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.


Ever since she first stepped into the water Kalani Ives has impressed many with her consistent results across multiple disciplines.



Still only 13-years-old this talented teenager might need to seriously consider expanding her trophy cabinet if the last 12 months is anything to go by.



At last year’s Country Championships Kalani won four gold medals in the U13 Female Ironwoman, Board, Ocean Swim, and 2km Beach Run events before backing up to take gold at state level in the Board race.



She has started this season in superb form by taking on older athletes at the Yamba Ocean Swim where she earned a silver medal in the Open Division and has a full program of events planned for the Country Champs.



Kalani Ives will be pulling on the cap of hosts Cudgen Headland SLSC after transferring competition rights from her previous club Yamba.





Name: Kalani Ives



Club: Cudgen Headland SLSC



Age Group: Under 14



Events you are planning to contest: I am going to go in all the events at Country Champs and looking forward to it



How long have you been involved in surf lifesaving? Since I was 7 years old.



What do you enjoy most about being a member of a surf lifesaving club? Catching up with friends and competing.



How has your training been going for the Country Championships? Training has been hard and fun in the lead up to Country Championships.



What are your goals for the Championships and the rest of the season? I would like to place in all events at Country Championships, and place in the top 6 at State Age Championships.



Do you have any pre-event superstitions or preparations? I like to rest a few days before competitions. I have pasta or pizza the night before a carnival



What are you most looking forward to about Country Championships? Catching up with mates from other surf clubs and competing with them



Are there any surf athletes you admire or have found to be an inspiration and why? Jordan Mercer is a great athlete, I enjoy watching her race and especially when she competes in the Molokai to Oahu. I too hope to compete in the Molokai one day.



Previous Results:



SLSNSW Country Championships 2018




  • Gold Under 13’s Iron woman

  • Gold Under 13’s Board Race

  • Gold Under 13’s Ocean Swim

  • Gold Under 13’s 1km Beach Run



SLSNSW Age Championships 2018




  • Gold Under 13’s Board Race



Yamba Ocean Swim 2019




  • Silver Women’s Opens 2km Ocean Swim




Kalani Ives enjoys another successful event 



Monday 21 January 2019