Inside Aussies 2025: A Physio’s Week on the Frontline of Surf Sport

The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships—better known as The Aussies —is the pinnacle of surf sport in this country. It’s big. It’s intense. And it’s an incredible privilege to be part of.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to once again work in the medical compound at the Aussies, supporting some of the nation’s best athletes across the youth, open, and masters divisions. It’s a role I take seriously—not just as a physiotherapist, but as someone who genuinely lives and breathes this sport. I’m a surf lifesaving volunteer, a nipper parent, and a proud part of the broader lifesaving community.

The week was full throttle from day one.

What Happens in the Medical Compound

The medical compound at Aussies is a world of its own—part clinic, part triage station, part calm-in-the-chaos. We treated everything from soft tissue injuries to dislocations, suspected fractures, and acute illnesses brought on by heat, fatigue, or sheer physical exertion. And in surf sport, where athletes compete in a dynamic, unpredictable environment, the medical response needs to be just as adaptable.

One minute you’re assessing a hamstring strain from the beach flags; the next, you’re treating a shoulder injury from the board rescue or a head injury following a hard landing in the surf boat races. And every now and then, you’re dealing with more complex trauma—athletes coming in from the surf with suspected spinal injuries, or competitors who’ve been caught in a collision mid-race.

Every injury mattered, and every athlete deserved the time and attention to be heard, assessed, and supported. In many cases, our job was to help athletes stay in the competition safely. In others, it was about being honest and helping them make the tough decision to stop.

The Scale and Scope of Surf Sport

What makes the Aussies so unique—and demanding—is the sheer variety of events happening all at once. There are the beach events: sprints, flags, and relays, with athletes powering through soft sand in blazing sun. There’s the surf arena, where competitors take on the elements in boards, skis, surf boats, and swims—sometimes in conditions that would give most people second thoughts about even entering the water. Add in lifesaving events, R&R, and rescue relays, and you’ve got an event that tests every element of physical conditioning and mental toughness.

From a physiotherapy perspective, that means being ready for anything. We had athletes coming in with rib pain from ski paddling, knee complaints from constant beach sprinting, low back issues from heavy training loads, and everything in between. Fatigue played a big part, especially for athletes backing up for multiple rounds and finals across several disciplines. Hydration, nutrition, and recovery were constant conversations.

Being a Steady Hand in the Middle of It All

For many athletes, stepping into the medical compound wasn’t just about treatment—it was a chance to breathe, regroup, and be looked after. I had countless conversations about injury management, competition strategy, and long-term recovery. I reassured nervous first-timers and helped seasoned competitors navigate whether they were okay to continue or needed to stop. I advocated for athlete wellbeing, working closely with doctors, medics, officials, and coaches to make informed decisions under pressure.

And while the days were long, the energy was electric. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who are so passionate about their sport, their clubs, and each other. The camaraderie, the resilience, the pride—it’s contagious. You see it in every race, every finish line hug, and yes, even in the quiet moments inside the compound, when someone’s fighting back tears because their Aussies journey ended earlier than they’d hoped.

Why I Keep Showing Up

Every year, Aussies reminds me why I became a physio—and why I choose to stay involved in surf lifesaving. It’s not just about injuries. It’s about connection. Trust. Purpose. It’s about using my skills to make a real difference, not just on the sand but in the lives of the people who walk through the door.

Aussies 2025 was a powerful week. I left tired, sun-kissed, and incredibly proud to have played a small part in keeping our surf athletes safe, strong, and supported.

I’ll be back next year—with even more tape, more sunscreen, and the same passion for helping this amazing community do what it does best.

Need a physio who truly understands the demands of surf sport? Book in with me at www.surfedge.physio/book-now whether you’re recovering, prepping, or pushing for your next big goal.

Recover. Perform. Excel.