H2O Fitness Academy

️Our History

H2O Fitness Academy was founded to provide quality swimming coaching to Surf Life Saving athletes from the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club.

The program began informally many years ago with Gary Elliott, who recognised a need for dedicated swim training for surf lifesavers.

In 2007, Andrew and Carly Ridley took over the program, joined by Nikki Rogers in 2010. Over the years, H2O sessions have been held at Carine Senior High School, Craigie Leisure Centre, Greenwood SHS, and local beaches.

Carly was a passionate and highly respected coach who helped shape the program’s culture of inclusiveness, energy and excellence. Following her passing in September 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, Andrew Ridley continued the program, honouring Carly’s vision and commitment to providing swimmers with quality coaching in a positive, supportive environment.

Today, H2O Fitness Academy operates from Craigie Leisure Centre and Carine Senior High School, proudly supported by Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club.

Our program welcomes swimmers focusing on surf lifesaving, triathlon, and open water swimming, helping them refine their technique and build endurance in a friendly, team-based setting.

Our Philosophy

H2O Fitness Academy is a not-for-profit program, offering affordable, high-quality swim coaching for all ages and abilities.

We believe in providing a professional, motivating, and inclusive environment that helps every swimmer achieve their goals — whether that’s fitness, competition, or confidence in the water.

Our program is run to service Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club and it’s members and also offers coaching to local swimmers from neighboring clubs and sports including North Coast Tri Club, Mullaloo SLSC and Trigg Island SLSC.

We proudly promote our three pillars:
FITNESS · FUN · FRIENDSHIP

Our People

Our coaching team brings decades of combined experience in swimming, surf lifesaving, and athlete development. Every coach is qualified, passionate, and dedicated to helping each swimmer reach their potential.

Andrew Ridley – Head Coach

Andrew brings extensive experience from elite surf lifesaving and open water swimming, coaching athletes at state, national, and international levels.
He continues to grow H2O Fitness Academy with the same purpose and philosophy he and Carly built together.

Qualifications & Achievements:

• Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health Science)

• Development Surf Life Saving Coach – Surf Life Saving Australia

• Bronze Licence Swim Coach – Swimming Australia Ltd (SAL)

• Bronze Licence Swim Coach – Open Water Swimming (SAL)

• Life Saving Pool Rescue Coach

• Royal Life Saving WA State Team Coach – 2019 & 2020

• Surf Life Saving WA State Team Coach (Pool Rescue & Ocean): 2012–2017

• Surf Life Saving WA Coach of the Year: 2014, 2016 and 2020

• Surf Life Saving Australia National Coach of the Year: 2020 & Finalist: 2014 & 2016

• Assistant Coach, Royal Life Saving Australia – Commonwealth Festival of Life Saving, Leeds (UK), 2019

Join Us

At H2O Fitness Academy, we’re proud to continue Carly’s legacy by offering a welcoming, community-focused environment where swimmers of all levels can thrive.

Whether you’re training for surf sports, triathlon, open water, or simply swimming for fitness — our coaches are here to guide, challenge, and support you every step of the way.