NSB Academy Proposal

North Shelly Boardriders Junior Development and Elite Pathway Program

Program Overview

The NSB Academy is the official junior development and high-performance pathway of North Shelly Boardriders. It’s designed to develop confident, capable, and competitive young surfers, from grassroots to elite levels.

The program consists of two integrated streams:

• NSB Academy – A rolling 5-year development pathway for junior surfers aged 8–18, combining fitness, ocean safety, surf education, and club competition.

• NSB Elite Program – A dedicated high-performance stream for one selected surfer each year, in partnership with Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia, and the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre.

NSB Academy: Junior Development Program

Vision

To build safer, stronger, and smarter surfers through a structured, community-driven program that prepares young athletes for life in the water, on the beach, and in competition.

Rolling 5-Year Development Cycle

StageAge GuideFocusProgression Basis2025 ParticipantsFoundation8–12 yearsOcean awareness, surf safety, fun engagementObserved ability and commitment56Confidence10–14 yearsSurf fitness, rescue readiness, club heatsSkills progression30Capability12–16 yearsIntermediate surfing, CPR, team competitionsCoach nomination15Performance14–18 yearsAdvanced surfing, competition strategyRegional comp performance5Leadership16+ yearsMentoring, judging, coaching juniorsClub contribution and maturityVaries

Surfers may enter at any stage based on ability and maturity. Age guides are flexible to accommodate individual progression.

Weekly Coaching Plan

Purpose

To deliver structured weekly surf sessions aligned with the NSB Academy development stages and Surfing Australia’s coaching framework. These sessions ensure consistent progression in core surfing skills, competition readiness, and ocean confidence.

Delivery Format

• Weekly Sessions (during school terms): 90-minute sessions on weekends

• Optional Weeknight Sessions: Surf skate, fitness, or theory (1 hour)

• Led by: Surfing Australia Foundation or Progression Accredited Coaches

Core Skill Focus

• Technique: Pop-ups, bottom turns, top turns, cutbacks

• Decision-making: Wave choice, reading sections, positioning

• Condition Adaptation: Navigating rips, swell, wind, and tides

• Competition Readiness: Heat formats, scoring, and priority rules

• Culture and Respect: Etiquette, sportsmanship, environmental responsibility

Progression and Standards

• Individual logbooks for each surfer

• Quarterly skill reviews

• Coaches maintain current Surfing Australia accreditation

Stage-Specific Onboarding Packs

Foundation (8–12 years)

Focus: Safety, confidence, surf basics
Skills: Pop-up, trim, angle takeoffs, whitewater riding
Activities: Rip ID games, mini heats, etiquette lessons

Confidence (10–14 years)

Focus: Entry to green waves, early manoeuvres
Skills: Bottom turns, intro to cutbacks, speed generation
Activities: Forecast analysis, CPR basics, surf skate training

Capability (12–16 years)

Focus: Manoeuvre flow and rescue confidence
Skills: Linked turns, full cutbacks, heat simulation, CPR certification
Activities: Peer mentoring, video review, tag team practice

Performance (14–18 years)

Focus: High-performance execution and strategy
Skills: Progressive combos, rail work, priority rules
Activities: Mental prep, comp simulations, judging practice

Club Competition Pathway

NSB has a proud tradition of success in team-based and individual competition. All juniors are encouraged to participate in:

• Monthly Club Rounds

• Junior Team Events, including:

  • Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle

  • World Club Challenge

  • Aloha Junior Teams

  • Kirra Junior Teams Challenge

These events reinforce teamwork, competition experience, and club pride.

NSB Elite Program: Surfing for Australia

Each year, NSB selects one elite junior surfer to enter a tailored high-performance development stream.

Program Features

• Partnership with Surfing NSW and Surfing Australia

• Individual development planning with the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre

• Access to:

  • Biomechanics and technique refinement

  • Mental conditioning and performance psychology

  • Travel, competition, and sponsorship guidance

• Mentorship from NSB alumni: Molly Picklum, Macy Callaghan, Joel Vaughan

Objective

To support and prepare one committed junior each year to pursue a professional surfing career and Olympic representation.

Program Outcomes

For Junior Surfers

• Clear, structured progression through stages

• Surf safety training and ocean awareness

• Access to elite coaching and competition exposure

For the Club

• Stronger junior retention and leadership development

• Increased regional and national recognition

• Reinforcement of NSB’s legacy as a surf talent incubator

Let’s build the next world champion—starting right here at North Shelly.