Umina Surf Lifesaving Club went home with a crowded trophy cabinet from the recent Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles at North Kirra, Queensland, despite Cyclone Debbie ending competition early.
The Titles were expected to run from March 25 to April 2, but wild weather and polluted surf forced competition to end with four days still to go. By that stage, the Umina Surf Lifesaving Club had already made huge strides in the youth and masters competitions. Lachlan Braddish was the standout, dominating the under-15 youth category with three gold medals, becoming Australian champion in the surf race and ironman events. He later joined club mates Lachlan McCleod, Blake Hessell and Brock Ray to claim gold in the surf teams.
Gold medal Taplin team Rachel Wood, Jazmyn Rodwell and Jemma Smith
Lachlan’s brother Kieran also impressed, winning a bronze in the under-19 surf board riding while his cousin, Harry, did the same, bolting in to win bronze in the under-17 beach sprint. Before the tournament was abandoned, the Umina Surf Lifesaving Club also looked impressive in the open competition. Jemma Smith, Jazmyn Rodwell and Rachel Wood won gold in the under-19 Taplin event, with Jemma Smith and Rachel Wood then joining Mimi Henderson and Claire Gafney for a silver in the under-19 surf team. Jemma Smith also won gold in the champion lifesaver competition held at Bilinga.
Her mother Kerry claimed silver in the over-40 age group. Kirsten Miller (under-15) and Christine Bishop (over-40) won bronze in their age groups. Under-17 competitors Bronte Smith and Hannah Murphy did exceptionally in the first aid competition coming fourth place. Former club president 70-year old Bill Cook won silver in the beach sprint and bronze in the flag event.
SOURCE: Media release, 11 Apr 2017 Richard Braddish, Umina SLSC