Rodney Stevens

Iluka raised surfer Lillian Young has launched a Go Fund Me page to help her raise money to compete on the Women’s World Surfing Tour.

The 18-year-old, who started surfing when she was just three, said it has been a long-time dream of hers to compete on the women’s world surfing circuit.

“I started surfing with my dad at three years old and was instantly hooked on the sport,” she said.

“A spot on the Women’s World Tour of Surfing has always been my dream.”

The competitive surfer said she got her first big break at 16, when she was invited to the Cooee surfing school of excellence at Elanora on the Gold Coast.

“This was the opportunity I needed and when my parents gave me the nod, I packed my life away in a suitcase and moved to the Gold Coast on my own to pursue my surfing dream,” she said.

“Over the past two years, I did a lot of flat sharing, sleeping in bathtubs at my mates place during Covid, worked three jobs and got up at 4am to catch the bus to surf and skate training before school.”

Despite this huge change to her lifestyle, Lillian continued to excel with her schooling.

“I received two high distinctions for maths and English at my last ever high school awards night in December and managed to take women’s sports person of the year at Elanora high school,” she said.

“I came second in the women’s QLD Scholastic State titles as well as receiving an Olympic changemaker award for my surfing as well.”

First Lillian must excel in the women’s Challenger Series, an eight-event series to showcase her talents, in which the top six women qualify for the World Championship Tour.

To support her world tour tilt, Lillian has been juggling part-time jobs, including working as a lifeguard, where she made global headlines in 2022 for rescuing a Kangaroo that jumped off rocks at Iluka Bluff Beach.

“I’m currently juggling a fair few part-time jobs trying to fit in my surf training/coaching, strength training and filming for our all-girls surf movie coming this spring “6packachicks” over the summer at home,” she said.

“I’ve been lifeguarding for the Australian lifeguarding service in the Tweed and Clarence region while also passing my knowledge on to the next up-and-coming skaters and surfers.

“It is so rewarding to see the smiles and progression from the next generation of groms.”

So far, more than $1,100 has been raised for Lillian, who encouraged anyone who is able to donate to help her realise her dream.

“Your donations are important to me as all money received will go towards expenses which include travel, transport, insurance and competition fees and I will have the time and funds to train, compete and give this goal my all,” she said.

To donate to Lillian’s fundraiser visit www.gofundme.com and search for Lillian Young.