Growing with Clifton: Sabina Lawrie’s Lifesaving Journey
Lifesaving offers more than just competition; it’s a community that fosters growth and development. For Sabina Lawrie, it’s become a platform where she can evolve as both an athlete and mentor. At just 25, the former Surfski Junior World Champion has found a home at Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club, where she balances competing, coaching, and mentoring, all while guiding the next generation with her experience. It’s a space where Sabina continues to grow, both personally and as a leader.
From Paddling to Lifesaving
Sabina’s roots in paddling run deep. With a father passionate about surf ski, she was introduced to the sport at a young age but initially resisted lifesaving. However, after joining Lee McGregor’s MAC squad in Durban, paddling quickly became her life.
Sabina excelled from an early age, securing major titles on both the national and international stage. In 2017, she claimed victory in the U18 Scottburgh to Brighton Ladies Race, the U18 World Surf Ski Championships, and the U18 Cape Point Challenge—a trio of prestigious wins that showcased her dominance in the junior ranks. The following year, she added an impressive 2nd place in the U19 Perth Doctor to her growing list of achievements. These results firmly established Sabina as one of South Africa’s brightest young paddlers.
Despite this focus, lifesaving was always on the periphery. She competed once for Marine Lifesaving Club in Durban, and the experience left its mark:
“I learnt two big lessons—1. No race is over until you cross the line. 2. Province Champs are a full-day affair!”
Joining Clifton
After moving to Cape Town in 2021, Sabina joined Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club for a season, seeking community after her move from Durban. Sabina made her presence felt at the Western Cape Suf Lifesaving Champs, conquering Clifton’s infamous soft sand to take victory in the gruelling Long Run, claiming a hard-fought 3rd place in the Senior Ladies Ski Race, and throwing herself into a string of team events. She was part of the Clifton squad that powered their way to the overall Western Cape Championship title, capping off a memorable season.
After a brief break and a focus on road running, she returned to Clifton in 2024 with a fresh outlook—taking on a coaching role with the ski paddling squad, setting some exciting new personal competition goals, and becoming part of the tight-knit Clifton Chix crew.
“There have been exciting changes at the club,” she says. “Clifton is now sending teams to World Champs, we’ve got great sponsors backing us, a strong coaching structure, and an incredible network of leaders and teammates who support each other. It’s the kind of setup I wish I had as a younger athlete.”
While still paddling, her focus now extends beyond her personal racing goals. She’s embracing the challenge of coaching, helping younger athletes develop their skills and confidence in ski paddling.
The Power of Mentorship & Women in Sport
Sabina’s journey is intertwined with the influence of strong female mentors like world champion paddler Hayley Nixon and the tough, no-nonsense environment of the MAC training squad.
“I was lucky to have incredible female role models,” she reflects. “They taught me that success is up to you. There’s no point complaining—you just have to work harder.”
This mindset now shapes her approach as a coach:
“It’s a huge responsibility to be trusted with a coaching role. I’m constantly thinking about how I can improve—whether it’s planning sessions, motivating athletes, or adjusting intensity. Having the backing of the club is huge, and being surrounded by coaches with so much experience is invaluable.”
Why Lifesaving & Paddling Work Together
While long-distance ocean paddling was Sabina’s speciality, lifesaving offered something different—a fast, dynamic racing environment with waves as an unpredictable element.
“Lifesaving ski races are short, fun, and have very few barriers to entry,” she says. “They teach you to handle the surf, and you can still win after wiping out—it’s such vibes.”
For paddlers looking to build their surf skills, lifesaving is the perfect complement.
Looking Ahead
Injury setbacks have tempered Sabina’s competitive drive in recent years, but her love for racing remains:
“I’ve always had a mantra—‘the faster you are, the more fun it is.’ For me, being fit and strong lets you enjoy what the ocean gives you.”
As an athlete, she’s focused on sharpening her skills across all lifesaving disciplines. As a coach, she’s committed to building Clifton’s ski culture.
“We’ve seen kids go from barely balancing in a ski to confidently completing 10km sessions with great technique. I want to see more of that.”
Part of Something Bigger
Sabina’s story is a reminder that lifesaving isn’t just about racing—it’s about finding a community, learning from those around you, and passing that knowledge on to others. Whether she’s leading a ski session, pushing herself in competition, or cheering on her teammates, Sabina is now part of something bigger.
And at Clifton, she’s found more than just a club—she’s found a team, a purpose, and a place to call home.
