The Rip

Carmel Sadler's first lifesaving memory is flags at Kings Beach in Gqeberha, aged eight. She made her first Worlds team in 2012 as a pool swimmer, and by 2018 she was winning medals in the pool and the surf at the same championships. We go back through four Worlds, from 2012 to 2018: beating her hero for a place on the 2012 team, breaking a South African medley record without knowing it while...

Mandi Augustyn joined Nippers at Blue Water Bay because her mum saw her playing by the river opposite the clubhouse every day and decided she'd better learn about the water. She hated the swim, and admits that in a rescue she'd be the one running for help. In 2010, racing for Summerstrand in Egypt, she won the world interclub beach sprint title, so locked in she didn't know she'd w...

At 12, Nikki Mocke hid her PE kit so she wouldn't have to do sport. After her first Nippers session she went home and told her mum she had asthma. In 2004, racing for Fish Hoek in Viareggio, she won the world interclub surf ski title. Twenty-two years on, no other South African paddler, male or female, has done it. We go back through six international campaigns from Perth 1999 to Italy 2004, a...

Welcome back to The Rip , your go-to channel for a deep dive into lifesaving sport across South Africa and beyond. The 2025 Rescue Sport Series has officially begun — and Episode 15 is packed with pool racing, surf action, athlete interviews, Rippers & Dippers, analysis, results, and plenty of our best banter. In this episode we break down: UWC Pool #1 highlights Strand Pool #2 battles Clifton...

Get ready for one of the biggest events in global lifesaving sport — the International Surf Rescue Challenge (ISRC), live from Mount Maunganui, New Zealand! In this info-packed episode, Christina and Brent dive into everything you need to know before the teams hit the sand and surf. We’ll unpack the history of the ISRC, the event format, and the rise of the National and President’s Teams — plus in...

Welcome to The Rip! Winter Awards Show — our completely unofficial, mostly unscientific, and slightly biased look back at lifesaving’s off-season. From athletes who braved international competitions, to clubs and innovations that kept the energy alive all winter, Xtina and Brent hand out awards everyone wants to win, but never knew they could! We also look ahead to what’s coming this summer — from...

Today on The Rip , we’re back with our ‘Chapters’ series — where sport is more than medals. It’s about beginnings, wipeouts, comebacks, rescues, and the people who shape the journey. In this episode, we welcome Tanner Gorille — Clifton lifesaver, board paddler, surf swimmer, Royal Life Saving Society medal recipient, leader, and now a President’s Team athlete preparing for the world stage. From ni...

Welcome to Chapters , a brand-new format of The Rip Podcast . In this episode, Caitlin Brouckaert shares her journey from Fish Hoek Nippers, through netball detours, to podiums in Opens and representing South Africa on the National Team — and now, her next big challenge racing in Australia. Why you should listen: Discover the mindset, lessons, and setbacks that shaped one of South Africa’s fastest...

In this in-depth masterclass, strength and conditioning coach Brent Shield breaks down everything lifesaving athletes need to know about building power, staying strong, and recovering smarter. From structuring your off-season lifting to fuelling your training with the right nutrition, Brent shares practical, no-nonsense advice for athletes at every level. Expect insights on the best exercises for...

In this bonus episode of The Rip , Christina answers the questions athletes ask most about social media. From how often to post, to building confidence, growing your following, and keeping sponsors happy without losing your authentic voice — this 10-minute masterclass is packed with practical advice for every athlete who wants to step up their online game.

Lifesaving athletes — your platform has power. Want to grow your following, attract sponsors, and help elevate the sport? In this masterclass episode of The Rip , we break down how to use social media with purpose — and impact. From strategy and storytelling to content creation and common mistakes, learn how to build your personal brand and help grow the profile of lifesaving along the way. 🎙️ Fea...

This episode has it ALL! Watch or Listen! 🎥🎙️ Christina and Brent kick off with some epic Rippers and Dippers, they're talking new podcast rivalries, Rescue Sport Series awards and yes — a shiny new studio! Then, buckle up for our SA Champs review, it’s a condensed but full list of 10 key moments from the week in PE! We unpack the feisty flags arena, why Christina was straight-up crying on the be...

Buoys were flying, jellyfish were swarming, and the sprints were decided by toe hairs. Welcome to Episode 07: The Rip . In this epic debrief of the 2025 Western Cape Surf Champs, we break down one of the most intense weekends in Lifesaving sport this season. From wild surf swims to running through our highlights from each club, tactical brilliance to utter carnage, this episode dives into our high...

🎧 The Rip Episode 06: IPT Pool Rescue Champs Preview Show 🏊‍♂️ In this episode, we dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming 2025 Interprovincial Pool Rescue Championships. From the history of the event to who's competing, and even the team sheets from the Western Cape, we've got you covered. We also take a look at the venue (A Catholics Boys school in Joburg) and share so...

The Rip Podcast is back with Episode 05 , bringing you an unfiltered review of the 2025 Interprovincial Lifesaving Championships at Santos Beach, Mossel Bay! 🌊🔥 Brent & Xtina dive into the standout races, unexpected moments, and behind-the-scenes stories that made this weekend one to remember. From Georgia Singe channeling “Handré Pollard energy” 🏉 to Xtina joining the “Purple People Eater”...

In this episode, we turn the mic on Brent Shield , diving into his journey through lifesaving—how it all started, the defining moments that shaped him, and the impact of the sport beyond competition. From favourite events and standout races to real-world rescues and lifelong lessons , Brent shares what keeps him coming back to the water. Plus, we talk about why The Rip exists, what’s coming next ,...

Get ready for the biggest event in local surf lifesaving sport – the Western Cape Champs! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of the competition, from the top contenders to key events and strategies. Join us as we preview the action, share expert insights, and prepare you for an exciting championship weekend where the best of the best will fight for victory. Don’t miss...

"There were moments that tested you, but the stoke always brought you back."– Xtina Mallion In this episode of The Rip , we dive into the world of lifesaving with our co-host, Christina, exploring her journey from beach beginnings to now. From her first wipeout at Clifton to balancing elite competition with community leadership, Xtina shares the moments that shaped her journey. We cover:...

We’re kicking off The RIP Podcast with an exclusive breakdown of the 2025 Lifesaving Western Cape Surf Teams —and these athletes are bringing serious heat. As they gear up to defend the Surf Interprovincials trophy in Mossel Bay this weekend, we’re giving you the inside scoop on what makes each team member a force to be reckoned with. Who’s got the speed? Who thrives under pressure? And can they h...