Future Olympians to compete at inaugural Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast
More than 2000 of the country’s best young surfers will compete in the inaugural Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast. We reveal the must-watch stars who will make history here.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
City leaders believe a groundbreaking surfing competition on the Gold Coast will ensure the country continues to produce a conveyor belt of world class talent who can compete for gold at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Surfers Paradise will play host to the inaugural Australian Interschools Surfing Championships from Thursday, with over 2000 students from across the country to compete.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the creation of the event was crucial to Australia’s bid to win gold when the state plays hosts to the Games in 2032.
“Surfing is in our city’s DNA. With world-class breaks and a vibrant coastal culture, there is no better home for the inaugural Australian Interschool Surfing Championships,” Tate said.
“Well done to Surfing Australia for introducing this new competition format which enables us to continue to identify and support the next generation of surfing talent ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“As a city, we have produced many surfing world champions and I have no doubt these young athletes will put on an incredible show on our shores this week.”
Schools competing in the inaugural year stretch heavily along the east coast, with the likes of The Southport School and Palm Beach Currumbin fielding a number of surfers across junior and senior age divisions.
Sports Excellence Surfing Coach at Palm Beach Currumbin High School Blair Semple spoke about the buzz around his group of surfers as they prepared for a teams event, something that’s rare on the Gold Coast.
“We’re really looking forward to the Australian Interschools comp,” Semple said.
“There aren’t a lot of competitions that allow the students to represent their school in a teams surfing format so we’re excited to see how we fare against other schools from around the country.”
The competition is open to all secondary schools including government, catholic and independent.
Leading interstate schools to feature in 2024 include The Scots College, The Illawarra Grammar School and St Augustine’s College, Sydney.
Schools can opt to compete in varying age divisions across, both boys and girls from year 7-12, either as teams or individuals.
Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates was excited about his organisations role in co-managing the event with Surfing Australia.
“Surfing Queensland is stoked to help facilitate this great new school surfing event in partnership with Surfing Australia.
“We are excited to see the level of surfing when the competition gets underway this week,” he said. Events like this are great for the region and all involved.
‘To our interstate visitors, we say enjoy the magic winter conditions on the Gold Coast.”
Who to watch: Schools reveal top surfers
Eliza Richardson
Age: 14
School: Sunshine Beach High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 tag team and individual
Comment: Current 2 x Australian Champion in under-14s, Eliza demonstrates big turns in big sections consistently.
Rosie Richardson
Age: 14
School: Sunshine Beach High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 tag team and individual
Comment: Rosie has one of the best forehand carves in all of Queensland recently won the Parko Junior Pro.
Livy Corvisy
Age: 14
School: Sunshine Beach High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 tag team and individual
Comment: Livy attacks the lip and puts extra X-factor into her turns. She is an up-and-comer in the local Sunshine Coast surf community, earning some solid results in the SBSHS trials and being selected to compete at the regional trials.
Cruze Ryan
Age: 17
School: Elanora State High School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Cruz’s story: “I grew up in Agnes Water and moved down here to the Gold Coast about 8 months ago. I started surfing when I was 4 or 5 and loved it from then. One of my best results was a 4th in a final at Port Macquarie in the under-18s and making a few heats in a QS3000. My surfing goals after school include doing more QS and pro junior comps, and if that goes well, I’ll aim for the challenger series and further above that.”
Zyah Hession
Age: 16
School: Elanora State High School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Comment: Zyah is an up-and-coming talent on the Gold Coast. A Dbah and Snapper local, Zyah has been surfing the Gold Coast points and beaches from a young age. Airs and smooth rail to rail surfing, Zyah will be a huge factor to Elanora’s success.
Rico Haybittle
Age: 16
School: Elanora State High School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Comment: Rico is a Burleigh boardriders young gun. He has had plenty of recent success including a win in the 2024 Burleigh Single Fin under-19s, placing second in the Australian open of surfing and securing a place in the 2023 World Junior Titles. Rico’s talent in the water can see him rip in all conditions.
