Surfing NSW’s LAB is a talent development pathway designed to turn potential into performance. Built on quality coaching from the state’s best, consistent support, and the intensity of training within a driven squad, LAB builds surfers with the skill and belief to perform under pressure.
The collective goal? Make New South Wales the benchmark the rest of the world points to for producing surfers who are ready, not just promising.
Learn. Apply. Breakthrough.
A pure progression pathway servicing 2000 → 2099. LAB starts at the club level, progresses through regional emerging talent programs, and moves into the state team development and U18 junior elite opportunities. Each stage meets junior surfers where they are and gives them a clear, supported way forward.
[ About ]
LAB is a four-part performance
pathway built for surfers across NSW.
We're launching with Academy LAB.
Club LAB, State LAB and Elite LAB are coming soon
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These programs are currently in development. More information will be available soon.
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These programs are currently in development. More information will be available soon.
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These programs are currently in development. More information will be available soon.
[ SERVICING 2000 → 2999 ]
Learn, Apply, Breakthrough
Overview
Built to sharpen talent in consistent and creative training environments. Delivered during school terms in 2026 across six areas in NSW, it’s a tight, high-standard program for surfers ready to commit and progress.
What’s included?
→ Eight x 90-minute training sessions per term (before or after school)
→ Access to leading SNSW coaching staff
→ Exclusive masterclasses
→ Individualised development tips, drills and clips
→ LAB apparel
→ Connection with the best juniors in your region
→ LAB camps and experiences
→ Who:
→ How:
13-16 y/o boys + girls
90-minute in-water and online coaching
Academy LAB
[ LAB COACHING TEAM ]Coaching Team:
Jarrad Howse
Luke Stedman
Phillipa Anderson
Monty Tait
Glen “Micro” Hall
Kai Otton
And more…
Selection + Eligibility
Selection process
Applications are reviewed by a Surfing NSW selection panel,
with input from local club leads. Selection is based on:
→ Regional Titles results
→ State and National rankings
→ Boardriders Club endorsement
→ Quality of application
Eligibility requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
→ Reside within New South Wales
→ Be aged 13–16 during the 2026 calendar year
→ Be a current financial member of a Surfing NSW–affiliated Boardriders Club
→ Have their application endorsed by a representative from their Boardriders Club
Key dates
Applications close
→ Sunday 8th February 2026
Applicant status notification
→ Wednesday 11th February 2026
Program start
→ Monday 23rd February 2026
In late 2025, Surfing NSW piloted the first Academy LAB, delivering an 8-week skills development program in three coastal areas — Far North Coast, Central Coast and Northern Beaches — for up to 24 junior boys and girls aged 13–16. We worked with some of NSW’s best coaches including Jarrad Howse, Matt Wilkinson, Luke Stedman, Phillipa Anderson, Monty Tait, and Glen “Micro” Hall, plus the next crop of developing coaches in each zone. After some learnings and refinements, we’re stoked to add another three coastal areas and kick off the first official season of Academy LAB during Term 1, 2026.
[ testimonial ]“Academy LAB was such an unreal experience. Bringing together the best groms from different boardriders along the coast really lifted the level and pushed me to work harder. Watching everyone surf and progress each week was super motivating and inspired me to keep pushing my own surfing.
Getting weekly feedback from some of the best coaches in Australia was huge. The coaching was clear, honest, and gave me real direction and confidence. And the Academy LAB uniform was sick. I loved being part of the program and learned so much.”
— CHASE MCGUIRE
Talent DeVELOPMENT ATHLETE
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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Athletes must reside in New South Wales, be aged 13–16 during the 2026 calendar year, be current financial members of a Surfing NSW–affiliated Boardriders Club and have their application endorsed by a club representative.
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The program focuses on establishing strong core surfing skills, including effective positioning on take-off, wave selection, ocean awareness, paddling efficiency and speed generation. Athletes will develop control and flow through frontside and backside bottom turns, with an emphasis on correct finishing positions.
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Academy Lab is a heavily subsidised program. Therefore, athletes will only be required to pay a participation fee of $100 per 8-week program or equivalent (term) to confirm their place.
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Sessions will be confirmed upon acceptance into the program, along with an onboarding pack. Sessions can run on any day from Monday - Thursday. If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, sessions will be postponed. Coaches will communicate session date, time and location via WhatsApp channel.
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If you’re unable to attend a session, please let your coach know as soon as possible and provide the reason for your absence. Academy Lab exists to train athletes that are dedicated to the program and committed to improving their surfing in and out of the water, so it’s essential that this drive is evident to ensure an athlete’s continued success in the program.
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Each region will have up to 24 athletes, broken into three smaller groups of eight surfers, with each group allocated to a Surfing NSW–accredited coach.