Six Ocean Grove youth competitors are off to the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Referred to as ‘The Aussies’, the competition is regarded as the most exciting event in the surf life saving sports calendar for even the most seasoned competitors, let alone the youngest.
Campbell Asher, Luke Bird, William Macdonald, Pippi McIntyre, Hudson Pearce and Tom Perez Pages will have their first test on the national stage as they travel to their first Surf Life Saving Australian Championships on the Sunshine Coast from April 16 to 24.
The six young guns will compete in a range of water events including board races, surf swim races, relays and the ‘blue ribbon’ ironperson event, comprising a swim, board paddle and two transition runs.
All are looking forward to the challenge and are making their final preparations to travel to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland with the Ocean Grove team for the first time.
“I’m really excited to test myself in Queensland’s challenging conditions against the best athletes in the country,” Pippi McIntyre said.
“Aussies didn’t go ahead last year due to COVID-19 so it’s great to finally have a chance to travel and compete with the team.”
The youth team will travel with the experienced Ocean Grove senior team of 20 plus, including Victorian Open Ironman Champion Jesse Coulson.
Coulson is hoping his state win will set him up for a strong performance on the national stage.
“I raced well at the Victorian Championships in Lorne so I’m in a great headset going into Aussies,” he said.
“We train in some tough conditions on the Surf Coast, so I’m feeling prepared to take on the Queensland surf conditions.”
