required.
