She’s fast, fresh, and fierce in the surf, Kimberley Doyle is the definition of JAYD energy. From her earliest days at nippers to standing on the podium at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, Kim knows her way around the ocean. We caught up with her to chat race days, sushi Sundays, and why she’s always the one stealing someone else’s sunscreen.
How old were you when you started surf lifesaving?
I was 4 years old when I started my Surf Lifesaving journey, specifically I first got in the water at 6 weeks old. My earliest memory is being down at the beach with all my friends at nippers, and playing in the water whilst learning how to paddle a board!
Being part of a family with a strong swimming background, how has that influenced your approach to the sport?
Being a part of a big family who has always loved swimming and being in the water, allowed me to fully appreciate being able to swim and fully immersing myself in the water. I’ve always been competitive with my siblings, and growing up in sport was so fun being able to compete against them. I’ve loved swimming from a young age, and I love how it is my strength, and having confidence in my swim brings me so much joy going into racing.
Reflecting on your career, which race stands out as particularly memorable or defining for you?
My recent race at the Aussies definitely stands out for me, getting 2nd in the open Australian surf race definitely is my biggest highlight so far.
You've competed in various team events. How do these experiences compare to individual competitions?
I love racing in team events, it brings so much joy being able to achieve such amazing things with my friends. Being able to race for your team brings a new level of fire when racing, knowing that you’ve all trained so hard and worked together, it’s something so special.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
Not really! I just make sure I get my nutrition right, and try to keep calm when I’m on the start line, and know how much work I’ve put into this.
As a JAYD Swimwear ambassador, you obviously spend a lot of time in swimmers! What’s the most important feature you look for when choosing a training swimsuit?
The most important feature for me in swimmers is that they are comfortable and don’t dig in! We already use our shoulders so much, you don’t want something digging into you! (My personal JAYD faves are the Lennox and Finley One Pieces!)
What’s next for you? Any big goals you’re chasing?
The dream is to make the professional series, but outside of sport I want to become a firefighter! And somewhere in between do lots of travel!
You’re invited to a BBQ, what is the go-to thing you’d make/bring?
The one thing I’m bringing to the bbq is meat! I’m a big fan.
If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
I would swap lives with an A-list celeb, it would be so interesting to see how their life is!
What’s something your teammates would say you’re known for?
I’m definitely known for not ever having wax or sunscreen, and having to borrow from the girls (soz Newport chicks).
Describe your perfect Sunday:
My perfect Sunday would definitely be to wake up on a summer's day, go for a swim and get a coffee, sitting on the beach. And then chilling and tanning, having a massive sushi platter for lunch, going back home and getting ready for a chill dinner night out with the girls!!
