The Paddle2Podium project, launched four years ago, revolutionised sprint paddling as a cornerstone of competitive surfing, preparing athletes for the waves of Teahupo’o at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The project united Surfing Australia, Griffith University, the QAS through SPIKE, and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Two-time world champion Tyler Wright credited the program with improving her paddling speed, calling it a game-changer.
The project established a strong foundation for future success, especially for female athletes, and by embedding techniques into training programs and coaching courses, its benefits will extend far beyond Paris 2024.