The Channel Islands Surfing Federation (CISF) is the latest Home Nation to recruit a Junior Head Coach following the appointment of Jake Powell. The role, which is fully funded by GB Surfing, is a crucial part of the wider development pathway strategy for future Olympic success across the UK.

Jake will be responsible for improving the level of coaching support for Channel Islands juniors as well as integrating the young surfers with the GB Surfing programme. GB Surfing is aiming to be medal competitve at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and aligning the junior Home Nation programmes will give Channel Island surfers the best opportunity and exposure to push for selection to the GB Surfing Progression Squad and better prepare them for elite international competition.

While having some key responsibilities unique to their own territory, each coach from CISF, Surfing England, Welsh Surfing Federation and the Scottish Surf Federation will be working together with the GB Surfing Performance Team to help create an excellent pathway for promising juniors to step up to the professional level. Jake will be part of the coaching collaboration group, designed to share ideas and raise the bar for junior surfing in Britain.

Commenting on the appointment, Joel Gray, GB Surfing: Performance Pathway Manager, said: “A key vision of the GB Surfing junior strategy is that we need to have excellent coaches with the right links and relationships in all of the Home Nations. Coaches who can talent i.d. and help radically develop our pathway system from a GB wide perspective. We have extremely healthy numbers of junior surfers getting introduced into surfing all across the UK and that next step provision for those with desire and talent is what we’re looking to improve.

“Jake Powell is an excellent appointment and has the right attitude, knowledge and skills for both the CISF and GB Surfing. I’m really looking forward to seeing his plans come into action this year.”

Jake Powell, said: “I feel like I’ve been working towards this role for the last 5-6 years, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m so stoked! This is a massive opportunity for me and I can’t wait to learn from some of the best. I’m fully sold on the Olympic 2032 mission, and I don’t see why we can’t have an Olympian representing the home nations.

“We have got some great young surfers coming through in the Channel Islands and with the right support there is no ceiling as to where they can get too.”

The CISF already have junior programmes functioning with the Jersey Surfboard Club and the Guernsey Surfboard Club and part of Jake’s work will be to support what is already happening and to incorporate new ways of working with a focus on young surfers who are showing potential to track into the GB Surfing elite Progression Squad.

David Ferguson, CISF President, added: “We are delighted with Jake’s appointment and know he will be an excellent CISF Head Junior Coach. His effervescent nature, his infectious personality and passion for surfing will rub off on all who are coached by him.

“This role will develop Jake into an elite surf coach and enable him to play a key role in preparing our young surfers for GB Surfing squad inclusion and potential Olympic medals in future years. We wish Jake every bit of success in his new position.“