A new partnership between Bond University and the World Surf League could give students a break in the global surf industry.
The two-year deal beginning in 2020 will see Bond become the Official Higher Education Partner of the World Surf League Australia.
Benefits of the tie-up will include industry placements and internships for students with the WSL across a range of disciplines.
Bond University student Rachael Tilly became the youngest world champion in the history of professional surfing when she won the 2015 longboard title at the age of 17.
From San Clemente in California, she is studying a Bachelor of Sports Management while still competing on the women’s longboard world tour.
“I’d love to use my degree to make an impact in the surfing industry,” Ms Tilly said.
“My lecturer at Bond set me up with an internship at a WSL event earlier this year and I learned so much.
“This is a huge opportunity for students, even ones who aren’t specifically into surfing.
“Surfing and university are the two things that make up my world at the moment. I could see myself one day working with the WSL!”
Bond University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, said the partnership formed part of the university’s unique Beyond Bond program that embeds students in their chosen industry to produce job-ready graduates.
“This puts our students at the pinnacle of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports segments,” he said.
“Bond University offers multiple degrees that have synergies with WSL Australia and the wider surf industry, including Sports Management, Sports Science, Marketing and Film and Television.
“We look forward to working with this innovative sports body, beginning with our home WSL event at Snapper Rocks next year.”
WSL Asia Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark said partnering with Bond University was a natural fit for the WSL.
“Bond University sits on the doorstep of arguably one of the world’s most desirable surfing locations and has a strong lineage of producing high-achieving and driven students.
“Working together we can help foster the next generation of talent both in and out of the water.”
Click here to learn more about Bond University's partnership with WSL.
Current opportunities for Bond students with WSL are available for viewing via Scout.