Let’s wrap our arms around Rob ‘Jenko’ Jenkins

Jenko, the bloke that has helped so many in our community needs our love and support. Stay with me…

On Saturday 20 August 2022, Jenko set off on a board paddle from Marcoola Surf Club with Yaroomba his destination in mind, the goal was to start building some paddle fitness in his arms before the surf and nipper season kicks off in September. We all know how much he loves racing and beating those kids on the waves come Sunday’s!

At beach access 98, Jenko spotted some fellow Clubbie’s enjoying a surf, Mischa (16) and Manni Battison (14), past Nippers he has trained since they were 7 years of age, he has spent hours with these two in the water enhancing their lifesaving skill over the years and wow did that prove to play in his favour. Jenko, being Jenko stops for a chat and to ride a few waves but that’s where the feel good story ends…

Unfortunately, Jenko come unstuck on a particularly big wave, his board flew 6ft in the air and came down hard, hitting him on the back of the head. He lost consciousness for a short period and upon coming too instantly knew he had sustained a very serious spinal injury. Mischa and Manni, along with their Dad, Wyatt raced to Jenko’s aid and performed an incredible rescue, safely getting him back to shore - apparently Jenko was offering coaching points and rescue tips the whole time!

Jenko ended up in Royal Brisbane Hospital on Saturday afternoon awaiting Emergency Surgery. He sustained massive spinal injuries, a broken vertebra and two dislocations but was operated on Monday and amazingly walked out of hospital Tuesday afternoon in a rigid neck brace for 8 weeks to recover. An amazing outcome considering the seriousness of the injury!

Now for those that know Jenko, you know that taking it slow and rest is not something he does well. Unfortunately he is unable to work for the immediate future, as he has just commenced a new job doesn’t have any holidays or sick leave up his sleeve. His training exercise wasn’t a club event, so has no insurance to help get him through the next couple of months.

This man has dedicated countless hours over the past decade, developing nippers and lifesavers surf skills, instilling a love of the ocean and passing on the ‘art of saving lives’ to anyone that’s prepared to listen and learn… A true Clubman and devoted community man, I’m sure everyone could recount a Jenko moment.

So please dig deep, it’s our turn to help the man that has helped so many over a long period of time. All funds raised will be used to help Jenko with his day to day living expenses, medical treatments and therapies as required and take the pressure off being unable to work over the next 3-6 months, while he rests, repairs and recovers.

Let’s show him the strength of our community that he has played a big part in creating… All donations big or small will be greatly appreciated!