Because they average 50 lbs. lighter, and 5 inches shorter than the average Surf Boat Rowing team, yet still are extremely fast, they became known as "The Whippets."
And like their canine counterparts, they don't let size get in the way of speed and performance.
In Australia, Surf Life Saving is a popular sport traditionally dominated by big men. After 90 years of dominance by big men, a team called "The Whippets" decided to change all that!
The competitions test the skill and endurance of Surf Life Saving teams. Last year, The Whippets won the A Grade National Final, beating over 5000 other competitors from around the world!
Australia was the first country in the world to have Surf Life Saving clubs. They are highly trained volunteers who protect beachgoers from dangerous surf conditions, and have been responsible for saving many thousands of lives over the years.