Surfing University defends Australian title

The University defended its coveted title, finishing ahead of competitors from the University of Wollongong and University of Melbourne at the prestigious competition held at Cabarita on the far north coast of NSW.

Osteopathy student Bec Woods, who competed on the world surfing tour for nine years, said it was great to compete again alongside Southern Cross University teammates Emma Power, Lillie Moye and Jacinta Greenup.

“It felt good to compete again and get out in the water without the pressure that comes with professional surfing,” she said.

A shoulder injury early in her surfing career piqued Bec’s interest in studying osteopathy.

“After three or four different therapists it was an osteopath who diagnosed me properly and referred me to a specialist. I saw firsthand how osteopathy can really help people and now I’m pursuing that career alongside my own surfing and surf clinics.”

Sport and Recreation Officer Dave Graham said Southern Cross University punched above its weight in the surf, taking out its sixth title in eight years, and its ninth title since the championships began.

He said more than 70 Southern Cross University students competed in nine sports at the UniSport Championships, with 20 taking part in surfing and bodyboarding events.

Bec is currently based near Byron Bay, and is completing her osteopathy studies and clinical placements at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus and in the on-campus Health Clinics in Lismore and on the Gold Coast. She will begin full-time work as an osteopath in Newcastle next year, where she will also be able to pursue her passion for surfing and hosting surf clinics.

Southern Cross University offers a four-year combined undergraduate and Masters program to become a qualified osteopath at the Gold Coast campus, accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia.