Hi!

My name is Riley Thomson. I am a longboarder starting my first year of study at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC Sunshine Coast. I will be commencing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) full-time, and I'm super excited.

I started surfing at the age of 10 and began longboarding at 15. Surfing competitions have played a big part in my life. I have competed in over fifty surfing events all over Australia, and am currently the Under 18 Australian Junior Longboard Champion. This year will also be the first year competing on the WSL Longboard Tour.

In the water, I like to think of my training schedule as a 'lifestyle'. Most mornings, I am out in the surf catching as many waves as I can. I psych myself up by watching my favourite surf film 'Chapters'. Before heats, I listen to the motivational sounds of 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem and rub sands between my hands for a bit of superstitious good luck. I enjoy competing as it gives me specific goals to orient myself towards. My next competition is the WSL Noosa Longboard Pro. Wish me luck!

For me, the opportunity of becoming a High-Performance Student Athlete was a no-brainer. Apart from the free parking... the opportunity to combine study with my sporting pursuits really stood out to me. Also, the flexibility USc offers with assessment is very supportive for student athletes. For anyone considering, applying, I would really recommend!

I dream of becoming a World Longboard Champion. Why not aim high! I also hope to finish my studies at USC and pursue a further career in Psychology. I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams regardless of their perceived limitations.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

– Riley Thomson / @ri.thomson