Bondi Patrol Podcast

Bondi Surf Life Saver Lauren Tischendorf first woman to swim solo around Lord Howe Island!Lauren recently became the first woman to swim a solo, single session, 32km swim around Lord Howe Island where she faced sharks, strong currents, 25 knot winds and 2.5m swell. Lauren is an Athlete for The Minerva Network, a group that supports female athletes, and a member of various global swimming clubs and associations. Lauren grew up in South Africa, came to Australian in 1999, joined Bondi Bathers Surf Life Saving Club in 2024. In this interview, we discuss:1.What was it like growing up in South Africa? 2.Why swim around Lord Howe island?3.How do you prepare? What are the mental and physical challenges?4.You’ve made a film about the swim; tell us more!5.What is the Minerva Network?6.Who is your patrol named after? McDonald? 7.What do you think of shark nets?If you want to contact Lauren about her film, here are the contact details: Email: nextepicadventure01@gmail.com Website: https://laurentischendorf.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextepicadventure_lt21/profilecard/?igsh=MWltaTFuanJ3a2Nraw== Thank you for listening to this episode. thank you to our long term supporters City Ford Sydney; we appreciate your support of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge – this enables our club to raise money for the life saving service we provide the community; if you want to get involved, wether for our Nippers program if you have young kids, or you want to become a volunteer surf life saver, you can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com  Over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Liz Webb, Club President About Liz:Liz was born in Griffith Country NSW. She has lived and worked in various regional places in the Murray Darling Basin (Wagga Wagga, Albury, Leeton) and then worked overseas. Liz moved to Sydney for work in 2001, moved to Bondi and completed her Bronze medallion in 2002.Liz’s experience in the club is as an active patroller for many years, takin on the vice captain role for Meagher patrol back in the day. Liz has held various roles in Nippers – having been the Director of Nippers for the previous three years, and before that Deputy Director Nippers, and Age Manager for the Yellow Caps. She is now President of our Club  In this episode we discuss: ·       Moving to Bondi and starting at the club in 2021 in an active patrolling role with Meagher Patrol.·       Scaling back while having children and while they were younger and then re-engaging with Nippers and taking on various roles as Age Manager, Deputy Nippers Director then Director of Nippers.·       Worked with the Nippers Committee during the COVID period – navigating our way through COVID and beach number restrictions to maintain the Nippers program within the rules and then the post COVID rebuild of the Bondi Nippers program with a different rhythm, more agile and more flexibility.·       Role and obligation of a Club President is to work with the Club Directors and members and help lead the club and ensure it remains relevant into the future. As the first Female President of Bondi Surf Life Savers Club, Liz discusses the significance of taking opportunities to normalise women in leadership role by getting in and just doing it.·       Life outside of club – Liz is the CEO of an environmental advisory and consultancy business of 300 people that do technical studies for major projects to obtain their environmental approval. Projects like Snowy 2.0, solar and wind farms, transmission lines, mines and infrastructure projects. Liz’s is a hydrogeologist – studying both science and engineering with a focus on water management.

