Could you be Surf Lifesaving’s next Olympian?

There is a very successful history of athlete transfer between surf lifesaving and sprint kayaking. Clint Robinson, Ken Wallace and Hannah Davis are just some of the surf athletes that have transferred their athletic talent from surf lifesaving to sprint kayaking and gone on to win an Olympic medal. This partnership provides a national coordinated approach to athlete transfer and ensures that the interests of the athlete, surf club, state surf body, SLSA and Australian Canoeing (AC) are considered. 

Sprint kayaking is one of the best known and most popular of the canoeing disciplines. A highly challenging yet rewarding sport, sprint kayaking tests an athlete’s strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. 

AC has recognised a number of sprint kayaking squads around Australia as part of their National Elite Development Program (NEDP), these elite development squads will provide support to athletes that have been identified as potential Olympic Champions. The Next Wave will work with AC to transfer surf athletes directly into these NEDP squads.

Surf athletes that are already involved in sprint kayaking will be selected into the NEDP through their performance at the AC National Championships and those at the top of their age group will be eligible to receive extra support through The Next Wave. 

Selection Testing Sessions 

These testing sessions are open to all surf athletes that have not previously competed at an AC National Championships. The physical tests conducted will be used to identify athletes that have the potential to be fast tracked in sprint kayaking. 

The top ranking athletes from the selection testing will be invited to join a FREE 6 month trial program where athletes will begin regular training in a kayak. At the end of the trial program athletes will have the opportunity to be selected into the final NEDP squad through their performance at selected AC competitions. 

AC have confirmed the dates for the NEDP testing sessions in 2012, details in the table below. Surf athletes are strongly encouraged to attend a selection testing session, especially those between 15 – 21 years old with a background in surf ski, swimming or board paddling. No kayaking experience is required. 

Interested, then register...

If you would like to attend a selection testing session and see if you have what we are looking for then please complete the registration form. More details about your chosen session will be emailed to you closer to the date.