Find out more about Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) partnership with Rowing Australia here.

Rowing Australia (RA) is looking for their next Olympic Gold medallist.  

Since 1998, 23 members of SLSA have represented Australia in rowing at the Olympic Games, collecting 7 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals along the way. Successful surf athletes that have made the transfer to rowing include Mike McKay, Drew Ginn, Kate Slatter and David Crawshay. 

The partnership between SLSA and RA launched with a Development Clinic at South Narrabeen SLSC in Feb 2012 where surf boat athletes and their sweeps recieved technical advice from Olympic rowing coaches. More Clinics are planned for 2012, details will be posted here shortly.

RA will continue to visit surf carnivals to search for athletes they feel have the potential to win Gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Atheltes identified through this process will be contacted by Sam Farrow, SLSA Talent Identification Coordinator to talk about the program and arrange a testing session. 

Athletes that meet the benchmarks for the physical testing will be placed in a 'learn to row' program with a local rowing club and given a training program that is complementary to their surf commitments. 

Could you be Rowing's next Olympic Gold Medallist?

In April 2012, Calyn Parkinson from Manly SLSC met RA's testing benchmarks and was selected into the transfer program. Calyn has started learning to row with Mosman Rowing Club under the guidance of Olympic coach, Nick Garrett and is now on the way to compete at the Rio Olympics. Could you do the same?

Females – are you over 180cm tall? Males, over 193cm? Do you have the strength and endurance to win Gold?

If yes, then we strongly encourage you to register to be tested. No rowing experience is required.

There are RA co-ordinators in each state across Australia and they have the ability to test athletes at a time that suits you. If you would like to see if you have the potential to win Gold at the Rio Olympics then please click here.