BackTrack Youth Ride the Waves at Surf for Life program

Eight young people from the non-profit organisation, BackTrack Youth Works, swapped the bush for the beach this week, taking part in Surfing Australia's Surf For Life Program, at Kingscliff Beach. The program uses surfing to build confidence, water safety, resilience, and community connection.

The day-long program saw the group dive into surfing lessons at the beach then surf mobility, conditioning, skate training and activities at Surfing Australia's Olympic Training Centre for some high-performance training experience. Designed for 11--18-year-olds who need a practical, immersive and supported environment to learn, it gives young people facing challenges like disengagement, homelessness, trauma and justice involvement the chance to step outside their comfort zone, build new skills and connect in a positive setting.

Marcus Watson, CEO of BackTrack said, "BackTrack is so grateful for the support from Kennards Hire Foundation. A relationship built on trust, connection, and shared values. The funding and in-kind support of equipment from Kennards Hire branches across the regions is invaluable. And so are events like the surfing weekend organised by Kennards Hire for our young people, providing experiences for our kids from regional areas that would never normally have such opportunities. It's a testament to Kennards Hire's belief in our mission and their commitment to walk alongside us for the long haul."

The Surf for Life Program experience for Back Track Youth Works has been made possible through the support of Kennards Hire, the Kennards Hire Foundation and Surfing Australia. Kennards Hire and The Kennards Hire Foundation have a long-standing partnership with BackTrack, providing financial assistance as well as equipment such as trailers, chainsaws and welders, used to train and upskill young people as part of BackTrack's Youth Works, the social enterprise arm providing pathways for training and employment with life-changing results.

Before joining BackTrack, 15-year-old Jimmy was disengaged from school and drifting into trouble, but through BackTrack's Core program he discovered his passion for hands-on work in the Shed with BackTrack Works' supervisor, Jase. With the support of BackTrack's wraparound services, he became a full-time employee by mid-2024, has since developed strong welding skills, and is now completing a TAFE course in Engineering and Fabrication with hopes of starting an apprenticeship. Most importantly, he's gained confidence, good mates, and a sense of belonging -- proof of the life-changing impact of BackTrack's programs.

Lisa Cotton, Chair, Kennards Hire Foundation said the Foundation is excited to continue backing BackTrack in new ways: "We're proud to have been able to offer the Surf for Life Program experience, to eight young people from BackTrack. This opportunity is about far more than learning to surf. It's about building self-belief, developing critical ocean safety skills, and creating space for connection and mentorship. We're deeply committed to supporting programs that empower young Australians to thrive. BackTrack's work in Armidale and beyond is nothing short of transformational, and we're honoured to be partnering with them."

Blake Whittaker, Participation and Programs Manager, Surfing Australia said, "Surfing Australia is excited to run our first Surf for Life Program with the support of Kennards Hire and the Kennards Hire Foundation. This initiative will give young people from BackTrack the chance to experience the joy of surfing and take part in an action-packed program at our Olympic Training Facility. With this support, we can create new opportunities for these young people to build confidence and create lasting memories."

BackTrack has been a Kennards Hire Foundation non-profit partner since 2018 , reflecting a shared commitment to supporting young Australians. The Surf for Life experience builds on this history of collaboration, while also highlighting Kennards Hire's recent national partnership with Surfing Australia as the Official Major Equipment Hire Partner of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle.

To find out more information, visit BackTrack, Kennards Hire Foundation and Surfing Australia.