This year, Neptune’s Surf Coaching had the absolute privilege of running another round of surf lessons with the Clontarf Foundation — this time with an extra wave of support behind them.
Thanks to the Play Well #SurfForLife program, proudly funded by the Australian Sports Commission, Neptune’s was able to deliver more time in the water and more sessions for the boys. The Surf For Life initiative is all about increasing access to surf programs for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This collaboration hit the mark in every way.
Neptune’s has been working with the Clontarf Foundation for several years now, and it’s always one of the highlights of their calendar. The Foundation does incredible work to support the education, self-esteem, and life skills of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Programs like this bring those values to life in a joyful, practical, and physically active way.
Across the program, Neptune’s delivered a series of surf coaching sessions tailored to the group’s experience level. From ocean safety to paddling technique, pop-ups to wave riding, all the essentials were covered. Some of the boys were natural surfers, while others built confidence with every session. Every participant left the beach with sandy feet, salty smiles, and a stronger connection to the ocean.
The added support from Surf For Life allowed Neptune’s to extend each session, increase the number of sessions, and qualify two of their instructors, Charlee Boord and Jonny Poulton, with official surf coaching accreditation. This meant more one-on-one time in the water and faster skill development for the boys. Small changes like this go a long way in building both confidence and capability.
For Neptune’s Surf Coaching, this program was the perfect combination, a meaningful collaboration with Clontarf, the empowerment of young people through sport, and the chance to share South Australia’s coastline with the next generation. The team is beyond grateful to be part of the journey and is already looking forward to the next one.
Want to learn more about the incredible work Clontarf does? Visit: https://clontarf.org.au
