High flyers get boost

A NEW generation of surfers will be riding high into Olympic contention with the opening of the $6 million expansion of the Surfing Australia Hurley High Performance Centre in Casuarina.

The site was opened late last week by Sports Minister Stuart Ayres and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, joined by surfing greats Layne Beachley, Joel Parkinson and Mark Richards, and Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark.

Surfing Australia Elite Program manager Bede Durbidge said: “The expansion to our High Performance Centre will make a huge difference to both our current elite athletes, and the many talented young surfers in the system. It would not have been possible without the generous support of the many stakeholders who have contributed to the expansion.”

The expansion includes a bigger and better AIS Aerial Surf Skate Training Facility, a 100-seat auditorium, 11 new accommodation rooms and a significantly expanded world class gymnasium.