Surfing Illawarra is an affiliated body of Surfing Australia who were established in 1963 and are the national governing body for surfing across Australia.

In recent years Surfing Illawarra hasn't generated the same level of community participation  that is now enjoyed by the worldwide surfing community. Our focus is to put the Illawarra back on the global map for surfing, working closely with the community, local board riding clubs and our sponsors. Our ultimate goal is to produce a “Mike Lowe” onto the World Tour (WCT). As we work toward this goal, we will established long term programs to seek out and develop our junior surfing talent.

A fresh new management team led by Paul Oyston and the local board riding clubs are working together to develop surfing in our region.

Support our Surfing Community by coming to an event and support our sponsors.

PRESS RELEASE:

Campbell cleans up at the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS in Coffs Harbour

With the cream of the Australian junior talent pool on hand at Macauley’s Beach today it was Billy Bain (Avalon, NSW) and Rachel Campbell (Stanwell Park, NSW) who rose to the top, at the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS. In conditions that resembled the Loch Ness, with low-lying, misty fog permeating the contest area, finals day of the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS was of the highest order.

In the blue ribbon events, the 16 years and under division, Bain and Campbell were unstoppable, taking home precious ratings points, awesome prizes and the crown.

For Rachel Campbell just making the final was a massive bonus for her fledging surfing career, but to win was beyond her expectations. “I can’t believe I won – I’m over the moon,” she said. “I wasn’t even thinking about winning this event, I just wanted to compete as best I could against all the other girls.” In what was a coup for the future of female surfing in Australia, the 16 years and under Girls final was an awesome display.

Defeating fellow Illawarra surfer Skye Burgess (Lake Heights, NSW), Ellie-Jean Coffey (Crescent Head, NSW) and Pheobe Miley-Dyer (Bronte, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Campbell was awestruck when told she would be competing at the iconic Bells Beach. “I just found out,” she said. “I’m so unbelievably stoked that I get to go down to Bells - it’s like a dream come true.” Soli Bailey (Suffolk Park, NSW) took out the 14 years and under division, whilst Ellie-Jean Coffey won her second straight event in the 14 years and under Girls division.

Meet our SPONSORS

You will notice some new logos amongst the growing list of local companies that are supporting the surfing industry in the Illawarra. We thank these companies and urge you to support the guys that support our region.