Former nipper Caitlin Knight takes out Jupiters Summer Surf Girl title

MEET the woman crowned the 2014 Jupiters Summer Surf Girl title - a woman described as the heart and soul of her club.

Caitlin Knight, of Dicky Beach SLSC, was selected from 23 entrants representing Queenslan

A FORMER Nipper who has become the heart and soul of her lifesaving club has won the 2014 Jupiters Summer Surf Girl title in its 50th anniversary year.

Caitlin Knight, of Dicky Beach, was selected from 23 entrants representing clubs from north Queensland to the NSW border on Saturday.

The 24-year-old won the overall title, judged on commitment to community education, surf lifesaving knowledge and fundraising initiatives.

She also claimed the highest fundraiser award after raising $128,487.11. Broadbeach’s Olivia Wilson was runner-up for the main title, while Morgan Marrinon from Pacific SLSC was presented with the Personality Award.

Ms Knight said she was looking forward to being an ambassador for the movement.

“Surf lifesaving has given me a great life and so many friends. It’s become family,’’ she said.

“The Surf Girl was an amazing experience and a great challenge.’’

Ms Knight said her main aim had been to create club unity through a range of activities and functions and this had sparked “a great vibe’’.

She also achieved the movement’s highest award – the gold medallion – requiring an elite level of rescue, resuscitation and patient care skills.

An inspirational all-rounder at Dicky Beach, Ms Knight will now turn her attention to competitive IRB racing through the winter months.

George Hill, SLSQ chief operating officer and chairman of the judging panel, said the judges were extremely impressed with the calibre of the 2014 Jupiters Summer Surf Girl entrants.

“Caitlin was really the standout throughout all aspects of the final judging,’’ he said.

“She has a long and proud history with surf lifesaving over the past 15 years, showing her strong ties to her club not only through fundraising but also through patrolling the beach, surf sports and her commitment to community education.’’