Surfing Victoria and Headsox announce partnership to support the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program

Surfing Victoria are stoked to announce Headsox will broaden their partnership with the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program to help Indigenous Communities get more active through surfing.

The partnership will broaden on the already longstanding commitment by Headsox to the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles and will now include programs across the state from the South-West to East-Gippsland. 

“Surfing is a way of life and the value of this wonderful Surfing Victoria community initiative can’t be underestimated” said HeadSox co-founder Phil Stammers. 

“When we got the call from Jordie asking if we wanted to get involved it was a resounding yes! To see the smiles on the faces of all involved and the commitment and kindness of the Surfing Victoria team is enough reward for us. Let’s go surfing together and enjoy our time in the ocean!”

Over the past 2 years, the program has expanded from coastal location to inland, with the inclusion of a Stand-Up Paddleboard program which has been able to reach new communities in regional inland locations.

Speaking on the partnership, Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said, “Phil and the whole team at Headsox have been committed to the Indigenous Surfing Program for many years now and it’s amazing to have them continue and expand on that commitment.”

“The program wouldn’t happen without the support of partners like Headsox and we are looking forward to getting out into the community and getting in the water!”

As part of the collaboration with HeadSox, program participant rashvests will now include dot painting artwork by Indigenous Artist Naomi Rose Litster. The piece titled ‘KORROYT’ depicts the Tower Hill walk located in Warrnambool Victoria on Gunditjmara land. 

The artwork represents the different paths that people traveled to Tower Hill to gather together. 

“It is amazing to have Headsox supporting the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program, having such strong support from people like Phil and the Team at Headsox allows us to make a massive change in the Inidgenous communities that we work with” said Surfing Victoria Indigenous Aquatics Manager, Jordie Campbell.

“Naomi’s artwork is an incredible representation of the different paths people take to gather together. This is similar to our program where we have so many different communities coming together to share their love of the ocean.”

More information on upcoming programs can be found at www.surfingvic.com/indigenous

The Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program is supported by the Victorian Government, VicHealth, Play it Safe by the Water, Headsox, Vitality Brands, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Strong Brother Strong Sister, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Narana Cultural Centre and Surfing Victoria.