Indigenous surfing program rolls at Maroubra

Surf Culture

Indigenous Surfing Program greeted with perfect day at Maroubra Beach

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 8 March, 2013 : - - As part of the Surfing NSW Indigenous Surfing Program, 25 students and staff from the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) arrived at Maroubra Beach and were greeted with ideal conditions. Randwick City Council Lifeguards talked to the students before they paddled onto the waves under the guidance of 'Lets Go Surfing' surf school instructors.

The students from the far north town of Boggabilla and the Western Sydney suburb of Doonside are staying for the week in the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence facilities as part of the NASCA Careers and Aspirations Program. Nathan Lovett, the Career Aspirations Program Manager from NASCA believes the program is extremely beneficial. He said; "Majority of the students have never seen the beach before today, so for some it was their first time in the ocean!"

"It was fantastic to see the students who have been really quiet all week thrive in the conditions at Maroubra. To see them stand up on a board, laughing, talking and smiling amongst their peers was incredible. It's these sorts of experiences in a completely different environment than they are used to, that really help the kids come out of their shell and open up. When you witness those changes, it makes the entire program worthwhile."

The boys and girls, both from country and urban Indigenous backgrounds gained knowledge from local lifeguards and accredited surf instructors focusing on both theoretical and practical surf safety skills. The conditions were perfect for their first time riding the waves and learning all about ocean awareness.

Nathan explained that the NASCA and Surfing NSW programs blend together really well; "The students are here this week to find out about different job opportunities and to build skills that they can use in acquiring a job in the future and further their education."

"Being here at the beach exposes them to opportunities that may not exist in their local communities. The experience today broadens their horizons on the concepts of different types of careers out there, such as professional lifeguards and accredited instructors. By exposing the kids to different working industries and experiences, it might just give them an idea or the dream to aspire to become a part of that industry one day."

www.surfingnsw.com.au

Source: Surfing NSW

Author: Ethan Smith

Tags: New South Wales, Indigenous, Maroubra

Culture: Surfersvillage