Many participants had never surfed before so it was important the deliverers were able to meet the needs of these participants. A militaristic, boot camp style of coaching was not going to work. Deliverers needed to be women skilled at establishing relationships and networking – women who could teach a range of wellbeing activities in a fun and welcoming environment.

With an ambitious strategy to reach 40 locations and 25,000 participants by June 2021, Surfing Australia needed to build and train a new workforce.

Surfing Australia held an intensive week-long training program for Shore Thing mentors. This was an opportunity to experience the program, socialise the concepts, refine the product design and further develop the skills and qualities required. It was a stretch for some of the traditional surf coaches who decided the program was not for them.

The remaining mentors valued the opportunity to learn to meditate, to gain a better understanding of themselves and to connect as a network of women. The mentors undertook personality testing to gain insights into who they are. They each received personal development plans which highlighted their strengths and addressed gaps or blind spots. They learnt how to deal with tricky situations both in life and in their new roles as mentors. As they worked through goals and desired product outcomes the women collectively helped shape the values of Shore Thing.

Importantly, the mentors delivering the program will receive business development assistance to grow their business across multiple market segments.