BE YOUR BEST

At the HPC (High Performance Centre) in Casuarina NSW, the next crop of surfers are getting ready to take surfing to the next level. Those who have participated in these training camps have gone onto bigger and better things; Team Australia who train at the HPC have subsequently claimed 5 consecutive titles.

While WA is yet to have a training centre of it’s own – young surfers can still take their love of surfing to the next level.

Information on upcoming contests is regualrly updated at surfingaustralia.com and in each state, three surfing contests or rounds which enable a surfer to qualify for the Nationals are held annually in September.

The Nationals were held recently in Port Macquarie NSW. To qualify, all you need to do is surf well enough in the division you enter in. This is achieved by entering all three rounds and placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in each one.

The state contests are a lot of fun, and by pitting yourself against others, and your own self belief, your surfing will improve. You will have the opportunity to speak with some seasoned campaigners and learn from them.

This knowledge is not only useful for contests as you will take this knowledge with you and apply what you have learned into your free surfing time which will enhance your surfing ability. During the contests you will also meet like minded people and share stories of epic surf sessions, friends, local contests, travel, equipment and of course the parties.

If you have never entered a surfing contest before, go to your local Surfing Australia state representative organization and talk to the staff or head over to their website. There is no ridicule or judgement –  in fact quite the opposite. You will find the staff, judges, and fellow competitors are supportive of new surfers entering the arena.

Here’s some things to keep in mind:

1. Maintain your fitness
2. Surf heaps (Even in crappy waves)
3. Watch the Professionals and Semi Professionals Surf – and catch heaps of surfing videos.
4. Have somebody video your surfing and learn from watching yourself.
5. Join a board riders club and enter as many contests as you can.
6. Register for the first state round next year. The dates and info are on your state’s Surfing website.

So get out there and give it a crack, you’ll be stoked you did. It’s all about having fun, meeting new friends and sharing the love of surfing.

If you’re interested in HPC or just improving your surfing, check out this cool vid which explains how young surfers can begin the process:

via: surfing australia

Contests, HPC