A TALENTED crop of Far North Coast surfers has been selected for Surfing Australia’s High Performance Pathway Program, putting them on the radar for future Olympic selection.<\/p>\n
Dane Henry, Harley Walters, Max McGillivray, Quincy Symonds and Leihani Zoric have all been included in the program at Casuarina, designed to nurture emerging athletes under the age of 22 who show potential to represent Australia.<\/p>\n
The program focuses on skill development, creativity, exposure and experience, while gradually increasing competition and tactical focus as athletes progress through Junior and Qualifying Series levels.<\/p>\n
The local group have already made their mark, winning multiple state and regional titles.<\/p>\n
Tweed-based Henry has won multiple junior world titles and represented Australia internationally, while Byron Bay’s Zoric was awarded Surfing Australia’s Rising Star accolade last year.<\/p>\n
High-performance director Kate Wilcomes said the 2026 intake reflects both the strength and depth of Australian surfing.<\/p>\n
“This year’s program brings together a very strong cohort of athletes, combining experienced campaigners with emerging talent,” Wilcomes said.<\/p>\n
“The program is designed to elevate athletes as surfers and as people, providing the support, environment and expertise required to perform at the highest level and sustain long-term careers.<\/p>\n
“For many athletes, this phase marks an important step in their world championship ambitions and the early stages of Olympic qualification, and we’re focused on supporting them through that journey.”<\/p>\n
Symonds and Zoric will also benefit from a new national talent development initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and elevating the next generation of Australian female surfers while building a strong, sustainable network of female coaches.<\/p>\n
The program emphasises access, alignment and progression, ensuring talented young surfers are supported regardless of geography.<\/p>\n
Surfing Australia head of pathway programs Luke MacDonald said the program will play a critical role in the future of women’s surfing in Australia.<\/p>\n
“Surfing Australia, along with our state bodies, are genuinely excited to work together to provide the next generation of young girls the support they need to develop into high-performance surfing athletes,” he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A TALENTED crop of Far North Coast surfers has been selected for Surfing Australia’s High Performance Pathway Program, putting them on the radar for future Olympic selection. Dane Henry, Harley Walters, Max McGillivray, Quincy Symonds and Leihani Zoric have all been included in the program at Casuarina, designed to nurture emerging athletes under the age […]<\/p>\n