Surfing Victoria re-launches Coasting for Teens program with COVIDSafe plan in Regional Victoria

Surfing Victoria has announced the re-commencement of its Coasting for Teens programs in regional Victoria starting next Tuesday 29th September in Inverloch and Torquay.

An initiative of VicHealth, the program aims to get teenage girls more active through Stand Up Paddleboarding and now with the addition of Surf programs in 2020/21.

The programs are being run under the guidance of Surfing Victoria’s COVID Risk Management Plan that ensures groups are kept small, all equipment has been cleaned, participants have declared they are symptom free, masks are worn during briefings and social distancing is adhered to at all times.

In a statement released today, Surfing Victoria note that at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, “all Coasting sessions were suspended to ensure the safety of our staff and participants in line with Government restrictions.

“With restrictions easing across Regional Victoria and the weather starting to improve, Surfing Victoria along with its delivery partners are now able to resume programs with COVID-19 Safety procedures in place.

“We all know that the lockdowns throughout Victoria have caused a reduction in physical exercise among all Victorians with 1 in 4 people reporting that they only exercised one day per week during the first lockdown (VicHealth Corona Virus Wellbeing Impact Study).

“The effects of the lockdown don’t stop there with 1 in 4 young Victorians experiencing high psychological distress during the first lockdown.

“Getting out and exercising with friends is a great way to improve not only your physical health but also your mental health. Coasting for Teens is the perfect way to get back into exercise in a safe, fun and different way.”

Coasting Program Manager, Monica Fleming advises “The Coasting program aims to get more young Victorian girls active, however we have seen over the past few seasons the change it can have on a person’s overall wellbeing.

“Being out on the water with some friends can really help lift your mood and is a great way to connect with others.

“2020 has been challenging. But we hope to see plenty of young girls out on the water connecting to their communities again.”

Bookings for the programs are now open with limited spaces available at both locations.

Further Coasting Programs will be announced in the coming months leading into summer.

Inverloch

Tuesday 29th September, 9.30am – Book Here 

Wednesday 30th September, 9.30am – Book Here 

Thursday 1st October, 9.30am – Book Here 

Friday 2nd October, 9.30am  – Book Here 

Saturday 3rd October, 9.30am  – Book Here 

Torquay

Thursday 1st October, 11.30am – Book Here 

Image: Coasting for Teens is re-launching in time for the final week of school holidays. Credit: Ed Sloane / Surfing Victoria