Seven lucky boys from Ambrose Treacy Academy (Indooroopilly, QLD) travelled down to the Gold Coast for a once-in-a-lifetime surfing lesson with seven-time World Champion, Steph Gilmore.
The boys were selected to attend as reward for their excellent school attendance and in-class behaviour.
During the session, the world champ taught the boys how to paddle and stand before she cut loose to carve up the waves on their own.
Year 12 academy member Ezra Mam, who had never surfed in his life, said the experience was incredible.
“To get some tips from Steph Gilmore was thrilling, and to ride some waves with her was even more so,” he said. “Steph taught me to take the right waves, paddle and kick hard, push up with my arms and keep my knees bent.”
Not only did Steph provide the boys with surfing tips, she also told the boys of how she overcame some of the mental and physical challenges she faced after she was attacked by a stranger outside her apartment in 2011.
“She had to overcome so many challenges, including going back to her own apartment for the first time, recovering from the injuries she sustained, the media coverage, not being able to surf and the fear of this happening again,” Ezra recalled.
“She was very humble and said to always keep positive during tough times, something I will use when I am faced with my own challenges.”
The academy boys would like to thank Steph, Ambrose Treacy College, Palm Beach Currumbin High School and Surfing Australia for such a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
All photos courtesy of Surfing Australia