The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 22: Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley Today, I’m delighted to welcome Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos to the podcast.Paula is the Managing Director of Embrace Society which is a communications agency specializing in hard-to-reach audiences and in values based behavior change, community engagement, advertising and communications, and creative strategy and development. Paula is a highly experienced and award-winning communicator with a career spanning 35 years. She has held a number of senior positions including Director SBS Radio, numerous appointments to ministerial advisory bodies and sat on many boards. She was appointed to the Citizenship Test Review Panel to overhaul the Australian citizenship test. She was on the National Women’s Advisory Council and shaped multicultural TV broadcasting as a member of the Ethnic Television Review Panel. In this podcast, we cover:1.    What does a Mayor do?2.    And what does the Council have responsibility for?3.    Favourite beach? (Apart from Bondi)4.    How does the Council view Bondi? 5.    How does the Council view surf life saving? 6.    The role of Shark nets Thank you for listening to this episode. thank you to our long term supporters City Ford Sydney; we appreciate your support of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge – this enables our club to raise money for the life saving service we provide the community; you can learn all about Ford’s range of cars, vans and SUVs, including electric cars and SUVs at www.cityford.com.au  If you want to get involved, wether for our Nippers program if you have young kids, or you want to become a volunteer surf life saver, You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com Finally, over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 21: Lucy Macdonald (Allon)In this episode we are delighted to welcome Lucy Macdonald (Allon) to the podcastLucy has been with the Bondi SBLSC for eight years with Besomo Patrol (aka 'Bes-t-omo' patrol). And like many people, Lucy started her involvement with the club earlier than that – when her kids were part of the Nippers program. In this episode we’ll talk about what motivated Lucy to become a volunteer surf life saver, the variety of roles and activities available, as well as the amazing things Lucy does outside of the club for her business. 1.    Lucy grew up in UK and not near the sea, and she wasn’t a swimmer, and when she moved to Sydney, her kids went Nippers, and she saw what a great way surf lifesaving is to get fit, and stay fit!2.    Lucy discusses other activities and roles: Can Too, Water Safety, Dippers3.    Examples of challenging rescue: Narcolepsy/fit incident on the beach 4.    Lucy discusses what she does outside of the club; her business with Luke Mangan, her love of great food, Awards Appetite for Excellence; Australia has great produce, and how she wants to tell that story!5.    Lucy’s message: surf lifesaving has something for everybody - Lucy encourages everyone to find their groove in the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. Thank you for listening to this episode. thank you to our long term supporters City Ford Sydney; we appreciate your support of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge – this enables our club to raise money for the life saving service we provide the community; you can learn all about Ford’s range of cars, vans and SUVs, including electric cars and SUVs at www.cityford.com.au  If you want to get involved, wether for our Nippers program if you have young kids, or you want to become a volunteer surf life saver, you can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com Finally, over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 20: Michael Hallam, Patrol Captain, Nightingale Patrol What does it take to become a Patrol Captain? It takes time and effort, but anyone can do it if you have the motivation and interest!What is an unconscious rescue really like? Michael describes how the team rescued an unconscious surfer.     This podcast is supported by City Ford Sydney. Ford have supported the “Blue Water Challenge” for many years - we appreciate their ongoing support of surf lifesaving and the Bondi club. The City Ford Sydney Blue Water Challenge is an annual competition that raises money for our Club, and helps us to provide surf lifesaving services to people at Bondi; – to see what our friends at City Ford Sydney have to offer, visit www.cityford.com.au Delighted to welcome Michael Hallam to the podcast; Michael is Patrol Captain for Nightingale Patrol.Michael’s journey to Patrol Captain started with education, Silver Medallion, and helping to train the Bronze groups; Michael then became a Vice Captain.Michael talks through being a Co-Captain so he could build up his experience, the value of Mentors, and how this helps to be a Patrol Captain. 1.    Tell us why you joined Bondi Surf Life Saving Club?2.    You’re a Patrol Captain – what does it involve? 