About SurfFit

Fun and fitness in nature’s aquatic playground

Hear from our SurfFit Founder, Dan Norton-Smith about why he created SurfFit and see for yourself what you can expect from a SurfFit Session!

Our Vision:

A fun, ocean-based training program designed for everyone.

SurfFit’s aim is to provide our members the opportunity to take part in a fun, social, fitness program centered around the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches and waterways. Our open-water group training sessions and private sessions offer opportunities for all experience levels. Whether you are interested in participating in recreational sessions for fitness and fun or if you are an aspiring champion, then we have something for you. 

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced, we have a program for you!

For the more experienced open-water athletes or those aspiring juniors striving for greater success, we offer: technique analysis, personalised feedback, racing strategies, sport psychology, nutrition advice and more. Through personal training and our high performance squad sessions, you will develop your knowledge and enhance your performances…guaranteed!

Our Core Values

  • Fun in the ocean or open water for all ability levels

  • Socialisation

  • Positive vibe

  • Challenging each individual and the squad as a whole to expand their ocean experience

  • Create self-believe and confidence in an environment that may cause a level of anxiety to some

  • Participants end each session feeling happy and fitter than they were yesterday, looking forward to the next session

  • Create a purpose and goals to work towards

Our Focus

  • Skills – technique, wave catching, diving, breath holds, swimming and paddling through the surf

  • Conditioning

  • Understanding the ocean; confidence

  • Swimming and board paddling (with some running)

  • Ability Groups – beginner, intermediate, advanced

  • Team events (relays, etc)

  • Surf Life Saving fitness training

  • Ironman or Triathlon technique and training

  • Bronze Medallion preparation

  • Open water ocean fitness and confidence

Australian Surf Life Saving Champions

About The Coach

Dan Norton-Smith is a highly experienced surf life saving coach who has been involved in the sport for over 40 years. His passion for surf life saving started at a young age, and he has dedicated his life to improving the skills and abilities of his athletes. Dan's coaching style is based on a strong foundation of technical skill development, combined with a focus on mental and physical preparation.

As a coach, Dan has worked with surf life saving clubs across the country, from beginner to advanced levels. He has developed training programs that are tailored to the needs of each club and individual athlete, and has helped countless surf life savers achieve their goals. Dan's approach is to create a positive, supportive and challenging environment, where athletes are encouraged to push themselves beyond their limits and strive for excellence.

One of Dan's key strengths is his ability to communicate effectively with his athletes. He is able to break down complex technical skills into simple, easy-to-understand steps, and is always available to answer questions and provide feedback. Dan's coaching philosophy is to focus on building confidence and self-belief in his athletes, and he works hard to create a culture of support and encouragement within his squads.

In addition to his coaching work, Dan is a qualified surf life saver himself, and has competed at the highest levels of the sport. He understands the physical and mental demands of surf life saving, and is able to use his own experiences to help his athletes prepare for competition. Dan is also a certified strength and conditioning coach, and is able to develop training programs that focus on building strength, power, speed and endurance.

Overall, Dan Norton-Smith is a highly skilled and experienced surf life saving coach who has a passion for helping athletes achieve their goals. His coaching style is based on a strong foundation of technical skill development, combined with a focus on mental and physical preparation. If you're looking for a coach who can help you improve your surf life saving skills and achieve your goals, Dan is the perfect choice.

Dan Norton-Smith

Private coaching ironman triathlon training gold coast fitness training ocean based personal training gold coast
Private coaching ironman triathlon training gold coast fitness training ocean based personal training gold coast
  • 8 x Open Queensland and Australian Champion Club - (Northcliffe SLSC) Assistant Head Coach

  • Coached multiple State, Australian and World Champions

  • Coached the first Surf Sports Athlete to win the Triple Crown in one season - Liz Pluimers (North Burleigh SLSC) 2013/14 Coolangatta Gold, Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series, Australian Ironwoman Championship

  • 2 x Queensland Youth State Champion Club (Currumbin SLSC) - Head Coach

  • 5 x State Team Coach

  • 2 x Australian U21 Coach

Successes in a Snapshot