Courtney Hancock and Matt Poole to lead Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving’s coaching ranks

Two of the biggest signings in years is set to shake up surf sports and add another organisation to the list of powerhouse life saving clubs. Discover how iron legends Courtney Hancock and Matt Poole plan to enhance Tallebudgera’s standing in the sport.

New Tallebudgera coaches Courtney Hancock (left) and Matt Poole. Picture: Supplied.

Iron legend Courtney Hancock will set out to put Tallebudgera on the list of powerhouse surf life saving clubs after being named its new head coach.

Hancock remains adamant she hasn’t retired from racing yet but has taken on the new role as she continues to transition away from full-time racing.

Retired star Matt Poole has also signed on as the club’s assistant, providing Tallebudgera with 37 years of surf experience between them.

The Gold Coast is famous for boasting some of the strongest surf clubs in Australia, with the likes of Northcliffe, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Mowbray Park and Currumbin all producing elite athletes on a consistent basis.

Ironwoman champion Courtney Hancock will be the head coach of Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club. Picture: Adam Head

Hancock hopes to provide Tallebudgera that status.

“I would love for Talle to be recognised as a club that is not only strong in surf sports but patrolling members,” Hancock said.

“I want it to be a place where people come and feel really good about themselves and they have got it for life.

“We want to build the surf sports part up and overall we want everyone to see it as a second family.”

Hancock, who last competed at the 2023 Coolangatta Gold, said she never envisaged becoming a coach but after tasting it over the past two seasons with Tallebudgera’s nippers ranks, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“The coaching found me. I didn’t envisage myself going down this road but it felt right when I was asked to take on the role,” she said.

“I want to help the movement of surf life saving and give kids the opportunity to succeed.

“Together with Matt we can give back and pass on the knowledge we have. The main goal is to help people live their dream. If I can help in a little way to do then that would make me happy.”