Victorian Emerging Surfer Program

The Victorian Emerging Surfer Program is designed to nurture the next generation of Victorian surfers and guide them through the development pathway from Boardriders Clubs to the Challenger Series.

The aim of this program is to develop and deliver a structured Emerging Surfer Development Program designed to nurture our state’s most promising athletes.

Our long-term goal is to produce state, national, and internationally competitive surfers, supported by a sustainable pathway from grassroots to elite performance.

The Program is split into 4 seperate opportunities that are aimed at different surfers across the broad spectrum of Victorian surfing.

PROGRAM DETAILS

View VESP Selection Policy Here

Talent Development

The Talent Development program is the introduction to the Victorian Surfing Pathway and designed for surfers who are developing their skills and moving through the ranks on the Australian Junior Series. Sessions will run in four key surfing regions on a school term basis:

– Surf Coast
– Bellarine
– Mornington Peninsula
– Phillip Island

The 90min training sessions will be delivered by approved and accredited coaches that are selected by the Surfing Victoria High Performance team.

The Talent Development program will be open to all Victorian competitors on the Australian Junior Series. Surfing Victoria will work with local boardriders clubs to identify surfers who are eligible for the program. Surfers who have competed on the Victorian State Junior Surfing Titles will take priority.

Entry to the above program will be by invitation by Surfing Victoria in conjunction with local boardriders clubs.

Note: Surfers who are accepted into the Talent ID program will not be eligible to be in the Talent Development sessions except where groups are combined due to small numbers.

Successful applicants will be charged $100 per participant for the year. This is a contribution toward the program, with the remaining cost to be covered by Surfing Victoria.

Surfers will be notified of invitation by Early September.

Talent ID

The Talent ID program is the next step in progression and for athletes with promising talent and potential. Gaining access to elite level coaches, surfers will have the opportunity to test skills and push limits at world-class waves.

Included in the program are:

– 3x camps per year at key locations (Locations TBC)
– Skill Development sessions
– Strength and Conditioning Sessions
– Video Analysis
– Travel Subsidy

The Talent ID program will be open to surfers who show exceptional talent and future potential within the surfing space. In 2026/27, only surfers who have been invited into the Victorian State Junior Team will be eligible. Surfers must apply to be part included in the program via the link below.

Successful applicants will be charged $100 per participant for the year. This is a contribution toward the program, with the remaining cost to be covered by Surfing Victoria.

Applications for the program can be made here

QS Talent

The QS Talent program will be open to surfers who are currently on the WSL Australia / Oceania Qualifying Series and ranked within the top 100 of the most recent series. Inclusion in the program is by application only. Surfing Victoria aims to allocate an equal number of positions to male and female athletes wherever practicable, subject to the quality and number of applications received.

Surfers will be selected based on the following criteria:

WSL QS ranking within the top 100 of the most recent year.
If a surfer does not hold a current WSL QS ranking or is not within the Top 100, they must be able to adequately show their plan for the coming year in terms of competing on the QS series (including schedule of events, coaching plan and performance goals).

A total of 10 surfers will be selected for the program.

Applications for the program can be made here

Challenger Talent

The Challenger Talent program will be open to surfers who have qualified for the WSL Challenger Series. All Victorian surfers who qualify for the WSL Challenger Series and meet eligibility requirements will automatically be offered a place. Inclusion in the program is by application only.

Note: Challenger Talent Surfers may participate in QS Talent Program opportunities throughout the year. Challenger Talent Surfers are not required to apply for the QS Talent Program.

Applications for the program can be made here

COACHES

The Victorian Emerging Surfer Program will be lead by the leading surf coaches and trainers from within Victoria whilst bringing in expert subjects from outside the state to ensure Victorian surfers get a best in class training program to achieve their goals.

ADAM ROBERTSON
HEAD COACH
2009 Rip Curl Pro Runner Up
15 year WSL QS Veteran

JAMES EASTON
LEAD COACH
PSC Club Champion
Victorian Junior Team Coach

ANGELA KING
COACH
Aus Longboard Champion
Victorian Junior Team Coach

MITCH BARROW
COACH
Performance Coach and Movement Specialist

SARA HICKSON
COACH
2025 Victorian Champion
Current WSL QS Surfer

WALTER HIATT
COACH
PIBC Club Champion
Victorian State Team Member

INDIA ROBINSON
COACH
WSL Challenger Series Surfer
2019 Aus Open Champion

BOHDIE WILLIAMS
COACH
Current WSL QS Surfer
Victorian State Team Member

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible?

