Surfwork 2023

Never has it been more important to focus on team culture and engagement than in today's competitive job market.

Presented by Surfing Queensland, Surf Work brings together leading Gold Coast brands in an inclusive, collaborative environment to help inspire and engage their teams.

The format for the day is an all-inclusive, non-elimination surf tournament between local Gold Coast businesses and their nominated employees.

What's Included?

Bi-Monthly surfing lessons (for all skill levels)
2 to 4 spots (competitors) per company
8x t-shirts per company
Professional judges from Surfing Queensland
A fully compliant event put together by Surfing Queensland
Prizes (worth up to $4000) divided into 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
Key speakers on the day!
$300 bar tab per company at Balter
Profits from the event are donated via the Little Phil Giving Platform
Live Music at the after party

Monthly Surf Lessons!

In the lead-up to Surf Work 2023, we'll be hosting bi-monthly surf coaching.

Location: Don McSween Park, Miami Beach QLD

Open to all staff and all skill levels, this is a great opportunity to build a relationship with your team in a fun and friendly environment outside of work.

Lessons will start at 6:30am on the 2nd and last Friday of every month in the lead-up to the competition. Giving your workplace the opportunity to find its 2 to 4 best surfers.

After the surf lessons, you and your team will have the opportunity to chat over FREE coffees and snacks with colleagues and professionals from other Gold Coast businesses who will be competing at Surfwork.

Company Entry to Surfwork 2023!

Leading up to the event!

Each company must select the following roles from within their existing teams (company)
1. 1x Coach
2. Competitors 1,2,3,4,(optional 5,6,7,8)
3. Each company can make use of the monthly surfing lessons and coaching to determine the top 2 Surfers they wish to represent the company at the event - you will be assisted during this process
4. Select the top 2 surfers by November 2022 and provide event organisers with the details of the selected 2 competitors
5. There will be a single category for both men and women
6. Judging criteria will be style, length of ride, flow, speed, and maneuvers

During the event!

12 companies (2 people per company) will compete for points - a total of 24 participants during the day event
Everyone gets to surf a minimum of 2 times
30-minute heats and a total of 8 heats with 6 people in each heat
Each heat will have 3 companies and their 2 representatives
Scores will get added up during each heat and each company will be given a total score to determine the top 3 companies
The top 3 companies will Surf the final heat together to determine the winners top 1,2,3
The final section of the event will be the awards ceremony where everyone is set to take something cool to their office

After the event!

We encourage you to continue assisting with the monthly coaching lessons set to resume in September 2023 for Surfwork 2024 event!
And this time.. take the trophy to your office ;-)

Impact via Little Phil

Any profits left over from the organising of Surfwork will be evenly credited back to each company in the form of Little Phil Credits. The company can use these credits to nominate any registered charity or cause and an impact will be made on your Company's behalf via the Little Phil giving platform. This method of donation is referenced as the most impactful way to donate! Because your employees will be taking part in decision making to who they personally would like to donate making them feel empowered. They will also be able to see the direct impact their donation made on someone else's life. Much better than having a company choose a charity without the participation of the employees where they may be a potential disconnection and less impact. Little Phil in the end, stands for little philanthropy for a good reason!

FAQ

Why the beach, why surfing?

The ocean offers you and your team a convenient way to surround yourself with nature and enjoy the Gold Coast's famous beaches. Rich in magnesium, seawater helps release stress, relax muscles, promote deep sleep and connect you spiritually with the earth.

Surfing is also known as one of the top ‘blue health’ activities that draw on the known therapeutic effects of being active in or near water such as lakes, rivers or the sea. This is currently the subject of a Europe-wide study into the links between environment, climate and health.

What sort of companies will be joining?

The aim is to advance the development of Gold Coast workplaces. Making it an even more desirable place to live and work. Therefore companies invited must be able to demonstrate a leading position in workplace culture development. Generally, this means companies with teams of 20+ people that are experiencing significant growth above 30% YOY.

What's in it for my company?

- The most fun team-building activity your company can undertake

- Build discipline and inspire colleagues with healthy competition within your teams

- Take part in developing the workplace of the future while improving your own workplace turning your business into a magnet for talent

- Show your team you want to see them happy and become the most authentic version of themselves, bringing their lifestyle to the workplace

How is this different to other events?

There is no better way to live up to the lifestyle Gold Coast offers other than by spending time at the beach. But what truly makes this event unique is that you will take part in the discussion about what makes a workplace great and turn your business into a magnet for talent.

Who is behind Surfwork?

Surfwork is the brainchild of Leo Plaza, a workplace culture fanatic and Director of Easy Clean. For over 5 years, his team has helped Gold Coast businesses improve the workplace experience through tailored office cleaning and more. Easy Clean services leading e-commerce brands such as Hismile, Princess Polly, LSKD & MX Stores & others. Leo's idea for Surfwork was formed together with Emilio Cansing, business partner and lifelong surfing friend after realising the disconnect between workplaces that promote a lack of authentic connection between workmates With the goal to bring fun and authentic connection back to the workplace

Helping bring Leo's idea to life is Matias Salinas. After a successful digital marketing and e-commerce career in Melbourne, Matias returned to the Gold Coast as the Head of Marketing & Partnerships for the software company and social enterprise, Little Phil. In his role, Matias talks with industry leaders in the social impact space, collaborate’s with purpose-led organisations and not-for-profits, works on new and exciting product features & updates (most recent was a new app for Shopify!), or produces content for marketing (think blogs, podcasts, videos, social media, emails etc.).

Is this going to be safe for my employees?

Surfwork has partnered with Surfing Queensland. This reputable organisation complies with all of the safety standards and ensures full safety for both participants and spectators. At all times there will be 2 lifeguards or experienced surfers supervising the tournament.

Will my company be forced to take part in the workplace culture discussion and/or any implementation?

No, entering the conversation about workplace culture is 100% optional! you are welcome to simply participate in the surfing event and be a listener!

Is the ticket cost per person or per company?

The cost is per company! even tho we have received enquiries for individual tickets, we are choosing to keep it as simple as possible and also allowing a similar types of companies to join to increase relevance.

Any other questions?

email Leo - leop@easycleangoldcoast.com or call 0450559924