KAHA “To stand up and take it on yourself”
Returning home from the New Zealand National Surf Lifesaving Championships, Race One’s Joe Collins reflects on his grassroots, his family, friends and how his journey on the north island, racing under the Fitzroy club cap led him to the success story that he is today.
After spending three of his first five years overseas whilst his Dad played professional
Rugby, the Collins family returned home to the gorgeous city of New Plymouth where Joe’s Surf Lifesaving career began.
“When we made the move back to New Plymouth, it’s a coastal town so Mum and Dad
thought to understand the ocean and to feel safe down there, nippers was essential.”
For Joe the annual National Championships are one of the most prestigious and important competitions of his racing calendar.
Flying home each year to race for his home club, Joe pays tribute to Fitzroy Surf Lifesaving club and the impact that it has had on him and the life he now leads.
“It’s my grassroots,” he said proudly. “I owe a lot to that club; they made me into the athlete that I am today by guiding me onto this path. It all started for me there and I love going home, racing and giving back to the club!”
Spending the week at home, surrounded by his family, catching up with friends and running nipper clinics when his trips allow time, Joe loves nothing more than being with his kiwi mates, racing under the Fitzroy Club cap in front of what he describes as his home crowd! “I really enjoy going back, I love the feeling of racing in front of what I always think as a home crowd, and in just one week I get to see all my mates from around the country, that’s pretty special!”
Despite the cool weather and an enormous day of racing, Joe teamed up with cousin Emma Brimelow in the mixed double ski to secure a second placing and Emma’s first ever national medal! “They put nearly every event on Saturday, so I had done 14 races and was shivering, we almost didn’t do it!” Joe laughed. “But to come away with a second is very special and for it to be her first medal and for me to be the one to help her get it, it was pretty awesome, and I know the family was pretty chuffed!”
Experiencing firsthand just how good Race One’s double ski can perform; Joe was almost at a loss of words explaining his experience and the performance of his chosen surf craft! “We got to the can second but that double turned like crazy! We went into the turn half a boat length behind and came out half a boat length in front!” Joe exclaimed. “That was one of the fasted turning boats I’ve had!” Reigniting a love of team racing, Joe can’t wait to line up on his Race One craft and jump into not only his individual races at the upcoming Australian Titles, but to spend another
week on the beach surrounded by mates, doing what he loves. “One thing I found again in NZ was my love of team racing, we won the ski relay and that was the first open teams relay Fitzroy had won for a long time.” He spoke. “I went into it for the last leg and kind of just jagged a wave on one of my other mates, and our rival clubbies,” Joe laughed. “Up the beach with everyone and the elation of crossing the line with your team mates there awaiting you is pretty epic!”
Beginning his Surf Lifesaving career in the city of New Plymouth, taking the leap across the ditch to Australia and successfully becoming one of the world’s top Ironmen, Race One’s Joe Collins is living each day by his New Zealand heritage and his kiwi teammates favourite saying: “KAHA – To stand up and take it on yourself!”