How the changes that were supposed to save the sport ended up failing athletes

They were supposed to be the changes that would propel surf lifesaving back into the public limelight and recapture waning public interest but they’ve instead ignited an all-out war.

THEY were supposed to be the changes that would propel surf lifesaving back into the public limelight and recapture waning public interest but they’ve instead ignited an all-out war.

Despite the outrage generated by the decision to integrate stand up paddle boarding and cross fit style obstacles into the controversial Iron X race event, Surf Life Saving Australia’s intentions were sound.

The Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman competition is set for a major overhaul. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Though claims that the sport is ‘dying’ are still being hotly contested on both sides, the reality is that surf lifesaving’s golden era is over.

The Uncle Toby’s series of the 90s inspired many current day athletes to become involved in the sport.

It took what for many was a hobby and allowed ironmen and women to make a full time living from racing.

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Now, athletes dedicate their whole lives to the sport but get nowhere near the amount of income or prestige.

Unless you’re the best of the best, it’s hard if not impossible to make a living off racing.

The decision to turn the series professional and secure a live broadcast deal with Fox sports should be celebrated but fundamentally changing the DNA of a sport steeped in more than 100 years of tradition should not.

Surf lifesaving isn’t the only sport suffering from the congested, 21st century sporting landscape.

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The recent FINA world championships in Gwangju didn’t attract any Australian broadcast deal, interested spectators instead having to watch on an app.

Cricket faced its own public interest dilemma as decreasing attention spans saw the long form suffer.

The answer?

Revolutionising the twenty over format and developing the Big Bash which will soon enter its ninth season.

BMD Northcliffe Surf Club members, Naomi Flood (Head Female coach), Kevin Morrison (Head male coach), David Shields (President), and Mark Williams (Manager of Surf Sport) are upset at Surf Life Saving Australia over surf events. Picture: Jerad Williams

But 20/20 is still played with a bat and ball.

As club officials have said time and time again as this saga has unfolded, you don’t save people’s lives rolling a tyre up a hill or swinging on monkey bars.

Surf lifesaving exists as a way for athletes to keep fit so they have the ability to save people’s lives if the situation ever arises.

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There’s no successful professional sport anywhere that’s changed its fundamental skill set.

They change the garment, they don’t change the DNA.