Lily Finati
20
YEARS OLD
QLD
NORTHCLIFFE SLSC
#24
2026/2027 SERIES
BOARD
STRENGTH
Bio
Lily Finati made her debut in the 2023/22 Iron Series as one of the youngest competitors to make the Iron Series, coming in fresh out of high school. The young athlete has been racing since she was a nipper at Maroubra SLSC, finding success with multiple titles for North Bondi and The Australian Championships. She has since moved to the Gold Coast and joined Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC. Off the beach, Finati is in her final year of university, studying high school education, and Bachelor of Education and works as a teacher’s aide, with a passion for working with disengaged or disadvantaged students. She loves to watch all sports, and is a massive South Sydney Rabbitohs fan.
Lily, which race format is your favourite?
Honestly, I enjoy them all. If you are fortunate enough to make it through the rounds to get to race in each format, then you’re doing really well.
What is your race day routine?
I treat it pretty much like any other day really. I make sure that my bags are packed, my hair is braided and food is ready the night before so I can be relaxed and enjoy it. I like to get to the beach early and do a good warm up.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
It’s a bit cliché, but “trust the process”. Surf sport can be brutal, and there are so many elements you can’t control, but you have to have faith in the process.
What is the best part about being a surf sports athlete?
Great friendships, healthy lifestyle, time in the ocean, and travelling to beautiful different beaches are all pretty special, but being part of a sport that develops skills to save lives and requires you to volunteer and give back to your community has got to be the best part.