Pictures: first inclusive Branch nippers carnival at Copacabana

Inclusive nippers programs have taken off on the Central Coast and competitors loved getting in on the action at the branch carnival.

Avoca competitor Oren Barlow, 6, participates in the beach flags event at the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival. Picture: Troy Snook

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There were beaming smiles and high fives in abundance during the inaugural Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival at Copacabana Beach.

Avoca Beach competitor Max Stuart-Thornton is carried by Jemima Garven during the beach wade event at the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival. Picture: Troy Snook

Upwards of two dozen competitors, with a range of additional needs, took to the water and the sand to put into practice what they have been learning at their local clubs each weekend.

They contested sprint and flags events, as well as wade and modified swim, alongside dedicated volunteers.

Avoca Beach competitor Thomas Bridge in action during the beach wade in the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival at Copacabana Beach on Sunday. Picture: Troy Snook

A Copacabana competitor in action during the beach sprint at the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival at Copacabana Beach on Sunday. Picture: Troy Snook

North Entrance competitor Greyson Broadhurst (middle) in action during the beach sprint. Picture: Troy Snook

This is a new addition to the SLSCC calendar as eight of the fifteen Central Coast surf clubs are currently delivering inclusive programs.

Kate Broadhurst established the first Central Coast program at Avoca Beach four years ago and was in the thick of the action at the weekend.

“We recognised there was a real need for it – we’ve had a waiting list since we began,” she said.

“I thought it would take off and it absolutely has.”

Avoca Beach competitor Oren Barlow (middle) in action during the beach wade. Picture: Troy Snook

Copacabana competitor Quentin Furey is all smiles before the beach wade at the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival at Copacabana Beach. Picture: Troy Snook

Avoca Beach competitors knew what to expect at the branch level, after being among those who competed at NSW level last season.

“Our kids knew what to expect but the others who competed absolutely loved it. I think it will have given a lot of them the confidence to go to State,” Broadhurst said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the inclusive programs offered by surf lifesaving clubs should contact Surf Life Saving Central Coast on 4353 0299 or go to slscc.com.au

Competitors and assistants run to the water during the beach swim at the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival . Picture: Troy Snook

Copacabana competitor Brynn Fielden prepares to participate in the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival at Copacabana Beach. Picture: Troy Snook

Avoca Beach competitor Oren Barlow prepares to participate in the beach flags at the Surf Life Saving Central Coast Inclusive Branch Carnival at Copacabana Beach. Picture: Troy Snook