Some members turn their back on the British winter and head off for warmer climates focussing on Beach and Ocean Surf Life Saving sport. We had many members take part in the Surf Life Saving New Zealand AON National Championships and The Australian Surf Life Saving Nationals Championships – ‘Aussies’.
Our focus in this write up is on the Aussies. This competition is renowned as the toughest Surf Life Saving (SLS) competition in the world. With it being one of Australia’s most participated sports, SLS is an attractive movement with its long coastline and warm seas. The SLS culture is booming with high performance sport and epic lifesaving intervention with the clubs working tirelessly to protect their patch. Voluntary patrols are the beating heart of all the clubs and voluntary hours must be completed if you want to compete.
As many of you know, if an international competition is taking place its usually an Australian leading the way. With the sport being so popular and huge investment pumped into the Surf Sports scene it only seems right our passionate British athletes experience the hype.
This year, many of our SLSGB members stayed on for a full Aussie summer some taking part in the Lifesaving World Championships in Kurrawa, Gold Coast and experiencing many events up, down and over the far side of the country.
Born and raised superstars; Kiran Gammon (Woolacombe) competed for Maroochydore, Lillian Roche (Gyllyngvase) competed for Alexandra Headland, Piran Phillips (Portreath) competed for North Burleigh, Terry Michael (Polzeath) competed for Newport, Edward Huttley (North Norfolk) competed for Cudgen Headland & Anya Hocking competed for Gyllyngvase all took part at Aussies 25.
We are proud to see many SLSGB members take part in such an iconic event and must highlight some stand out performances;
Terry Michael
- 3rd U19 Single Ski
Kiran Gammon
- 1st U19 Rescue Tube Rescue
Piran Phillips
- 4th Open Ski Relay
Congratulations to all, we have loved following your journeys and look forward to seeing you back racing in ‘cooler’ climates! You can watch all the action from the competition on the Aussies YouTube channel here, and its recommended to watch day 5, finals day!
