AS SOUTH West Rocks prepares to host the NSW Country Surf Life Saving Championships tomorrow, a number of competitors both senior and nippers will be swimming, running, paddling and rowing for success.
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South West Rocks Surf Club marketing director Rory Dewhurst said the nippers will have a strong team going into this weekend.
“We have 45 nippers competing on their home beach and for many this is their first country titles but for a few this will be their last as a junior,” Dewhurst said.
“They have been training hard for the whole season in preparation for this weekend and last Sunday saw our kids at the Branch Championships at Bonny Hills.
“They all did amazing with the likes of Radley Schubert and Malakai Busch who both won their first individual medals.
“We dominated most of the water events with Billie Maybon and Stella Thorman in the under 9’s, as well as Harry Askew, Jayden Allen and Mia Reilly in the under 10’s all gaining medals.
“Our little under 8’s also did themselves proud with Cleo Schubert and James Gaddes all gaining medals.”
South West Rocks nipper Kirralea Silvia was born to be in the water and the bubbly 11-year-old freely admits that she could not wait to become a nipper after watching her older sister compete for several seasons before finally becoming eligible herself.
Kirralea is a huge fan of iron woman superstar Courtney Hancock she revels in tough conditions, and is looking forward to competing on her home break on the weekend.
After winning a semi-final in the Iron Person at Mollymook and consistently placing in the top ten, she would love nothing more than to record a personal best in front of her club mates, family and friends.
“My favourite events are the swim and iron woman and these are my focus however, I also enjoy the board and team events,” Kirralea said.
“In previous years I have come in the top ten in the swim and iron person. My best result would be winning a semi-final in the iron person at the NSW Country Championships at Mollymook.
“I started surf lifesaving when I was 5-years-old at South West Rocks. I took after my older sister Carla when I would always watch her in carnivals, as I was too young to compete. My parents have also been involved in surf lifesaving for many years.
“I am going quite well with my training and I’m doing pool sessions everyday as well as surf swims and board.
“I plan to do my very best in the water events especially the swim and the iron women . I would like to aim for a top ten finish. Who knows, with a little bit of luck anything can happen. I will also be trying my very best in all the other events.”
Whatever the result one thing is absolutely guaranteed and that is when the race is over Kirralea Silvia will still be smiling.
