Five of our members were lucky enough to travel up to Waipu Cove (just south of Whangarei) for a lifeguard exchange in early January. They got to experience how another Surf club operates, visit Ruakaka SLSC nearby, watch some IRB racing and experience the tropical waters of the far north!

In return we hosted 12 of their members including lifeguards, patrol support members, juniors and rookies the following weekend. They got to experience some southern hospitality and enjoyed some rock training and even some elusive Whites Bay Waves!

We are extremely grateful to Waipu Cove for the opportunity and look forward to continuing this exchange in the future!

Its been a while since our last episode of meet the team, but we're back! And with a goodie none the less!

Introducing Neil!

or Watto to most of those who know him!

Watto is an integral part of our club, our supreme leader (president) and it is an understatement to say we would be lost without him!

Neil and his family joined us from Orewa SLSC after moving down from Auckland over 10 years ago and their dedication has never lapsed since!

Neil joined the club at an extremely uncertain time when it had just begun to rebuild after years of being basically non-existent in the 1990's and has played a beyond vital part in its growth ever since.

As with many small clubs, Neil's role is not simply that of the president, but he instead tends to wear any number of 'caps' on a daily basis, from Surf Boat Sweep and coach to team manager, chairman and of course Lifeguard!

Rarangi SLSC has enjoyed plenty of success in the sport of Surf Boat Rowing, almost entirely thanks to Neil introducing it to us, having been a extremely successful sweep at Orewa SLSC

Neil's three children have grown up in the sport of Surf Lifesaving and in the Rarangi SLSC and are working their way up through the ranks still today.

We cannot thank you and your family enough for what you have done for our club in the last decade Watto! You are truly the embodiment of *initforlife

Introducing the future of the Rarangi SLSC... the one and only Joel!

Joel is one of our amazing Rookie Lifeguards, who is set to complete his Lifeguard award this coming season!

Joel has been a enthusiastic and dedicated member with us for 3 years already and we hope there are many more to come!

He got in to Surf Lifesaving through his interest in the water activities we do and hasn't looked back since, even managing to rope his Dad and younger sister in to joining the club as well!

Joel's Favourite thing about RSLSC?

"Getting to help out with the IRB's (Inflatable Rescue Boats) and hover around the BBQ occasionally!"

We are super excited to see what you accomplish in your future years at the club Joel. We love having your bubbly energetic personality at the club and think you'll be running the show in no time!

Keep an eye out for Joel on the beach this summer team, and be sure to say hi...if he doesnt beat you to it!

#initforlife #RARANGISLSC #Rookie #Pukatea

First up is the amazing FERG!

Brendon has been a active member of the RSLSC for FIFTEEN seasons and is truly the epitome of *in it for life.

Ferg holds many positions in the club from lifeguard examiner, advanced lifeguard and first aid officer to patrol captain of the notorious "Breakfast Patrol" and we'd be lost without him!

Like many of us at the club Ferg got involved in SLS through his primary sport at the time, Swimming, with the help of Swim coach and at the time RSLSC club member Richard Norton.

Ferg has not only been in the club long enough to watch us grow from 8-10 patrolling lifeguards to 30+ Strong, but has played an instrumental part in this growth!

And When we asked him what his favourite part about SLS was: "The friends and social life is great along with the skills, qualifications and experiences I have gained over the years, there is always something new to challenge yourself. You get to do something good for your community and it is a great feeling to give back"

So next time you see Ferg on patrol at the beach be sure to say Kia Ora and have a chat!

📸 @davidjames.picturetaker

Introducing the wonderful Lou!

Louise is one of our fabulous young Volunteer Surf life guard's that dedicates her summer weekends to keeping you all safe at Pukatea/Whites Bay! 🌊

Even though she is still just a baby, Lou has been a member of RSLSC for THIRTEEN years!! Working her way up through the Nippers and Rookie programmes before becoming a fully qualified Surf Lifeguard four years ago!

Lou got into surf life saving after attending a club open day out at Whites Bay and then took part in a Nippers programme while on summer holidays in Whangamata.

Lou's Favourite thing about RSLSC/being a Surf Lifeguard?

"Definitely the atmosphere. Great people, great memories and you gain some great life skills and experience"

Like many of those involved with our club, SLS has been a full family affair for Louise, with both her parents and two sisters having been active members of our club over the years!

Thank you Lou for you outstanding commitment to your club and community ! 🙏

Be sure to say Hi if you see Lou's smiling face out on Patrol this summer! 💛❤

Interesting in getting involved in SLS!? Head to our website or get in touch today!