10/09/2026
🏆 Robert Chapman - Hall of Fame 🏆
Celebrating Robert "Chappo" Chapman's induction into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame.
🥇 Robert Chapman was a giant in Australian surf sports in the late 70s and throughout the 80s, winning the Australian Iron Man title in 1978 and 1984 and coming runner-up four times. He also won a record seven Surf Life Saving NSW Iron Man titles.
💙🤍 Late in his career, Chappo joined Bondi Surf Club in 2017 as Head Coach of our Open and Masters ocean competitors, holding that role until 2023. As coach, he led Bondi through much of our as yet unbroken streak of 9 Australian Masters Championships and guided many of our current open athletes through their formative teenage years. He has touched many of us.
As a Masters athlete, Chappo also donned the navy blue and white quartered cap for Bondi at Branch, State and Aussies, contributing a swag of medals and points.
From his early years as a foundation Elouera Nippers of Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, Robert has remained a passionate and dedicated member, becoming a Life Member of Elouera SLSC in 2011 and receiving his 50-Year Long Service Award in 2022 - Surf Life Saving Sydney
Robert has held a number of leadership positions at Elouera surf sports over many years, including Director of Surf Sports, Board Ski and Swim Captain, and Head Coach, his coaching leadership was instrumental in guiding Elouera to victory in the NSW Championship Point Score and at the World Championships in 1996.
As Co-Founder of the Elouera Surf Awareness Clinic, he has helped deliver an initiative that has operated continuously for 40 years, educating generations of young people about surf safety and awareness.
From champion Ironman to mentor, coach, educator and club leader, Robert’s influence has extended across generations and clubs. His exceptional longevity and dedication embody the very best of surf lifesaving. We feel privileged to have him as part of the Bondi family and will be cheering on his induction to the Hall of Fame at the SLSA Awards of Excellence 2026.
Congratulations Chappo 💙🤍 and fellow inductee Nathan Smith.
📷 Tim Read, AAP, ABC & John Salmon OAM family album