The 12-year-old was signed after producing strong results at this year's Surfest and the Ocean and Earth Southern Cross SUP Festival, held in April at Sussex Inlet.

At Surfest in February, Stretton placed second in the under-21 final and ranked sixth in the men's open.

At the SUP festival, a state titles qualifying event, Stretton again placed second in the under-21 final and made it through to the quarter finals in the men's open.

Stretton, already an accomplished prone surfer, said when he made the switch to SUP he had no idea he would be performing beyond his years and going up against competitors more than three times his age.

He said the switch to SUP was something he needed to do.

When it was no good for surfing he could hop on his paddleboard and still get wet.

John Messenger, Naish Australia's team manager, said signing Stretton continued his strong tradition of developing top riders and world champions on an international level.

Stretton would now compete at monthly events on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

He will continue to train and develop his skills ready for the Australian SUP Titles at Currumbin, QLD, in November.