With the direction of First Nations Elders and Indigenous advisors, Surfkin will continue to update this content to ensure it reflects cultural knowledge with respect and accuracy.

Celebrating Connection to Sea

Surfing, like Aboriginal culture, is deeply tied to the rhythms of nature. By learning from elers and leaders and respecting Country, surfers can strengthen the bond between people, the ocean and understand culture

Surfkin is proud to be a platform that supports this connection. Helping surfers discover waves while respecting the land and waters they ride.

Aboriginal Surfing Programs

Across Australia, initiatives such as the Aboriginal Surfing Titles and community surf schools are creating opportunities for young Aboriginal surfers. These programs provide pathways to mentorship, competition, and community pride.

Surfkin aims to highlight and support these programs through our booking platform — making it easier for surfers to connect with cultural surf experiences.

How Surfers Can Show Respect

• Acknowledge Country when paddling out or hosting surf events.
• Learn about the local Land Councils where you surf.
• Respect cultural protocols — some sites are sacred and access may be restricted.
• Book with awareness — choose surf experiences that respect and support local communities.

Cultural Heritage and Country on Surfkin

Surfkin recognises that every surf break sits on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Country. Our marketplace is designed to help surfers, coaches, guides, and businesses operate with respect for the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where they work and surf.

Sharing Country and Culture

Service providers on Surfkin have the option to include cultural heritage interpretation in their offerings. This may involve:

• Acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the local area.
• Sharing publicly available information about cultural connections to land and sea.
• Highlighting the significance of traditional place names and local landmarks.

These inclusions help surfers understand and appreciate the cultural depth of the places they paddle out.

Respect for Country

Surfkin is committed to ensuring that all experiences on the platform respect Aboriginal culture and heritage. Providers are encouraged to:

• Acknowledge Country during their sessions or programs.
• Respect cultural protocols and restricted sites.
• Ensure staff and participants act with care for Aboriginal heritage and the environment.

Partnerships and Community Guidance

Surfkin works to build connections with Aboriginal Land Councils and community organisations. Where possible, providers are encouraged to seek local guidance and support, ensuring their offerings are culturally sensitive and appropriate.

Ongoing Learning

The platform will continue to grow with the direction of First Nations Elders and Indigenous advisors. This ensures that Surfkin’s cultural content evolves respectfully and remains aligned with community expectations.

Enriching the Surf Experience

By surfacing cultural knowledge alongside surf services, Surfkin helps create a richer experience for both locals and visitors. Surfing becomes not just about catching waves, but about understanding the history, stories, and enduring cultural connections of the Country each surfer is on.

Operational Cultural Connections

Service providers are encouraged to connect with local Aboriginal Land Councils and Traditional Owners.

Building respectful relationships ensures accurate use of Traditional Land names and supports ongoing cultural guidance.

These connections help create stronger community ties and demonstrate genuine respect for the Country on which services are offered.

Land Councils

Aboriginal Land Councils play a vital role in:

• Protecting sacred coastal sites that hold cultural and spiritual importance.
• Caring for marine environments through conservation and stewardship.
• Supporting youth surf programs that connect Aboriginal communities to the ocean.
• Working with surf communities to promote awareness, sustainability, and respectful access.

Surfkin is committed to building partnerships with Land Councils wherever we operate.

Languages and Country Map Reference

AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia

Widely recognised map showing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations.
View the map

Gambay Languages Map

Interactive map showing over 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Explore Gambay

quick links from this page

• AIATSIS Map
• Gambay Languages Map
• NSW Aboriginal Land Council
• Northern Land Council
• Kimberley Land Council