Oskar Brown
Age: 12
School: Discovery Christian College
Division Years 7-9 individual and Tag team
Comment: Oskar is a passionate young surfer and is keen to start competing this year. His signature move is the cutback – a manoeuvre he executes with style and precision. His ability to generate speed and power through his turns sets him apart from his peers. A very promising future.
Levi Bissett
Age: 13
School: Discovery Christian College
Division Years 7-9 individual and Tag team
Comment: Levi is a natural footed surfer who is progressing his surf skills in the waves at Agnes Water. While he’s still relatively new to the sport compared to some, Levi’s dedication and enthusiasm has propelled him to become an intermediate surfer with a promising future.
Finn Lawry
Age: 14
School: Discovery Christian College
Division: Years 7-9 individual and tag team
Comment: Finn has been surfing the beaches and point breaks since he was five, and regularly competes in the local Tide n Turn Boardriders Club competitions. Finn has recently made the Wide Bay surfing team to compete in the Queensland Titles in July.
Ryder Lawry
Age: 13
School: Discovery Christian College
Division: Years 7-9 individual and tag team
Comment: Ryder is entering the interschool surf competition in the team and individual divisions after also recently making the Wide Bay team to compete in the State Championships. He has been surfing since he was three on the point
breaks and beaches around Agnes. Living 200m from the beach, he is out any day that Agnes offers some swell.
Marley Lowcock
Age: 15
School: Discovery Christian College
Division: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Comment: Marley has been surfing practically since he could walk. Competing in the local Tide n Turn competition in Agnes has been a cornerstone of his journey over the past 10 years, providing him with invaluable experience and opportunities to test his abilities against top local talent. He is a power surfer with a quest for technique and is currently competing for the Wide Bay regional team.
Preslie Smith
Age: 17
School: Discovery Christian College
Division: Years 10-12 tag team
Comment: Preslie is a committed surfer who has a love for aerial manoeuvres. He’s spent countless hours studying the ocean, analysing wave patterns, and perfecting his technique. These are the key drivers that got him into the Wide Bay regional team.
Israel Biss
Age: 17
School: Discovery Christian College
Division: Years 10-12 tag team
Comment: Israel possesses an innate sense of balance and control on the board. His movements are fluid and precise, effortlessly carving through the waves with style and grace. Surfing isn’t just a hobby for Israel, it’s a way of life. He’s dedicated countless hours to mastering his craft, sacrificing time and energy to pursue his passion.
Isla Kindstrom
Age: 13
School: Cardijn College
Division competing in: Under-16s individual
Isla’s story: “I started surfing when I was 4 and properly got into it when I was 8 – I have been surfing since. I will be competing in the under-14 Nationals this year after the upcoming interschools competition. I would love to start taking surfing seriously and will hopefully get a coach to help me improve further.”
Allegra Caretti
Age: 13
School: Cardijn College
Division competing in: Years 7-9 tag team & individual .
Allegra’s story: “I lived in Europe for 2 years and started snowboarding. When I started living in Australia, I obviously couldn’t snowboard so instead I got into surfing. I was 8 at the time. From there I have joined some local surf clubs, taken part in events around SA and will be competing at nationals this year. Overall, I just want to keep improving and hopefully this will get me somewhere some day.”
Jovi Heldt
Age: 13
School: Cardijn College
Division competing in: Under-16s individual
Jovi’s story: “I have competed in some state events, Microgroms Competitions and interschool comps. I have been surfing since I was 5 - Dad is a surfer and taught me. I want to get better and would like to get a coach to improve both for enjoyment and within competitions.”
Jai Nield
Age: 15
School: PBC
Division competing in: Under-16s individual
Jai’s story: “I am 15 years old from Coolangatta and am part of the Snapper Rocks Boardriders Club. I have grown up surfing around the Southern Beaches of the Gold Coast like Kirra, Snapper Rocks & Duranbah. It will be awesome to compete in this event for my school, Palm Beach Currumbin State High, where I am part of the Surfing Sport Excellence program.”
