New Zealand's top Surf Lifeguards go head to head in Lion Foundation Surf League

After 120,000 hours of patrols and over 1100 rescues so far this summer – 184 of New Zealand’s top Surf Lifeguards are putting themselves to the test as they go head to head in one of the most action-packed, glamour surf events this summer.

The Lion Foundation Surf League will see eight teams from around the country compete in 17 events over three action-packed hours to combine world-class sporting prowess with essential lifeguarding skills in the ultimate battle for ocean supremacy.

“Sport plays a critical role Surf Life Saving’s membership programme and events like The Lion Foundation Surf League are not only a crucial part of our retention programme - but also a vital part of the development of our Lifeguards skills and fitness,” said Geoff Barry CEO Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Every Surf Lifeguard competing at the event has been nominated by their district as an elite contender and plays a major role in vying for their districts top title. The range of disciplines at the event has been developed to further enhance Surf Lifeguard skills to make our beaches a safer place.

“The end result is extremely skilled and fit Lifeguards on our beaches.” said Barry.

Ben Willis and Steven Kent will be hot contenders for Wellington, while Glenn Anderson will be looking to push Taranaki up in the medal stakes after coming third last year. Anderson will also be looking to continue his domination of the Ironman event which he has taken out in succession for the past two years.

While in the woman’s events, Madison Boon is a hot favourite for Ironwoman, with Nikki Cox and Chelsea Maples looking for the same form that earned them medals at the World Surf Life Saving champs in Germany last year.

Cory Hutchings and Julia Toomey, hosts of Surf Club 174, will be there to keep a close eye on events and Cory will be on the lookout for upcoming talent as he prepares for his role as assistant coach for the New Zealand Surf Life Saving team.

Holden’s Greg Murphy will come along for the ride too as a supporter of Surf Life Saving, and will put his speed skills to the test in an IRB race against Surf Life Saving’s golden girl Julia Toomey.

Bay of Plenty took out the top title last year, with Gisborne coming a close second and Taranaki not far behind in third place.

Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago will battle it out for the ultimate title from 12pm – 3pm on Sunday 8th February at Main Beach, Mt Maunganui.

Editors Notes:

Hot contenders to look out for:

Ben Willis

Gold medals in beach flags and beach sprint at the world championships last year.

Steven Kent

Part of the world record holding 4 x 50m obstacle relay team with Glenn Anderson and Andrew McMillan.

Andrew McMillan

Part of world record holding 4 x 50m obstacle relay team with Glenn Anderson and Steven Kent; silver medal 200m obstacle swim & 100m obstacle relay; 4 x 50m medley relay team; part of silver medal winning SERC team and 4 x 25 manikin carry team; bronze in the tube rescue

Glenn Anderson

Part of world record holding 4 x 50m obstacle relay team; silver medal in super life saver; silver in 4 x 50m medley relay team and 4 x 25 manikin carry; bronze in the 100m rescue medley, ironman, male tube rescue and male taplin relay.

Nikki Cox

Gold medal in female board race at Worlds; part of the silver medal winning female beach relay and taplin team; bronze medal in ski race.