International Surfing Association Vice-President Alan Atkins is joining the teaching staff of the Diploma of Sport Management (Surfing Studies) for 2008.
Atkins, the former CEO of Surfing Australia and a resident of Byron Bay, has a wealth of experience in the sport and will be teaching the students how to conduct surfing events as part of this Southern Cross University course commencing next week.
He was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Diploma in 2004 and is currently the Contest Director for the Noosa Festival of Surfing.
“Alan was involved in the plans to establish the Diploma from day 1 and helped lay the foundations for the course’s successful development,” said course coordinator Jak Carroll.
“He is one of the most experienced surfing administrators in the world and he will help to build the bridge between academic theory and real-world practice for the students.”
Launched by the Southern Cross University and Surfing Australia, the Diploma is the only course in the world focusing on the skills needed to work in the business side of the surfing industry.
Students take subjects in sports marketing, management, media, events, and surfing culture, as well as doing a 150-hour industry placement.
The course, which can be completed in one year full-time or done part-time by distance education, attracts students from all over the world. Currently, students from the USA, Portugal, Sweden Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, and France are undertaking the Diploma.
Source: Surfing Australia