australian television information archive

The Contenders

Episode 01
Written by Shelley Birse
Directed by Ralph Strasser
Australia (ABC): Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Germany (KiKa): September 29, 2005

Blue Water High is the ultimate teenage adventure in the ultimate teenage environment. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, long sunny days. The cafe spills onto the streets, the streets spill onto the foreshore and the music spills across everything. And smack in the middle of this paradise is a high performance surf academy where every year, seven talented teenagers are selected for an intensive, twelve month residential surfing and schooling program.

Some have focused for years to get there. Others have coasted in with the natural confidence of those who know they're born to succeed. But once these kids walk through the door, everyone is on a level playing field and facing the same challenges. They know that Blue Water High will determine where they go and what they become. And for two very exceptional students, the year will form the launching pad to the world of their dreams — to surf the pro circuit.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Rudduck as Joe, Lochie Daddo as Andrew, Jessica Smith as Stacey, Lynn Watson as Nurse; Surfers: Chris Salisbury, Kelly Hespe, Jess Haverfield, Paige Lisson, Sean Stickley, Shane Carroll, Tara Ryan

Winners and Losers

Episode 02
Australia: May 18, 2005
Germany: October 06, 2005

Anna's feeling the pressure and challenges Joe to a surf-off; if he wins, she'll leave. Despite the treacherous conditions, Anna surfs like a champion. She wins the respect of her team-mates, and Bec is grudging approval.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Rudduck as Joe, Michael Piccirilli as Kiteboard Hirer; Surfers: Melanie Redman-Carr, Daniel Asmus; Cora Bernardinatti as Kiteboarder

Trouble in Paradise

Episode 03
Australia: May 25, 2005
Germany: October 13, 2005

The school competition falls on the same day as a Solar Blue function and Matt puts himself on the line to attend both. Matt's commitment to the Academy is questioned — until Matt points out they have a commitment to school as well.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Rudduck as Joe, Barry Langrishe as Mr. Exeter, Don Halbert as Mr. Savin, Angus Stone as Jarvey, Kayla Brandt as Blair, Vanessa Steele as Ms Lane, Sean McFarren as Contest Judge, Lochie Daddo as Andrew, Peter Hieatt as Solar Blue Sales Rep., Kelly Hespe as Leg Rope Girl; Surfers: Shane Carroll, Chantelle McCoy, Paige Lisson, Christo Hall, Jay Quinn, Daniel Asmus

Fly Takes A Dive

Episode 04
Australia: June 01, 2005
Germany: October 20, 2005

Fly is homesick and accidentally runs up a huge bill on Anna's mobile. She secretly starts work at a carwash to try and pay it off but breaks the machinery, ending up deeper in debt. She's about to quit when the team comes to her rescue.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Ryan Kuper as Ben, Rel Hunt as Casey, Noel Hodda as George, Luke Henderson as Garage Hand; Surfers: Chris Salisbury, Sean Stickley; James Johnson as Kiteboarder, Cora Bernardinatti as Kiteboarder

Anna Loses Her Way

Episode 05
Australia: June 08, 2005
Germany: October 27, 2005

Anna's last on the Academy's scoreboard, and despite Simmo's coaching, her surfing is deteriorating. Homesick for Germany, Anna can't see how she'll ever compete with the others. She books her ticket home and gives away precious surfing points until Perri reveals a confidential Solar Blue file. Inside is a letter from her old coach saying she'll never make it — all the motivation Anna needs to stay. Perri agrees to give her extra coaching, and Anna's back on track.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Emma Davey as Travel Agent, Justin Vassalo as Jesse, Chanelle Johnson as Quin, 78 Saab as The Band, Holly Matthewson as Anna Surfing Double

Edge Wipes Out

Episode 06
Australia: June 15, 2005
Germany: November 10, 2005

Edge is losing surf competitions because he won't take Simmo's advice to do fewer crowd-pleasing aerials, and more judge-pleasing manoeuvres. Edge goes kite-boarding in rough seas after only one lesson, because he's sure he's got the talent to handle it. After he crashes and almost drowns and Bec puts her own life at risk to rescue him, there appears to be a spark between the two tough surfers. Edge is forced to rethink his attitude.

