Local pair make high performance surfing squad

JAN JUC’S Xavier Huxtable and Barwon Heads surfer Ellie Harrison are among the fine crop of Australian surfers who will feature in a new high-performance program.

Surfing Australia has unveiled its 2026 High Performance Program Squad, naming 45 of the nation’s leading and emerging surfers.

The program exists to support Australian athletes to become the world’s best surfers and people, with a clear focus on building world champion and sustainable success in the sport.

This year’s cohort is split across two key streams: the Pathway Program and the Podium Program, guided by Surfing Australia’s high-performance blueprint, What It Takes to Win.

Huxtable will be part of The Podium program for athletes either preparing for, or already within the current Olympic cycle, with a strong focus on competitive readiness, performance health and continual refinement.

Harrison will complete the Pathway initiative which focuses on emerging and developing athletes under the age of 22 who have been identified as future Olympic cycle prospects.

The goal is to develop these surfers to become “Irukandji ready”, with an emphasis on skill development, creativity, exposure and experience.

Surfing Australia high performance director Kate Wilcomes said the 2026 cohort reflects both the strength and depth of Australian surfing.

“Following an incredibly dominant year for Australian surfers in 2025, it highlights that surfing is in a great place and the depth of talent is strong,” she said.

“The program is designed to elevate athletes as surfers and as people.

“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.”