‘We have to end training when we see a croc’ ... swell no match for Darwin surf lifesaver

While Gold Coast surf lifesavers face the occasional dangerous swell, it’s nothing compared to what Ryan Blenkinship has to contend with at training in Darwin.

While Gold Coast surf lifesavers face the occasional dangerous swell, it’s nothing compared to what Ryan Blenkinship has to contend with at training in Darwin.

“Sometimes we go out and see a few crocodiles bobbing around in the water,” he said.

“Our coach says that we have to end training when we see a crocodile.

“We just paddle back into the beach and head to the lake or end training there.”

Though you won’t find any crocs at the Aussies, the 18-year-old has had to face another challenge.

HARRIES TO MAKE GOLD COAST HOME?

Back at Mindil Beach SLSC in Darwin, there’s no such thing as swell but this week Blenkinship has been forced to contend with huge waves peaking at over two metres.

“In Darwin, it’s all flat water,” he said.

“We train in a lake and sometimes when it’s wet season, we get a few small runs but not waves.

“When I come down to something like this, it’s a lot different to what I’m used to.”

Ryan Blenkinship is flying the flag for Mindil Beach SLSC at the Aussies.

Blenkinship witnessed first-hand how challenging conditions can get in his U19 ski heat where a stray ski literally knocked him out of contention.

“I unfortunately fell off a couple of times in the water and other people were in front of me,” he said.

“Another person fell off and lost his ski and it came down a wave and into me which wiped me out and took me back into the beach.

“I got a little whack to the shoulder but unfortunately I don’t make it into the next round.”

HURRICANE ECKSTEIN NO MATCH FOR CURRUMBIN

Win or lose, Blenkinship has already done his club proud.

“There’s probably eight of us who train but I was the only one who came down for Aussies,” he said.

“It means quite a lot (to fly the flag for Mindil SLSC).

“I really wanted to come down and give it my best shot for everyone who couldn’t come.”

After also playing squash and swimming as a kid, surf lifesaving emerged as Blenkinship’s favourite.

“From a young age, mum and dad were pushing me to get into every sport I could,” he said.

“I used to do six sports when I was younger and SLS was one of them.

“I love the beach, the people, it’s really good for fitness and I get a good tan from it.”

Blenkinship will compete in the U19 beach flags today before heading back home.