Elizna Smit: our new Summer Surf Girl

Elizna Smit is our new Summer Surf Girl. This bright 19-year-old, who currently lives in Gympie, works as administrative assistant at a physio centre. An ex-pupil of James Nash SHS, she is studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science at USC with exciting plans for the future.

So what is the Summer Surf Girl Program all about? “It is known as a development program for female members, helping them expand on their skills and experience within surf life saving, which they can carry forward in life,” explains Elizna.

“My sister Karin got me into surf life saving and we did our bronze courses together in 2014. When I was asked to be Summer Surf Girl I accepted because I really want to give back to my club and community.

“My main goals this season are to encourage youth involvement within my club, ensure retainment and push surf safety within the surrounding communities.

Most of Elizna’s planned main events are during the summer holidays, taking advantage of all the people who will be visiting Rainbow.

“I think a photo competition for a calendar would be a great way to show off what Rainbow Beach and the surrounding areas have to offer.

“Anyone in the Rainbow/Gympie/Tin Can Bay areas can enter photos that they have taken around the main beach. The best photos (chosen by club members) will then go into a calendar that will be sold, with all proceeds going to my club.”

Elizna is grateful to her mum, Doret, and dad, Christo who help so much with her fundraising endeavours. “Mum and I stayed up late one night to bake around 200 scones for my Devonshire Tea!”

It’s a busy time, with Elizna soon finishing her second semester of her degree.”I will have two years left after this and I am hoping to go on and study to be a biomechanist when I finish my base degree.

“I do struggle getting to patrols due to university and Summer Surf Girl commitments. I have classes some weekends, Surf Girl workshops, and other SLS related volunteering opportunities that I have to juggle around, but I do try my best.”

The Summer Surf Girl program has now injected more than $15.7 million into surf life saving clubs throughout Queensland since the program’s inception in 1964. Elizna is now a proud part of this, and we wish her every success.