Mollymook's Sam Zustovich sets sights on another international medal in South Africa

Zustovich, who was crowned as the beach flags world champ in December, is one of 12 athletes named in the Aussie team to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge at Durban, South Africa in September.

"It's extremely exciting to be named in this side," Zustovich said.

"I have been lucky enough to have made NSW teams the past two seasons but this is my first national team and I'm so lucky that I have the chance to travel to South Africa and compete in September and then hopefully Italy in 2020."

Zustovich, 17, was named to make his green and gold debut following a sensational season on the sand, which included two gold and one silver medal at the Aussie Titles.

"I was obviously really happy with my Aussies results, in particular my opens men's silver medal," he said.

"I had planned to compete in that event in Perth the season before but unfortunately an injury forced me to withdraw.

"But being selected in the Australian team is definitely something that I'm super proud of.

"To be able to travel and do what I love is exciting and I am ready to do what I can to ensure an Australian team victory."

To ensure that happens, Zustovich, who will compete in both the beach flags and sprint, has returned to training early this off-season.

"We've been back in the gym working on my strength for a number of weeks now as well as my fitness on the track," he said.

"I need to do a lot of length work in my running, as that is something I think will take my sprinting to a new level.

"We did our first flags session on Saturday and I've got a few technical things that I'm working on to improve my turn so I'm looking forward to trying to perfect that before heading to South Africa."

While he admits all his achievements to date are amazing, a medal with the Australian team might top them all.

"I won my world title representing my club Mollymook, so that was a little bit different to the opportunity I now have," he said.

"To be able to win while in the green and gold will be a huge moment for me and more importantly my team.

"It will be a great way to start my season as I've got a number of other goals I want to achieve in 2020."

Joining Zustovich in the 12-person squad, coached by Craig Holden, are Maroochydore quarter Joseph McMenamin, Adam Palmer, Zac Tabuai and Phoebe Wills-Grace, Alexandra Headland pair Tayla Halliday and Emma Woods, Northcliffe's Sara Tazaki, Cronulla's Isabellah Walker, Kurrawa's Kaan Karadog, Newport's Zach Morris and Sunshine Beach's Ruby Nolan.

"All of our athletes are incredibly deserving of their selection in the team and we are really excited to see them perform at a high level wearing the green and gold," Holden said.

"It's not only a reward for their efforts and results over this past year but we have had our eye on this group for a while now."

The (AYLST) will head to South Africa on Wednesday, September 25.