Kendrick Louis

34

YEARS OLD

NSW

MANLY LSC

th8

2023/2024 SERIES

ski

STRENGTH

Stats

Name: Kendrick Louis (Kenj)
Competitive club: Manly LSC
Original Club: Collaroy SLSC
Best round of 2023/24: Rounds 5 & 6, 5th
Best series finish: 2019/20 Iron Series, 1st
Aussie Titles Results: 2019 - Open Taplin 2018 - Open Ironman 2017 - Open Board Relay

Bio

After chasing his dream of winning a series for 10 years, Kendrick Louis became the 2019/20 Iron Series Champion. Growing up on the Northern beaches of Sydney and already a strong pool swimmer, Kendrick started in Nippers as a 11-year-old at Collaroy SLSC where his passion for surf lifesaving and the sport kicked off. Since then, the Ironman champion has won multiple surf sports titles including a coveted Aussie Ironman Gold medal and has represented Australia on the world stage as part of the Australian Lifesaving Team, as well as being named SLSA’s Athlete of the Year in 2018. Away from the sport, Kendrick is also a proud business owner and loves spending time with his wife Holly, and little boy Leo.
Kendrick, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?

Started Nippers at 11, was heavily focused on pool swimming and some mates encouraged me to come down to Collaroy and get involved. Loved the atmosphere of being able to be around friends in the beach environment and all started from there.

Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?

Coming from a pool swimming background I always looked up to Ky Hurst given his history and the way he transformed the sport of Ironman racing with his swim legs.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

“Do it once, do it right” – my Grandfather

Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?

Good things take time and work on your skills.

What do you think about during a race?

Taking each step as it comes and doing the small things right to put myself in best situations.

Kendrick, what has been a high and low in your surf sports journey?

High: Winning my first Iron Series round at Surfers Paradise a number of years ago. It was an enduro race and I was sitting dead last and managed to work my way through the field and win! Winning the Aussies Open Ironman Title in WA was a highlight also.

Low: Injuring my knee in the 2012 Iron Series over in Perth, which put me out for a long time.

How do you relax away from competition?

I don’t haha. Now it normally consists of taking my boy for a bike ride with my wife.

What is your favourite beach to compete at?

Manly!