3.    What training do you do to become a patrol captain?4.    Who is Nightingale named after? 5.    Challenging rescues – the story of an unconscious rescue by Noah, and other examples6.    Your other life/work life: tell us what you do outside of surf life saving7.    Important issues/key messages: importance of teamwork, mentoring to become captain  Thank you for listening to this episode. thank you to our long-term supporters City Ford Sydney; we appreciate your support of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge – this enables our club to raise money for the lifesaving service we provide the community; you can learn all about Ford’s range of cars, vans and SUVs, including electric cars and SUVs at www.cityford.com.au  If you want to get involved, whether for our Nippers program if you have young kids, or you want to become a volunteer surf life saver, You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com Finally, over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

“It was the friendly people at Bondi who encouraged me to join and made me feel welcome,” says Amy.     Amy O’Brien arrived in Australia in 2022 from Ireland, where she was a full time surf life guard as well as water safety teacher for primary school children.In this episode, Amy shares her journey from Ireland to Bondi, why she chose Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, and the opportunities available for people interested in surf sports.Amy competed in the European and World Championships with the Irish National Team and has made an easy transition to being a surf sport competitor at Bondi. Amy talks through her weekly training and diet, as well as the work she does as a teacher outside of the club.SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 Surf Life Saving clubs, this is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

“Surf Life Saving gives you Leadership skills for life” Grant joined Bondi Surf Club as a 13 year old in 1988 obtaining his Surf Rescue Certificate (the same time as Harries!), Grant has been heavily involved in many aspects of the club during his 35 years as a member.  Some of Grant’s achievements include:●      Four time Australian Champion●      the youngest ever Patrol Captain at 18●      winner of the Open Club Champion of the club and Lifesaver of the Year ●      playing a lead role in the organisation of the Annual Legends lunch fundraiser that has raised over $250,000 for the club.●      involved in club junior development and is currently the age manager for the Under 8’s Nippers  Grant has been a Bondi Lifeguard and has had a career working professionally in sport including holding roles as Event Manager Swimming Australia, General Manager - Sport with Surf Life Saving Australia and CEO Equestrian Australia. He is currently the co-owner of a successful sports consultancy company Beyond the Break Consulting. Grant was awarded Life Membership on Bondi Surf Club in 2023.  In this episode we discuss how Grant worked his way through various roles at the Club, to become a Life Member. The importance of giving back, the importance of physical and mental health, Grant’s sadness at the passing of Louise Santos, who was made life member at the same time as Grant. Grant describes the importance of junior members to the club’s success.

Our skin is our biggest organ, and it’s our first line of defence. Every day, our skin can be damaged by the sun. This can cause cell mutation which may turn into skin cancer. Thankfully, if you find and treat a suss looking spot early enough, your chances of survival are better than almost any other cancer, which is why getting a skin check is so important.Scott started Skin Check Champions after losing his best friend to skin cancer at an early age; he turned this tragic event into a national campaign that saves lives – listen to his story.Skin Check Champions’ mission is “to win the race against skin cancer by championing early detection”. SCC raise awareness for, and access to, early detection services, especially for communities most at risk of skin cancer. The goal is to connect people to their local GP, Skin Clinic or Dermatologist via free, educational pop-up skin check clinics. We encourage all surf life savers and people working outdoors to have their free skin check every year. You can learn more here: https://skincheckchampions.com/

“Always ask questions, always ask for help – and support Movember!”Chris grew up in Sydney, started at Coogee Nippers aged 5 and then moved to Bondi in his teens and has been here ever since; he was Age Group Champion in Nippers and has an Australian Surf Life Saving Title; he’s now a lead Bronze Trainer at Bondi. Outside of Bondi surf life saving, Chris works in fashion retail and is a Movember Ambassador. Chris is a classically trained musician (having learnt the clarinet and piano), he’s a writer, performer and singer; his passion is hip hop – Learn more about Movember here: https://au.movember.com/  Listen to Chris’ music here: search for ‘S13GE’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEPfNSN8Eu0

