Joe Collins
23
YEARS OLD
QLD
BMD NORTHCLIFFE SLSC
11th
2024/2025 SERIES
ski
STRENGTH
Bio
After claiming the New Zealand U14 Ironman title, Joe Collins made the move from his native New Zealand to the Gold Coast to chase his dreams of becoming a professional surf sports athlete. Collins since then has exploded on to professional Iron racing circuit, achieving achieved three overall Iron Series podium finishes, two thirds and a second place. Outside of Iron racing, Collins is a part-time accountant, and an aspiring golfer with a hole-in-one next to his name.
Joe, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
6 years old to get a sense of ocean safety, so Mum and Dad could let me run rampant at the beach without worrying.
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Cory Taylor and Max Beattie were the top Kiwi ironmen when I was growing up and really showed me that kiwis can make it. Was a pretty surreal experience to come over and then train and race with them.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?
Try to learn from the people that have achieved what you are aiming to. Be a sponge and soak up all the information that you can.
Who is your biggest competition in the Shaw and Partners Iron Series?
Have a continuing rivalry with the boys who made it from my age group in my first year, Zach and Finn.
Joe, what has been a high and low in your surf sports journey?
High: Would probably be getting second overall two years ago to Ali Day.
Low: Last year; I know that I didn’t put my best foot forward and it showed in the last round. Finishing up 11th overall broke me, and it took me awhile to be honest with myself. But after how I left things last season I’m ready to come out firing this year.
What do you think about during a race?
I am focused on the moment.
Do you have a secret talent?
Playing golf three times a week and still being rubbish at it.