Surf Coast Times & Bellarine Times

Rough seas and big surf at Torquay Main Beach forced the relocation of the Junior Surf Coast Regional Championships on Sunday to the more sheltered waters of Cosy Corner.

Over 450 young competitors from Anglesea, Torquay, Jan Juc, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Fairhaven battled it out on the beach and in the water for their team and a spot in the coveted State Championships in March at Lorne.

Manager of Torquay SLSC’s Under 14s Damien Horan said they had been glad to have moved to Cosies given the conditions.

“There was a lot of water moving around, and lots of chop; the little kids did it hard, but Lifesaving Victoria managed it very well.”

Lifesaving Victoria’s manager of aquatic sports Drew Urlichs said apart from a few cuts on feet, the day ran smoothly.

“We had some really good results, a lot of people watching, and the weather was great.”

In results, Torquay earned top spot, dominating in many of the board and beach relays, with Jan Juc in second, and Anglesea placing third overall.

Mr Horan said Torquay’s winter training was paying off, and the result puts them in an exceptional spot for the State Championships.

“We have some exceptional athletes, and we had a great day given the conditions. It was a real feel-good day for the whole team.”

Mr Horan said although nippers events are about having fun, the reality is that once the youngsters get their qualifications, they will be on the beach saving lives in the future.

“We’re training up hundreds of junior lifesavers, and that’s what these weekends are all about.”

Nippers will be back in action this weekend at the third Junior State Carnival of the season, at Warrnambool SLSC (Saturday). For all results head to www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au.