Zane Holmes Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge Interview

Champion Ironman Zane Holmes' dedication to Surf Lifesaving led him to create the Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge, an annual event now in its 5th year which attracts competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.

Junior lifesavers (Nippers) from across Australia are keen to hit their local beach with one of their heroes and a legend of the sport to develop their skills and have fun in the water.

Open from under nine to under fifteen year old competitors, Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge is a beach and surf spectacular, set up to mirror the famous Kellogg's Ironman series and promote further development for junior lifesavers in this iconic Aussie sport.

'My goal was to create a unique ocean and beach spectacular for junior lifesavers (Nippers) so they can come together from around Australia to participate in an exciting competition," said Holmes.

The Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge has events across all surf sports disciplines with individual events such as beach sprint, beach flags, surf race, board race and iron person and team events including surf teams, board relay, warrior relay and a two kilometre all age beach relay.

The competition is about participation and fun - encouraging our youngest athletes towards a healthy and active lifestyle and encouraging them to continue their participation in the sport and to become future volunteer patrolling lifesavers at their local surf lifesaving clubs.

'Medibank is proud to be the naming rights sponsor for the Wave Warriors Junior Challenge," said Laz Cotsios, Chief Customer Office, Customer Centred Healthcare, Medibank.

'We love Wave Warriors because the events reflect so much of what we are about – families, community connectedness, being active, and building health habits from a young age. Our For Better Health focus spans Australia and New Zealand and it is pleasing to find a partner who echoes our sentiments, connecting with the community, families and being active," said Cotsios.

Zane has a 40 year family history in surf lifesaving, beginning as a Nipper and now at the pinnacle of his sport. He is the most successful Ironman in Surf Lifesaving history.

The seven events in the series are:
Mullaloo WA, Saturday 22 November, 2014
Greenmount QLD, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, 2014
Henley SA, Saturday 13 December, 2014
Newport NSW, Friday 16 January, 2015
Wanda NSW, Sunday 18 January, 2015
Torquay VIC, Saturday 14 February, 2015

The national finale will be held on:
Noosa QLD, Saturday 21 February, 2015

For more information about Wave Warriors go to – www.wavewarriors.com.au.

For more information on Medibank go to www.medibank.com.au.

Interview with Zane Holmes

Question: What is the Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge?

Zane Holmes: It is a junior surf life saving event open to all U9 to U15's across Australia.


Question: Can you talk us through the events involved in the Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge?

Zane Holmes: We cater for all levels of ability across four main events being the swim, board race, beach sprint & ironman.


Question: How has the event progressed over the past five years?

Zane Holmes: We have grown the event each year to where we now have 7 events across Australia


Question: What inspired the creation of the Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge?

Zane Holmes: I wanted to provide an opportunity for kids to compete in an organised, professional and fun event.


Question: What are your top five tips for parents keeping children safe at the beach and around water?

Zane Holmes: Teach your kids to swim
Always swim at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards
Always swim between the red & yellow flags
Never take your eye off them when they are near or in the water
Ensure your kids have sunscreen applied



Question: How do you hope to influence young Australians to become volunteer patrolling lifesavers?

Zane Holmes: I followed in the footsteps of my tow older sisters who were in nippers.


Question: What inspired you to become a Nipper?

Zane Holmes: I followed in the footsteps of my tow older sisters who were in nippers.

Question: What's a typical day like, for you, now?

Zane Holmes: I run a surf craft business full time, Dolphin Surf Craft as well as the Medibank Wave Warriors so my days are pretty busy!


Interview by Brooke Hunter