Bond University Physiotherapy Students Work with World Surf League

19 July 2024

As the official higher education partner of the World Surf League (WSL), Bond University can offer its physiotherapy students unmatched opportunities in one of the most exciting industries.

Every semester, Bond students have access to internship opportunities across all facets of the organization, including sport management, sports science, event management, marketing and film and television. Bond academics and researchers also have opportunities to engage with the WSL Australia in the work and research.

For more than 20 years, the WSL hosts a yearly world surf league championship at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, the world’s most famous righthand sandy point break and a favourite location for the world’s best surfers. This event is so popular that it sees approximately 5,000–10,000 spectators on the beach—daily!

Bond Physiotherapy Practical Experience

Bond physiotherapy students, academics, and Bond’s Water Based Research Unit (WBRU), hold surfer health checks for members of the public attending the event. These health checks are available to surfers and spectators, and provide Bond DPT students with the opportunity to shadow their academics in the field and take in a world-class sports tournament.

Bond physio students and academics measure a participants’ blood pressure, ankle hip and shoulder strength, motion and flexibility, ear health, and body composition. The data collected from these checks are entered into the WBRU database of both pro and recreational surfers, with participants receiving a report on how their results compare and outlining suggested areas they may like to work on or address with their health professionals of choice.

The fitness data collected is compared to professional surfers such as Mick Fanning (Australian), Kelly Slater (American), and Stephanie Gilmore (Australian).

They also measure strength and flexibility, and conduct a bio-impedance analysis, which is great practical experience for physio students to get hands-on experience.

Since 2020, Bond University students in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine and Bond Business School have enjoyed exciting internships with WSL.

surfers walking on beach
Learn more about how you can study physiotherapy at Bond University

Bond University Doctor of Physiotherapy

The two-year Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University is an accelerated degree—three semesters per year instead of just two. This means you can graduate a year ahead of the rest.

Boasting 36 weeks of clinical placements (well over 1200 hours), Bond has highest placement hours in Australia and a strong emphasis on clinical experiential learning. Placements are sought in a variety of settings across the full spectrum of clinical areas including pediatrics, orthopedics, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, ortho-geriatric, rehabilitation, chronic disease, disability, occupational, and sports practice—like world surf league championship!

Practical experience is also built into theoretical learning, with classes primarily delivered at the Bond Institute of Health and Sport. At this world-class testing and training facility, you’ll work with elite athletes and professional sporting teams using the most advanced testing equipment available!

Program: Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Intake: May each year
Duration: 2 years

Start Your Application to Bond Physiotherapy School!

Do you have questions about how you can become a physiotherapist? Contact OzTREKK’s Physiotherapy Admissions Officer at physio@oztrekk.com or call toll free in Canada at 1-866-698-7355 for more info!

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