Surfing Australia News Autumn 2016 | Page 41

Lily’s Perfect Progression The Weet-Bix SurfGroms program is only the beginning of Surfing Australia’s Sport Development Pathway. When groms progress through this pathway, it’s like watching stars align in the sky or in surfing’s case, the line up. If you’re looking for a surfing star, look no further than Lily O’Sullivan. She’s the 11-year-old surfing prodigy who resides at Kingscliff with her parents, two younger sisters and brother. At the age of six, parents Justin and Jacqui looked no further than the Weet-Bix SurfGroms program for their first born Lily who progressed competently through the five levels which the Weet-Bix SurfGroms program covers, including essential ocean and surf safety techniques. Lily now undergoes regular coaching sessions with Surfing Services Currumbin, head coach Mark Richardson, more often than not at one of her favourite waves, Currumbin Alley or Snapper Rocks. It’s not hard to see that this young Snapper Rocks Surfriders club member is looking towards a big future already with a bucket load of commendable results including a 1st place at the Parko Grom Stomp in 2015 and a second and third in various Wahu Surfer Groms Comps, the exciting second tier of Surfing Australia’s Sport Development Pathway. The Kingscliff Primary School’s Sport Vice Captain doesn’t mind chasing waves around the world either, with family surf trips to Hawaii and Bali, she loves a sharp snap in the pocket and has had her fair share of barrels in Bali while surfing with her Dad, Justin. With another trip lined up to Hawaii later this year, this little wahine is on her way to exciting things. “I’m really working on improving opening up through my turns, bigger fin slides and better wave selection” she said. Couple her eager attitude and undeniable skills with regular skate sessions on the s AIS Surf Skate Training Facility at the Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC), Lily O’Sullivan is undoubtedly shining like the brightest star in the line up. surfingaustralia.com 39