With: Chris Pitman as Policeman, Sean McFarren as Announcer, Jon Kiely as Panel Beater, Jay Bolton as Edge Kiteboard Double; Surfers: Holly Matthewson, Christo Hall, Sean Stickley, Shane Carroll

Friends in Need

Episode 07
Australia: June 22, 2005
Germany: November 17, 2005

Heath's failing at school, and copies Matt's project in desperation. When they both lose school marks and surfing points for cheating, Matt feels betrayed. Matt's been mystified by some rare local fish, but Heath discovers their secret. He thinks outside the square, making a project about the fish that wins back Matt's friendship, and their school marks.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Barry Langrishe as Mr Exeter, Don Halbert as Mr Savin, Kain O'Keeffe as Ryan, James Johnson as Surfer

Note: Kain O'Keeffe will later be cast as a regular in series 3

Brothers and Sisters

Episode 08
Australia: June 29, 2005
Germany: November 24, 2005

Bec's friendship with her brother Joe has suffered since she made it into the Academy. When she catches him stealing surfboards, the team pressures her to call the police but she knows this could destroy their relationship.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Rudduck as Joe, Tina Bursill as Katrina, Ryan Kuper as Ben, Luke Cleary as Mick, Lindsay Farris as Cal, Connor Van Vuuren as Josh, Steve Jory as Nathan; Surfers: Chris Salisbury, Kelly Hespe, James Johnson, Marcus Brandon, Sean Stickley, Shane Carroll, Melanie Redman-Carr

Sharks In The Mind

Episode 09
Australia: July 06, 2005
Germany: December 01, 2005

A shark scare brings everyone's greatest fear to the surface. Matt's seemingly unshakeable, until his father Ewan unexpectedly arrives. Matt has his own plans for the future but his fear of disloyalty to his father affects his surfing.

With: Brian Meegan as Ewan, Rel Hunt as Casey, James Belfrage as Male Interviewer, Amanda Robinson as Female Interviewer, Matthew Bolton as Boat Buyer; Surfers: Kelly Hespe, Jess Haverfield, Lindsay Noyes, Paige Lisson, Eliza Dean, Sean Stickley, Damien Geyle, Shane Carroll, Jay Quinn

Timing Is Everything

Episode 10
Australia: July 13, 2005
Germany: December 08, 2005

Perri's parents have cut off her credit card. When a rival sponsor offers her a modelling contract, she thinks about leaving Solar Blue Academy. The modelling contract falls through at the last minute so Perri's back to square one.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Andrew McFarlane as Warren, Raelee Hill as Lucy, Lara Cox as Erica, Suzie Steen as Mother; Surfers: Paige Lisson, Sean Stickley, Melanie Redman-Carr

Out Of Control

Episode 11
Australia: July 20, 2005
Germany: December 15, 2005

Matt and Edge are vying for top position on the Academy scoreboard and their friendly competition quickly gets out of control. Egged on by Heath, and the arrival of a pretty new girl, they challenge each other to a dangerous surfing stunt. When the stunt almost kills Bec's little brother Ben, Matt and Edge realise there's a difference between acceptable risk and irresponsible behaviour.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Juliette Harkness as Laurel, Ryan Kuper as Ben, Kayla Brandt as Amber, Francesca Schmutz as Leah, Angus Stone as Jarvey, Jessica Whitehall as Drama Teacher, Sean McFarren as Judge, Jinka Heagher as School Kid; Surfers: Sean Stickle, John Kiely, Josh Randle, Shane Carroll, Natalie Edwards

Dreams and Dramas

Episode 12
Australia: July 27, 2005
Germany: December 15, 2005

Fly's having strangely romantic dreams about Heath, and she's desperate not to give away how she feels. On the eve of her birthday she complains to Anna about missing her friends back home - and about being treated like a little kid. Anna organises a party to cheer her up, making the others take Fly on a surfing trip so it can be a surprise. After a comedy of errors trying to avoid Heath, Fly ends up having to own up to her feelings.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Kain O'Keeffe as Ryan, Andrew Haviland as Bus driver, Luke Woollcott as School kid, Glenn Murphy as Fisherman, Emma Nicholls as Policewoman, Simon French as Hoon, Surfers: Paige Lisson, Jess Harverfield, James Johnson, Sean Stickle

