Avoca Beach’s Natalia Drobot has taken gold in the U19 Female Single Ski Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Perth.
“It means a lot, coming from Avoca – there’s only a small number of us here,” Drobot said.
“Just putting the cap on and racing for them is special, and getting a win for them as well makes it incredible.”
The 18-year-old is currently training on the Gold Coast as part of Paddle Australia’s Sprint Kayaking National Centre of Excellence, saying the flat conditions at Scarborough Beach worked in her favour.
“I think definitely in these flat conditions, my kayaking training has paid off a lot,” Drobot said.
“I’m super happy to have these conditions; I know everyone else loves to have a big surf but for a kayaker it’s a dream out there,” she said.
Earlier in the week, Drobot teamed up with Avoca Beach clubmate and fellow Australia kayaker Ella Beereto win gold in the Open Female Double Ski.
“Coming into this event we had no expectations on us because this is our first carnival of the year,” Drobot said.
“Coming away with two golds is just incredible, it’s a bonus.
“Being here, with everyone, is a win already and having the medals just adds to it.
“It means a lot to even be allowed to do this carnival as a kayaker; I’m feeling very lucky.”
Source:
Australian Surf Life Saving Championships