Junior surfers Lachlan Arghyros, Jesse Ferguson and Leo Matchett on balancing training and studies

Three local teens hoping to make it on to the World Surf League tour have turned to a distance education program to balance their schoolwork and training schedule.

Gold Coast teens Leo Matchett, Lachlan Arghyros and Jesse Ferguson. Picture: Supplied

Three local teens with dreams of becoming professional surfers on the World Surf League tour have turned to a distance education program to balance their training and studies.

Lachlan Arghyros, Jesse Ferguson and Leo Matchett are enrolled in Australian Christian College (ACC) Moreton’s Distance Education Elite Pursuits Program.

Jesse, 16, from Coolangatta said he was missing too much school when juggling his surfing commitments and attending regular classes, leading to him feeling stressed.

“Mostly when I went away for competitions or surf trips, I was missing so much school and I always felt like I was behind,” he said.

“There’s no way I could manage a normal school day with my surfing commitments.”

The online program for students from prep to year 12 follows the Australian Curriculum and is designed for those pursuing elite sport or art opportunities.

It aims to give students the flexibility to study around their schedule but they cannot fall behind as they’re required to submit their work to weekly deadlines.

Jesse Fergusson at the Newcastle Pro Jr 2025. Picture: Supplied

Jesse’s mum Krista Fergusson said the program was a “game changer”.

“Education is extremely important to Jesse’s development and future planning and his grades have improved since he is able to schedule his school work around his sport.

“Jesse’s personal time management skills have grown considerably and his motivation to complete his school work is at an all time high.”

The program allows the boys to hit the surf in the morning until around 10am as well as head out in various conditions throughout the day to practice manoeuvres like turns and ariels, which score them higher points in competitions.

Leo, 16, from Palm Beach said the program had allowed him to be more focused on school work and his grades had improved as he was also studying electives he enjoyed, including film and media.

Lachlan, 15, from Kingscliff in northern NSW said the program was the “best of both worlds”.

“We can train hard, travel for competitions, and still stay on top of our schoolwork,” he said.