You may recognise her from behind the counter at Foodworks Kiama Downs on a Sunday afternoon, but 16-year-old Kyah Shipley is also a budding Surf Life Saving champion.

From January 4 - 6, Kyah will be heading to New Zealand for the 2025 Surf Life Saving Trans-Tasman Tri Series.

Kyah is one of two girls from the South Coast region who have been chosen to be a part of the NSW Country team. Shipley currently competes for the Warilla Barrack Point Surf Club, she began her career at Kiama Downs Surf Club.

Source: Casey Shipley

“We moved to Kiama Downs from Penrith and she started when she was five at Kiama Downs Surf Club. She’s been doing it for 12 years,” says Kyah’s mother, Casey Shipley.

As the years went by, Kyah realised she had the skills and talent to take her further in the sport of Surf Life Saving, and because there was more competition available at the Warilla Barrack Point Surf Club, they made the decision to switch.

“We loved Kiama Downs; it was a beautiful start for her, but a lot of the girls in her age group dropped out as she got older. She wanted to be more competitive, and that’s what Warilla offered her,” says Casey.

“I came here really just because it has a more competitive community, and it pushed me to where I am today,” says Kyah.

Casey explains that an average week of training for Kyah includes two hours each morning — apart from Sundays and Fridays when she’s at Foodworks — either swimming or the gym, followed by afternoon sessions focused on surf skills and an iron session on Saturdays.

“The amount of training she does is crazy,” says Casey. “She’s just very disciplined and passionate about it, and we’re all really proud of her. She deserves all the achievements she is getting.”

Her long time surf coach Kirk Allen adds, “She is going well at training, she is obviously happy with her selection and we are really looking forward to seeing how she goes this season.”

Some of her achievements include winning gold at the 2024 Australian Championships.

Casey believes Kyah dedicates so much time to the sport simply because she loves it.

“She loves being in the water. She loves the waves and she loves the people—her coaches, the other girls. She’s always smiling and just having the best time,” says Casey.

Kyah herself says she is extremely excited for the opportunity to go to New Zealand and represent NSW Country.

“You don’t really get these opportunities, and because I’ve been chosen, it puts it into perspective that I have a chance in this sport, and I’m really excited and keen,” says Kyah. “I hope to inspire other young girls to take up the sport too.”

Kyah’s journey is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and with the right support, she hopes to make a significant mark in the world of surf life-saving. 

For those interested in helping Kyah reach her goals, consider visiting her GoFundMe page or reaching out for sponsorship opportunities at [email protected].