New Zealand, Australia Conclude Battle Of The Tasman Surf Lifesaving Event

Recent surf lifesaving events and individual acts of bravery highlight the ongoing spirit and resilience within the surfing community. The 2025 Battle of the Tasman showcased strong competition between New Zealand and Australia’s young surf lifesavers, with New Zealand finishing behind but demonstrating determination to close the gap ahead of the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships. In California, Navy veteran John Ritter, who lost most of his left leg during Operation Desert Storm, experienced surfing for the first time at a VA adaptive sports clinic, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of such activities for veterans. Additionally, 72-year-old surfer David “Bean” Coffee performed a heroic rescue of a father and son caught in a rip current at Florida’s New Smyrna Beach, exemplifying bravery and physical fitness regardless of age. These stories collectively underscore the importance of skill, courage, and community support in surf lifesaving and adaptive sports.