The Ocean Grove SLSC Junior Championships on Sunday were the ideal dress rehearsal for Nippers ahead of the Junior State Championships season finale in Lorne.
Around 130 local Nippers took part in the junior club event at Ocean Grove main beach in warm conditions and a low tide on 17 February.
Ocean Grove SLSC Nipper Assistant Coaching and Training Coordinator, Peter Walsh said it was a great turnout that showcased the skills of all junior competitors from the season.
“Our Club Champs showcased the skills throughout the season as well going out there and having fun and supporting their teammates, while at the same time replicating that competitor atmosphere in preparation for the Junior State Championships,” Walsh told the Voice.
Walsh said it was a special day for Under 8 Nippers, who did not compete at the Lorne based state titles on 23 and 24 February.
The club titles at the Ocean Grove SLSC culminated with a junior event for Under 8s with fellow Nippers, coaches and parents lining the beach to support.
“We have had a big group of Under 8s and they have just had fun all year, they enjoy coming out getting out the back – the skills they have learnt, the coaches that they have had (are) fantastic,” he said.
Walsh paid tribute to club junior coaches for their hard work this season including the outgoing Adam Foord.
“It was about increasing numbers of coaches, just so more kids can get out in the water – we can have more eyes on kids to build their skills,” Walsh said.
“Our main coach in the Under 8s Adam (Foord) has got a child in Under 13s so it is his last year in Nippers.
“He is really emotional about the fact he won’t be part of the program next year – we are starting a bit of a viral campaign #bringbackadam – we want him back next year.”
