LINE IN THE SAND
Why changes could ‘be the death’ of surf lifesaving
NORTHCLIFFE president David Shields believes changes introduced by Surf Life Saving Australia have the potential to “be the death of the sport” if nothing is done to reverse them.
Industry sources believe the stand-alone Iron X event, which will introduce new disciplines like stand-up paddle boarding and beach obstacles, will eventually pave the way for the new elements to form part of the iconic Nutri-Grain iron racing from as early as the 2020-21 season.
While Surf Life Saving Australia denied formal talks were under way to integrate the new disciplines into the elite series, Shields was adamant any such move may spell the end of the sport.
“That’s our fear and belief that that’s what they are planning to do,” said Shields, whose club is one of six to form a breakaway Summer of Surf series to run concurrently with the Nutri-Grain iron series.
“If that (SLSA change) happens then that will be the death of surf lifesaving as a sport.”
A SLSA spokeswoman said no formal decisions had been made beyond the upcoming series but that they had a responsibility to protect the future of the sport.
“There haven’t been any formal plans made to incorporate the new elements into the iron series,” she said. “This is also a trial for us but the purpose of the new format is to reengage the public with surf lifesaving athletes and the sport.
“Athletes also need to see how well this can go.”
Shields said that combining new disciplines with the traditional swimming, running, ski and board legs completely disrespected and belittled surf lifesaving athletes.
“The animosity increased towards SLSA through many clubs informing SLSA that this proposed race format was dangerous and disrespectful to its traditional events that have been conducted for over 100 years and have always created a pathway for our young members that aspire to be the next Shannon Eckstein,” he said.
“We’re all against it. It’s disrespectful for the people involved in our organisation.
“You don’t save people’s lives on stand-up paddle boards.”
SLSA acknowledged the new disciplines went against the sport’s history but maintained traditional racing would still headline the surf calendar.
“It’s a good point and it’s something that we talked about,” a spokeswoman said.
“We still have five rounds of traditional racing and the Iron X is a stand-alone event which athletes don’t have to participate in if they don’t want to.
“We’re well aware of their thoughts and feelings and they were involved in the decisionmaking process.”