It’s the most common answer to one of the most common questions in Surf Life Saving. That feeling of ‘family’ is why being part of their local surf club means so much to people.
For some, their surf family is a further connection between generations of their own family.
Les Pepper is the North Coast Branch President and this year he will watch his granddaughter, Khloe join patrols as an SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate) member at Woolgoolga SLSC. She joins her mother and Les’ daughter, Karley – who looks after the junior club – in a moment where three generations will don the red and yellow together.
For Les and wife Lorraine, their Surf Life Saving story started like many others; a Nipper parent volunteering as water safety on Sundays. But the fast-growing friendship group they established at their club and across the state has been key to their longevity in the organisation.
From those humble beginnings to IRB racing to leadership within the club and branch, Les has done it all. Now, 40 years on, he has come full circle and is back in the water on Sunday’s doing water safety for Khloe.
“It’s so good going back to where I started, I really love it,” said Les.
“The last two years I’ve been the Sectional Referee for the under 8’s at the Country Championships too.”
What he’s really looking forward to is Khloe joining patrols; it’s where the real journey begins.
“Being part of a surf club is so unique. What other community-based activity can you get the whole family involved and participate in sport and education together, what a great thing,” said Les.
His daughter, Karley firmly agrees that being raised in the surf club community has been pivotal in her life through every stage.
She even admits she gets teary thinking about how grateful she is to her parents for that opportunity and knowing Khloe will have the same community surrounding her through her life.
“I’ve got tears in my eyes, actually. I couldn’t be more thankful to my parents getting us into Nippers back in the ‘80s,” she said.
“It was all new to them. To think about that and the friendships and skills in all areas in my life it’s given me. Whatever drove them to get involved with the club back then, I couldn’t thank them more and I can now see the benefits in my daughter. It just puts a smile on my face.”
Karley knows first-hand the life skills growing up in the club gave her and her friends and she loves that Khloe will have the same opportunity.
“You don’t realise all the benefits when you’re young, I value the fact that Khloe can already have a conversation with adults, it’s a real skill and so many people struggle with it. All these things that help you step up, it’s amazing the confidence and life skills you get,” she said.
Les agreed, noting that he’d seen a number of kids come through the club who started out very shy then flourished and found their place.
It’s not just the biological family aspect that has made being part of a club such a huge part of the Pepper family’s life. When we asked 12-year-old Khloe what she loved about being part of the club, very quickly she answered, “friends”.
“I love meeting new people at different carnivals and hanging out with friends and competing. All these friends I’ve already made, they’ll be life-long friends,” she said before running off to catch up with her Woopi crew.
Les recalls the bonds made when travelling on the old club bus to Country Championships and IRB racing events all over NSW with families –bonds that will last a lifetime.
“People still talk about the fun we had on those trips. They were probably some of the best weekends we’ve had, it was just the best times,” he said.
“You meet so many people from all over. I met Tony Rettke 30 years ago at the AMP Challenge, he beat us in the semifinals. We’ve been friends ever since and now we’re both branch presidents.”
Karley, following a similar path, recognises the significance of surf club friendships that she’s had for 30 years.
“You grow up together. You form these incredible bonds with people of all ages, they become your friendship base. You all just come together, travel together, spend the weekends at the beach together and have the best time,” she said.
The Pepper family is already gearing up for a big season and a new cohort of lifesavers to join weekend patrols.
It’s time to join your local, find a club and join the family.
Thursday 12 September 2024
