Meet the surfers set to hit the waves for Australian Interschool Surfing Championships

Miami State High School is set to compete in this year’s Australian Interschool Surfing Championships against the best surfers from across the country. See who is set to compete for Miami here.

Members of the Miami State High Surfing squad who hope to be competing at the Australian interschool surfing championships. From left they are Brodie Scott 16, Kauri Hueston-Connor 15, Ryder Payne 16, and Emma Ryan 16. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The next generation of Olympians and Gold Coast Pro stars will hit the water this month for the Australian Interschools Championships at Miami Beach from May 14 to 16.

The tag-team event was a huge hit last year and with close to 100 schools all across the country set to take part.

Miami State High School surfing excellence co-ordinator Jakob Dolan revealed his excitement ahead of this year’s competition.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to have Miami State High School represented at the upcoming Australian Interschool Surfing Championships,” he said.

“As one of the 11 Excellence Academy pillars, our Surfing Excellence Program sits at the heart of our school’s identity.

“Surfing has long been woven into the fabric of Miami State High School, with a proud 62-year legacy of excellence and iconic alumni like world surfing champion Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew.”

Dolan expects a strong performance from his school in this year’s competition and revealed a few students who could take the competition by storm.

Members of the Miami State High Surfing squad who hope to be competing at the Australian interschool surfing championships. From left they are Brodie Scott 16, Kauri Hueston-Connor 15, Ryder Payne 16, and Emma Ryan 16. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Kauri Heuston-Connor is known for her effortless, flowing style, Ryder Payne stands out for his aerial ability and calmness under pressure and Brodie Scott shows maturity beyond his years with sharp wave selection, explosive manoeuvres and remarkable consistency,” he said.

“What unites them all is a strong work ethic, a deep passion for the ocean and a commitment to excellence both in the water and in the classroom - an ideal reflection of what our program represents.

“Our greatest strength is the holistic nature of our program.

“We’re not just developing high performing surfers, we’re shaping well-rounded individuals with the discipline, resilience, leadership, and academic focus to succeed beyond the waves.”

Dolan expects the competition experience to have a major impact on the school’s surfing program moving forward.

“The championships generate a powerful ripple effect across our school community,” he said.

“Miami State High School is the heart of the Gold Coast and events like this bring together our students, staff, and families in support of our athletes. It enhances school pride and reinforces our vision of ‘first-class location, world-class education’.”

Surfing Australia chief of sport Luke Madden was excited to see the team format in action again.

“It’s epic to see the Surfing Australia or Australian Boardriders Battle Format really gaining traction at a school sport level,” he said.

“We are over the moon to be able to provide this platform for schools from around Australia to compete in the 2025 Australian Interschools Surfing Championships.

“It’s grassroots surfing at its best and a great way for kids to get a team experience through surfing.”

Miami State High School competitors:

Senior Boys Team: Ryder Payne, Brodie Scott, Kekoa Hummel, Finn McCoy (R), Felix Gibbs (R).

Senior Girls Team: Kauri Heuston-Connor, Emma Ryan, Luana Matthies, Emily Keag (R).

Junior Boys Team: Reef Cant, Sonny Pratt, Zac Meyer, Jake Lanyon (R), Hosea Matthies (R).

Junior Girls Team: Mia Phil, Poppy White, Kalanni Hurrey, Olivia Ammer (R).