From the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean ... how Ukrainian discovered surf lifesaving

Seven years ago he swapped the Black Sea of Ukraine for the sandy beaches of Australia.

SEVEN years ago, Igor Kocherga swapped the black sea of Ukraine for the sandy beaches of Australia.

Seven years ago, Igor Kocherga swapped the Black Sea of Ukraine for the sandy beaches of Australia and he hasn't looked back. Picture: Harvpix

It didn’t’ take long for the 45-year-old to adapt to the Australian lifestyle.

“I live in Brunswick and I joined the local surf club,” he said.

“I’m still learning how to compete but it’s amazing.”

“The surf and beach lifestyle is amazing,” he said.

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On the weekend, Korcherga competed for Brunswick SLSC at the Queensland state surf life saving championships but he revealed that his pursuit of another water sport drew him to the club.

“I wanted to learn how to surf and I’m still learning but I’ve become a life saver so it’s a good way to learn about surf,” he said.

“The surf conditions are never the same and it’s changing all the time so you need to adjust.

“There’s beautiful people at the club and you learn a lot from them.”

Korcherga admitted that his pursuit of surf wasn’t about getting state medals but rather personal improvement and his commitment to his local community.

“I’ve competed in a few races like the swim board where which was pretty good,” he said.

“I’m not aiming for first places but in the middle and somehow do better than I did last year which is always a good goal.”

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After spending his formative years in the European country, Korcherga said that he had fallen in love with the Australian way of life.

“It’s a great lifestyle here and we don’t have surf in Ukraine so it’s beautiful,” he said.

“Spending all my time on the beach gives you a great boost.

“You get hooked on it and want to go down every day and get wet and in the ocean.

Korcherga will join the Brunswick team set to compete at the Aussies starting March 30.

“You understand how big surf life saving is in Australia, there’s people from all different clubs and you make friends with people from different clubs who live all around Australia,” he said.