TONIC | CLUB DEVELOPMENT NOTICE
HI ALL
By Dave Lammin
SUMMER HAS CERTAINLY HIT! IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO
BE BACK IN BOARDIES AGAIN WITHOUT FEELING THE
RESTRICTION OF A STEAMER. HOWEVER, AS THE WATER
TEMP INCREASES SO DO CROWD NUMBERS AT THIS TIME
OF THE YEAR.
It’s not unusual to get a little frustrated during these busy months, whether
it’s trying to get a car park at your favourite break, waiting in line for
something to eat or drink or trying to paddle into the set of the day, only
to get completely out paddled by an over frothing individual who needs to
chalk up a 20-plus wave count in his 1 hour session. If you know this scene
all too well, remember to stop, take a breath and say to yourself, it’s ok,
there will another car park (maybe you might have to walk a little further),
smoothie bar (without the line up) and epic session (with everyone willing
to share the love), possibly just around the corner.
As 2014 quickly draws to an end everyone’s trying to tie up any loose
ends prior to the school holidays and Christmas. Looking back, 2014 has
been a stellar year for Queensland surfing. One particular achievement
and athlete who I would like to mention, is Stephanie Gilmore. Recently
Steph took out her 6th World Title at the tender age of 26. An amazing
achievement for such a young athlete and certainly an inspiration to our
young Queensland female future world champs! I’m sure Steph has a few
more World Titles in her yet, and will be a force to be reckoned with for
many years to come.
At the grass roots level of the sport, Surfing Queensland’s 43 affiliated
Boardriders Clubs have gone from strength to strength in 2014. Initiatives
such as Surfing Queensland’s ‘Rookie to Shredder’ program have provided
some great opportunities for Clubs to not only up-skill their members in
coaching and judging qualifications but also encouraged Clubs to kick off
monthly junior development training programs which are paying some
serious dividends.
Success in any sport for a junior athlete is often largely dependent upon
the sport having a clear sport development pathway in place. Thanks to
both the national and state governing bodies of the sport, Surfing Australia
and Surfing Queensland, surfing has these pathways firmly cemented in
each of its surf sport disciplines, including shortboard, longboard, SUP
and bodyboard. At the forefront of this pathway, is Surfing Australia’s
Vegemite Surf Groms program. Our affiliated Surf Schools across the State
who have embraced this initiative, have had a huge impact on the ability
and confidence levels of our groms coming out of this introductory surf
program. Those Clubs who are encouraging these Vegemite Surf Groms
to funnel into their Clubs are witnessing a large pool of very talented
youngsters hungry to take their surfing to the next level.
On behalf of the Surfing Queensland team, I wish you all a very happy and
safe Christmas and New Year with plenty of good waves and quality time
with family and friends. Take care and we look forward to seeing you back
primed and ready for 2015!
Dave Lammin
Sport Development Manager
Surfing Queensland
SURFINGQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
SUMMER ISSUE – 21