A small but committed team of surf lifesavers from across the Lower North Coast made the trek to Kingscliff Beach last weekend for the 2019 NSW Envirobank Country Championships.
Despite the at times challenging conditions, the lifesavers were well rewarded and returned home full of confidence and a bagful of medals.
Cape Hawke SLSC flew the flag for local clubs finishing the two-day carnival in equal 17th position with 10 medals. Branch rivals Forster ended their campaign in 19th place and three medals for their efforts.
Claire Van Kampen (Cape Hawke) had a hugely successful weekend taking out gold in the U17 Ironwoman before backing up with two silvers in both the U17 and Open Female Surf Race. The club’s other individual title was won by Isabella Fitzgerald in the U11 Female Beach Flags.
Other podium placing performances from Cape Hawke athletes included a pair of silver medals to Sophia Blomgren, who finished second in both the U12 Female Beach Sprint and Flag Events. Julian Fitzgerald finished the runner-up in what was a highly competitive U15 Male Beach Sprint final.
Rounding off a successful weekend for the club were bronze medals to Tyler Sweetman who finished in third place behind teammate Fitzgerald in the U15 Sprint. Adam Mulligan and Troy Van Kampen took the last spot on the podium in the Male 40-49 Board Race and Ironman respectively.
Forster SLSC were the only other Lower North Coast club to medal which they did so thanks to some impressive performances on the sand.
Bethaney Lee scorched her way across the sand to take home the 40-49 Female Beach Sprint title. Younger club mates Grace Romer (U13 Female Beach Sprint), and Alana Williams (U17 Female Beach Sprint) announced themselves as emerging talents takin the silver and bronze medals in their respective races.
NSW Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon said it was a quality carnival that highlighted the very best of surf sport competition.
“I would like to acknowledge all the athletes, officials and supporters for an outstanding weekend of racing conducted in the true spirit of Surf Life Saving.
“Cudgen Headland were outstanding hosts and we certainly enjoyed our time at the beautiful Kingscliff Beach,” he said.
Top Ten Overall Pointscore
- Cudgen Headland SLSC 1128
- Byron Bay SLSC 687
- Warilla Barrack Point SLSC 479
- Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC 317
- Sawtell SLSC 300
- Port Macquarie SLSC 287
- Tacking Point SLSC 245
- Yamba SLSC 212
- Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore SLSC 171
- Cabarita Beach SLSC 163
Thursday 7 February 2019