LEAH TULLOCH

Hi my name is LeahTulloch and this is my story on how I became involved with Surf Lifesaving...

Imagine only 3 weeks swimming in surf, 11 years of age and only been out the back once before. But here I was thanks to Scott treading water behind the breaks. Boy was I nervous. I couldn’t see land because the swells were rolling and even with Scott treading next to me it was scary.

I was 1 hour away from competing in my first Ocean Athletes competition at Mt Manganui. What a weekend. I loved it. Hundreds of kids competing, supporting and challenging one-another, all to the sound of music rocking on the beach.

Another scary moment was when I was at Squid school awoken in the middle of the night sent to a nearby headland on IRB’s armed with glow sticks where we cave explored.

I joined the Surf Club because I am a swimmer. It is thanks to the Whakatane Swimming Club that I am writing this story. Swimming has been a big part of my life and when my friend Ali suggested I should give Surf Lifesaving a go I leapt at the chance.

I first became a junior (younger kids start as nippers ) I went to Sunday morning sessions where I learnt beach skills and drills and how to be water safe. Then I became an intermediate then a cadet. And now a Junior Lifeguard.

This summer has been so much fun and so busy I can’t wait till next season. Receiving my Lifeguard uniform and bag in the post after gaining my bronze medallion was a highlight. It allowed me to patrol the beach and compete in the Under 16 Nationals in Gisborne.  Making the Under 14 Bay of Plenty team that competed at Red Beach (Orewa), where we won the NZ Inter-districts was also a highlight.  The competition was over two days and our team won 8 out of 14 events.  All the kids in the team were awesome with new friendships found.  My gold medal in the surf swim at Ocean Athletes is my most special prize and winning the gold in the board rescue with partner Madison was also special.  To cap it off, I received the Bay of Plenty Under 14 Girls Surf Lifesaving Competitor of the Year, trophy. 

Without the coach (Tony), parents, friends, supporters, the club, passion and hard work my day in the sun would not have happened.
Surf Lifesaving is a fantastic experience, lots of travel, different beaches, plenty of surf and with the 2008 Surf Nationals in Whakatane, it doesn’t stop.  This sport truly gets you “In it for life.”