TWEED COAST SURF SCHOOL NAMED BEST IN NSW

In2surf has been declared the leading VEGEMITE Surf Groms delivery centre in NSW for budding wave riders this summer by the nation’s peak boardriding body, Surfing Australia. In the summer of 2014 it came in at No.1 nationally.

Based at Kingscliff, In2surf has been teaching young surfers how to ride waves for seven years.

In2surf owner Josh Fuller said he is proud his school topped the State and came fifth nationwide this season.

“We love teaching people to surf. That’s our passion but we feel that it’s also our duty to educate youngsters about the ocean, our environment and water safety,” said Josh, who has been involved with Surfing Australia’s Vegemite SurfGrom program for four years.

“You must learn proper technique and how to use your equipment correctly but we also teach kids how to have fun in the water with confidence. We put a lot of emphasis on surf safety and the art of reading the beach.”

“Our instructors give the students a lot of freedom to learn by experience as well as teaching them what not to do. Quite a few Tweed schools bring their students to us and that makes certain they get to know the surfing basics at an early age and don’t pick up any bad habits that can cause injury to themselves and others.”

The Vegemite SurfGroms program teaches 5 to 12 year olds surfing skills across five levels, as well as ocean awareness and beach safety; including surf survival, rescue techniques, basic first-aid skills and how to spot changing surf conditions.

The nationwide program was set up by Surfing Australia to ensure Aussie youngsters get the best surf training possible.

“Before a SurfGrom student receives a completion certificate, and their graded wristband for each level, they must have demonstrated they have good ocean awareness and beach safety skills,” said Josh.

“I believe this entry level program is the first of its kind in the world.”

Destination Tweed’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Tatchell said it was great news when a local business was honoured by a national sporting body.

“In2surf is doing a great job for tourism and also helping local kids learn surf safety and how to behave courteously towards others while in the water,” said Bill.

“The award shows that local kids can get the best possible ‘learn-to-surf’ training right here on the Tweed.”