The Surf Scientist Keeping You Fluid

Imagine catching a wave, popping up smoothly, and carving without a hint of pain. That’s what Michelle Drielsma delivers for surfers. Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this exercise physiologist, Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach, and published author helps athletes move better and surf longer. With a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science from Sydney University, Michelle combines science and practical know-how to keep you on the board.

Her client list is impressive: World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour and Qualifying Series surfers, Australian Rugby Union, Basketball NSW, China’s Olympic Swimming Team, Mixed Martial Arts fighters, and an Olympic snowboarder. She’s worked in hospitals, the NSW Institute of Sport, and private clinics, learning how to fix and strengthen bodies. Her approach blends exercise physiology with functional range conditioning (FRC), CHEK Institute methods, and Kinstretch mobility training, focusing on natural movement and injury prevention.

In 2016, Michelle released Fluid Surfer: The Surfer’s Bible to Endless Performance & Injury Prevention, a guide to dodging common surf injuries like shoulder strains or back pain. It breaks down mobility and self-therapy techniques for daily use. In 2024, she launched Fluid Surfer 2.0, an online program with over 120 exercises, Kinstretch routines, and breathwork sessions to improve surfing and recovery. Clients report better posture and less tension when following her plans.

Michelle’s writing has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, The Inertia, Surfer Today, Girl Surf Network, and three children’s books for Lesson Zone. Her articles translate complex science into practical tips for surfers. 

What makes Michelle stand out is her focus on listening to your body. Her Sydney Strength & Conditioning studio and online platform serve everyone from pro surfers to weekend warriors. Clients describe her as “warm” and “incredibly knowledgeable,” with surf coaches recommending her tailored programs to prevent injuries and boost performance. Whether you’re rehabbing a shoulder or prepping for a Bali surf trip, she’s got you covered.

“Surfing’s about moving with the ocean,” she says. “You need a healthy body and planet to keep going.”

Visit sydneystrengthconditioning.com to join her online programs or book a session. follow @MichelleDrielsma for daily surf training tips. Michelle Drielsma’s not just coaching surfers—she’s building a community that moves as freely as the waves.