As the 2019 NSW Envirobank Country Championships looms on the horizon here at Surf Life Saving NSW we are taking the opportunity to profile some of those athletes striving to make their mark at Kingscliff Beach.
Kiama’s Jackson Farland has a busy program planned for his trip to this year’s Country Championships.
The talented eleven-year-old is no stranger to success having enjoyed a fruitful 2018 across all major competitions.
In the last 12 months Jackson earned silver in the Beach Flags at South West Rocks, made the Sprint Final at the NSW Age Titles and was a double gold medallist (Flag/Sprint) at the South Coast Branch Championships.
Last December his consistent good form earned him selection in his first ever representative team when he was chosen to pull on the South Coast cap at the Interbranch Championship.
His trip to Black Head was a successful one as he powered through the sand to take silver in the Beach Flags event.
Next weekend’s trip north to Kingscliff will be a family affair for the Farland’s with Jackson’s older sister Lexi also gearing up for the competition.
Jackson Farland will be hoping to find the sand to his liking at the Country Championships and if he does he is sure to feature deep into the finals.
Name:Jackson Farland
Club: Kiama SLSC
Age Group: U12
Events you are planning to contest: Beach flags, Beach sprints and relays and boards if I get time
How long have you been involved in surf lifesaving? 5 years
What do you enjoy most about being a member of a surf lifesaving club?I love hanging with my friends and supporting each other at Nippers and in competitions.
How has your training been going for the Country Championships? It has been going well and I have been training with Kate Lewis and Dan Robberds with the Interbranch team.
What are your goals for the Championships and the rest of the season?
I want to do my best and improve on my results from last year and bring home a medal for my club. After the Country Champs I also want to improve on my results at this year’s State Titles.
Do you have any pre-event superstitions or preparations?Not really just try to smash a few weetbix before we head to the beach.
What are you most looking forward to about Country Championships Catching up with my mates, giving it a solid go and supporting everyone from my club during their races.
Are there any surf athletes you admire or have found to be an inspiration and why? I really admire Kate Lewis who is my coach and is amazing at flags and is really kind. I also think Sam Zustovich from Mollymook is a legend and is almost unbeatable. They have both smashed it at nationals.
Previous Results:
Country Championships 2018 – 2ndBeach Flags, Beach Sprints 7th
NSW Age Championships 2018 – Beach Flags 7th
Interbranch 2018 – South Coast U12 Representative, Beach Flags 2nd
South Coast Branch Championships 2018 – Beach Sprints 1st, Beach Flags 1st
Saturday 26 January 2019