Young surfers to hit the water and the books

TORQUAY’S Saltwater Institute is once again hitting the waves and the classroom to deliver its innovative seven-week program to 16 budding young surfers.

Based out of Surf Coast Secondary College and supported by coaches from Surfing Victoria’s high-performance division, The Saltwater Institute offers students from Year 7 to 10 the opportunity to engage in a surf training curriculum while maintaining national education standards.

Now in its fourth year of operation, the Saltwater Institute has previously attracted both local students and aspiring world champions from interstate including Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Director and creator Sam Magree said this year’s cohort has seen a participant from Hossegor, France join the movement. Students from Tasmania will also take part.

“There really is nothing as engaging as learning and developing through doing what you love, and for these kids, that dream is a reality,” Magree said.

Former pro surfer Dan Ross engages closely with Surfing Victoria coaching staff, while additional dry-land strength, conditioning and movement coaching is handled weekly by Mitch Barrow. Sport science sessions also form part of the program, with lessons coordinated in conjunction with Belmont’s BioLAB.

Magree said afternoon classes – which are hosted in Surf Coast Secondary’s Coastal Environment Centre – has seen special guests including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater take the floor.

For more information about The Saltwater Institute, visit thesaltwaterinstitute.com or email Sam Magree on [email protected].