Felicity joined the Bondi Life Saving Club in 2015 and is patrol Captain for Jeppessen Patrol (the Best patrol!). Felicity has held various roles at the Club, she’s taught 8 Bronze and SRC Courses, has been a Spinal, ARTC Trainer, Bronze Assessor, and was the ‘Destination Patrol Captain’ for 3 years leading the Club’s away trips to places like Pacific Palms in NSW. Felicity competes in Champion Lifesaving and First Aid – she is the go-to person for Community, Inclusion and Diversity; Felicity leads the ‘Access Waverley’ Project for accessible beach wheelchair access, and set up the Club’s Dippers program (which helps disabled people learn to swim & enjoy the sea); she’s now the Vice President of Bondi Surf Life Savers Club, and is currently setting up the Club’s ‘Member Services’ Team. When not down at the Club, you can find Felicity Sailing (fun fact, Felicity competed in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race this year, one of the world’s most challenging yacht races!), or in her day job as a Physiotherapist at the Mater Hospital. In this episode we discuss:1.    How did Felicity start with surf life saving? 2.    What got Felicity into the club at Bondi? 3.    What does a Vice President do? (we discuss formal and informal parts of the job; Member Services, like HR, and also OH&S, recruitment. The Constitution states: The Deputy President is to assist the President in the performance of the President’s role and is to undertake any role of the President in the absence of the President. This meant this past year I became (the first female) Acting President whilst Brent Jackson needed to take an extended leave of absence.  And how in the past 10years the VP has become someone who represents “the members”, their wishes, and brings every Board decision back to the members. 4.    So why did you want the role of Vice President? 5.    What help did you have to develop in your roles at the club? (we discuss SLSA Women’s Mentoring Program, McCarthy Mentoring, mentoring programme was set up by Suzanne Storrie, this was also funded by Kerry Briody - Bondi Surf Club Member - and the WMP partnered with ‘McCarthy Mentoring’ to give us professional guidance and teaching. Also of note; SLSA Leadership Masterclass, where we completed MBA-level modules in strategic thinking.6.    First Female Life Member at Bondi SBLSC   Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol Podcast.SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 Surf Life Saving clubs, this is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

We are all Ocean Lovers!Anita is a positive, passionate and dynamic change-maker. She is the Founder of the Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival, an annual celebration of Ideas, Art+Music and Actions, showcasing some of the latest innovations, science, state-of-the-art technology and cool ideas for helping the ocean. Anita successfully staged the first Ocean Lovers Festival in April 2019 at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, as a place to provide hope and positive messaging around ocean issues. The Festival attracted around 15,000 people to mainly free events promoting eco and sustainable practices, showcasing global alliances as well as local best practice. After the delivering the 3rd festival in 2023, they achieved a combined total media reach of over 12.5MAnita championed the Sydney Coast Hope Spot at the inaugural Ocean Lovers Festival with Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance, to recognise Sydney’s cherished coastline on the international stage. The Festival showcases successful marine projects restoring the coastal ecology, hero’s ocean innovating entrepreneurs and gives a platform to government initiatives, ocean champions, marine scientists and community groups. Beyond inspiring action and behavioural change, Anita created the festival with a mission to turn ripples of action into waves of change. She is recognised as global connector in the ocean sector for her innovative approach of bringing inspiration and hope for the ocean, and engaging and empowering audiences to accelerate change that positively impacts our world. In this interview we discuss:1.     When did you become aware of climate change, the health of our oceans and what did you want to do about it? 2.     How will the oceans and beaches be impacted? 3.     Tell us all about the Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival, and the Blue Solutions Summit? 4.     What’s next for Ocean Lovers? Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastSadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year…So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Bronte Surf Life Saving Club President, Basil Scaffidi as our guest.Basil has been a member of Bronte Surf Lifesaving club for 20 years.  From nipper age manager, then Nippers President, and now the Club President for the last 13 years.  