Junior Competition Team Update
January 22, 2026
How did you first become involved with Portsea SLSC?
At around 11 years of age, I received a pair of Voit fins for Christmas.
Most summer holiday mornings I would jump on my bike and ride to my friend Matt’s house near the corner of Back Beach Road and the yet unsealed Hotham Road. We would walk up to the back beach and ride waves in the shallows between the flags. On a special North wind day my cousin Nick Martin and my half-brother Matt Naughton took me out the back where I felt instantly at home.
It was therefore natural that in December 1981 at the age of 15 that I attended the Portsea Bronze Camp staying at the old clubhouse. Following this I was a patrolling member. I only became re-involved in the club after a hiatus of around 20 – 25 years when our sons began nippers around 18 years ago.
What motivates you to volunteer your time each season?
Doing water safety for Nippers gets me out of bed and into the water where I have no choice but to swim and get fit. I also try to get on a wave or two between nipper rotations. It is also an opportunity for me to get kids catching waves.
Is there a particular moment or memory at the club that stands out for you?
One day about 10 years ago; the day of the Portsea Swim Classic, while everyone was at Quarantine the surf at the back Beach turned on like I had never seen with perfect 5-foot slow barrels. I have been longing for the equivalent surf ever since.
What do you love most about being part of the Portsea community?
The activeness and perfect situation to give something of oneself to others.