Gidget Kowalski
Age 13
School: PBC
Division: Under-16s
Gidget’s story: “I’m 13 years old and attend PBC as a member of the surf excellence program. I’m a goofy foot and I love surfing snapper on my backhand. Last year I won 2 Woolies Grom comps and came 4th in the Woolies national final. I love surfing.”
Josh Cabral
Age: 16
School: PBC
Division competing in: Under-19s
Josh’s story: “I have developed a solid skill set in surfing through dedicated practice, allowing me to handle a variety of wave conditions confidently. My experience includes participating in local competitions and some major events, where I’ve consistently demonstrated strong technique and strategic wave selection. This reflects in my ability to quickly adapt and progress, showing potential for further growth in the sport.”
Meika Locke
Age: 15
School: PBC
Division: Years 10-12
Comment: Current Under-16 Queensland state champion and finalist at the 2023 Australian Titles.
Davi Glazer
Age: 16
School: PBC
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual
Comment: Davi is from Snapper Rocks boardriders and PBCSHS. He has competed internationally and travelled to many different countries to improve his surfing. He focuses in strong and progressive manoeuvres. Davi is currently competing in the WSL Pro Juniors and QS to gain experience and conquer the highest potential of his surfing career.
Amelia Craike
12 yrs old
School: PBC
Competing in Years 7-9 individual
Amelia’s story: “My family love the ocean so I have been surfing since I was 2 years old. I joined The Alley Boardriders 3 years ago and have made so many friends through the club and competing in state surfing events. This year I joined the Ghanda Team and love being an ambassador for this amazing brand. I’m a member of Palm Beach Currumbin’s Surfing excellence program and have learnt so much - I’m thoroughly enjoying the opportunity. I’m excited to continue working with such a great school and coaches.”
Sea White
14 years old
School: PBC
Division competing in: Years 7-9 individual
Comment: Under 16 girls MR shield Australian champion, member of snapper boardriders and PBC surf excellence.
Maddison Kenchington
Age: 13
School: PBC
Division competing in: Under-14s
Comment: “I am so grateful to have Ghanda and AK shapes as my sponsors and I am beyond grateful to have been accepted into the PBC surfing program to get so many amazing opportunities.”
Luca Martin
Age: 13
School: PBC
Competing in: Years 7-9 tag team and individual
Comment: “I’ve been surfing in comps for a few years and had some really good results individually but I love surfing with my friends, so I’m really looking forward to this event and representing PBC with my mates.”
Name: Sunny Clarke
Age: 13
School: PBC
Competing in: Years 7-9 tag team and individual
Sunny’s story: “I’m proud to have honed my surfing skills through years of dedication and practice, allowing me to tackle even the toughest waves with confidence. My experience in the water has taught me to read the ocean’s moods and rhythms, anticipating the perfect moment to catch a ride. I’m excited to continue pushing my limits and fulfilling my promise as a surfer, always striving to improve and innovate my style. I am also a proud member of the Snapper Rocks Boardriders Club.”
Max Craigie
Age: 16
School: The Southport School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Comment: Max has been surfing for a decade and is a boarder hailing from Byron Bay . His local break is Broken Head in New South Wales.
Kurt Cruden
Age: 17
School: The Southport School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Kurt’s story: “I have been surfing since I was young. I live in Byron Bay but grew up in Bali until I was 11 years old. My dad owns a surf resort in Sumatra, Indonesia and I surf guide there while I’m on holidays. My favourite surf break in Australia is Broken Head and my favourite surf break in Indonesia is Misso’s.”
Chez Bos
Age: 17
School: The Southport School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 individual and tag team
Chez’s story: “I am 17 years old and from the Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast. I have been surfing since I was 8. My favourite surf spot is Cloudbreak, Fiji. I surf because it gives me a break from everyday life.”
