A small but strong team of 20 Mackay Surf Lifesaving competitors recently took on the best of the best on their home turf, the beautiful Harbour Beach, for the North Barrier Branch Titles, the premier surf sports event for this region.
With competitors vying to take out the championships from clubs as far North as Ingham and South to Sarina, the team performed exceptionally well taking out a total of 63 podium finishes with 21 gold, silver and bronze placings, plus a number of minor placings.
Mackay competitors from U8’s up to masters took part in a range of events, from beach flags, beach sprints, beach relays, endurance runs, wade races, surf swims, board races, ironman/woman events and swim / board / ski and Cameron and Taplin relays (which combines all water events).
“Our club culture is that we are small in numbers but strong in determination and this certainly showed in the results at Branch Titles," said Josh Grant, the Mackay Director of Surf Sports.
“The team events have really been a strong point for our club, where we can field teams, including having younger nippers step up, we dominate.
“As a club we could not be prouder,” he added.
“Our Masters crew should also be commended for taking out both the open and masters Taplin Relay, one of the grand finales to the whole weekend of surf sports.”
Images:
1. Mackay Nippers having some fun between events. Photo credits: Leah McLean Photography
2. Masters Team after smashing the board relay and taking out 1st place
3. U10 Harry Madden (centre / front) in action in beach flags finals, later taking out 1st place
4. U14 Junior Club Captains Molly Madden & Bodie Mau after taking out their board races
5. U9’s Jakob Djukic 1st & Tallon Close 2nd in beach flags
6. Mackay water safety volunteers enjoying what they do
