Far from the distraction of the school holidays, the state’s most talented teenage ocean competitors put in the hard yards at the 2018 Junior Development Academy.
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Halle and Jorge Constable, of Narooma Surf Life Saving Club, were among eight southern based youngsters selected for the program.
Over three days last week, 44 athletes selected from across NSW gained an early insight into the life of an elite surf sport athlete.
They gathered at Sydney’s Academy of Sport on the Northern Beaches for a unique development program aimed at youngsters who have demonstrated surf sport aptitude.
“The track and beep tests were a lot fun and it was really good to be able to get out and have a paddle,” Jorge said.
“I’ve only ever really been coached by my dad who has been really good for me, but this was a great chance to push myself further from a performance perspective. What the camp did teach me was that pilates hurt!”
The idea was to expose the young competitors to a high performance environment, learn new skills, and create pathways into the state’s senior representative squads and beyond.
Competition for spots was fiercely contested – eight athletes took part in the program.
The athletes participated in training sessions under the eagle eye of some of the best surf sports coaches, attended discussions on nutrition, had their skills and techniques analysed and were introduced to high performance and recovery techniques.
Experienced former competitors were generous with their knowledge – Michael Kember, Colin Marshall, and Michael Venis took the time to mentor, and have all represented their state and country.
Young guns Keeley Booth, a current Australian Youth Life Saving Team member, and Gabby Grieves also shared their knowledge of Pool Rescue. Graham Lees OAM and Rhonda Lycett were instrumental in the success of the camp.
Surf sport development officer Chiara Nowland was impressed by the talent on display from the youngsters.
“While it was disappointing not to be able to finish on a high with a carnival due to the weather conditions, it was fantastic to see the improvement in just a few short lessons,” she said.
“The sport scientists and coaches were absolutely fantastic and for the athletes to get that knowledge at such a young age will be extremely beneficial to them – I look forward to seeing how they progress both this summer and beyond,” Ms Nowland concluded.
