Surf Life Saving Tasmania is proud to announce the athletes selected in the 2026-27 SLST Sea Dragons Performance Squad, recognising some of the state's most promising surf sports competitors.
The squad has been selected based on athletes' performances, results and commitment over the past 12 months, including at Tasmanian carnivals, the State Championships and the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Surf Sports Advisory Committee State Advisor Shane Askew said the squad provides a valuable opportunity for athletes to continue their development both in and out of the water.
"The selection has been based on performances across the past season, looking at results from our Tasmanian carnivals, State Championships and Australian Championships," Askew said.
"Our goal is to give these athletes the best opportunity to keep improving and continue progressing towards higher levels of competition."
The Performance Squad will take part in an extensive off-season development program, featuring two regional training weekends in both the north and south of the state, along with a three-day development camp delivered in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia.
Regional training will be held on 8-9 August and 24-25 October, while the development camp will take place from 11-13 September.
Throughout the program, athletes will receive specialist coaching across technical surf skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition, mindset and race preparation.
"The athletes told us they wanted more technical coaching and feedback, more time in the surf, regular training opportunities and support around strength, conditioning, nutrition and mindset," Askew said.
"That's exactly what we're aiming to deliver throughout the off-season while helping them work towards their own goals, whether that's making the Tasmanian interstate team, improving at State Championships or achieving stronger results at the Australian Championships."
The squad will also benefit from an expanded coaching team, with Dave Chapman joining as beach coach, while national medallists Sam Norton and Phoebe Woodhouse will assist with ski coaching. Surf Life Saving Australia will also support the program by bringing a national coach to Tasmania during the development camp.
Several athletes have already demonstrated significant progress over the past 12 months, with Askew highlighting a number of standout performers.
"Anderson Towns had an outstanding Australian Championships, winning a bronze medal in the board relay for his club and has continued to train exceptionally well," he said.
"Archie Munday has adapted to ski racing really well and is showing great improvement, while Lily O'Garey was one of our standout board paddlers last season and will only continue to improve with the experience she gained at the Australian Championships."
Following the off-season program, the squad will turn their attention to representing Tasmania at key events throughout the season, including the Interstate Championships, Super Surf Teams League and the Youth Pathways Championships.
"The exciting part is seeing these athletes continue to develop and giving them every opportunity to succeed," Askew said.
"With the coaching support we've been able to bring together this season, we're looking forward to seeing them improve their skills, make more finals at the Australian Championships and continue building the future of surf sports in Tasmania.”
2026/27 SLST Sea Dragons Performance Squad
U14 Female
U14 Male
U15 Female
U15 Male
U17 Female
U17 Male
U19/Open Female
U19/Open Male
100 Mornington Road, Mornington, Tasmania 7018
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03 6216 7800
slst@slst.asn.au
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