South Coast surfing star Keira Buckpitt is dreaming big – and with the Olympics and the World Surf League in her sights, who can blame her?
The 18-year-old has been with the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) since she was 12, but she started surfing long before that at the age of four, inspired by her older brothers.
Keira has two passions: the beach and sports. Raised in Culburra Beach, she enjoyed many family beach outings, along with her two dogs. While engaging in sports such as gymnastics, snowboarding and soccer (she's still active with the Culburra Cougars), surfing always claimed the top spot in her heart.
Growing up watching her surfing brothers, Ben and Beau, Keira developed a keen interest in their competitions. When her mum saw a chance for Keira to compete in the Barton Lynch (BL) Blast Off on the Northern Beaches, she seized it. At the age of six, Keira clinched her first surf comp victory – and from there her passion for surfing intensified.
“I just love the freedom of being outdoors, in the ocean and I always wanted to tag along with my brothers,” Keira said.
Since then, Keira has been dedicated to perfecting her craft, consistently looking for room to improve. In a sport greatly influenced by Mother Nature's whims, she maintains an open mindset, continuously trying to navigate the obstacles it presents.
Keira said it takes “a lot of commitment, hours in the water refining turns and technique, and maintaining fitness".
“The ocean can be tricky sometimes, especially when you compete and there's only 20 minutes to show what you can do.
“You have to be able to take the good with the bad and be able to bounce back from a result you didn't plan.”
Keira found the perfect support at IAS, joining at 12 through the South East Surf Academy and returning at 14. Using IAS resources, from mental strength programs to conditioning, Keira has been able to realise her potential.
“I am really lucky to be involved with the IAS," she said.
“They provide not only strength and conditioning programs but education in all areas of being a professional athlete, such as media training, mental strength and diet advice.”
Keira's comp successes have continued apace since her early victory at BL's Blast Off. At 12, she triumphed in the Rip Curl Gromsearch Maroubra, winning the U14 Girls' National Final. Keira captained the Australian Junior Irukandjis at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Games in El Salvador and Brazil, also placing 2nd in the pro junior rankings for 2023 and finishing 9/24 in the WSL world junior titles at Oceanside California. She was also able to capture a sponsorship with Roxy, marking a big dream of hers.
These accomplishments offer a glimpse into Keira's potential to achieve her ultimate dream – representing Australia on the world stage.
“Ultimate, to one day represent my country at the Olympics and also qualify for the championship tour of surfing,” Keira said.
This year is a time of personal growth for Keira as she works to evolve into the athlete she dreams of becoming, all while setting her sights on competing in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series for the Championship Tour.
Keira is grateful for her support team, including donors, dedicated coaches (Nic Squires, Gerard McCallum, Chelsea Hedges), and Ulladulla's Southern Man Surf Shop for their sponsorship.
“There are so many people I could mention but I am just a very lucky girl to be surrounded by so many amazing people."