Each program within the Victorian Emerging Surfer Program has specific guidlines and eligibility requirements for selection.

However general eligibility requirements include:

Hold a current Surfing Victoria Core Membership
Be a current Australian Citizen
Meet the Victorian Residency requirements as outlined below and defined in the Victorian Representative Selection Policy
Sign the Victorian Athlete Agreement
Adhere to all Surfing Victoria and Surfing Australia policies

Full details on selection criteria can be found via the VESP Athlete Selection Policy.

Who selects athletes for each program?

Selections for the program will be made by the Surfing Victoria Technical Advisory Group who will be guided by the VESP Athlete Selection Policy.

How many athletes are selected for each program?

Each program has differing levels of selection caps:

Talent Development – Up to 16 surfers per location
Talent ID – Up to 30 surfers
QS Talent – Up to 10 surfers
Challenger Talent – As required

Is there a cost to participate?

The program is heavily subsidised. Therefore participants will only be required to pay a participation fee of $100 for the Talent Development Program and Talent ID Program.

What age do I need to be to apply?

Age requirements vary by program tier.

Tier 1 (Talent Development): Australian Junior Series competitors
Tier 2 (Talent ID): Generally aged 12–17 years on 1 July of the program year
Tier 3 (QS Talent): Athletes competing on the WSL Australasia Qualifying Series
Tier 4 (Challenger Talent): Athletes qualified for the WSL Challenger Series

Do I need to live in Victoria?

Yes. Athletes must be able to demonstrate that Victoria is their principal place of residence and meet the Victorian residency requirements outlined in the selection policy.

I'm travelling interstate or overseas regularly for surfing. Am I still eligible?

Yes. Surfing Victoria recognises that athletes may spend extended periods away from Victoria for competition and training. Athletes may be asked to demonstrate that their primary residence remains in Victoria.

Is selection guaranteed if I meet the eligibility requirements?

No. Meeting the eligibility requirements allows an athlete to apply, but selection is competitive and subject to the criteria outlined for each program tier.

Will there be equal opportunities for male and female athletes?

Yes. Surfing Victoria aims to allocate an equal number of positions to male and female athletes wherever practicable, subject to the quality and number of applications received.

What if I am unsuccessful?

Athletes are encouraged to reapply in future years. The program operates on an annual review cycle (July each year) and athlete development is continually assessed.

Can I appeal a selection decision?

Yes. Athletes may appeal decisions relating to eligibility or selection within seven days of notification, subject to the grounds outlined in the selection policy.

Do I need to attend all program activities?

Athletes are expected to actively engage in program activities. Failure to attend without reasonable justification may result in a review of ongoing eligibility.

Can I remain in the program if I become injured?

Yes. Injuries will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Athletes should notify Surfing Victoria as soon as possible and maintain communication regarding their recovery and participation plans.

Can I be removed from the program?

Yes. Athletes who no longer meet eligibility requirements, breach program expectations, or fail to comply with Surfing Victoria or Surfing Australia policies may be removed from the program.

I have recently moved to Victoria. Can I apply?

Yes. New Victorian residents may apply provided they can demonstrate Victoria is their principal place of residence and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Which Tier should I apply for?

Athletes should apply for the highest tier for which they are eligible. If you are unsure, contact Surfing Victoria prior to submitting your application.

Can I be involved in more than one tier?

Generally, athletes will participate in the tier most appropriate to their current level of development. However, some athletes may be eligible for mutiple tiers (Eg. Challenger Series athletes may access selected QS Talent Program opportunities throughout the year.)

What costs are covered by the program?

Program inclusions and athlete contributions may vary between tiers. Selection into the Victorian Emerging Surfer Program does not automatically cover all travel, accommodation, competition, coaching or equipment costs. Athletes will be advised of any costs associated with program activities throughout the year.

What is the goal of the Victorian Emerging Surfer Program?

The program aims to create a clear and sustainable high-performance pathway for Victorian surfers, supporting athlete development from junior participation through to national and international professional competition.

What child safety standards are in place?

The program is run under the National Integrity Framework and all child safety requirements are adhered to as defined in the Surfing Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy