Indigenous surf contest

A surf contest will be held at Umina Beach on February 24, as part of the Central Coast Deadliest Young Indigenous Surfing Program.

The first of three learn-to-surf workshops for indigenous youth began on Saturday, December 2, at Umina Beach.

The free one-day courses are managed by the Gosford Council Surf School.

The surf contest for participants concludes the program, with prizes on offer including a surfboard.

Umina Beach resident Ms Debbie Gause said the program was a positive experience for her 12-year-old son Jordan Doudle who won the surfboard at last year's event.

"Jordan didn't surf before he was in the program, and now he is in the water every day, rain, hail or shine," said Ms Gause.

"It gave Jordan the confidence to go for any wave, as well as teaching him about water safety.

"Now he wants to be a professional surfer."

The program aims to increase participant's self-esteem and confidence while reducing the community isolation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often experience.

Displays promoting positive health and lifestyle messages about alcohol and drugs, career prospects and education, are part of the contest day.

Press release, November 30 Kate Carragher, Gosford Council