Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine Ian Channells
IAN, 79 FROM KURRAWA CLUB, COMPETED IN THE OPEN SURF BOAT AT THE 2024 QUEENSLAND SURF LIFESAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
He tells us about his early years within Surf Life Saving: ‘I started to live my best life when I gained my Bronze Medallion in 1962 with Wanda Surf Live Saving Club (SLSC) in Southerland shire. It was difficult to travel to the beach from Sydney western suburbs but oh so worth it.’ He mentions the highlights: ‘Getting into a boat crew was the best! The top of the ladder was reaching A Crew which I did. Having rowed in three Aussie finals the best we could do was a silver medal in Southport SA in 1967 which was when Ballina SLSC won three years running. The crew I rowed with became lifetime friends and we still meet up’ As expected, Ian has seen many changes and developments to SLS over the years. The main ones that came to mind were: ‘Resus and first aid. When I did my Bronze we only had the Holger Neilson method which was useless.
The advent of female competitors in 1980 was also a great advance for surf lifesaving.’ When asked what advice he would give to younger and older members, he kept it simple! ‘For younger people just enjoy the ride you will make lifetime friends. For older Members get into it!’
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