Surf Life Saving SA was proud to award Life Membership to Ralph Bock from Grange SLSC at the 2025 Awards of Excellence.
Our newest Life Member has dedicated over five decades to the movement - starting his journey in 1969 at Grange. Since then, Ralph has made incredible contributions across all facets of surf lifesaving – from frontline lifesaving, education and high-level administration to officiating, coaching and competing.
At Grange he’s held an array of leadership roles, including President, Deputy President, Club Captain, Competition Officer, Ski Captain, Trainer and Assessor, and various Committee positions. Meanwhile at state level, he’s served on the State Council, Competition Panels, and Surf Sports Advisory Committee.
With more than 960 patrol hours, Ralph is a Gold Medallion holder and was notably part of the initial Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter crew in 1974. As a dedicated trainer and assessor, he’s guided hundreds of members across multiple clubs in achieving their Bronze Medallion, IRB Crew, and IRB Driver qualifications, while continuing to shape education statewide through the State Assessors Panel.
In surf sports, his legacy is equally impressive. As a coach, Ralph has guided both male and female athletes to many State and National medals across ski, board, ironman and surf boat events. A long time Junior Age Group Instructor, he’s also nurtured the next generation of athletes with dedication and care.
Since becoming an official in 2008, he’s played a pivotal role in elevating the profile and professionalism of board riding events through strong leadership and collaboration with Surfing SA. His expertise has been recognised at the highest levels, having officiated at World Championships, while his ongoing commitment to developing others sees him regularly mentor new officials.
A decorated competitor across Junior, Open and Masters divisions, Ralph claimed their first Australian gold in the Junior Ski in 1974 and their most recent in 2017 in Masters Longboard Riding. His many victories span across many disciplines, including ski, board, Ironman, Taplin, beach, surf boats, board riding and board rescue at State, National and World levels.
