Slattery aims for Gold Coast despite injury

Veteran surf lifesaver Rob Slattery hopes to overcome a serious shoulder injury in time for another tilt at gold at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships next month on the Gold Coast.

The recently crowned Albany Sportsperson of the Year has been in a race against time to recover from the injury he suffered surfing with his daughter late last year, but he is sure he will be ready for the championships known as The Aussies, which are celebrating their centenary.

Slattery dislocated his shoulder and ruptured his upper bicep tendon but says despite the interrupted preparation, he will be ready to compete in five events.

"I think it has started to come good," he said this week. "I still have to be careful given my age and paper-thin tendons that have had a lot of wear and tear."

The 68-year-old last year took home a silver medal in the 65-69 single ski race, a bronze medal in the 60-64 double ski race and gold in the open single ski relay.

He said he was looking forward to venturing to North Kirra Beach where up to 7000 surf lifesavers from 311 surf clubs across the country will converge for the largest event of its kind in the world from April 13 to 19.

"Every year it's a big event - 7000 competitors - which is the equivalent of the Commonwealth Games," he said.

"To get through there is a bit of luck involved in surf events, plus the skill and ability also."

Slattery will be aiming to go one better from his silver in the 65-69 single ski race as well as taking on the rescue tube swim and rescue board race, followed by the double ski race and three-man ski relay.

He said a fast start would be the key. "You just have to put your foot down, hammer it and hope you can get out the front," he said.