A Life On The Line

Episode 13
Australia: August 03, 2005
Germany: December 22, 2005

Perri rescues someone from the surf, only to discover that he's an adrenalin junkie who's risked both their lives to seek attention. She's hailed as a hero but is so traumatised that she vows never to rescue anyone again. It's Matt who gives her the confidence to go back on patrol. He teaches her some self-defence techniques so she won't have to risk her own life to save someone else's.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Rel Hunt as Casey, Nicholas Mercer as Morgan, Juliette Harkness as Laurel, Lyndsay Noyes as Surfer, Kelly Hespe as Surfer, Jess Haverfield as Surfer, Paul Douglas as Surfer, Sean Stickley as Surfer, Shane Carroll as Surfer, Jay Quinn as Surfer, Jason Gammell as Surfer, Matt McDonald as Surfer, Phillip Partridge as Surfer

Bad Boy Heath

Episode 14
Australia: August 10, 2005
Germany: Decemebr 22, 2005

Deb asks the team to judge each other in a surf competition, so they conspire to score each other highly. Heath's keen on the new girl so a jealous Fly deducts points from his score and spoils the scoring plan.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Chrissie Rose as Jane, Justin Martin as Bree; Surfers: Kelly Hespe, Jess Haversfield, Paige Lisson, Sean Stickley, Shane Carroll, James Johnson, Lyndsay Noyes

Joker's Wild

Episode 15
Australia: August 17, 2005
Germany: Decemebr 29, 2005

Fly's losing surf contests so surfs to win at a regional girls' competition. The boys are supposed to be support crew, but get caught up in a battle of practical jokes. Perri is not laughing when she's caught in the crossfire.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Liz Cantor as Corin, Jessica Smith as Stacey, Nick Gulliver as Announcer, Sean Kennedy as Male Reporter; Surfers: Kelly Hespe, Jess Haverfield, Paige Lisson, Lauren Evener, Heidi Hamster, Melanie Redman-Carr

It's Hard To Be Normal

Episode 16
Australia: August 24, 2005
Germany: Decemebr 29, 2005

After pushing herself to the limit with a hardcore training regime, Anna decides its time to be a normal teenager. The others are busy making a video presentation to win sponsorship for some new boards. On a date with Bec's brother Joe, Anna loses track of time. She misses the deadline for the video, and almost ruins her friends' chances for sponsorship.

With: Matt Ruddock as Joe, Anh Do as Robbo, Nathalie Roy as Claudia, Anya Seyfert as Greta, Daniel Friedl as German Boy; Surfers: Jenna Mally, Jess Haverfield, Lyndsay Noyes, Sean Stickley, Patrick McEwan, Daniel Asmus, Shane Carroll, Karl Woolcott, James Johnson, Paige Lisson, Melanie Redman-Carr, Andy Grant

Perri Lies Low

Episode 17
Australia: August 31, 2005
Germany: January 05, 2006

Perri's diabetes is revealed when she collapses into a coma. Deb's forced to tell Solar Blue, who are nervous about sponsoring a surfer with a potentially life-threatening condition. Matt campaigns on Perri's behalf, and she's allowed to stay. The only obstacle left - convincing Perri that diabetes won't stop her from being a champion.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Abe Forsythe as Alec, John Gregg as Doctor, Lynn Watson as Nurse, Imogen Annesley as Karen Moss, Duncan Berryman; Surfers: Paige Lisson, Jason Woodrow, Danny Woodrow, Patrick McEwan, Sarah Grieve

Winning Isn't Everything

Episode 18
Australia: September 07, 2005
Germany: January 05, 2006

Edge alienates the boys with his 'win at all costs' attitude at a triathlon event, by not helping Matt when he falls off his bike. To teach him a lesson, Heath doesn't bother to pick up a race marker when it falls over, and Edge takes the wrong path, getting completely lost in the National Park

With: Liz Burch as Jilly Jamie Glasscock as SES Worker, Alan Vaughan as Bike Double

Right Dance ­ Wrong Partner

Episode 19
Australia: September 14, 2005
Germany: January 12, 2006

Edge assumes Bec will be his partner for the school formal. Bec, sick of being taken for granted, invites Heath to be her partner instead. Chasing some big waves just before the dance, Edge takes Heath's jet ski without asking and damages it accidentally. It all comes to a head when Heath sees his dented jet ski. The night ends in a fistfight on the dance floor, and Bec is left wondering just what she saw in Edge.

