Torquay surf coach up for national honour

A TORQUAY surf coach has been named as a finalist for the 2023 Australian Surfing Awards in recognition of his dedication to the sport.

Surfing Victoria high performance coaching director Cahill Bell-Warren has been shortlisted as one of three finalists for the Coach of the Year Award.

Mr Bell-Warren has been the head coach of Surfing Victoria and their surf coaching network Surf Better Now for eight years.

The Torquay local works with a range of surfers, from those aged eight to 10 doing their first turns all the way to the world’s elite such as 2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Ethan Ewing and world tour competitor Isabella Nichols.

Mr Bell-Warren said it was a huge honour to be recognised among the country’s elite coaches.

“It’s a nice feeling, for sure.

“However, I’m not standing on the beach in the rain thinking ‘I could win an award for this’; it’s the last thing on my mind.

“It’s not going to change what I do or who I am, but it’s great recognition for effort.”

Mr Bell-Warren said forming connections with great people was his favourite aspect of his career.

“It’s so amazing seeing the growth in our surfers from early teenagers to into their 20s.

“It’s nice seeing people win world events, but its more about the quality of people who come through the program.

“You get these amazing connections, and you get to go on a surfing journey with them. That’s what it’s about.

“You do it for the people, and the journey you get to go on with them.”

The winners of the 2023 Australian Surfing Awards will be announced at a gala event on Wednesday, February 28 at the Bondi Pavilion in Bondi Beach, Sydney.

For more, head to australiansurfingawards.com