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I'm planning to study abroad in Australia next year and was wondering which universities were closest to some good surf spots. I want to surf as much as I can but don't want to get stuck at a college that's far from the beach or swell. Got any tips?
asked by Caveman2000
Australian native, Surfline.com editor and true surfing scholar Nick Carroll responds:
Ha! You are about to visit the Lucky Country -- at least in terms of finding schools of higher learning in close proximity to excellent surf locations. In fact, with 90% of Australians live within 30 miles of the ocean, nearly all the important colleges are within striking distance of good waves. So, perhaps you would best consider the question in reverse -- where do you want to surf? -- and then make your decision. Here's a quick list of options:
The Gold Coast, Queensland -- famous, epic, filthy barreling right points, warm water all year round, somewhat inconsistent but absurdly perfect when lit up. Bond University is just a few miles away from Burleigh, Kirra, etc., and is strong on law studies and business admin.
Sydney -- a lot of good beachbreaks and some good reefs. Not as high-quality as Burleigh and company, but way more consistent and with some of the world's most beautiful uncrowded reefs just a couple hours' drive south (which is good; you don't want to piss off the locals in town). Sydney's home to several schools -- University of Sydney, University of NSW, Macquarie University -- so you can study anything you like, all about as far from the surf as UC Irvine. Plus you get the extra special Sydney bonus: the chance of being dropped in on by two-time world champion Tom Carroll!
SBells Beach/Western Victoria - extraordinary wild coast surf, often large and unpredictable, cold but worth it, and few crowds. Deakin University is 20 minutes' drive north of Bells and is strong on humanities and science. Also, the University of Melbourne and RMIT (technologies) are another 40 minutes up the road.
That's the top picks. But no matter where you decide to go, most colleges and universities in Australia have boardriding clubs where you can meet others of your own kind, buy a crappy old car, wander up or down the coast, lose track of your studies altogether, and end up working part-time as a landscape gardener in some one road town with six perfect pointbreaks at your front door. Damn!
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