Sunshine nippers rock

From left - Freya Wilson and Abbie Tolano ecstatic to qualify for the State Under-11 Board Rescue. IMAGE: Surfshots Noosa

By NATASHA FABULIC

DICKY Beach saw a huge weekend of competition at the Sunshine Coast Youth Championships – the coast’s major nipper carnival for the year before the Queensland State Junior Surf Life Saving Titles at Maroochydore in three weeks.
Over two scorching days under-11 to under-15 nipper competitors from thirteen clubs slogged it out in the sand and water events giving it their all and then some more.
The fabulous conditions meant competitors were able to put into action all their beach, board and swim skills. After six months of training with top coaches and age managers they were reaping the rewards of success.
For the under-11 age group the pressure was well and truly on. In order for this age group to be able to compete at the State Junior Carnival they must first qualify in their events at Branch and after two very hard days of constant competition in heats, semi-finals then finals, many succeeded.
The under 12s and under 15s also kicked on, achieving excellent results.
Sunshine Beach again punched well above its weight division with first place on handicap and third overall on points, behind super-clubs Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland.
Sunshine nippers can now feel confident taking on the rest of the state at the Junior State Carnival on March 20 to 22.