Shaun Quincey supports Surf Life Saving

News Release
19 March 2010

Shaun Quincey supports Surf Life Saving

Shaun Quincey’s mammoth effort to raise awareness for Surf Life Saving by being the first person to successfully row solo across the Tasman from Australia to New Zealand has certainly been achieved after he arrived at Ninety Mile Beach last Sunday.

Shaun has been a Surf Lifeguard with Mairangi Bay for over 10 years. Over that time he has become a Certified Instructor, received his Senior Lifeguard Award, Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate and qualified for his IRB Driver’s Award.

“Surf Life Saving cannot begin to describe the pride that we feel for Shaun. He is an extremely courageous and determined individual and his monumental achievement is a testament to the person that Shaun is,” said Grant Florence, Chief Executive Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

“Shaun has an incredibly big personality - and anyone who has ever met him will understand that. His time as a Surf Lifeguard has afforded him many friends and he has touched the lives of all who have met him. We are exceptionally proud of what he has achieved through sheer determination and perseverance,” said Florence.

As a Surf Lifeguard Shaun always has safety at top of mind. This was displayed when he made the decision to swim into shore at Ninety Mile Beach. The surf was pounding and the 3-metre swell had the ability to wreak potential disaster for the last leg of his journey, his ability to make a measured and calculated decision to ensure his personal safety and a tribute to his Surf Lifeguard skills.

Shaun has donated several items to Surf Life Saving New Zealand for auction - the items played a major part in his epic journey. Mike the mirror is up for auction – the mirror on which Shaun drew a face to ‘keep him company’ on his loneliest days. His last remaining oar from when he capsized which he has autographed and even the toothbrush that was air-dropped to him when he ran short on water supplies. Several other items are currently listed and up for grabs to the highest bidder on Trade Me at http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=2937490. They include a copy of his Dads book Tasman Trespasser autographed by Shaun and Colin Quincey, Shaun’s lifejacket, his own Timex watch which he wore throughout the entire journey, a Gisborne Shark Diving experience with Shaun for six people and the opportunity to have Shaun as a guest speaker.

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