There is a very successful history of athlete transfer between surf lifesaving and sprint kayaking. Clint Robinson, Ken Wallace and Hannah Davis are just some of the surf athletes that have transferred their athletic talent from surf lifesaving to sprint kayaking and gone on to win an Olympic medal. This partnership provides a national coordinated approach to athlete transfer and ensures that the interests of the athlete, surf club, state surf body, SLSA and AC are considered. 

Sprint kayaking is one of the best known and most popular of the canoeing disciplines. A highly challenging yet rewarding sport, sprint kayaking tests an athlete’s strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. 

AC has recognised a number of sprint kayaking squads around Australia as part of their National Elite Development Program (NEDP), these elite development squads will provide support to athletes that have been identified as potential Olympic Champions. The Next Wave will work with AC to transfer surf athletes directly into these NEDP squads.

Could you be Surf Life Saving’s next Olympian?

Each NEDP squad will hold a selection testing session and the physical tests conducted will be used to identify athletes that have the potential to be fast tracked in sprint kayaking. 

Surf athletes are strongly encouraged to attend a selection trial, especially those between 15 – 21 years old with a background in surf ski, swimming or board paddling. No kayaking experience is required.

The top ranking athletes from the selection testing will be invited to join a FREE 3 month trial program where athletes will begin regular training in a kayak. Following the trial program athletes will then have the opportunity to be selected into the final NEDP squad.

Registrations for the NEDP selection testing sessions have now closed for 2011. If you are interested in trying out kayaking then you are welcome to join a local kayak club or visit this website reguarly for updates on the 2012 testing sessions.