15 athletes from eight nations participate in high-performance training program led by Olympians in Fiji

This week, the ISA held its fourth annual Continental Youth Athlete Development Program (YADP) in Fiji. The initiative, supported by Olympic Solidarity, is focused on empowering young athletes and their coaches from developing nations throughout the world. Held previously in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, this year’s YADP focused on youth from the Oceania region.

Designed to build skills and long-term development strategies for future Olympians with limited access to high-performance resources, the program welcomed 15 surfers from eight nations, all under the age of 18. Throughout the week, interactive coaching was combined with training exercises in order to help athletes maximize their skill sets both in and out of the water.

This year’s edition was led by Olympian and former Championship Tour surferMichel Bourez (FRA), alongside ISA Coaching Expert Lee Ryan of New Zealand. The program covered a wide range of topics, including an in-depth overview of judging, venue analysis, mental preparation, competition rules, contest strategy, motivational goals, technical video analysis and more.

Alongside the coaches, ISA Athlete Ambassadors and Olympians Saffi Vette (NZL) and Leilani McGonagle (CRC), who is also a member of the ISA Athletes’ Commission, served as mentors and coaches for the attendees throughout the program.

The program was hosted in collaboration with the Oceania Surfing Federation and Fiji Surfing Association, whose president Hannah Bennett (FJI) provided support. Training for coaches from Oceania was also included to enable long-term youth athlete development to continue in the future.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre said:

"Initiatives like our Youth Athlete Development Program represent the heart of what the ISA stands for, creating opportunities for surfers around the world to reach their full potential. When we see these talented young surfers from across Oceania learning alongside experienced judges, coaches, and Olympians, we’re not just witnessing their development, we’re watching the future of our sport take shape.

“These programs do more than develop athletes, they develop dreams. Some of these young surfers will go on to represent their nations at the highest levels, and for many of them, that journey begins right here in the beautiful waves of Fiji."

Athletes:

Tanuguatoa Aupiu   -    American Samoa

Julia Kostelnik   -   American Samoa

Kenneth alexander  -  Guam

Hazel Wilson   -   Guam

Taumero Bineka   -   Kiribati

Nakau Nakibwebwe   -   Kiribati

Dezley  Mackay  -   Nauru

Keipson Jimwereiy   -   Nauru

Keilani Clark  -  Papua New Guinea

John Yafi Muser   -   Papua New Guinea

Leia Falega Viliamu   -   Samoa

Mavis Narisa Lynn Gardiner   -   Samoa

Sacha Ferry   -   Vanuatu

Emily Taleo   -   Vanuatu

Havana kurop   -   Fiji

Coaches:

Steve Kostelnik    -   American Samoa                  

Lesi Navuwai   -   Fiji

Shane Pier  -  Guam

Nicholas Mcdermott   -   Kiribati

Jane Short   -   Nauru

Shane Clark   -   Papua New Guinea                          

Keith Martin   -   Samoa

Benjamin Johnson   -   Vanuatu