By DEAN SMALLMAN
SUNSHINE NIPPERS
THE swell gods welcomed Nippers from across the state for the second annual State Youth Surf Lifesaving Championships at North Burleigh last weekend.
With cyclone Winston almost a forgotten memory for the coast’s beaches, it was expected the Cold Coast would present ideal conditions for the Under 11 to Under 15 Nippers from clubs as north as Port Douglas and as south as Tweed Head/Coolangatta.
With uninvited blue bottles halting proceeding on Friday, and conditions causing Sunday’s events for the Under 11s and Under 12s to be shifted south to North Kirra, the planning and logistics of all clubs were thrown out the window.
Sunshine however prevailed with some incredible results.
The Under 15 boys led the way with gold medals in the Cameron, Swim Teams and an incredible fifth year in a row they won Gold for the Board Team event, that’s Under 11 through to Under 15.
Gold medals were also won by the mighty Matt Lewis in the Under 11 Iron event and the feisty Ruby Nolan in the Under 14 Swim.
Silvers were won by a very gutsy Charlotte McKinley in the Under 14 Iron, the terrific Tiffany McKay in the Under 13 swim, the fast Tom Baker in the Under 15 Flags, the handsome Jonty Redwood in the Under 15 Make Swim, the awesome Abbie Tolano in the Under 12 female Iron and the great Under 11 Boys Cameron team.
Bronze medals went to Katie Gleeson in the Under 15 beach sprint, Max Moore in the Under 14 Iron, Under 15 Girls Surf team, Olivia Emanuel and Talisa Brady in the Under 15 Board rescue and Matt Lewis in the Under 11 Surf Swim.
Overall Sunshine Beach came fifth in the state behind Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands, Northcliffe and Currumbin which is a huge performance for this amazing little club.
