Program expands indigenous surf culture

Otis Carey and kids © Surfing NSW

Surf Day with Otis Carey

Surfing New South Wales Indigenous Surfing Program returns

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 February, 2013 : - - Coffs Harbour will play host to Surf Day with Pro Surfer Otis Carey. The free day - which is supported by the Surfing NSW Indigenous Surfing Program - will see former World Tour surfer Lee Winkler and professional surfer Otis Carey take Indigenous kids aged between seven and 17 surfing and educate them on ocean awareness.

Afterwards, all participants can enjoy the free premiere of Otis’ new movie, Kill The Matador, at The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour. Lee Winkler said: “Otis has always been someone who’s been proud of his Indigenous heritage and represented it really well. I think a lot of the participants will look up to Otis and what he’s done.”

“It’s not easy to make a movie, so to do it so well is an inspirational thing. Plus, all the kids will be lucky enough to watch the film with the star of the show and surf with him throughout the day.”
On the day, all the entrants will receive an education on reading surf conditions, paddling, wave negotiation, sun smart behaviour and environmental awareness.

Any Indigenous kids looking to take part can sign up on the day and are simply required to meet Lee Winkler's Surf School at 12pm at the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club at Park Beach.
Event organiser and Otis’ dad, Rod Carey said: “Otis is a role model to a lot of kids in the Coffs Harbour community. A lot of kids look up to what he’s done and where he’s going with surfing.”

“Of course it’d be great if all the kids come away from the day with a smile on their face, or if they want to continue to surf. However, we’d really like it if all the kids are inspired to chase a dream until they reach it."

All participants will score themselves a certificate, a cap and a medallion as well as have the opportunity to win prize packs and a custom made Misfit surfboard. Otis said: “I guess I always wanted to have a premiere in Coffs Harbour. My family and friends are all there, so I really wanted to do something for them.”

“There’s a lot of Indigenous kids in Coffs Harbour and it’d be good to see more of them surfing. We figured that it’d be great to have a full day for them and do a bunch of giveaways and keep the spark there amongst the Indigenous youth. We’re hoping to have 80 or so kids attend the day. I’m pretty excited about it all.”

In 2013, Surfing NSW is looking forward to hosting the Indigenous Surfing Program (ISP) for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The Surfing NSW 'ISP' aims to attract large numbers of young indigenous communities to beaches throughout the state. The program promotes health, enjoyment and wellbeing through surfing and ocean safety awareness, bringing positive education to remote and local indigenous communities.

Our principle partners, the NSW Government - Communities, Sport & Recreation and The Australian Government - Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport, continue to support this initiative and are aware of the benefits this program has on indigenous health and activity.

With participation increasing rapidly each year, Surfing NSW is excited about the continued growth and development of participants through the program.

www.surfingnsw.com.au