Originally from Perth, Basil has three daughters, who all attained their Bronzes and have competed for the Club.  When not on the beach, Basil is Managing Director of SEL which is a sports and entertainment management and events company.  Clients include individuals like Ian Thorpe and Melissa Doyle and sport bodies such as Rugby Australia and Cricket Australia. SEL is the promoter of annual concerts at the Mission Estate Winery in New Zealand.  This year’s concerts include Rod Stewart and Robbie Williams.In this episode, we discuss:1.    Basil’s love of surf life saving and the world of sports 2.    Basil tells us about Bronte (the beach) and the Bronte SLSC, the equipment they use and the types of dangers at the beach 3.    What does it mean to be Club president?4.    Surf Life Saving is always evolving – what are the current challenges and opportunities?5.    Thinking of volunteering at Bronte: join the Bronte SLSC here: https://brontesurfclub.com.au/  Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastSLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Cyril is the longest serving Life Member of the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club with an incredible 66 years as a member.  Cyril qualified for his Bronze Medallion in 1959 and has held many roles at the club including Patrol Captain, Club Vice President, Club President, Surf Carnival Organiser, Club Touring Team Manager, and now Life Member and Club Patron. Cyril Baldock is one of only two living life members to have a patrol named in his honor. Cyril’s achievements in surf and ocean competition swimming is a very long list that runs to three pages, so I can’t list them all here, I’ll just mention that he’s been an Ocean Swim Champion at the Australian Masters, and at the World Lifesaving Championships, he’s swum the English Channel twice, first at the age of 41, then the second time at aged 70, giving him the World Record as the Channel’s oldest swimmer. Cyril has served the surf life saving community to the highest degree, through numerous surf rescues, training and coaching, through his own sporting achievements, locally, around Australia and internationally. Cyril has been deeply involved in charity fundraising, including for the Bondi club. In 2020, in recognition For all his great work, and his many many achievements, Cyril was awarded an OAM; Order of Australia Medal – The Order of Australia is an honour that recognises Australian citizens for outstanding achievement and service to the community. In this episode we discuss:1.    The role of Club Patron2.    What’s changed in Cyril’s 66 years of Membership (belt, line & reel, women in the club etc)3.    The importance of club competitions (physical fitness, mental wellness)4.    Example of a rescue at Bondi5.    How to train, keep fit and stay fit as a Club member6.    Cyril’s OAM supported by Dawn Fraser7.    Being a volunteer and being a sports competitor   Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastSLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. At Bondi, we work hard to ensure ‘no lives lost between the flags at Bondi’ -Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 11: Interview with James Stewart: “We train to a very high standard at Bondi”  Delighted to welcome Bondi Surf Life Saving Club Member James Stewart as our guest. Originally from England, James has lived and worked in Germany, China, USA, France, UAE and for the past 12 years, Australia. This is James’ 10th season at club – he’s just received his “Long Service Leave” - over the past ten years James has invested a lot of time in training the bronze medallion course - one group per year since he got his bronze. The bigger news is that he’s also recent new father! - after 4 years and thirteen rounds of IVF later, Jen and James welcomed their adorable little girl, Zara. James’ day job is as a climate change expert- he is the founder of Always Carbon, which turns plant waste (husks mostly) into other products to permanently remove CO2 to fight and reverse climate change.  He is a Venture Partner for Loyal VC, a global venture capital firm, and an advisor to Startups and accelerator programs. James particularly supports Dyslexic Entrepreneurs, a condition he himself has.  He is a non-executive director of C-Res which works nationally to support small, regional and indigenous businesses.  James discusses his family, his business and his experiences in surf life saving, including his key lessons from patrol; the main one being that diverse teams are better, and it’s as much about off-beach work and building the team as on-beach.   SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Chloe McCardel  Chloë holds multiple swimming World Records and has been inducted into the Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Chloe pushes the boundaries of marathon swimming and what the human mind and body can achieve. On October 13th 2021 Chloë broke the World Record for Greatest Number of Crossings of the English Channel. Chloë’s 44 crossings of the English Channel include 35x single, 3x double and a triple non-stop crossing (Australian First). She holds the World Record for the longest non-stop ocean swim (124km, 42hrs). She’s been on front page the The Times and The Guardian, in the UK. Queen Elizabeth commended her on her ‘splendid effort’. She was a joint-winner of Marie Clare’s 2020 ‘Woman of the Year’ for her record breaking 35th Channel swim and advocacy work against domestic violence. Despite experiencing Domestic Violence from two partners, the first when she was 16 years, and being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) she managed to rise up and become one of the greatest ultra-marathon swimmers in history, an inspiration and role model. Chloë organizes ocean swims in both UK and Australia with her surf rescue boat and in the UK with her 54 foot motor boat ‘Channel Queen'. Topics we cover include:1.    When did you start the ocean swimming and what made you want to do the channel?2.    Crossing the Channel; how did you feel the first time you set out from Dover? 3.    What made you want to do the channel 44 times?4.    What do you need to do to prepare for a channel crossing?5.    You’ve also done a double AND triple crossing; these are swims that take 20 to 35 hours – that requires a huge level of mental and physical strength – take us through how you prepare for that6.    Tell us about your business and philanthrophy7.    What do you enjoy about surf life saving?8.    International swim and Australia – discuss annual schedule – Channel Queen based in UK9.    You’re an Advocate for victims of domestic violence; why did you choose this and what’s involved?  I understand you’ve started The Channel Queen Foundation to educated people on the ‘red flag’ of DV – what’s that about?10. Finally – favourite beach in the world? (apart from Bondi ;-) ) Chloe's website: https://chloemccardel.com  Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastSLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Andrew is long service member of the North Bondi SLSC; he started his involvement in North Bondi as a Nippers Dad 16 years ago. Apart from a few Nippers forays as a kid, Andrew had no real SLS background but always surfed, swam and enjoyed the ocean. Andrew has had many roles over the past 16 years; he’s been a Nippers Age Manager, Masters Captain, Head of Surf Sports and now, Club President. When not on the beach, Andrew’s a lawyer and most importantly, a father of four.    In this discussion, we cover:1.    Why surf life saving at North Bondi? What inspired Andrew to join.2.    The role at NB SLSC; what’s involved being President? 3.    Why are there two clubs at Bondi? Andrew discusses the clubs histories, and the friendly rivalry, competitions etc. Connections between the two clubs through local schools, other sporting clubs, icebergs etc4.    Andrew discusses mentoring the next generation5.    Changing demographics of Bondi and eastern suburbs, keeping the Clubs relevant in a changing world6.    Volunteering, importance of community in a fast pace transitory location with a lot of financial and work pressures on many locals  7.    Balancing traditions of surf clubs with modern diverse community8.    How surf life saving is special, offering a unique way to experience a multi-generational community

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Coogee Surf Life Saving Club Member and Director of Lifesaving, Doug Hawkins as our guest. Doug joined Coogee SLSC in 2000, and by 2003 he was running the Nippers program – and program he professionalised, grew and now trains others on; he’s now Head of Nippers for whole of Sydney branch, retired and Head of Member Services. Doug has also recently been awarded a Life Member for SLSA NSW.  We discuss:1.    Why did Doug join surf life saving? 2.    What’s involved with Nippers (and running Nippers)3.    Why Doug decided to run a special training program for Nippers parents4.    Doug also runs a BM group for older people training for Bronze; why?5.    How Doug became a Life Member 6.    According to Doug: “Surf Life Saving is our best export, DFAT should sponsor us!” We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastYou can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Welcome to The Bondi Patrol Podcast; a conversation with the people who volunteer their time to keep Bondi beach safe for swimmers, and run the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club - Our core Mission is to save lives, and we couldn’t do that without our 1500 volunteers and an engaged and supportive community, so thank you, we salute you. I’m your podcast host Glen Frost, I’m a Volunteer surf life saver at Bondi, and each episode I’ll be meeting with a Club member to hear their story, and to ask them why they volunteer their time . In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Bondi Surf Life Saving Club Member and Captain of Lifesaving, Nixy Krite as our guest.Nixy started her involvement with Bondi SLSC in October 2010 - she became a general member of a Surf Life Saving club, her kids started Nippers.In 2023 she’ll be completing her 11th year of service to the community as a volunteer lifesaver, with over 3,360 patrol hours, over 680 patrols. Nixy is also the founder and director of The Pink Patrol; a special patrol that celebrates International Women’s Day at the Bondi SLSC.Nixy discusses her love of surf lifesaving; from being a Nippers Mum, to the Bronze Medallion to the IRB course (Inflatable Rescue Boat) and to being a trainer. