Ocean Beach performs strongly in Nippers Carnival

Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club had several strong performances during the inaugural Nippers Carnival for the 2018-19 beach season.

The carnival was hosted by Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club on November 4, and saw 15 different clubs from across the Central Coast and Hunter region field a fresh crop of Nippers for their first ever surf sport carnival.

"A lovely sunny day greeted the almost 800 young competitors, including more than 100 Under-8's competing in their very first carnival and expectations and excitement was high across the board," said Ocean Beach's director of junior activities, Ms Kylie Falconer.

"Ocean Beach finished in eighth place, with 10 medals and a number of strong performances across individual and team disciplines.

"The sky, navy and maroon cap of Ocean Beach was prominent on the winner's dais early, getting off to the perfect start by winning the first two events of the day, the Under-13's and Under-15's Rescue and Resuscitation event.

"Due to an early morning high tide, the carnival program was changed to run water events next with Ocean Beach's main success coming in the Under-12's," Ms Falconer said.

Jacob Falconer won the board race, came second in the surf race and third in the Ironman.

Olivia Edwards broke through for her first medal in the surf race, scoring a bronze.

These two also combined with Ryan Mason and Katelyn Wardell for silver in the Mixed Cameron Relay.

"Not to be outdone, the Under-12 Boys (Ryan, Jacob, Harry Beaton and Johnathan Hall) took gold in their sprint relay.

"Ryan also came through for an individual silver in the flags event.

"The Under-9's didn't achieve as much success but Thomas Johnston marked himself as a star of the future, coming second in a thrilling surf race," Ms Falconer said.

"Compared to other clubs, Ocean Beach's Under 8's had a small competitor turnout in their first carnival but there were a number of strong performances in the wade race and beach events.

"All the kids showed great heart and signs of significant improvement in the near future.

"The best result of the day went to Chloe Hall who was desperately unlucky to be pipped into third in her sprint race.

"Jacob Falconer capped off an excellent carnival by being selected in the Central Coast Interbranch Team," Ms Falconer said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 9 Nov 2018

Kylie Falconer, Ocean Beach SLSC