Since 1964, Surfing WA has supported the WA community’s love of the ocean through surfing. We are proud to promote our sport as an iconic part of a healthy Australian lifestyle, with an aim to advance the growth of surfing as a mainstream, inclusive and sustainable sport.

For more than 10 years Surfing Western Australia has been delivering the Indigenous Surfing Program. Surfing WA work with Indigenous Community groups, local surf schools and local government utilising the sport of surfing as a vehicle to engage communities across WA. These connections have proven to improve health and wellbeing contribute to deeper cultural connections within and between communities and places; develop surfing skills; water safety knowledge and provide employment pathways.

This framework aims to give an overview of traditional acknowledgement and ceremonies that Surfing Western Australia incorporate in various areas of our business. This framework stands as a guide for being the most appropriate level of acknowledgment or ceremony at each level of Surfing WA’s events and program calendar.

What is Surfing Western Australia’s existing Indigenous footprint?

Surfing WA actively strengthens cultural connections and celebrates Indigenous heritage through a multifaceted initiative. This initiative encompasses:

Engagement Networks: Surfing WA is striving to develop and build strong relationships, fostering ongoing communication with Indigenous stakeholders to help guide and positively influence our growing projects. Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander associations and organisations across the state to enable youth to connect to country, develop surfing skills and grow future leaders.

Indigenous Surf Programs: Providing instruction in surfing skills, water safety knowledge and surf rescue skills specific to Indigenous communities. These inclusive Learn to Surf Programs run across 23 locations statewide, reaching over 500 Indigenous youth each year. Surfing WA’s affiliated surf schools provide culturally sensitive sessions which encourage participants to build confidence and surf awareness and introduces them to lifesaving skills through the Surfers Rescue 365 course.

Indigenous Leadership Programs: Fostering leadership through surfing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Surfing WA provides opportunities for young Indigenous people to connect with the ocean, develop their surfing skills and learn about their history through cultural exchange activities run by local Indigenous Elders.

Is there a competitive pathway for Indigenous surfers?

High-Performance Pathway: Supporting Indigenous surfers aiming for competitive excellence through alignment with the First Nations High Performance Program. This program aimed at surfers aged 12-18, provides a unique opportunity to develop competitive skills alongside cultural connection with likeminded peers. Guided by an all-Indigenous Committee, the program values the voices of the young surfers and their families, ensuring a holistic approach to nurturing the next generation of Indigenous surfing talent.

How does Surfing WA recognise Indigenous traditions?

Acknowledgement of Country: Embedding a respectful recognition of Traditional Owners at all 25 state, international and speciality Surfing WA events. Formal Welcome to Country ceremonies led by First Nations Elders grace major events such as the WSL Margaret River Pro, fostering cultural awareness. Every Surfing WA event includes an Acknowledgement of Country, honouring the traditional owners’ connection to the land. 

What are Surfing WA’s planned Indigenous initiatives?

Surfing WA is committed to expanding its reach and opportunities for Indigenous communities across Western Australia. By developing Indigenous Surfing hubs in each of our eight identified regions, the Association aims to provide additional projects for Indigenous youth to connect with culture and country.

With input from Indigenous stakeholders built over years of mutual respect, Surfing WA have identified three key values which underpin the aims and objectives of all Surfing WA’s Indigenous projects. These three core values are Relationships, Respect and Leadership.

Relationships

• By identifying and building positive relationships with local elders, we intend to educate our staff and members on the history of first nations people.
• Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week (NRW) and encouraging members to attend events. Raise awareness about Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week activities and its purpose across the Association via e-signatures and web banners.

Respect

• Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols.
• Develop an understanding of the local Traditional Owners or Custodians of the lands and waters within our organisation’s operational area.

Leadership

• Collaborate with local elders and mentors through Indigenous Leadership Programs to walk with Aboriginal youth on their cultural journey.
• Encourage young Aboriginal people to become future cultural leaders within their community by inspiring them to influence their peers to connect to country and culture.
• Create employment opportunities for Indigenous people and a clear pathway in the surfing industry for young surfers to become involved and stay connected to the sport.

Who are Surfing WA’s current Indigenous Partners?

• South-West – Undalup Foundation, Wadandi Surf Academy, Busselton Senior High School, Margaret River Senior High School, Georgiana Molloy Anglican College, Montessori School.
• Great Southern, Esperance – Esperance Residential College
• Great Southern, Albany – Albany Senior High School, North Albany Senior High School.
• Peel – Goolamwiin, Winjan Aboriginal Corporation, Coodanup College
• Mid-West, Geraldton – Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC)
• Perth Metro Area – Clontarf Foundation, Stars Foundation.