With: Matt Rudduck as Joe, Andrew James as Formal DJ; Surfers: Jason Gribble, Paige Lisson, Sean Stickley, Shane Carroll, Jack Lewis, Daniel Amus

Big Wave Fears

Episode 20
Australia: September 21, 2005
Germany: January 19, 2006

Bec is invited to a big wave competition in Tahiti, but she's nervous about surfing heavy waves, and at the same time trying to get Edge out of her head. The other girls suspect Bec has been chosen because she knows the competition organisers and give her the cold shoulder. When Edge points this out during a massive fight with Bec, she takes a risk surfing in huge swell and ends up in hospital.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly Matt Rudduck as Joe, Vanessa Steele as Ms Lane; Surfers: Jenna Malloy, Kelly Hespe, Sean Stickley

The Kiss

Episode 21
Australia: September 28, 2005
Germany: January 19, 2006

Perri's feelings for Edge come to a head when she's spooked by a tramp hiding out in the board shed. When Edge accompanies her back to the shed in search of a lost ring, she kisses him. Edge is quite confused, but wants to forget it; after all he's keen on Bec. Consumed with guilt, Perri tries to make things 'normal' with Edge, and that's when Matt and Bec find out. The team's training regime is stepped up a notch when they are forced by Deb to train fully clothed in the pool to build up their strength: they are not happy!

With: Kim Sanders as Homeless Man

Behind The Scenes

Episode 22
Australia: October 05, 2005
Germany: January 26, 2006

Heath is pressured by a ruthless surf magazine editor to secretly take 'behind the scenes' photos of the Academy couples and their romantic antics. Deb's also keeping close watch on the starry-eyed pairs, worried there's too much fooling around and not enough training. Simmo's solution is to throw extra training at the team, in the vain hope they'll be too exhausted for a social life.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Scott McGregor as Harvey, Matt Rudduck as Joe

Tough Choices

Episode 23
Australia: October 12, 2005
Germany: February 02, 2006

Heath persuades Anna to sneak down the coast with him for a kiteboarding competition. Anna wins the comp and is faced with a dilemma. She's also won entry into the Junior team - should she give up surfing and return to her first love?

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Rudduck as Joe, Cecily Polson as Heath's Grandma, Nick Druce as Commenter, Michael Balk as Photographer, Sarah Willissee as Female Journalist, Sunny Boy Kiely as Sunny, Cora Berardinatti as Kite Board Double; Surfers: Heath Irving, Melanie Redman-Carr, Paige Lisson, Jess Harverfield, Jenna Malloy, Sean Stickley

The Band Plays On

Episode 24
Australia: October 19, 2005
Germany: February 09, 2006

Bec negotiates for Blue Water to hold the local surf comp. They agree to pay for everything but a band for the after party. The team's own band could play - but Fly's musical ability threatens to turn it into a disaster.

With: Matt Ruddock as Joe, Simon Westaway as Bec's Father, Nick Gulliver as Announcer, Angus Stone as Jarvey, Geordie Weber as Sticks, Sigourney Gray as Band Heckler, Jeff Galea as Music Director; Surfers: Jess Harverfield, Kelly Hespe, Laura Evener, Shane Carroll, Heath Irving, Sean Stickley

Suspicious Minds

Episode 25
Australia: October 26, 2005
Germany: February 16, 2006
Writer: Merilyn Slade
Director: Ralph Strasser

Heath's perpetual lateness affects his year ten certificate exam. Simmo has no choice but to deduct points which means he might not even qualify for the wild card in the comp. The team helps Heath claw back the points he needs.

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Ruddock as Joe, Lochie Daddo as Andrew, Jessica Smith as Stacey, Lynn Watson as Nurse; Surfers: Chris Salisbury, Kelly Hespe, Jess Haverfield, Paige Lisson, Sean Stickley, Shane Carroll, Tara Ryan.

Note: the guest cast in the end credits appears to be incorrect

And The Winner Is...

Episode 26
Australia: November 02, 2005
Germany: February 23, 2006
Writer: Noel Price
Director: Ralph Strasser

It's what everyone's been working for - the final competition for a wildcard into the World Championship Tour. Bec and Edge move out to focus on winning, Heath confronts the reality of his exam results and everyone surfs brilliantly!

With: Liz Burch as Jilly, Matt Rudduck as Joe, Ryan Kuper as Ben, Lochie Daddo as Andrew, Don Halbert as Mr Savin, Davie McCormack and The Polaroids as The Band; Surfers: Jenna Malloy, Melanie Redman-Carr, Jess Haverfield, Paige Lisson, Shane Carroll, James Johnson, Sean Stickley, Lyndsay Noyes