Paul Lemmon

Masters Surf Ironman / Ocean Swimmer / Multisport Athlete

Paul Lemmon

born

1967

Nationality

Australian

Disciplines

Ironman, Swimming

Strengths

Bodysurfing

testimonial

I have been paddling BOS surf skis ever since their existence in 2007 and have been an ambassador for their team for all of this time. The quality of each ski that Reece produces has always been of the highest standard and given me the confidence to compete in a range of conditions.

Reece and his team are not only passionate about BOS surf skis but also amazing innovators. They constantly try to find ways to improve the performance, strength and durability of the craft they’re producing.

My best results in recent years have come from using and feeling comfortable on a BOS surf ski, including success in winning multiple Masters World, Australian and State Ironman titles as well as Ski Relay Championships with clubmates.

Achievements

A university degree in Primary School Teaching and a post graduate degree in Teacher Librarianship.
Been an accredited SLSA High Performance Coach. I have worked with a wide range of athletes from developing nippers up to Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Ironman Professional Series and international level.
Managed various Surf Sports Representative Teams for interstate, interbranch and interclub competitions.
35 times ILS (World) Masters Gold medalist (Individual and Team Events)
124 times Australian Masters Gold medalist (Ocean Events and Pool Rescue)
4 times Sport NSW Masters Athlete of the Year
11 times Surf Life Saving NSW Masters Athlete of the Year
Former Uncle Toby’s and Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Professional Ironman
Masters Legend Award (2019) Surf Life Saving Australia
Life Member of Surf Life Saving Central Coast Branch (2015)
Australian Sports Medal (for services to Surf Life Saving 2000)
30 Year Long Service Award- Surf Life Saving Australia (2018)
10 Year Coaching Service Certificate- Surf Life Saving Australia (2016)
2 times Gold medalist at World FINA Masters Swimming Championships (2012)
Masters Swimming Australia Male Swimmer of the Meet at 2009, 2012 and 2022 National Championships

Personal Profile

I was born at Gosford and have lived on the Central Coast of New South Wales for most of my life. I first showed my love for the water as a 3- year old toddler. One day I randomly jumped off the end of a jetty. My dad needed to jump in the water fully clothed to rescue me. Fortunately, he was a strong swimmer! I was then immediately enrolled into swim lessons at the local pool.

Throughout my childhood I did minimal training but played a variety of sports on weekends and at school. I was always supported but never pushed by my parents. When I was 9 years old, I joined nippers and because I loved the ocean and had grown up around the beach, I found a passion for competing in surf sport events and have been involved ever since.

My goal as a coach, mentor and athlete has always been to make participating in surf sports an inclusive space where members of any level who choose to participate, from developing competitors right through to World Champions and masters have a place to train. In February, the members of our club also conducted a Rainbow Beaches day (a SLSNSW and Lifesavers with Pride initiative) and I was chosen by the directors of Terrigal SLSC to lead a paddle out into the ocean to demonstrate everyone is welcome at the beach. This event was about celebrating all forms of diversity and inclusiveness – no matter what, age, ability, race, religion, culture or sexual preference you are. I believe this is an important foundation to having a successful team culture at a surf club.