Surfing Australia News Winter 2017 | Page 82

Taj Burrow and Small Fries winners. PLAY VIDEO THE first half of 2017 has seen Surfing WA mak- ing sustained progress across our three strategic pillars. With a busy calendar between January and May, state champions have now been crowned across the SunSmart Bodyboard Titles, HIF Pro Am Series and Stand Up Surf Shop WA SUP Titles totalling 21 divisional champions who will have the opportunity to represent WA at the National Titles later this year. Champions across the remaining HIF Longboard Titles and WA Junior Titles are still to be decid- ed over the winter season. The 2017 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro continues to be a highlight on the events calendar, delivering economic and community health benefits for the state of WA. The School of Surfing of Surfing WA coached a record number of participants over the summer period, with strong growth continuing across the 5-12 age group. The licensed 080 | Issue 16 // Winter 2017 surf school and boardriders club network continues to grow, expanding the reach of our sport across WA. Over the first half of the year Surfing WA has continued to experience rapid growth across our key social media plat- forms. These platforms have been vital in the delivery of key advocacy messages across the wider community, including SunSmart and our new road safety message, No Txt No Wrecks supported by our road safety partners. Surfing WA is also thrilled to launch our Surfers Rescue 365, which we look forward to administering in six local government coun- cils across the State. Thanks goes to our major partners, Department of Sport and Recreation, Healthway and the Road Safety Commis- sion, RAC WA, the Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF). The steadfast support of these organisations allows Surfing WA to administer and grow our sport.