Record entries in surf carnival

Both Umina and Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving have entered over 200 competitors into the upcoming Telstra NSW Junior Surf Life Saving Championships.

Host clubs Umina and Ocean Beach are entering 120 and 90 competitors respectively in the event from February 25 to 27.

Entries for the event officially closed on February 4 with a record number of 3956 competitors set to come together on the Peninsula for the event.

With 155 children aged from seven to 14 entered, Terrigal will be the second most represented club behind Cronulla with 193.

The 15 Central Coast clubs posted 4262 entries for 995 competitors, second only to the Sydney clubs with a total of 4306 entries and 1037 contestants.

The youngsters will perform in sprint, flags, surf and board races as well as the iron man and woman events.

The following week from March 3 to 6, the senior and Masters competitors will also converge on Ocean Beach for the NRMA Insurance 2005 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships.

Organisers expect the two carnivals will bring at least 14,000 competitors, spectators and officials to the area and have estimated an $8 million boost to the Coast's economy.

Press release, February 8 David Lyall, Hanson Sports Media