Why Coast nippers are set to shine

In The Surf column this week reveals why our nippers are the talk of the town.

NIPPERS’ action continues to heat up across the state, with the Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving Championships now just over a month away.

Last weekend saw youngsters from Tallebudgera through to Rainbow Bay line up to contest the Point Danger Branch Championships at North Kirra, with a number of sensational performances across the two days of racing.

This weekend the focus shifts to the South Coast Branch as hundreds of junior lifesavers from our northern Gold Coast clubs dive in at Burleigh Heads in their bid to qualify for the state titles at the same location next month.

Burleigh Heads nipper coach Ty Dowker said it would be a great opportunity to race at home ahead of state titles.

“The big focus for us as a club this weekend is all about qualifying for the state championships, which will obviously be on our home beach at beautiful Burleigh,” he said.

“We’ll be hoping to qualify as many teams as we can, and hopefully give as many kids as possible the opportunity to represent Burleigh, have fun at the State Championships, and get a taste of competition at that level.

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“This year for us has been a year of growth and redevelopment for our surf sports. We were very dominant a number of years ago, and the last 18 months have been about rebuilding that foundation and growth.

“We’ve had a brilliant season to date though and we’ve had a lot of new members who have never been at the club before come through which has been great.”

This year’s Queensland Youth Championships will mark the 50th anniversary of the sport’s pinnacle junior event, with more than 1600 competitors expected to line up across three days of racing.

Dowker said it was exciting for the club to be hosting the state’s top junior lifesavers, and hopes the local conditions will prove an advantage.

“Burleigh’s a beautiful beach and a beautiful location, so to have the opportunity to host the State Championships at our own beach is awesome,” he said.

“The kids would race anywhere, but to compete at home, at the beach they train on, and to do it in front of their family and friends will definitely be an exciting time.

“Just being used to the surroundings and environment is always a big plus so psychologically, it’s probably an advantage.

“Since it was announced last year there’s been a great buzz and vibe about it. The whole club has got right behind it, it’s not just a nipper or youth championships, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the beautiful beach and the great club we have here at Burleigh as well.”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 Hundreds of lifesavers will contest the 2018 Queensland Surf Rescue Championships at Mermaid Beach from February 15-17.

 The state’s top lifesavers will be in action at the final round of this year’s Ocean6 Series on February 23-24.