For the first time, Australian representatives across all surfing genres, including Olympic, Junior, Open, Masters, Longboard, Big Wave, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) and Adaptive disciplines, will compete under The Irukandjis national identity and united colours at international events such as the Olympics, International Surfing Association (ISA), World Surfing Games, WSL World Juniors and Longboard Championships.

Seven-time World Surf League World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, led the charge when it came to choosing the team’s name.

She said that finding a name and tagline that was meaningful and inclusive, came above all else.

“Our team got together and wanted to think of a name that represented Australia as a whole,” Gilmore said.

“We wanted it to be really meaningful and inclusive with a lot of depth. We also wanted it to have an Indigenous Australian cultural connection, something we could feel really proud of and driven by as we paddle out.

“The name ‘Irukandji’ came up, which means box jellyfish. It’s a tiny creature but can be pretty deadly if you get stung by one.”

The Irukandjis name was generously gifted to Surfing Australia by the local Yirrganydji people of North Queensland, driven by the efforts of Indigenous athlete and former World Tour surfer, Soli Bailey.

Senior Ranger, Yirrganydji Land and Sea Program, Brian Singleton said, “The Irukandji jellyfish was named after the Yirrganydji people who were believed to be extinct, but we aren’t! 

“The Yirrganydji supports ‘The Irukandjis’ Australian Surf Team as they take on the world.” 

Like the Indigenous people, Australian surfers feel an intensely strong and personal connection to the water and the earth.

“Surfing is one of the most spiritual things anyone can do, it's all about being completely at the mercy of nature,” Gilmore explained.

She also said that it was important to the surfing team, to use their new Olympic platform to teach the world about Indigenous culture.

“The best part about it is that our name is going to make people curious,” she said.

“They’re going to ask, ‘Irukandjis, what is that? What does it mean?’ It will open up a dialogue and help others learn a little bit about Indigenous culture.

“As Australians, we have a rich surfing culture and history, but well before what people thought were the very first surfers in Australia, there may well have been Indigenous communities riding waves on other crafts and maybe they were undocumented, but I'm sure it happened."

The 33-year-old believes that even though surfing may be making its Olympic debut, the Aussies have already got what it takes to make an impact on the waves in more ways than one.

“I think everybody knows how strong the Australian surfers are, we’re known for being able to really dig deep, so I don’t feel like we really have to prove anything,” Gilmore said.

“But we’re keen to show everyone that we can work together and not be overwhelmed by something as grand as the Olympics. We will still be able to put on a show like we do in our regular surfing careers all year long.”

Gilmore is most excited for the opportunities a platform like Tokyo 2020 will bring to the sport of surfing, from grassroots to international competition.

“Having so many new eyeballs on the sport will be amazing,” she said.

“Being able to compete on the Olympic stage will help people really see what we’re all about.

“I think a lot of people know what surfing is, but they don't quite understand it, or have never even watched competitive surfing. That's why the Olympics is so important. 

“If anything, looking at it from a business perspective, it's a great marketing tool for our sport,” she continued.

“I think a lot of people will really fall in love with the culture of being on the beach and cheering the team on as they’re running in and out of the water… That's what I hope for.”

Liana Buratti