Mackay nippers prepare for tough competition

The prestigious North Aussies carnival will attract more than 500 competitors from across Queensland

Alani Pembroke and Briana Baker at the Eimeo Tri-series surf life saving carnival.

AN ACTION-PACKED weekend of surf and sun has readied Mackay region nippers for the upcoming North Aussies competition.

Tri-series Eimeo carnival, held on Saturday, was a training day that attracted more than 250 competitors from Eimeo, Mackay and Sarina Surf Lifesaving Clubs.

It was the region’s first carnival for the surf lifesaving season, which runs from September to May.

Age manager Steve Sayer organises the nippers at the Eimeo Tri-series Surf Life Saving Carnival.

Eimeo SLSC junior activities co-ordinator Marti Harris said it was a great event for nippers to develop their technique and bond with other competitors.

This year’s turnout was much bigger than last year, he said.

“It was a great event, we have had more and more people joining up for surf lifesaving and the numbers on the weekend definitely proved that.

“There are a lot of nippers with potential to go far, and they are excited to travel to other carnivals this season.”

North Aussies will be held this weekend at Mackay Harbour Beach. More than 500 competitors from Hervey Bay to Port Douglas will travel to Mackay for the prestigious event.

Mr Harris said only the “best athletes” would be competing.

“It’s a very tough event, we have about 11 competitors from Eimeo SLSC taking part,” he said.

“There will be Ironman and Ironwoman events, beach flags, sprints and surf categories.”

North Aussies begins on Friday and finishes on Sunday. Head to the 2019 North Aussies event page on Facebook for more information.

Originally published as