Ayr Surf Club Hits Podium at State Youth Lifesaving Titles

Over the weekend, more than 700 of the state’s top youth athletes from 53 lifesaving clubs descended on Maroochydore to compete on the sand and in the surf at the Queensland Youth State Lifesaving Championships. The 14 members from the Ayr Surf Club had a fantastic weekend, taking on very tough competition in challenging conditions. With incredible individual and team performances progressing through heats, quarters, semis, and finals, our members brought home multiple podium finishes — as well as a few close fourths.

“All of our athletes should be extremely proud of their efforts, representing the Ayr Surf Club and the North Barrier Branch with the highest level of sportsmanship and professionalism,” said Ayr Surf Life Saving member and junior activities coordinator Kellie Lawry.

Ayr Surf Club Excels in State R&R and Beach Events

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The four-day competition kicked off with Ayr's first five-person R&R team in decades, alongside our two-person teams, with all three teams claiming silver medals. Ayr’s U13/15 five-person team—Emilee Wassmuth, Charlotte Dale, Luca Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, and Briella Wassmuth—narrowly missed out on gold by just 0.5 points, taking home a well-deserved silver medal. Charlotte and Emilee also claimed silver in the U13/14 two-person R&R, narrowly beaten by the current Australian champions. Briella paired with Amalie from Arcadian Club to also win silver in the U14/15 two-person R&R, finishing behind a fellow North Barrier Branch team. Several of Ayr’s athletes also took on the 1km and 2km beach runs on Thursday afternoon, delivering strong performances.

Friday and Saturday saw Ayr’s athletes compete in a variety of individual and team water and beach events over two massive days of back-to-back competition. The club’s participants experienced a mix of success, progressing through various rounds and putting their hard work and training to the test. Taylor Chapman claimed a silver medal as part of the U12 Female 2x500m Beach Run Relay, and a bronze as part of the U12 Female Beach Relay. Milla Chapman earned a bronze in the U14 Mixed Beach Relay, as well as another bronze with Alyssa Irvine in the All Age Relay.

The final day of competition featured surf race finals and board semi-finals, with several strong performances. Four of Ayr’s members also competed in the March Past event, claiming a silver medal alongside their North Barrier Branch teammates.

Overall, the championships were a roaring success and a fantastic way to cap off the SLSQ competitive season for our Ayr Surf Club members.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry

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1 - Ayr's 5 person R&R team - Briella Wassmuth, Charlotte Lawry, Luca Lawry, Charlotte Dale & Emilee Wassmuth - Silver

Pic 2 - Briella Wassmuth & Amalie Edwards (Arcadian) - U14/15 2 Person R&R - Silver

Pic 3 - Emilee Wassmuth & Charlotte Lawry - U13/14 2 Person R&R - Silver

Pic 4 - Taylor Chapman (with partner Aria) in U12 2x500m Beach Run Relay - 2^nd

Pic 5 - All Age Relay Team - including Alyssa Irvine & Milla Chapman - 3rd

Pic 6 - Audrey Rickards - U11 Female beach flags

Pic 7 - Mahli McShane in U11 Surf Team

Pic 8 - NBB March Past Team - including Briella & Emilee Wassmuth & Charlotte & Luca Lawry - 2nd

Pic 9 - Taylor Chapman - U12 Female beach relay

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