More than 50 kids hit Gold Coast waters yesterday (September 24) to learn how to surf as part of a program to boost Indigenous employment.
The Indigenous children participated in both surfing and stand-up paddle boarding exercises, with hopes the experience will encourage them to consider a career in the surfing industry.
Organised by Surfing Queensland, the Krurungal Surfing Program is being supported with $40,000 of funding from the state government, as well as a $5,000 grant from the Westpac Community Grants initiative.
“Sport and active recreation plays an important role in Indigenous communities,” Surfing Queensland said.
“It provides many health and social benefits and also helps combat the growing issue of obesity which affects all Australian communities.”
Parents and community volunteers were both on hand to support the children participating, with Surfing Queensland stating there was a real family friendly feel to the day.
The organisation said that even if the children decide not to pursue a career in sports and recreation, they will still learn valuable lessons in beach and water safety.
One child said: “There’s surfing everywhere here and now I feel more a part of it all because I’ve tried surfing.”
