WANDA 2nd at 2021 NSW OPEN SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wanda SLSC has finished second at the 2021 NSW Open Surf Life Saving Championships.

On 390 points, Wanda placed behind last years’ winner Newport SLSC (466 points), and ahead of third place Swansea Belmont SLSC (241 points). Rounding out the top ten clubs were Manly (151), Coogee (139), North Bondi (129), Cronulla (113), Elouera SLSC (112), Mollymook (94) and Bulli (88).

Wanda SLSC Director Surf Sports Greg Pierce was pleased with the result and highlighted the whole-of-club effort needed to do well.

“It was another strong year for us, we built on last year with an outstanding team effort from every athlete and section. It’s always great to see competitors who have trained hard all year rewarded for their hard work.

“We thank club sponsor Tradies for their support of our state team, along with the many coaches, volunteers and helpers who dedicate so much time to ensuring we do well.

“There are so many highlights when you have a big team at the State Championships and it’s impossible to single out athletes.

“Our water section, coached by Nathan Smith, performed well in all areas, individually and in team events like the surf teams, taplins, belt race and tube rescue.

“The finals day for the water events was just so exciting to watch, with some superb results for Wanda. In all, the water team brought home 32 medals, including 10 state champions and a host of top 6 placings. We have great depth, with several teams in both the Open Men and Open Women’s Taplin finals, and look forward to many strong years ahead.

“The 1km and 2km beach runners, led by Jock Campbell, dominated their events with a 22 medal haul.  King of beach running Ali Najem again took out the Open Male 2km and Jessie Phelps the Open Women 2km.

“Our beach sprinters and flaggers were also strong, with Jamee Smith and Zara Lammers both winning silver in beach sprints. Great to see our Open Men Beach Relay team picking up gold again for the fourth consecutive year.

“Our dedicated and consistent R&R team, led by Gordon McKirdy, won the male open 5 person R&R, and medalled in both the Open 6 Person and Open Mixed 5 Person events, and look good for the upcoming Australian titles,” said Mr Pierce.

The 2021 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships Championships continue in coming weeks with Surf Boats, Lifesaving, Masters and March Past still to be held.

Wanda will now prepare for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (the Aussies) to be held on the Sunshine Coast in late April.

2021 NSW SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Reports, results, pointscore and photos
https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/news/eight-straight-state-titles-newport

SYDNEY BRANCH – RESCUE OF THE MONTH WINNER

Congratulations to Wanda’s Lachlan “Lachie” Crawford who was recognised as the Branch monthly winner Rescue of the Month for December.

Lachlan successfully rescued 2 near-drowning swimmers off track 15 at Wanda Beach on 27 December 2020 at approximately 3.43 pm. Lachlan was not on patrol at the time but was going for a body surf when he spotted the 2 POIs in trouble. Lachlan’s efforts to respond immediately to rescue these people certainly proved a positive outcome. Assistance was also aided by members of Elouera SLSC roving patrol, RWC operator Kane Hughes and Cameron Pyett and Jon Hayman Sutherland Shire Lifeguards. A great effort by all involved.

Leader News Item

SUPPORT SKI 1 & 2 LESSON

Support Ski 1 & 2 paid our U/14’s Nippers a visit on Sunday November 1, teaching them about the role of the rescue watercraft in Surf Life Saving and showing them some of the jet skis cool features. We are very thankful to both the operators and Surf Life Saving Sydney for this development opportunity.