By Dave Gleeson
LAST weekend the Sunshine Beach Nippers aged from Under 11s to Under 15s travelled to Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Club for the first Sunshine Coast teams carnival of the year.
Teams carnivals include events where all Nippers need to work together to achieve results and the Sunshine Beach Nippers again dominated on the beach and in the water.
Saturday was the younger kids (Under 11s and Under 13s) turn to shine whereas the older kids (Under 14s and Under 15s) were in action on the Sunday.
Each day started with the beach relays and then onto the water events which included board rescue (one swimmer and one board paddler who ‘rescues’ the swimmer and brings them back to shore), surf teams (team of four swimmers with combined results counting towards team points), board relay (three board paddlers each who complete a leg of the relay) and also the cameron relay teams (two runners, one board paddler and one swimmer competing a relay course).
There was a great display of athleticism from all Sunshine Beach competitors with winners across all age groups in many events.
Along with the great challenge these youngsters get from competing against other Sunshine Coast clubs, most importantly these team events are helping to train our kids to become future lifesavers and teaching the young Nippers future lifesaving skills and conditioning them to reach and rescue a swimmer in distress if needed.
Along with the great racing, these carnivals are great social events for the Nippers who learn how to work together with their mates, form great strong friendships and bonds for life.
Nippers registrations are open until late November, so to inquire about joining Sunshine Beach Nippers (open for children aged 6 to 14), contact Terri Atkin at 5447 5491 or lifesaving@sunshinebeachslsc.com.au.
