By Ron Lane
TO say that during its four years, the Noosa Seahorse Nippers has gone from strength to strength would be putting it mildly.
On Saturday at 10.30am on Noosa’s Main Beach, this four week season came to an end.
It was interesting to note the number of families that have been with the project from the start. That very first morning when the founders Steve and Nikki Mawby, and their team, took a deep breath, crossed their fingers and walked onto Main Beach.
As with the start of any project, there would have been questions building up in their mind; most important being, will the families support the project and above all, what would be the reaction of the children?
Now all involved know the answers. From the parents, its total support, and the kids – they absolutely love it.
Sitting on a ski just ten metres from the water’s edge is one of the best examples of all. His name is Rohan McDonald and he is just nine years old.
Behind him sits his helper, a fully qualified and experienced lifesaver. ‘
“He was born without tibia bones in his legs and as a result amputation from below the knees was required,” said his father Justin. ‘
“But look at him now. He’s out there not frightened, laughing, having the time of his life; all because of the Seahorse Nippers.”
The attitude of Rohan, always happy, laughing and asking questions is enough to melt the heart of the most hard-nosed lifesavers in Noosa.
The same goes for his little 10-year-old clubmate, Jack Geitl.
Like Rohan, Jack has been a Seahorse right from day one and in the words of his mother Petra, “If Jack had a choice he would be doing this all year round, he absolutely loves it.”
Also moving around amongst the helpers was Dean Leslie, President of the surf club at Elliott Heads.
“Our club is in the Wide Bay region and along with Moore Park and Bundaberg Clubs we are looking to start a Seahorse Nippers, probably as a joint venture. What Noosa has done is fantastic, great to see.”
Elliott Heads is just one of an estimated 50 clubs operating or planning to come on board the program.
So it’s well done to all involved, in particular thanks to Noosa Shire for their assistance regarding parking.
Saturday being the last morning of this session, awards were handed out and as usual one of the club patrons. Jordan Mercer, Noosa’s young ironwoman, was in attendance to assist in the presentations.
For Jordan her winter months have not only been busy but also very successful.
She started by winning, for the sixth time in a row, the Hawaii Molokai 2 Oahu World Paddle Board Championship.
This was followed by a trip to the Netherlands where, as a member of the Australian team she represented her country in the World Surf Life Saving Championships.
Competing in the individual events, Jordan won two gold medals and one silver; gold for board and single ski and silver in the ironwoman.
Then competing in team events she was again successful winning three gold; board rescue, Taplin relay and the beach relay.
One week later after the completion of the Australian team events, and despite being the only Noosa competitor, Jordan was once again amongst the medals when she contested the World Club Championships representing her club.
This time Jordan won gold in the board race and silver for the single ski and ironwoman. Her outstanding performance despite being the only Noosa competitor saw her (Noosa) finish in 13th place in the club world rankings
When you consider that she had to go it alone, without her club handlers it was unbelievable.
“Racing conditions were generally good,” said Jordan. “For the club events there was no wind, but very hot.”
“Overall,” she added, “it has been a very busy winter.”
From all of us in the Shire of Noosa, Jordan and coach Darren (her dad), you did us proud.
