Woolacombe Surf Life Saving Club – Youth Section (Ages 13–19)
Woolacombe SLSC’s Youth Section is one of the most successful and dynamic surf lifesaving squads in the UK, welcoming athletes aged 13 to 19 who are passionate about the ocean, sport, and lifesaving.
We are proud to be current national champions in the pool and back-to-back national champions on the beach, thanks to the dedication and talent of our growing team of over 40 youth athletes. Our athletes train up to 10 times a week, combining pool sessions, beach training, surf ski and board paddling, fitness work, and technical rescue skills — all set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most iconic surf beaches.
In the summer, our main club training sessions take place at Woolacombe Beach on:
- Sunday mornings: 9:00 – 11:30am
- Tuesday evenings: 6:00 – 8:00pm
- Thursday evenings: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Many of our athletes have earned multiple Great Britain caps, and our coaching team brings world-class experience to every session. The youth team is led by:
- Keith Gammon – GBR representative athlete from 1990 to 2001 and British team captain from 1994 to 2001. He was also Ironman champion of Europe in 1995 and World Surf Swim Champion in 2000.
- Michelle Gammon – Widely regarded as the most successful GBR surf athlete of all time, Michelle was undefeated in Europe throughout her competitive career in both Surf Swim and Oceanwoman events. She represented GBR from 1992 to 2001 and medalled in all 4 of the World championships she competed in.
- James Szymankiewicz – A dedicated coach with a passion for developing the next generation of surf athletes, bringing energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every session.
Whether you’re aiming to compete at the highest level or simply want to build confidence and enjoy the ocean with a supportive crew, Woolacombe offers an environment where everyone can thrive.
New members are always welcome — come and see what makes our team one of the best in the country.
📧 Get in touch: youth@woolacombesurflifesavingclub.org
Latest Youth News
- Woolacombe Youth – 2023 Devon Ocean Champions!
The Youth team won the Devon Championships at Saunton on Saturday 24th June. 27 of Woolacombe’s finest competed in challenging surf conditions through a jellyfish and seaweed infested ocean! They rose to the challenge and put in some great individual and team performances. We beat Saunton SLS who came second by over 400 points.
