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Anklam surfboat team conquers southern England: lifeguards on tour!
The Anklamer surfboat team is going to the competition in southern England on September 25th, 2025 to present their rescue skills.
Anklam surfboat team conquers southern England: lifeguards on tour!
An exciting adventure awaits the athletes of the Anklam surfboat team as they make their way to the regional competition in Saunton, southern England. How NDR reports, the team is now the only active surfboat team in Germany and Europe. Their participation in this competition is part of a long tradition of the team, which has already competed at the World Rescue Championships in Australia.
The competitions are strenuous and require maximum concentration: Here the participants have to row 400 meters against the waves, go around a buoy and then surf back to land. The team, made up of eight members including four rowers and a coxswain, trains up to three times a week to stay in shape. Their passionate dedication validates the commitment necessary to succeed in this sport.
International flair and local challenges
The Anklamer team has not only achieved great things locally, but has also caused a sensation internationally. In August 2024, the team was the only German delegation to take part in the World Rescue Sports Championships on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. Despite tough competition with over 5,000 participants from around 50 countries, the team managed to gain valuable experience, even if they missed out on making it to the final by just one point. Loud Northern Courier Helmsman Patrick Grose described that the impressions of this event were particularly enriching for the athletes.
The team meets regularly for training on the island of Usedom or on the Peene, where they improve their technique under the guidance of their Australian coach Gary Pettigrove. Anklam is home to around 20 active members, with the hard core training regularly. They also plan to take part in a competition in Perranporth, Cornwall, next year.
A look into the world of rescue sports
Rescue sports do not have the same importance in Germany as they do in Australia, where it has become a popular sport. Traditionally, world championships in this area take place every two years DLRG the event was well organized. Compared to German conditions, interest in this sport is significantly higher in Australia.
The Anklam surfboat team has established itself as pioneers in this sport and sees the opportunity in the medium term to create a European series with several competitions. These will take place not only on the Usedom coast, but also in France and Great Britain.
The upcoming tournament in Saunton will be an exciting challenge for the team and all eyes are on the athletes. With their commitment and support from the region, they show what it means not only to survive in the water rescue sector, but also to be a pioneer on an international stage.