Welcome from the President

Dear Members,

It’s my great pleasure to receive the baton from Heath and step into the role as your Lorne SLSC President.

I know why we’re here, who we are as a community, and the calibre of the members and leadership team supporting our Club. It’s hard to imagine a closer community, across skills and generations, with a very real contribution to save lives and help the public safely enjoy the beach – together with other clubs and emergency services. Together with the leadership team, I’m excited for the Season ahead and I’m all in.

Everything the Club does comes back to you: our members, parents, Nippers, competitors, patrollers, volunteers and supporters.

There is plenty to look forward to this season.

For families, the Nipper program is open and ready to help our youngest members build confidence in the water. For those looking to develop their skills, we have Surf Rescue Certificate, Bronze Medallion and Silver camps, inflatable rescue boat training and opportunities to become an instructor (refer the website below for details).

For our patrolling members, hours have been agreed with Lifesaving Victoria and Patrol Captains are finalising rosters so that everyone knows where they stand early. For competitors, our carnival and competition programs are coming together. Pier to Pub will once again be a world-class event of which we can all be proud. The bar and café will be open throughout summer, and a new merchandise range is also on its way.

Behind all of this is a great deal of quieter work. Our administration, access passes, building, gear and equipment are being prepared for the season ahead. A huge thank you to everyone who has already rolled up their sleeves- and to all of you who keep giving your time and energy. ‘Purpose often comes disguised as work’, and your contribution is what makes this Club possible.

As a strength of our Club, applications for various programs and camps are filling quickly, and it was terrific to see that more than a thousand members paid their fees in the first few weeks of the new season.

If you haven’t yet become involved, there is room for you—on patrol, behind the bar, at an event or carnival, or at a working bee. Please ask for help when you need it, offer it when you can. The support offered this year already is incredible, from members helping with marketing and sponsorships, setting up the gym, and stepping forward to organise events.. thank you!

I’d like to thank and acknowledge Heath and Jenny for their enormous contribution to Lorne at so many levels, and thank our retiring directors—Nick Murnane, Lucas Karlsson, Jeremy Walker and Sophie Carne—for the huge contribution they’ve made to the Club.

Metaphorically, if there was door on our beach, it’s always open for you to share ideas, offer help or simply enjoy each other’s company at the bar. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, Vice President Vin Sheehan, or the relevant Director of the Lorne SLSC Committee.

We’ll keep you updated through the Mower and our Facebook and Instagram pages. Committee contact details, and the full calendar, are available at www.lornesurfclub.com.au.

Kate Eriksson
President, Lorne SLSC

Nippers Registrations Open

One of the more anticipated dates on the Lorne calendar

Registrations are now open for the weekly development squat and the summer Nippers Intensive

Nippers is a great way to learn now valuable surf skills in a safe, fun and engaging format.   All welcome regardless of your skill level – the only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to have a go.

Weekly development squad runs at Lorne beach on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings, from Term 4 – Easter. Summer Intensive program will run from 27 December to 3 January.  Registrations will close as age groups fill up and fully close on 5 October.   So don’t delay.

For more details and information about the program and registering, visit the Nippers page on the Lorne SLSC website for all the details.

Any questions about nippers, get in touch with the very capable team at nippers@lornesurfclub.com.au

Congratulations & Member News

Welcome to our Tiniest New Members

Exciting baby news from our immediate Past President and Past Club Captains, and for the Lorne SLSC community. Heath and Jenny Armstrong welcomed Francesca (Frankie) on June 9, and Nick Murnane and Elle welcomed Daisy on June 24.  Both are likely to become lifelong friends and no doubt will be fairly talented in the surf.  We all look forward to watching these two growing up. Congratulations!

Dr Pete Atkinson Recognised by the Committee for Lorne

One of our favourite Club members and local legend, Dr Pete is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Lorne Community. His contribution, expertise, kindness, and the medical care he provides to the wider community is impossible to capture. The 2026 Award Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 30th, 12pm at Stribling Reserve. Booking details below.

Volunteer Opportunities – Got Time to Help Out?

Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf event – get involved with the organising
We are getting really excited about the P2P and M2S this year, with record numbers and some improvements as well. If you are interested in helping out on the organising team in advance of the event rather than just on the day, contact Jo Pincus at swim@lornesurfclub.com.au or Peter Williamson at racedirector@lornesurfclub.com.au . It’s a great opportunity to develop new skills or leverage skills you already have for a good cause in a fun environment and with a great team.  

Surf Club Website Upgrade – Can You Help?
We are progressively updating our website this season to help improve our communications and engagement with members and the public. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in developing new skills, or for web experts to share their knowledge! If you are interested in assisting please contact Peter Williamson at webmaster@lornesurfclub.com.au

Did you know the Lorne SLSC is a registered charity? 

Why not help out your club with a tax deductible donation.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting the Lorne SLSC, and Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf events – we couldn’t do it without you.