Griffith University has jumped on board with Surfing Australia to ride the wave of shaping the next generation of surfing talent.
The partnership will see Griffith become the official university of the sport’s peak association body.
The move will benefit both Griffith University and surfing’s national network of coaches, athletes, performance support providers and industry partners alike, with Surfing Australia to provide opportunity for Griffith students to gain industry placements and internships within Surfing Australia across a range of disciplines.
Kim Crane, Surfing Australia’s National High Performance Director, said the partnership will take the sport into an existing new era.
“One of our National High Performance Program objectives is to proactively seek new knowledge by capturing, developing, interpreting, sharing, applying and retaining facts, information and skills to achieve a range of performance outcomes right across our pathway”.
“To stay ahead on an international level, any High Performance sport requires investment and expertise when considering research and innovation partnerships, and we are thrilled that Griffith has committed to come on an exciting journey with surfing.
Surfing Australia will also produce digital content on behalf of Griffith, which will be published across Surfing Australia’s digital and broadcast platforms – including mySURF.tv and on the Nine Network.
Duncan Free OAM, Director at Griffith Sports College, said the university was delighted to partner with Surfing Australia.
Griffith Sport science student works on an injured surfer.
“Griffith’s sportingexpertise and knowledge using cutting edge technology and facilitieswill certainly be of value toSurfing Australiacontributing tohighperformance, sports research and innovation,”
Griffith’s research excellence in areas like wave modelling, sports engineering and wearable technologies can potentially contribute to further knowledge and progress in high performance surfing.
“With surfing being introduced to the Olympics in Tokyo 2020, this is a timely opportunity for us as a university and our students. Exciting placements will be available for our students to work and gain experience alongside some of the leaders in the field” Mr free said
Associate Professor Clare Minahan, an expert in sport physiology and performance said the partnership spans the breadth of the University.
“It encompasses the four main academic groups including health, business, sciences and arts ,education and law while the start of the process is at the basics with student placements building into key research projects advancing this great sport.”