Hugo Dunford
Age: 13
School: The Southport School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 Boys tag team
Comment: Surfing since he was 10 years old and much newer to the sport than his peers, Hugo will be competing against students several years older but is expected to hold his own.
Huxley Bertsos and Sam Ray
Age: 14
School: The Southport School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 Boys individual and tag team
Sammy Lowe
Age: 17
School: The Illawarra Grammar School
Division competing in: Years 10-12, Years 10-12tag team
Comment: Sammy recently placed 5th at the Junior Pro in Coolum and 7th at the Oz Cup at Coffs Harbour. These results mean he is now ranked 5th in Under-18s in Australia. He also recently secured an impressive 5th place at the Sydney Surf Pro Junior.
Alice Hodgson
Age: 15
School: Illawarra Sports High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 Girls (yr 9)
Comment: National and state NSW ranked surfer – 1st at Newcastle Grom Search 2023. Alice is a power female surfer from the South Coast of NSW.
Taj Air
Age: 15
School: Illawarra Sports High School
Division competing in: Years 10-12 boys
Comment: National and state ranked surfer – 3rd place Taj Small Fries 2024. Taj grew up at Sandon Point, Wollongong and is developing a lethal backhand attack.
Ashton Mekisic
Age: 14
School: Illawarra Sports High School
Division competing in: junior boys (yr 8)
Comment: National and state ranked surfer – 2nd placed NSW state titles 2023 and 1st Place Kiama Woolworth event 2023.
Cruz Air
Age: 13
School: Illawarra Sports High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 boys
Comment: 5th place Under-14s’s Taj small fries 2024 and current Illawarra Regional Under-14s champion.
Ethan Rule
Age: 15
School: Illawarra Sports High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 boys (yr 9)
Comment: Newest member to the ISHS program who is starting to gain a reputation for his formidable forehand attack.
Jesse Fitzgibbon
Age: 14
School: Illawarra Sports High School
Division competing in: Years 7-9 boys (yr 8)
Comment: 3rd place Cronulla Woolworths Grom event 2023, Jesse has grown up developing his craft near the iconic SeaCliff Bridge down near Wollongong.
Jet Tan
Age: 13
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag, and the individual junior division
Jet’s story: “I have been surfing since I could remember and this is an everyday thing. I surf for Bondi Boardriders.”
Jack Carrigan
Age: 12
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag and individual junior division
Jack’s story: “I am currently ranked 32nd in Australia in the juniors. I surf for Queenscliff boardriders.”
Lachie Doble
Age: 15
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Snr Div tag
Comment: Lachie is a member of the Bronte Boardriders.
Pablo Toepfer-Garcia
Age: 16
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: seniors tag division and maybe individual senior division
Comment: A fellow Bronte boardrider, Pablo loves developing new and better ways to surf and improve his performance at every chance.
Harrison Nixon
Age: 15
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag, junior individual division
Comment: Surfs for the Bronte boardriders.
Sidney Taylor
Age: 13
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag, Juniors individual , Seniors Tag, Seniors individual
Comment: “My aim is to work on my comp results and improve as much as I can.”
Beau Dacic
Age: 16
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag, Juniors individual , Seniors Tag, Seniors individual
Cristian Trinca
Age: 17
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Seniors Tag
Tom Mackay
Age: 15
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag, Juniors individual ,
Comment: “I love competitive events and want to improve my performance.”
Angus Folsom
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Juniors Tag, Juniors individual ,
Angus’s story: “I have been surfing since I was about 4 years old. It’s the thing I have missed most while being at Glengarry. I surf for both Bondi Boardriders and Bronte Boardriders.”
Tom Hatton
Age: 15
School: The Scots College
Division competing in: Years 7-9 tag team and individual
Comment: “I love surfing competitions and love to improve my skills.”
