Undergraduate students in Psychological Science together
with Exercise and Sport Science students educated the public about
psychological demands of surfing during Surfest 2020 Pro finals at Mereweather
Beach on 7-8th March. The students ran UON activator to illustrate
various demands placed on surfers.
Beyond breaking the stigma of Sport and Exercise Psychology
and giving back to our community, students further enhanced their skills and
understanding through hands-on learning. The finals were tense, offering us the opportunity
to discuss psychological demands of competition as tension unfolded.
Furthermore, the students confidently explained key concepts
surrounding attentional control, pattern recognition training and emotional
regulation essential to elite surfers. The students further enhanced their
observational skills as they started recognising different approaches taken by
adults and children. While some kids showed more effective coping skills than
others—we introduced friendly competition to test their attentional focus and
strategic thinking—some adults overestimated their own abilities. Our students
were quick to pick it up and discuss their experiences during peer-supervision.
Communication, leadership, organisational and teamwork skills were an extra bonus.
It was very rewarding to see students enjoying themselves,
learning and developing personally and professionally.