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastSLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Welcome to The Bondi Patrol Podcast; a conversation with the people who volunteer their time to keep Bondi beach safe for swimmers, and run the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club - Our core Mission is to save lives, and we couldn’t do that without our 1500 volunteers and an engaged and supportive community, so thank you, we salute you.I’m your podcast host Glen Frost, I’m a Volunteer surf life saver at Bondi, and each episode I’ll be meeting with a Club member to hear their story, and to ask them why they volunteer their time. In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome Bondi Surf Life Saving Club Member, Sahn Zanotti as our guest. Sahn was born and raised in Brisbane and studied nursing, a career choice she loves and is proud of. Sahn qualified as a Bronzie in 2021, and now teaches the next generation of surf life savers. In this podcast we discuss:1.    Sahn’s background – why nursing? 2.    Why surf lifesaving? 3.    How does nursing help you at surf lifesaving? 4.    What got you involved in teaching the bronze surf lifesaving? What’s involved?  Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol PodcastSLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at https://bondisurfclub.com/

The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Interview with Greg & Tom BennettToday, we are delighted to welcome Greg and Tom Bennett, Father and Son, Chair and CEO of Bennett Surf Co as our guests – they’re the 2nd and 3rd generation of surf craft manufacturer and suppliers, including being suppliers to the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club. How it all began … Bennett Surf Co was officially founded in 1956 by Barry Bennett out if 1 Wills Avenue, Waverly, under Barrys neighbours house. Bennets have been making surf life saving equipment for over 70 years. Barry was able to evolve through the times , making not just surf life saving boards, but skate boards, surf boards, ski paddles, clothing, surfboard blanks and all raw materials for over 70 years.Greg Bennet is the 2nd generation Bennett working in the business from day left high school – Greg’s career in SLS and also competitive ocean ski paddling (Molokai channel crossings and other big achievements). Tom, now 26, working with his father Greg, and carrying on Barry’s enormous legacy and (Barry sadly passed away in 2022). Both Father and Son are extremely proud to be carrying this great Australian business on with the main aim of continuing to supply quality surf craft to our customers.  Other topics covered in this episode:1. How are the boards made? And the rescue boards designed & made? Tom and Greg describe traditional techniques, evolving to modern construction techniques being light weight closed cell EPS core, finished in high strength epoxy resins, vacuum bagged for additional strength. The aim to make boards perform well, and not cut corners on durability. 2. Rescue Boards: what is the future? Bennetts see soft boards increasing in popularity, with added safety in mind. Soft rescue boards have been the most popular seller for a few years now. They will naturally give the user more comfort and confidence in using the board due to its soft construction.  3. Environmental issues - Bennetts practice various recycling techniques in terms of ensuring the various plastics and cardboards used in the manufacturing and logistic stages are recycled in the correct way. The aim is to keep plastics to a minimum, and are in talks with suppliers around how to lessen the amounts of packaging and non eco friendly materials used. It is important to Bennetts that they can improve the manufacturing process and make it cleaner into the future.  4. How to get involved in surf life saving? Both Greg and Tom want to ensure we encourage the younger generation to get involved in Surf Life Saving Australia. Australian beaches are becoming increasingly popular, and we need to ensure surf safety knowledge is known. Joining in and getting involved in your local surf club is not only a great excuse to spend time at the beach with friends, but also a great way to keep fit and better your skills in and out of the ocean. Bennetts Boards can be ordered online: https://www.bennettsurf.com/ or at their store in Manly, NSW, Australia. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol Podcast. SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can learn more at https://bondisurfclub.com/