Surf championships attracted more than 2500 athletes

Over 2500 beach and water athletes competed in the three-day 2016 Surf Life Saving NSW Open Championships held at Umina and Ocean Beach on March 12 and 13.

The open championships were the last events in the NSW championships hosted by Umina and Ocean Beaches from March 4 to 13.

Umina Surf Life Saving Club made it into the top 10 in the open championships, at sixth place with 134 points and ahead of rival Central Coast club Avoca.

Competitors ranged from Olympians, to professional surf stars, through to rising under 14s competing in opens for the first time.

During the course of the championship, competitor numbers were whittled down to the finalists, and then the ultimate gold, silver and bronze medallists.

For the third year, powerhouse club Newport won the state carnival on overall points, this time by a huge margin from rivals Manly.

A large crowd gathered early on the afternoon of Sunday, March 13 to cheer on their favourite in the blue-ribbon Ironwoman and Ironman events.

Both finals produced a thrilling display of power and technique in mostly flat seas and light sea breezes.

Surf Life Saving NSW sport manager Rob Pidgeon said he was thankful for the efforts of the dedicated team of volunteers over the championships.

"The 2016 NSW Championships has been an outstanding success thanks to Ocean Beach and Umina Surf Life Saving Clubs and it's a fitting end to four years of hosting the event," Pidgeon said.

"I would also like to thank Gosford Council for their support of this great event."

Surf clubs from as far north as Cudgen Headland (Kingscliff) and as far south as Narooma enjoyed superb conditions as the Peninsula's long hot summer continued well into autumn.

Spectators and competitors made the most of the fine weather, declared the best of the fourth and final carnival to be held at Umina and Ocean Beaches before the event moves to Swansea-Belmont in 2017.

Local clubs were well-represented in the age championships that were staged in the first week of the state event.

From Friday, March 4, almost 3000 competitors aged between nine and 14 from all around NSW hit the waves to compete in events including beach sprint, swimming, ski paddling, board Racing and ironman.

The state's best young lifesavers vied for medals and the chance to write their names into the history of the largest surf carnival of its type in Australia.

Surf Life Saving NSW claimed the event has generated almost $10 million in stimulus for the local economy each year it has been held.

Umina entered a strong team, fielding 87 competitors.

Media release, 13 Mar 2016

Rob Pidgeon, Surf Life Saving NSW