It only took John Vipond two months to become president of Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club in the late 1960s.
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He is now a life member of the club and his involvement with the sport that spans 70 years was recognised at the Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving gala dinner on June 5.
But he admits it isn't just about him.
"I owe a lot of it to (wife) Judy because you're a team," he said.
"If your partner isn't interested in what you do it makes things really difficult."
The 89-year-old started his surf life saving journey at Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney where he spent a decade before the move to the Mid North Coast.
He still vividly remembers the first-ever visit to North Haven beach.
"In 1968 we decided to come up to the Mid North Coast and just by sheer mistake I came down here one Sunday and there was this beautiful bloody beach and nobody on it," he said.
"It's just God's country; there were two blokes on patrol and I had my son with me and we went for a walk down the beach.
"I introduced myself (to the men on patrol) and from there I became a member of the club. I was president within two months."
Mr Vipond admits his involvement with surf life saving is the best thing he has ever done with the friendships created set to last a lifetime.
Then there is the camaraderie.
"I was never a competitor because I wasn't good enough, but I was a trainer and I got my instructor's (licence) and was an examiner in board and ski training," he said.
"I was able to coach the kids in all aspects of surf life saving which made it interesting for me.
"It's the best thing I've ever had anything to do with."
After spending nearly seven decades around the sport, the Camden Haven surf club life member admits he hasn't always agreed with what happens.
There's always politics involved with sport.
"The bigger clubs see you've got a champion swimmer or boardrider and they try to poach them which is then up to the kids, but as long as they're willing to achieve it's not so bad," he said.
"But it creates a hole which makes it hard for us to fill with somebody else for things like patrols."
Son Craig and his family are heavily involved with the sport in Queensland through Mooloolaba surf club which he is secretary of.
His dad is proud the family have remained involved in the system he loves.
"It is a good system to be involved with because you meet so many people in surf life saving that can help you in business and if you play your cards right you'll always achieve."
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