Pictures: Hunter nippers take on the best in the state

Hunter branch had two clubs in the top four after outstanding efforts at the NSW Surf Life Saving Age Championships.

Competitors hit the water during the final of the under-10 Female Surf Race at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

Hunter clubs made their presence felt at the NSW Surf Life Saving Age Championships, securing third and fourth position at the prestigious event.

Swansea Belmont’s Kai Cook in the under-11 Male Board at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

Competitors in action during an under-11 Female Board quarter-final at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

Cooks Hill backed up its overall win at last year’s championships with a third placing on 184 points, while host club Swansea Belmont narrowly missed out on a podium finish, trailing Cooks Hill by just nine points.

But it was North Curl Curl’s massive win – and their considerable improvement on their seventh place in 2019 – that had everyone talking.

Redhead’s Sunny Hoffman secures a flag during the under-9 Male Flags event at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

Competitors in action during the under-9 Male Flags event of the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

For the Hunter region, the outstanding performance of Swansea Belmont’s Zara Foran was a highlight. In her last junior championships, she won all her individual events (swim, board, ironperson) and was integral to the team win in the under-14 mixed Cameron relay.

This year was the second time that a dedicated Inclusive events program was run as part of the Championships. Around 35 Nippers with a disability competed for fun and medals, double the number of last year. Clubs from around the state who conduct Inclusive Nippers programs were represented.

The Championships continue on Wednesday with the Masters Championships and then again on Friday with the Opens weekend. The NSW Surf Life Saving Championships are proudly supported by Your local club and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Competitors wait on the start line before an under-11 Male Board quarter-final at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

Competitors in action at the start of the under-11 Female Board quarter-final event at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook

Competitors on the start line before their under-11 Female Board quarter-final event at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Blacksmiths Beach on Friday, 28 February, 2020. Picture: Troy Snook