Ivan Lawler, Ultimate Kayaks
Surf Life Saving GB gets the thumbs up from Ivan Lawler, British sprint canoeist with 6 World Titles and 3 Silver Medals along with an MBE for "Services to Canoeing". Ivan is pleased to be lending his support to Surf Life Saving GBs British Long Distance Ski Championships, Bournemouth on the 25th and 26th September 2010. Ivan Lawler is a recent convert from Flatwater to Surf Ski Racing and just can’t get enough of it! Since retiring from International competition in 2001, Ivan has become actively involved in coaching and more recently set up Ultimate Kayaks, primarily to keep him in touch with a sport that has been part of his life for many years.
"I love to compete and the Surf Ski scene has offered me both new challenges and new motivation. It looks like I have entered the scene at a very exciting time, with a strong international push to get Surf Ski competition moving."
Ivan is pleased to be supporting Surf Life Saving GBs new events format creating great opportunities to grow participation in the sport. "There is plenty of talent evident in the sport and it would be good to see some of the young kids around take this fantastic opportunity and run with it."
It is the recognition of that opportunity that has led Ivan to support the British Long Distance Ski Championships, Bournemouth, 25th and 26th September 2010. Ivan hopes that, "with the lure of a great race and some decent prizes we can light the touchpaper for at least some to take this new exciting sport as far as their ambition allows."
Ivan really hopes to see lots of entrants at the event especially in the youth races.
"There will be prizes for all classes and a couple of random draws for prizes to include all those who are not at the top end….yet!"
Why not enter! Contact Emma Phillips for your chance to join in the fun!
Keith Gammon, Woolacombe SLSC
Chairman of Woolacombe, Keith has also been a dedicated competitor of Life Saving Sport. His personal achievements include; National Ironman Champion, 1995, World Surf Race Champion at Rescue 2000, Sydney, Australia and Keith has also been a GB Team Member for 13 years. An Extended Scope Paramedic, Keith enjoys participating in Life Saving Sport and though he has achieved so much he has never stopped having fun.
“I’m still competing for fun at the National Championships in the 35-40 age group in all events. I want to stay fit and healthy and actively involved with my club and SLSGB. Once you’ve experienced it, you can’t let it go!”
SLSGB would like to congratulate Keith for all his successes!
Leanne Martlew, Rhoose Lifeguards
Recently appointed Sport Development Officer for SLSGB, Leanne's other achievements include; British Beach Flags Champion, 2009, Welsh Beach Flags and Sprint Champion, 2009. Leanne is also the current women's Welsh Team Captain. Leanne has been successful by abiding to a work hard ethic.....
"I aim to make the finals as part of the GB team at the Lifesaving World Championships (Rescue 2010), Egypt. People say that Beach Flags
is all about luck, I say ‘Luck comes to those who train hard!’"
SLSGB is really pleased to have Leanne on board!
Jenna Hawkey, Portreath SLSC
Through pure dedication to Life Saving Sports, Jenna has been able to develop skills that have led her to achieve a number of successes. These include; being an International Flatwater Canoeist, achieving a Silver Medal in Surf Ski World Lifesaving Championships 2008 as well as being a GB Kayak Squad Member. Even though having achieved so much, Jenna knows there is so much more to being a member of Surf Life Saving GB...
"Surf Life Saving hasn’t just been about competing for me, I’ve made lifelong friends; qualified, volunteered and worked as a lifeguard; gained valuable leadership skills through coaching and had a lot of fun."
SLSGB would like to wish Jenna all the best for the future!
Llyr Faragher, Polzeath SLSC
An Outdoor Activities Instructor & Event Safety Officer, Llyr has developed the skills gained from taking part in the multi disciplined sport of Life Saving to achieve in the European Ironman Championships, Tenerife, 2007. Llyr has been ranked No. 1 Board, Ski and Ironman competitor in Great Britain and was rewarded for his hard work by being named SLSGB’s Surf Life Saver of the Year in 2008. Llyr credits Surf Life Saving for helping him to be successful.
"Surf Life Saving is unique. As well as the fun and excitement of competing on the beach and in the surf I’ve learnt lifesaving skills from which I’ve developed a successful career in Event Water Safety and training others as Lifeguards of the future."
SLSGB would like to applaud Llyr for all his achievements!
Adrian "Horace" Parsons, Bude SLSC
Sports Therapist and Surf Life Saving Member since 1966. Adrian, known as Horace to many, is not only dedicated to the Life Saving way of life but to his club, Bude SLSC. Since 2003 Adrian's passion and hard work as the Chairman of Bude SLSC has helped the club go stronger and move forward in its development...
"I aim to see Bude SLSC continue to grow in strength to cater for the large amounts of Nippers and Youth members we now have.
I also still try to compete: a case of the older I get, the better I was. SLSGB should be about Lifesaving, Sport and Awards under one title: Surf Life Saving. Times change, things move on, improvements have to happen, but the reasons for our existence are still the same and should never be allowed to change."SLSGB would like thank Adrian for his dedication to Life Saving and his club!
Well done to all our Top Surf Life Savers, you are an inspiration to us all!