Learning from the greats

The program is a combination of practical surfing plus skills off the surf board.

A small group of students hit the surf each Thursday for specialised training with Australian Open champion Nic Squiers from Illawarra Surf Academy, plus guest training sessions from former Illawarra professional surfer Mick Lowe.

Gerroa sensation Sally Fitzgibbons, who is in contention for her maiden world title on the women's tour, will conduct sessions later in the year.

Off the board, the boys are also improving their fitness with core strength and flexibility sessions three times a week in the School Conditioning Centre at Illawarra Sports High.

These surf-specific fitness programs are run by Surfing Australia's Head of Strength and Conditioning, Dr Jeremy Sheppard, and provides an insight into the latest innovations in conditioning.

While many school field excursions may not be memorable, the boys certainly enjoyed a trip to the Gold Coast for the Quicksilver/Roxy Pro.

Aside from taking in an event on the world tour, the boys visited the Australian Institute of Sport-endorsed High Performance Centre and completed a special Functional Fitness Assessment.

At the Quiksilver/Roxy Pro the students also spoke to assistant competition commissioner Travis Logie.

World Surfing League judges spoke with the students about judging criteria and career opportunities.

Meanwhile, the extra training and professional fitness training is paying dividends with Illawarra Sports High students doing well at Newcastle's Surfest, plus regional school titles.

Darcy DeClouett won the South Coast Regional School Titles at Ulladulla, with Kyen Stuart second.

Both boys qualified for upcoming events, including the school-based MR Shield at the NSW State School Titles, in Port Macquarie, in July 5-6.

Finally, in Term 1, Illawarra Sports High held its Year 6 trials for its 2016 Surfing Program. Places are still available with opens trials in Term 4.

For details contact the school.