Hurley is the main investor of the Surfing Australia's High Performance Centre, the world's first facility dedicated to the development of elite surfers and coaches. The new project will be located at Casuarina Beach in Northern NSW and will ensure Australia maintains its place as a world leader in the sport.
Designed in consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), construction started on the Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC) last month and is expected to be completed by May 2012.
Competitive surfing has become one of the most lucrative individual sports on earth and the world-first facility will have a direct focus on surf science research and training in an effort to nurture the country's up-and-coming talent for generations to come.
Hurley's involvement will see that the centre is at the forefront of surfing technology and training, helping evolve the skill-set of long-time surfers and nurturing the youth and surfing leaders of tomorrow.
"Our partnership with Hurley will allow Surfing Australia to provide world leading facilities and the latest equipment at the HPC with this significant sponsorship investment being poured into the new building," Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark said. "The HPC will ensure our surfers continue to dominate on the world stage and be at the forefront of World Title contention."
Hurley founder Bob Hurley said, "Our mantra is 'Microphone for Youth'. Collaborating with Surfing Australia for the purpose of developing the next generation of great surfers is symbolic of our belief in the youth of Australia and their potential to change the world. Our brand is all about innovation...which simply means questioning the status quo. This centre is a big step towards creating an even better future for Australian surfing."
"The opportunity to be involved and contribute to what is effectively an academy for some of the world's best athletes, young and old, is an honor - to know Hurley can play a part in shaping the careers of Australia's surfing youth and safeguard the future of the surfing industry world-wide," said Hurley Australia's General Manager Jason Haynes.
Partly funded by a $2million Federal Government grant, the HPC is on a dedicated $1.2 million freehold title gifted to Surfing Australia by Consolidated Properties, developers of Casuarina Beach.
1978 World Champion Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew said, "This is a perfect fit. Both organizations are moving in the same direction. Surfing Australia is about developing the sport of surfing in Australia - it's their mandate, while Hurley is about; innovation, high performance and youth development. As we move forward, it will become a true partnership."
The two-level Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre will boast state of the art education facilities, accommodation, a surf specific gym, auditorium, offices and testing and treatment rooms.