Illawarra Academy of Sport profile: Bayley Daniels

Club/Association: Jones Beach Boardriders, Kiama Downs Surf Club

Why did you apply for an IAS scholarship? I applied so  I could improve and progress my level of surfing and to learn about all the other aspects like the physical, mental and nutritional side of surfing.  I also heard a lot of great things from people that have come from this program and I would like to make lots of new friends and meet some really good coaches.

Who’s your favourite professional athlete? John John Florence is a massive inspiration to me because of how hard he has worked as a person and how determined he is to win and do well in surfing. He always strives to do his best and is a great role model. Although he does not compete professionally Brett Connellan (my coach) is an enormous role model for me.

If you weren’t playing this sport what would you be doing? If I wasn’t surfing I would probably be more into competing at Surf Lifesaving and helping out doing water safety and patrol. I would also be training more for swimming, cycling and running for triathlons that I do with my dad.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence? A fun, energetic, happy person who loves everything to do with sports (especially surfing) and loves to hang out with friends.

What are your plans beyond school? To compete at state and bigger surf competitions and get closer to winning them. I would also like to study at university to become a Paramedic.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would live in either California or Bali because of the lifestyle, culture and most importantly the surf! Although I love Australia and I believe I’m very lucky to be able to live here.

What do you do in your free time? I surf, smooth star, hang out with friends, do triathlons and watch and play NFL. I also love to spearfish and go boating with my friends and play my X Box.

What is your favourite subject at school? My favourite subject at school would be PE because I love doing sport, especially when it’s with my friends. My other favourite subject would be maths.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport so far? Competing at State Surf Life Saving Surfing Titles up at One Mile Beach, Port Stephens with my friends. I had lots of fun and gained a lot of knowledge about the competition as this was my first time competing at that level in Surfing.

When did you start playing your sport and how did you get started? When I was younger I lived in a small country town on the NSW/Qld border with no ocean to surf in and then we moved down to the South Coast and I loved the water straight away. I started to do surf club and nippers and I made a heap of friends there, then those friends started to encourage me to surf.  I had a go and have loved it ever since. I started surfing about 2 years ago and have had surf coaching for the past 6 months.