Surfing program amplifies Indigenous sporting opportunities

LOCAL First Nations have been given greater opportunities to access sport thanks to the expansion of an existing surf program.

Hundreds of people from across the state participated in 12 surf sessions over the past three months through the Surf for Life initiative.

Supported by the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program and Surfing Australia, the program fostered an inclusive and active community through increased participation in sport.

Many community members were given the chance to experience surfing for the first time, free of charge at Bancoora Beach and in Warrnambool.

Surfing Victoria Indigenous aquatics manager Jordie Campbell said they were thrilled to help amplify the impact of the work they already do.

“The Surf for Life initiative with the support of funding from Surfing Australia helped create extra opportunities for community to get in the water.

“We were able to increase our session numbers from three in each area, to six, helping more people get out and enjoy sporting opportunities.”

For more, head to surfforlife.com.au and surfingvic.com/indigenous/