Get to Know the Exec - Meet Brian Shapland

As our dedicated Club Manager and Swim Captain, Brian Shapland has been th e heartbeat of our ocean swims since joining. Here's his quick chat on coaching, club life, and more.

1. As SSG's Club Manager and Swim Captain, what does this role mean to you, and how does it tie into our club's proud swim group origins at Suttons Beach?

My role as Swim Captain is to encourage people to enjoy what we have at Sutton's Beach. It's not just about swimming in the ocean but to encourage companionship, assisting others, training and enjoyment.

2. You've been a swimming coach and teacher for years—what sparked your passion for the sport, and how did you first get involved with SSG?

I've been a swimmer since I was 11 years of age, so that means swimming has been part of my life on and off for the last 63 years! Over that time I developed a passion for cross training and I took up running half marathons etc until my back eventually gave way! I used to go up to Mooloolaba to have an ocean swim and one day I came across the SSG group having their swim. I asked if I could join and like a lot of others that is how I got involved and became a member of SSG.

3. From beginners to elite levels, what's one of your proudest coaching achievements, either with SSG members or in your career?

As a swimming coach and teacher my proudest moments are teaching someone to swim which gives them the opportunity to progress to whatever level they want. It's all about giving someone the skill to save themselves and enjoy what swimming opens up for you.

4. As a Phys Ed teacher and coach, how has your University of Queensland background shaped your approach to helping Ninjas improve technique for lifelong enjoyment?

#SwimSquadOrigins University taught me the mechanics etc about sport but I learnt a lot from my father and from peers and students. I've learnt so much from being involved with swimmers and watching them develop. Everyone is different but my philosophy has been if you learn to swim correctly with correct technique then swimming is easy! It's like any sport, if you don't struggle then you enjoy it.

5. Most memorable swimmer or athlete you've coached (perhaps a standout SSG story)?

Every swimmer that I have taught or coached is my most memorable athlete because I have watched them start from scratch and then their progression is up to them! I'm proud to say that some of these swimmers went onto to win Qld and Australian titles and ended up swimming for their countries in World Titles or Olympics. My satisfaction is still hearing from swimmers I taught/coached and that they still have a love for swimming!

6. Favourite playlists or music for coaching sessions—do you have a go-to song for motivating tough swims like Monty's Marker?

I don't have any go to songs! When I was coaching besides hard work it was a variety of swimming activities. As long as there were fun activities swimmers were improving and wanted to be there. When I swim I count my strokes either 60, 100 or 120 then start again. If you want to know why you will have to ask me.

7. Favourite pastime outside coaching and club duties (maybe family time, blogging, or other hobbies)?

Now that I have retired I read a lot! I read anything especially cricket books but it doesn't matter. I enjoy teaching my young grandkids to swim and being with them! I really enjoy the socialisation that being a member of SSG offers me. I love ocean swimming and enjoy going to different places to swim and to meet different people who enjoy doing the same thing. It doesn't matter if you are a good swimmer or a plodder because we can talk about and enjoy the same things.

8. Claim to fame—besides being our dedicated Swim Captain and post-swim coffee organizer from Indigos Cafe?

I represented Qld in Swimming in the 60's winning many Qld Swimming medals and Australian Life Saving medals. To my surprise a few months ago I got a letter from Australian Masters Swimming saying that I had set a world record for the 1500m swimming in my age group in 1980. It didn't last long but I don't think too many people can say that they had a world record!

9. Favourite Australian sports star, and why (as a swim expert, perhaps a legend like Ian Thorpe or Grant Hackett)?

My sporting heroes are Allan Border and John Buchanan! Why???? because John was the Coach of the 1st Qld cricket team to win the Sheffield Shield after trying for 69 years!!! Border had retired from test cricket the year before but played on for one more year hoping that Qld would win the shield and they did! He scored 98 in the final!

10. Pre-race or pre-swim ritual no one knows about (especially for events like Winter Solstice Swim)?

My advice to any athlete before any ocean race depends on conditions on the day. What side to breath, currents, tides, drafting and when to stand etc. At my age my advice is to enjoy the experience.

11. Biggest regret in sport or coaching, if any—or a lesson learned from a challenging session?

My only regret in my swimming career is that I was not another 20-30cm taller!!!!

12. Dream job if not coaching or managing SSG (something adventurous or educational from your background)?

No!

13. Favourite quote that keeps you motivated during busy club days or tough training?

I heard a lot of quotes over the years but I've narrowed them down to three. 1. "Pain, Agony, Hurt, I love it!" 2. "if you can talk at the end of a race you haven't tried hard enough and 3. No excuses (thanks for this one Steve Muir-It stays in my head all the time). But you don't need quotes in ocean swimming - just enjoy it!!!

14. If you had one wish for SSG Multisports in 2026, what would it be (perhaps growing our swim programs)?

My wish for all members is to stay healthy, enjoy what you do, enjoy the company of our members and have fun!

15. Advice for new SSG members, especially beginners learning technique in our shallow, safe bay?

My advice for new members who turn up for ocean swimming is to keep turning up, have a go in all conditions, never give in and enjoy the experience!