Olympic kayak gold medallist Tate Smith is set to return to his first love of lifesaving at November's world championships.

The 30-year-old, a member of the K4 team which won gold for Australia in London in August, will represent the Northcliffe team at the World Inter-Club tournament in Adelaide.

Smith began his career with North Bondi over 15 years ago and is a multiple winner of Australian ski titles.

He will team up with several surf lifesaving icons in the Northcliffe team.

Captaining the club in Adelaide will be three-time world Ironman champion Shannon Eckstein while 2010 world Iron, swim and board champion Kristyl Smith is in Northcliffe's women's team.

"It has been a real whirlwind since coming back from London with appearances and commitments and we have loved every minute of it," Tate Smith said.

"I want to make sure I'm ready for the worlds.

"Eight weeks should be enough to get back and do the work I need. I don't want to go to Adelaide and let the boys down - I will never hear the end of it."