Yuin descendants are reclaiming Pambula Beach for their Traditional Owners through Surfing NSW's Surfing with the Mob program.
Like their ancestors, the initiative will see local mobs assume a custodianship on Thaua Sea Country in the south-east corner of New South Wales.
Thaua mobs lived in the coastal area, whose historic name was derived from "twin waters", with remains of shellfish eaten found there, the middens dating back some 3000 years.
In the rich traditions from surfing's origins, the First Nations surfers headed to the beach last week to take their initial steps to becoming fully-accredited surf coaches.
Indigenous people have strong historical links to surfing dating back thousands of years. First in Peru on caballitos de totora (little reed horse mats) while modern-day surfing originated from Polynesian culture – specifically Hawaiian – who were considered most instrumental to the surf culture during pre-contact Ancient Hawaiʻi 500 years ago.
There are also feasible claims the Cammeragal people, one of the 29 Darug clans living in Sydney's modern-day North Shore, once used to surf there before the arrival of British colonists.
Further down the coast, Surfing NSW has delivered training to 10 participants, providing the group both the skills and knowledge of how to handle the unpredictability of the waves.
Surfing NSW Education and Programs manager, Adam Seminara, said returning ownership of Pambula Beach back to local First Nations people was morally integral for the organisation.
"Surfing NSW is stoked to support the Surfing with the Mob program, empowering First Nations people with essential ocean awareness skills," Seminara said.
"By training participants in first aid and trauma response, we equip them with confidence to save lives in emergencies, whether in the ocean or when dealing with traumatic injuries.
"Additionally, this course opens up opportunities for First Nation individuals to pursue careers, as accredited surf coaches or lifeguards, creating a pathway for personal and professional growth."
The mob will learn the importance of providing a safe environment from their knowledge of the ocean and their ability to identify and manage risks.
Adults will complete the Foundation Surf coaching course while school-age students study the junior Surf Essentials coaching course that both include first aid and surf rescue training.
The participants have to pass a fitness test comprising of multiple runs and swims, in addition to paddling through the ocean and finish the legs within a time limit to pass their course.
The Office of Sport in the state have provided participants with surfboards and wetsuits and a Surfing with the Mob branded-trailer for the region.
Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council approved of the program that connects the First Nations locals back to culture, according to the land council's community connector Robbie Townsend.
"With the recent acquisition of our own trailer, boards, and wetsuits, along with our trained Surf Life Saving personnel, we are significantly enhancing the program's sustainability," Townsend said.
NSW Member for Bega, Michael Holland, added Surfing with the Mob was doing a "fantastic job delivering programs that engage local First Nations youth".
