Five athletes in Central Coast surf team

Five athletes from Umina Surf Life Saving Club were part of the Central Coast team that placed third at the 2013 NSW Surf Life Saving Interbranch Championships held at Soldiers Beach on the weekend of December 14 and 15.

The team finished on 1244 points behind first placed Sydney on 1337.5 and second placed Sydney Northern Beaches on 1315.5.

Competitors from Umina comprised Lachlan and Harry Braddish who competed in the under-12 and under-14 events respectively, Leilani Healey who competed in the under-12 events, Mimosa Henderson in the under-14 events and Jemma Smith in the under-15 events.

Lachlan placed first in the under-12 male board race and male surf race, Mimosa placed first in the under-14 female board rescue, first in the female iron woman, third in the female surf race and fifth in the female board race, Leilani placed sixth in the under-12 female beach sprint, Harry placed fourth in the under-14 male beach flags and Jemma placed sixth in the under-15 female surf race.

Female team captain Rachelle King said she was proud of the whole team.

"Central Coast has really improved this year in all areas of competition.

"We are all about team spirit and that really puts us at an advantage.

"As captain, my goal this year was to create a loving and supportive environment because I think you need that in order to race well," said Rachelle.

Media release, 16 Dec 2013

Alix Vanny, NSW Surf Life Saving Australia