Two Tauranga brothers are teaming up for the New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships – with one at the helm and one taking to the water after years away from the sport.
The Championships returned to Mount Maunganui this week, kicking off on Thursday, March 14, and will run until Sunday, March 17.
Dubbed ‘The Nationals,’ this pinnacle surf lifesaving event will see more than 1300 of New Zealand’s most talented surf lifeguards compete.
Among them is Pāpāmoa Surf Lifesaving Club’s brothers 25-year-old Jake Cowdrey and 27-year-old Scott Cowdrey.
The latter is a former top competitor, having been part of the New Zealand Development Team prior to the pandemic.
“Covid happened and life sort of got away and I haven’t been involved in the last couple of years,” says Scott.
“But with The Nationals being back at the Mount, I sort of thought: ‘Why not jump back in and give it a crack?’”.
An even greater encouragement is his younger brother, Jake, is coach of the club’s dedicated squad made up of 14-17-year-olds.
Brothers Scott and Jake Cowdrey from Pāpāmoa Surf Lifesaving Club. Photo: Supplied.
Scott is definitely a proud older bro too, saying Jake’s been an “amazing” coach to the young ones.
“He’s got that squad up and running and the culture is a big one…they’re all mates.
"At times he might have to be a bit of a guidance counsellor or school teacher, but at the end of the day they’re all having fun on the beach, doing what they love.”
The Nationals has athletes showcasing a raft of surf rescue skills from surf swims, ski paddling, beach sprints, four-person surf boats to canoe races and more.
While Jake’s young squad may not be looking to win the day against the likes of current champions, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, he has his own set of goals for his squad.
“Just go out, have fun, make a mark, and be proud of yourself when you cross the finishline,” says Jake.
“That’s really all you can ask for – as long as you cross the finish line knowing that you’re giving it your best.”
Get to Mount Maunganui Main Beach this weekend to see the surf lifesaving action and the faces that keep us safe on the beach!
For details, visit: https://www.mytauranga.co.nz/whats-on/event-details/eid/7597/tctl/7663_