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The Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program is the key initiative of Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Strategic Pillar and is one of the longest running Indigenous engagement programs in the country.

Founded in 1998, the program uses Surfing as a way to connect Indigenous Victorians with the ocean whilst learning new skills, water safety knowledge and healthy habits. Strong Aboriginal community leadership and engagement in culturally safe and engaging environments that are inclusive, respectful and flexible are they core values of the program to ensure its success.

The program is headed up by Surfing Victoria Indigenous Aquatics Manager, Jordie Campbell and utilises an extensive group of role models across the state to run programs. In 2020/21, the program saw over 650 Indigenous Participants.

Upcoming Schedule:

2023
January
Wednesday 4th January – Angelsea – SUP
Friday 6th January – Bancoora Beach – SURF
Tuesday 10th January – Cape Bridgewater – SURF
Wednesday 11th January – Warrnambool – SURF
Tuesday 17th January – Inverloch – SURF
Wednesday 18th January – Lakes Entrance – SUP
Friday 20th January – Cape Conran – SURF

February
11th & 12th February – Urquharts Bluff – Woorangalook Victorian Koori Surfing Titles
Wednesday 15th February – Shepparton – SUP
Tuesday 21st February – Geelong – SUP
Thursday 23rd February – Ballarat – SUP

March
Wednesday 1st March – Shepparton – SUP
Tuesday 7th March – Geelong – SUP
Thursday 9th March – Ballarat – SUP
Wednesday 15th March – Shepparton – SUP
Tuesday 21st March – Geelong – SUP
Thursday 23rd March – Ballarat – SUP
Wednesday 29th March – Shepparton – SUP

For more information and to register contact Jordie Campbell : jordie@surfingvic.com – 0488 935 183

Meet the Mentors

Scroll over photo to read more!

Jordie Campbell

Surfing Victorian’s Indigenous Aquatics manager
12x Victorian Indigenous Champion
Was first introduced to the program in 2006

“Its been amazing to see the programs grow and change over the time I have been involved, starting off in the program as a participants, becoming and mentor and now managing the program has been amazing. I have been able to not only create life long friendships but also grow and learn more about my culture through the people I have met along the journey.”

Corrina Eccles

Wadawurrung Traditional Owner
Former Surfing Victoria Board Member
Was first involved in the program 15 plus years ago

Cormach Evans

Founder and CEO of Strong Brother Strong Sister
Started as a participant of the Indigenous Surfing Program in the early 2000’s

“The Indigenous Surfing Program has done so much for me during my time involved, from waiting for the bus to go to programs as a child to Surfing Victoria supporting me in an scholarship at Strapped Surf and now being able to work together with Strong Brother Strong Sister teaching young ones about the ocean.”

Deegan Searle

Program Mentor
Started as a participant in 2014

“The opportunity and support Surfing Victoria has shown me has really helped me grow as a person, I never through it would be possible for me to be a surf coach a judge and be involved in so many different programs and events. Having the chance to now support and help participants grown as I was really means a lot to me.”

Anthony Hume

Program Catalyst in 1998
Former Indigenous Aquatics Officer

“With out the program I wouldn’t be who I cam today, from getting a scholarship as a teenager to do my Level 1 Surf coach, working for Surfing Victoria for many years and continuing to work for them as a mentor. It allows me to combine both my love for surfing and my love for my culture while passing on knowledge to the next generation.”

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.

Programs are run across the state between October to May with locations covering the regions of the Surf Coast, Western Victoria, Ballarat, Bendigo, Metro Melbourne, Bass Coast, Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota.

“The girls have been dealing with a lot of social issues, the program and surfing has been an amazing outlet for them”

– Shane Bell

"To see Jarrah’s little face absolutely ecstatic after catching his first few white waters to beach was priceless and makes me enthusiastic for us to continue down this path of enjoying the ocean and learning to surf whenever possible. I think this program you guys run is fantastic."

– Tyrone

"For 6 years I've been volunteering to take kids away to Koori Surfing programs across the state. All the kids engaged in everything, from learning to surf and their culture... these events are so important for our mob in so many ways!"

– Naomi Murphy

“Its amazing to see everyone doing the programs together, elders getting to come down and see their kids, grandchildren and all doing it together as one big community."

– Teresa Free

For more information or to discuss the program further please contact Jordie Campbell on (03) 5261 2907 or jordie@surfingvic.com.

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.