MEDIA RELEASE – February 11, 2020
SEASPRAY’S NIPPERS COME OUT ON TOP AT LAKES ENTRANCE
A strong contingent of nippers from Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, including plenty of first-timers, competed at the Lakes Entrance Nippers Carnival on Sunday.
The weather may have been gloomy, but Seaspray President Amanda Castle said the local team of nippers was excited and keen to compete against friends old and new from the Lakes Entrance and Woodside surf clubs.
“It was the first carnival for many of our families and nippers and I think they all enjoyed the friendly and supportive atmosphere that you find at all of our local carnivals,” Mrs Castle said.
“The club was proud of the performances of all our outstanding young competitors. We are all particularly proud of those who are with us for their first season this year and came along to their first carnival with a great attitude.”
The water events were held in the lake by the footbridge due to the rough surf conditions.
The Seaspray club, which was declared the overall winner at the carnival, will this weekend host Lakes Entrance and Woodside when it holds its nippers carnival on Sunday morning.
Mrs Castle encouraged spectators to come down to the beach to support all of the competitors.
“The carnival is a good opportunity to support the club’s youngest members, who might one day patrol our beach and keep you and your family safe,” Mrs Castle said.
“It’s also a chance for anyone who might be thinking of joining the program to see what we do at Nippers.”
The carnival will run from 9am until around lunchtime. To book a table for lunch at the Waves Bistro and Sand Bar, call 5146 4231.
Jimmy Greenwood came first in the under 12 boys surf swim, beach sprint and board race and the under 13 boys iron nipper event.
Max Castle won the under 14 boys board race, beach sprint and iron nipper event, and came second in the surf swim and beach flags.
Lola Van Berkel came first in the under 10 girls board race, wade, surf swim and iron nipper, third in the beach sprint and fourth in the beach flags.
The Stephenson family came home smiling with older sister Charlotte winning the under 13 girls board race and iron nipper, and coming second in the surf swim, beach flags and beach sprint; brother Leo coming first in the under 11 boys board race, wade race, iron nipper and beach flags, and second in the beach sprint; and youngest brother Remy placing first in the under 9 boys surf swim, board race and beach flags and second in the beach sprint.
Max McLay came first in all of his events in the under 10 boys, including the iron nipper, while his younger brother Jack came first in the surf swim, board race and beach flags, second in the beach sprint and third in the wade race.
Winners representing Seaspray in the iron nipper event, which comprises a swim, board and run leg, were (from left to right) Lola Van Berkel (under 10 girls), Max McLay (under 10 boys), Jimmy Greenwood (under 13 boys), Max Castle (rear, under 14 boys), Leo Stephenson (under 11 boys), Charlotte Stephenson (under 13 girls) and Lily Canfield (under 11 girls).
Mackenzie Gibbs swam strongly to win the under 8 girls surf swim at the Lakes Entrance Nippers Carnival.
Adelaide Ripper (centre) won the under 9 girls board event with Milly O’Brien (right), who placed second. Their teammate Ellie Reid (left) came sixth. Earlier, Milly won the under 9 girls surf swim with Adelaide in second place.
Seaspray’s team of nippers, some of whom were competing at their first carnival, were in high spirits during the Lakes Entrance Nippers Carnival on Sunday, despite the grey sky and early rain.