World champion men’s hockey team the Kookaburras are currently being put through their paces by club fitness trainers Guy Mouritz and Ken Tomczak as part of their pre-season world cup preparation.
The appointment was initiated by Mouritz and Tomczak, who approached the Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams with the idea to incorporate surf lifesaving skills into their training regime.
‘Our fitness class has been running at North Cottesloe Surf Club since 2000 and has always focussed on a combination of discipline, teamwork and challenging people to push themselves physically and mentally,’ Mouritz said.
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READ NOW‘All these qualities are required of surf lifesavers, but we realise they can be applied to all parts of everyday life and elite sporting teams.’
Kookaburras head coach Ric Charlesworth has allowed the team to train with Mouritz and Tomczak for a month-long trial under the supervision of the team’s physiologist.
Despite the intensive regime, which includes dragging tyres through water and running with weights, Mouritz said the sessions so far had been a hit.
‘Being the best in their game, the team are very keen to push themselves and test their limits,’ he said.
‘You become acutely aware of their camaraderie, awareness and efficiency of communication. The experience has been a privilege and very inspiring.’
North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club is in the process of allowing Mouritz and Tomczak to formally start a group fitness training company ” Surf Club Fitness ” which will operate from North Cottesloe.
It is hoped the company will generate further interest from elite sporting teams.