David Simons

David’s upbringing was full of activity. Up at 5am from an early age, David spent many years in the pool and was the captain of his schools swimming team, winning state breaststroke championships at 14 and 15. The oldest of 3 brothers, David’s house was full of play, the main of which was Judo and Jujitsu with David’s father Eric, a judo master and unarmed combat teacher in the English army. From 5 years old, David practised martial arts. 10 years of Judo and Japanese Jujitsu. 15 years of Korean fighting arts under masters, No and Kym. A tae kwon do black belt David went on to study other forms with his masters, practicing Chi Goong and Monkey Kung Fu technique.  But David was drawn to the ocean, he wanted to surf.  “My martial arts training was good for my surfing fitness, however, the full contact training and competition would see me bruised and battered, unable to surf at times”.   David took to the water at a late stage in life, catching his first wave at 17 yrs.  “I don’t think I’ve missed too many days since”.  

David’s achievements since are diverse and reflect a creative, tenacious mind. 

·         15 years marketing Mt Buller ski resort and other Victorian resorts

·         10 years marketing Surf Life Saving

·         Creator of the original Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Series

·         Creator of the first half pipe snow board event in Australia

·         Creator of Surfing Australia’s high performance centre. Now recognised as best in the world

·         Creator / owner Casuarina Beach Recreation Club

·         Coach/ mentor/ manager of many athletes.

·         Numerous surfing champions have benefited from David’s passion to create surfer specific training techniques. And a facility specific to surfer training.

·         3 Uncle Toby’s Super series; as athlete mentor \ manager to Scott Reeves, series winner; and Simon Martin

·         Coach and manager to Kelly Dixon, Australia’s youngest English Channel swimmer.

·         David has now helped to create ELEMENT X.

“This is something special, I have been involved with many athletes in many sports, over many years. I have seen champion athletes, destroy their chances, I have seen champions rise and fall. I have seen what winning can do to a person, both positive and negative. There are a number of things that make a great athlete. Genetics, commitment, food and proper effective technique. Obviously the training regime is the key element, however there is no point training hard if you are not practising a holistic lifestyle. Relationships need to be sound and concentration needs to be focused on one specific sport if winning is the goal. I personally learnt the lesson that you can be good at lot’s of things, but you can’t be the best at anything unless you focus specifically on one thing.” Even the best, I will use Trevor Hendy as an example. Could never reach their ultimate goal without full commitment to that one sport.”  I worked with Kirsty Marshall for some time. At the time she dominated freestyle skiing on the world stage. The only problem was, the snow in Australia is fickle and short in season, so Kirsty needed to develop her skill through innovative training regime. She used trampolines, and jumped into cold lakes when the snow melted. Her quest to be the best drove her to train secifically no matter what obstacles where put before her. Total dedication to the sport.” 

“I love my involvement with Element X. it means I can now focus on passing on the things I have learned to young athletes. I have helped develop the Element X program with three of the finest athletes I have ever seen. Trevor, Karla and Phil each bring a unique approach to the table, however they all seem to have one thing in common. A tenacious spirit. Never give up attitude. My drive in participating in this innovative program is to help athletes find JOY in their approach to their sport and to life in general.”