In an official club flyer released by the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, all our community supporters will be pleased to learn that the club has appointed a husband and wife, ironman coaching duo team, ironman Wes Berg and iron woman Jade Berg (nee Sutcliffe).
President Johnny Gooderham said, ‘’Having the Berg family join our club is a fabulous opportunity for our members. Both Jade and Wes are magnificent role models for both children and adults, their physical and mental training style is a bonus for us.”
A move to Sunshine Beach with their young family, combined with the opportunity to train a good crew of athletes, was the motivation behind the couple accepting the coaching role.
Wes Berg
“I am incredibly excited to be part of such a family orientated club. This surf club is renowned for its community feel and it is the perfect for me and my family,” Wes Berg said.
My wife and I are looking forward to immersing ourselves into the community and making this our home.”
The major factor regarding this appointment, was that both bring with them not only an outstanding record of achievements, but also many years of experience.
Coach Berg has, for a period of 10 years, served successfully as head coach of Burleigh Heads Surf Club, worked as a former strength and conditioning coach to a number of high-profile pro surfers, including Joel Parkinson.
Parkinson trained exclusively under Wes on his way to a World Title in 2012. He was also chosen by global surf brand Billabong and Redbull, to train their elite athletes.
He also competed for many years in the professional Nutri Grain Iron Man series, a series which enabled him to gain respect, incredible knowledge of the ocean and surf skills.
This enables him to apply a tactical and skilful method to his training, which keep him racing well beyond his peers.
It is this technique that sees him get results for both himself and others. Following a five-year stint at retail surf brand Vissia, he is keen to get back on the beach and teach the skills to the benefit of the Sunshine Beach club.
“Coaching and mentoring is my passion and I am keen to return to the surf club envorinment.
“I want to work with the athletes and get them to the best of their ability and at the same time I want to work with them mentally and emotionally, to ignite their spark for the ocean, training, competition and to enjoy what they do to be their best version.”
Jade Berg
This lady has an incredible racing repertoire, having qualified for the Uncle Toby’s Super Series as a 17-year-old and quickly rose to the top, finishing second behind ironwoman great Karla Gilbert in only her third season.
Jade has won numerous Australian and State medals during her career and recently jumped back into the water for the 2021 Australian Masters Championships winning a gold and silver medal.
She has maintained her connection with Surf Life Saving coaching nippers at Miami Beach Surf Club and more recently assistant coach at Burleigh Heads Surf Club in the 2021 season.
Jade will assume the role as assistant coach of Sunshine Beach Surf club where she will be responsible for the Sunshine Beach Nipper surf program.
“’I am incredibly excited to be the coach of the Sunshine Beach Nippers this season. I grew up as a nipper falling in love with the ocean and learning skills that I have used my entire life.
“I can’t wait to share my knowledge with the kids this season and watch them flourish and grow.”
To have a couple with such an extensive training experience is fantastic.
They join the coaching team of Beach coaches, Pauline Gleeson and Alice Jones, and assistant, and Pool Rescue Coach Jarrad Greentree.
“Jade is a fabulous addition and her passion for our youth is exciting, and it is great to have a female with Jades experience join the team. We are thrilled to have the Berg family join our community,” said the president.
They will follow on the outstanding work of former head coach Josh Minogue, who left to pursue a career in the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.
Wes and Jade’s three children, daughters Miller-May 11, Billie, nine, and son Tally, five, will join them on the coast and will become a part of the Sunshine nippers.
The family has joined a club that we in the life saving movement, and the community, have always looked upon as a great training ground for junior lifesavers, both in surf sports and patrolling. Their experience and attitude can only be beneficial. We wish them well.
Rowing
In the world of surf boat racing, all is looking good for the Noosa Heads Surf Club.
Boat Captain Andrew Fox reports that they have six boat crews in training.
“This season we are happy to report that we have an U19 men’s crew, two U19 women’s, one U23 women’s, one reserve grade women’s and a men’s masters.
Also, we have just taken delivery of a new boat which will soon be launched. The sponsor’s name will be announced later in the week.”
But the best news of all is that for the third season in a row, the Noosa Club will play host the Australia’s Surf Rowers League, Queensland Carnival .
This will take place on 15 October at Noosa Main Beach starting at 9am. This is always a good day of racing and as the boats are a great spectator sport, a good crowd is always in attendance.
Little Athletics
As with the start of every Little Athletics season, last weekend was a come and train trial day.
This is the day that the little children get to have their first attempt at athletics, running, hurdle races, broad jumping and other events.
As this is a day of fun it is done at a cost of just $10 to the family.
Head coach Mick Hooper was very pleased with the outcome.
“The first weekend the attendance was small, but this weekend was a great turnout with a total of 48 children on the track and field having a go.
“We had a total of eight lanes on the running track, with each track having six kids lined up to have their turn at having a run.”
This weekend some nine athletes will travel to Townsville to contest the North Queensland championships. We wish them and their families good luck.
