Legendary ironman Robert “Chapo” Chapman has taken over as coach at Bondi

BONDI Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club has a new weapon in its arsenal to become a more competitive surf sports club.

Legendary surf ironman Robert "Chapo" Chapman is now coaching at Bondi. Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

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BONDI Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club has a new weapon in its arsenal to become a more competitive surf sports club.

It has enlisted former ironman legend Robert “Chapo” Chapman as club coach to rival some of the faster, younger clubs.

Robert "Chapo" Chapman competing in his heyday.

“I’m going to help the competitors of Bondi, through my experience of competing,” the 60-year-old told Wentworth Courier. “Because of the success I’ve had, there are many things I’ve learnt over that period of time.

“One of the values I want to instil in the competitors is consistency of training.”

Chapman competed in surf sports at an elite level for many years and won the Australian Ironman Championship in 1978 and 1984.

An Elouera Surf Life Saving Club life member, he also won many NSW titles and will continue competing this season in the masters’ division, with a goal of doing well in the upcoming State and Australian Ironman Titles.

Chapman said his priority would be to assess all the club’s competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.

“(Bondi) want to go on a similar path to what they’ve done with their Masters,” he said.

“They want to develop now the open and the younger members of the club.”

Legendary surf ironman Robert "Chapo" Chapman is now coaching at Bondi. Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Chapman started coaching three weekly beach sessions earlier this month and said he would push swimming and surf skills training for the club’s competitors.

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The club’s deputy director of surf sports Nick Nezval said the club was excited to have Chapman on-board.

“The experience and knowledge he brings is second to none,” he said.

“It’s exciting that he’s joining Bondi.”