Surf talent improved

Umina Surf Life Saving Club member Rachel Wood has competed at the NSW Talented Athletes Program on the Sydney Northern Beaches in the final days of the school holidays.

The program aims to expose leading athletes aged 12 to 14 to the Surf Life Saving NSW High Performance pathway.

Athletes who have been previously involved in this program have gone on to be selected in the NSW team and win Australian Gold medals.

Reigning under-13 NSW Ironwoman Champion Rachel Wood said she found the program very beneficial.

"I really enjoyed the program.

"I learnt a lot about competition preparation like nutrition and stretching, and got to work on my transitions and surf skills which I think will really help my racing this season" said Rachel.

Surf Life Saving NSW surf sports manager Mr Chris Parker said the program was important to ensure the future of surf sports in NSW.

"By educating these gifted junior athletes in best practice sports science and training techniques it will assist them in achieving their full potential as athletes.

"The quality of the junior athletes involved in this year's program is the strongest to date."

All 11 branches from NSW were represented in this year's program.

Athletes travelled from as far north as Byron Bay and as far south as Tathra.

Media Release, 13 Oct 2011 Arielle Bird, SLS NSW