An 18-member, all California all-star lifeguard team will travel to New South Wales, and to Victoria in January to compete in the 26th Biannual Wieland Shield Lifesaving competition. During the three week trip, the California team will also compete in the Super Surf Teams League and the Summer of Surf events in New South Wales.
The two-day Wieland Shield competition will be held at Ocean Grove and Anglesea beaches, just west of Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay entrance on January 26 and 27. Teams representing California and Victoria will consist of six female and six male swimmers, Ironmen and Ironwomen, paddlers, runners and surf skiers.
The Shield is a perpetual trophy named in 1967 in honor of William A. Wieland, a U.S. Consul General to Australia who supported exchanges between California and Victoria lifeguards. The oval trophy is made from Victorian red gum wood, with badges representing the State of Victoria and the American Surf Life Saving Association. The trophy is retained by the winning country until the next biannual competition.
When hosted in California, the Wieland Shield competition takes place in Hermosa Beach during the annual International Surf Festival.
The team is currently seeking financial support to underwrite the trip. To donate, visit lacolatrust.org. Checks payable to LACoLA may be sent to LACoLA Trust Fund, Attn: Dave Story
524 Garnet St # B, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. ER
