Competitive "Carnival" in Kirra

The Australian Surf Life Saver Association has existed since 1907, and its members have created an Australian icon. Distinguished by their bright red and yellow quartered swim caps, and always lathered in zinc, these men and women have demonstrated a proficiency in surf awareness, survival, patrol and rescue procedures, and emergency care that has gained them international recognition and prestige. In fact, rumor has it that no one has ever drowned between the red and yellow flags at any beach in Australia (flags mark patrolled swimming areas).

While a licensed surf life saver has to be equal to or greater than 15 years in age, training for this elite group begins at a much earlier age. And it's competitive "surf carnivals," like the one a saw today, that help hone the skills needed for the future professionals. Smaller carnivals are held throughout the Australian summer November - April, but large carnivals, identical to the one occurring today, occur infrequently, and are quite a spectacle.

The events are driven by volunteers collected from 10 or more regional surf clubs, each with hundreds of members. It's important to note that these events are driven by volunteers (despite the fact that each club has a corporate sponsor, like Kellogg's for example, that pay for swimsuits, watercraft, and other necessities), because not all volunteers are well organized, and that becomes a huge factor when trying to manage a couple hundred pre-teens, of both sexes, on a blazing hot day in the summer, with competitive blood pouring through their veins. If you can imagine, there is a lot of waiting, and therefore a lot of frustration, particularly among the parents. Just think about the stereotypical excited summer swim team parent, and then multiply that stereotype times 1,000, given the vigor of Australian competition, and then you have your surf life saving parent.

Overall, the kids, ranging from 8 to 15 years old, engage in some serious fun. Actually, I should probably call them all "Nippers," just to be proper (term used for kids in the life saving hierarchy). Whether it's long ocean paddles on the boards, long ocean swims, sprints on the beach, or combinations, the kids are just out to (win) have fun, and of course get some exercise while doing it.

An absolutely Australian show!