Barnaby Hodgson
Age: 16
School: St Augustine’s College
Division competing in: Years 10-12
Comment: Barnaby, a resident of Freshwater on the northern beaches, has been an active member of his local board riders club for four years. Alongside competing in regional competitions across NSW, he’s also a proud participant in the vibrant surfing community at St. Augustine’s where he attends school with his two brothers, forming a trio of wave enthusiasts. Recently, he showcased his skills at the Northern Beaches High School Surf Challenge, backed by Northern Beaches Lifeline. Barnaby’s exceptional performance led his five-man team with the highest wave total, demonstrating his talent and dedication to the sport.
Harry Hodgson
Age: 12
School: St Augustine’s College
Division competing in: Years 7-9
Harry Hodgson, the youngest of three Hodgson brothers immersed in the surfing community at St. Augustine’s, has been an integral part of the junior development in Freshwater Boardriders Club on the northern beaches for four years. Alongside his commitment to the local scene, Harry actively participates in both regional and state competitions, showcasing his passion and talent for the sport.
Reuben Masters
Age: 15
School: St Augustine’s College
Division competing in: Years 10-12
Reuben, a dedicated surfer for the past five years, is proudly associated with the Queenscliff Boardriders Club in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With aspirations of joining the NSW regional series next year, Reuben regularly spends his afternoons in the water. Last year, at just 14 years old, Reuben represented St. Augustine’s surfing team in the Northern Beaches lifeline High School Surf Challenge competing in the Opens category. This year, he once again showcased his talent and helped guide his five-man team to the next stage of the competition, scheduled to take place in June at his local beach.
Eden Alker
Age: 13
School: St Augustine’s College
Division competing in: Years 7-9
From North Steyne Boardriders to national events, Eden’s passion for surfing has transformed him into an extremely competitive surfer for his age. Starting his surfing journey at the age of seven, Eden has diligently honed his skills over the years and has not only dedicated himself to his own progression, but was also a keen advocate for the introduction of the surfing program at St. Augustine’s.
Lennox Golding
Age: 17
School: Bulli High
Division competing in: Years 10-12 tag team
Comment: Lenny is a gifted regular footer who has been a standout performer for Bulli High in a range of surfing competitions throughout his schooling career.
Charlie Kelly
Age: 17
School: Bulli High
Division competing in: Years 10-12 tag team
Comment: Charlie is a smooth and powerful regular footer who has represented Bulli High in several events since joining the school in year 10.
Lachlan Groves
Age: 18
School: Bulli High
Division competing in: Years 10-12 tag team
Comment: Lachie is a stylish goofy footer who places his backhand turns with precision. He has been a great mentor to the up-and-coming surfers at our school.
Steel Mcmillan.
Age: 12
Division Under-14s and Junior Tag Team
Steel’s story: “I have been surfing since I was 2 and loved it ever since, I love being in the water with my mates. My favorite maneuver is a blow tail snap in the pocket of the wave and when I do a air it’s a good feeling when I land one. I train with my 2 coaches Sam and Josh Bay Brothers and Linton Next Level Surf Coaching. My hopes for the future are to have lots of fun in the water and do well in comps. My favorite wave is in the Fiji Islands called Restaurants. I get my surf boards from a legend named Jakeyy. I usually get sharp eye from Board Garage Byron Bay.”
Jonny Tooth
Age: 12
Division: Junior tag team
Jonny’s story: “I train with Matt Wilkinson every Monday and Friday. I started surfing at five years old. My favourite is my local break because it is easy to get to. My favourite manoeuvre is to get barreled and to do big airs. My hopes for the future is to make the world tour and make a career out of it. I also love hanging out with my friends in the ocean.”
Originally published as Future Olympians to compete at inaugural Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast
‘Nothing was going to stop him’: Stokes goes back-to-back at Birdsville
Group 1-winning trainer Phillip Stokes went back-to-back in the iconic Birdsville Cup, but this victory was even sweeter than last year.
Bark in boots: Daschund among die hard Port fans fighting for JHF boots
Hundreds of Port fans are fighting it out to win a signed pair of Jason Horne-Francis’ footy boots, including one four-legged entrant.