About Childsplay Surf Gear

Owned and run by Michael & Janette Childs, Childsplay Surf Gear strives to be the biggest and best supplier of Life Saving Equipment and Ocean Sport Equipment in the UK and maybe one day Europe.

Michael Childs has over 35 years experience in Surf Life Saving. Joining Sker & Pink Bay Surf Life Saving Club in 1973 at the age of 13, he became Captain at 18 and apart from a few years in college, he has held a position of Captain, Chairman, Secretary, Training officer ever since. In addition he has held the position of Secretary & Chairman of the Sports Commission of the SLSA of Wales and has helped organise many events within Wales. At present has set up and manages the successful Pool & Open Water Mini League Series for the SLSA of Wales, and was co-instigator along with Owen Phillips & Mark Ressel in starting the SLSA of GB Ocean Ski Series of long distance races.

While never having the time (or ability!) to get a Welsh Cap, Michael has always been an avid competitor and in 2008 still managed to get a 3rd in the Surf Swim, 2nd in the Double Ski & 1st in the Single ski in the 40+ age group of the SLSA of Wales Championships. In addition he organised and completed a 4.5km Sponsored Sea Swim to raise funds for Sker SLSC.

Janette Childs has the unenviable task of administrating Childsplay Surf Gear.  A qualified Physiotherapist and Swimming instructor, Janette has been involved in Surf Life Saving since 1984 after literally running into Michael on a night out. After being co-erst into Surf Life Saving Janette got her Welsh Cap in 1988, winning her main event of the 100m Sprint and Beach Relay, but 3 children and a snapped achilles while competing in 2004 has put an end to Janettes sprinting.