Dan Collins
28
YEARS OLD
NSW
Redhead SLSC
12th
2023/2024 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Dan Collins’s passion for surf lifesaving was sparked as a three year old watching his older sisters at Merewether SLSC Nippers. Collins took an interest in surf sports and claimed his first State Medal in the U9’s Surf Race for Merewether. Fast forward to now, Collins has been a mainstay in the elite Iron Series and in 2024, was the Australian Open Ironman Champion. Outside of competition, Collins has completed on a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2021 and works fulltime as a Beach lifeguard with Newcastle Council.
Dan, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
I would have to say 3yrs of age I was always following my older sister Jess’ age group around and wanting to join in. We used to watch the lifesaving religiously on the TV and Mum and Dad made sure that we could swim and read the surf from a very young age.
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Zane Holme was on fire at the time we started watching the coverage.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?
Train hard and enjoy every opportunity, and everyone you encounter along the way. The sport we do is amazing and the people who support you throughout will become friends for life. But most importantly have fun in and around the water with friends.
What do you think about during a race?
I focus on doing the 1%’ers, doing the small things right, consistency and minimising errors, and trying to relax and execute the perfect race.
Dan, what has been a high and low in your surf sports journey?
High: Qualifying for the Iron Series in 2017, and coming 7th, and being part of the series ever since.
Low: I’m happy to say there haven’t been too many lows in my career! Apart from the occasional injury.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
I wear the same pajamas to bed.
Do you have a secret talent?
I have dozens of Rubik’s cubes that come in all different shapes and sizes. I love working them out, particularly between races at carnival.