COFFS Coast surf life savers have done their club and region proud at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships.
Six athletes and two surf boat crews from Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club (CHSLSC) travelled south to Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club last week to compete at the championships – returning home with outstanding results and an impressive fourth-place finish overall among all competing country clubs.
Contested in typically challenging open water conditions along the Lake Macquarie coastline, competitors faced shifting sandbanks, powerful sweeps and solid surf throughout the carnival.
Long days on the beach and in the water tested fitness, skill and composure, separating the best from the rest.
After a season shaped by early mornings, ocean swims, board paddles and relentless training sessions, the Coffs Harbour team rose to the challenge.
Leading the charge was Masters competitor Grant McConnell in the 40–44 Male division.
McConnell delivered a standout performance, claiming State gold in the board race and backing it up with a silver medal in the Iron.
He also secured fifth place in the ski and finished 11th in a highly competitive surf race field.
In the Adaptive Arena division, Sara Bergen dominated her events, taking first place across the board to complete a remarkable clean sweep at State level.
The club’s younger athletes also proved they can compete strongly against the best in NSW.
In the Under 19 Male division, Sam Carswell sprinted and dived his way to a silver medal in beach flags before placing sixth in the sprint.
Quinn Evans narrowly missed the podium in the Under 17 Male flags, finishing fifth in a tight final.
The future of the club looks bright, with Under 12 competitors gaining invaluable State experience.
Violet Webster battled hard in the flags to finish 12th, while Hope Mengel placed 18th in the surf race against a strong field of emerging ocean talent.
The club’s surf boat crews also performed admirably in difficult conditions.
The Open Male crew progressed to Round 2, finishing sixth in their heat, while the Reserve Grade Men powered through to the semifinals, ultimately placing fifth – a strong result at State level.
Coffs Harbour Surf Sports Manager Joanne O’Leary said the performances were a reflection of the dedication shown throughout the season.
“I am exceptionally proud of all of our athletes,” she said.
“They have committed countless hours to training and preparation, and to see that hard work translate into results at State Championships level is incredibly rewarding.”
With the NSW titles complete, focus now shifts to the national stage, with many athletes preparing to travel north to North Kirra for the upcoming Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
By David WIGLEY
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