Submitted by Barb and Mike Phillips
From August 23-25, twelve athletes from the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club (SSLC) travelled to Nova Scotia to compete in the Canadian Surf Nationals for Lifesaving. The competition featured athletes from across the country showing off their lifesaving skills and competing for a chance to make the Canadian team.
Events included were surf race, board race, surf ski race, oceanman/oceanwoman race, and board rescue. Most of the Saugeen team headed out to Martinique Beach at the beginning of the week for ocean training, as this was many of the team’s first time competing in the ocean.
One to two-foot waves started the week but by the first day of competition the ocean did not disappoint and the waves were four to five feet.
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Our small town club showed their dedication and determination in the waves and came away with 28 medals overall. Every member of the team came home a winner. With the support of their amazing coaches, Michael Hundt and Cassidy Kazimer, who dedicate their time, experience and constant encouragement throughout the season, none of this would have been possible.
On August 25th, the National Lifesaving Society held a banquet to wrap up the festivities and it was announced that SSLC finished second overall just 150 points behind Nova Scotia’s team making this the highest they have ever placed at a National Surf competition.
At the end of the evening three SSLC athletes, River Saliba, Brady Phillips and Colette Barrett were named to the Canadian National Team which will travel to Riccione, Italy in November 2020 for the Lifesaving World Championship. Two other SSLC athletes, David Parsons and Natalia Perico were named to the Canadian roster.
Four SSLC athletes have also been recognized by being selected to the Canadian Development Team traveling to Leeds in the UK to compete in the Festival of Lifesaving in November 2019. They are: Madi McNeil, Colette Barrett, Jayson Horseman and Natalia Perico.
To read more about the SSLC and to see more photos, CLICK HERE