Surf Team Finland: A Historic Milestone in Competitive Surfing
Surfing is experiencing a transformational moment in Finland as the country prepares for its debut with a head coach at the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador. Matt Myers, a seasoned surf coach from California with a portfolio that includes collaboration with elite surfers like Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina, is set to lead Surf Team Finland. Tanja Piha, chair of the Finnish Surfing Association, emphasizes the significance of this appointment, which aims to provide Finnish athletes with the best possible conditions for success. This development is backed by the Finnish Olympic Committee’s commitment to high-performance programs, aiming for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Matt Myers: Expertise and Experience
Matt Myers brings a wealth of international experience to his role as the first head coach for Surf Team Finland. Having spent ten years at Rip Curl North America as the team and events manager, Myers has earned recognition in the surfing world. Notably, he established the Myers Surf Mentorship program in 2021, which has nurtured talents who later made it to the World Surf League Championship Tour. His diverse experience as a judge and commentator further enriches his coaching perspective, making him uniquely qualified to guide the Finnish surfers as they navigate the competitive landscape.
Surf Team Finland Gears Up
As the ISA World Surfing Games approach, all eyes will be on Finnish surfers Eeli Timperi and Lukas McMahon. Representing Finland for the first time with dedicated coaching, both athletes express enthusiasm for the support and guidance Myers will provide. Eeli, who joined Rip Curl’s team in 2020, has previously collaborated with Myers and views the appointment as a game-changer. Similarly, Lukas is eager to seize the opportunity of competing on an international stage with the structured support that comes from having a head coach.
Long-Term Goals and Development
The appointment of Myers is not just a strategic move for the upcoming competition but also a long-term investment in the future of Finnish surfing. Alexandra Jokinen, sports director of the Finnish Surfing Association, insists that Myers’ extensive experience with surfers at various career stages will enable the development of a systematic training program. This approach is vital as the national team builds toward their ambitious goal of competing in the 2028 Olympics. “Matt’s background in high-stakes environments will equip athletes with essential competition strategies,” she notes.
Finnish Surfers Embrace Change
The surfers themselves express optimism about the introduction of professional coaching. Eeli Timperi describes having a coach as refreshing and beneficial for strategy and performance. He stresses the importance of collaboration with Myers using tools like journaling to prepare mentally for competitions. Lukas McMahon echoes this sentiment, revealing that having a dedicated coach will elevate the team’s performance. Both athletes recognize that strong results at the ISA World Surfing Games are crucial for Olympic qualification—potentially bolstering the future of Finnish surfing.
The Path Forward
Finland’s approach to surfing is evolving, and the country’s finest surfers are set on using Myers’ expertise to flourish on the global stage. As they prepare for competition in El Salvador, the Nordic nation is optimistic that the guidance they receive will enhance their capabilities and boost their chances of Olympic qualification. With the passion of the Finnish Olympic Committee and the ripple effect of professional coaching, Surf Team Finland is stepping confidently into a new era of competitive surfing.
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