Wiser Guy in return to surf
FORMER ironman champion Guy Andrews says resuming competition was a “no brainer” after he started coaching the sport he loves.
Former professional stars were out in force yesterday in the ironman divisions of masters competition at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships in Perth.
Andrews, the 1993 Australian Ironman champion, beat Jason Cross (Thirroul) and Glenn Eldon (Cottesloe) to take the gold medal in the 45-49 year division.
Wearing the maroon and white colours of Gold Coast club Tallebudgera, he was also a placegetter in the surf and board races but winning the ironman title was his main aim.
“It’s great fun being back competing in surf sports,” Andrews said.
“I’m coaching at Tallebudgera so I’m in with the kids a bit so it was a no brainer to start competing again.
“When I went to the state championships for the first carnival I did all year, I paddled out past the apex cans and thought this feels so familiar.
“I’ve been doing a few triathlons and races that have a start and a finish and then you are done but here I’m getting back into that carnival atmosphere with lots of races you can have a go at.”
The 47-year-old said the skills developed over years of racing at the highest level had quickly come back to him and allowed him to enjoy racing in the surf again.
“I’m really enjoying being back in the surf club and it’s something I’m so familiar with,” he said. “It’s nice to unlock all the knowledge that I’ve got and pass it on to some kids because it would be a shame to waste it.”
Andrews also placed second in the surf race behind another great of the past, West Australian Olympian from Barcelona in 1992, Deane Pieters.
Andrews is among hundreds of athletes who battled a tame shore break at Scarborough, in Perth, when the masters division of the Aussies kicked off yesterday.
Meanwhile, Surfers Paradise veteran Craig Chapman claimed a rare honour when he beat legendary ironman Grant Kenny in the surf at the Australian championships in Perth yesterday.
The two-day masters event will finish up today before open competition gets underway tomorrow, running until Sunday.