Eloise van Geysen, South Africa’s current Women’s National Team Captain, looks back on the Rescue series and shares with us her thoughts from a Saffers point of view for the build up to Rescue 2012.

Eloise will also shortly compete in the Commonwealth Championships to be held in Durban, South Africa – although a pool competition, Eloise is one of South Africa’s best all round performers in the surf.

‘I looked back fondly over the past 9 years or so, and memorable moments come flooding back. My first Rescue dates back to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2002, and I haven't missed one since. The fondest of these memories without doubt was Rescue 2006 in Melbourne’, Eloise said.

‘Everything about those championships was so infectious; you couldn't help but fall in love with the place. Athletes, Officials and Supporters alike, displayed a discipline and dedication of sheer professionalism. Coming from a country where few people really know what lifesaving involves, it's so inspiring to see the passion that each individual portrays. It was for this reason that I decided to spend a few years training and racing in Australia, for the Gold Coast based club of Northcliffe’.

‘The Rescue 2012 Championships will hold a special place in my heart for two reasons. The first being that I hope to see many of the good friends made whilst living in Australia, and secondly to experience some of the toughest racing our sport has to offer’.

‘This will definitely be one of the best Rescue Championships the world has yet to see’.

Rescue 2012 will be sure to leave lasting memories for Eloise and the South African teams due to hit Australian shores in just over one years time.