Challenging Conditions at the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Nipper and Youth Australian Championships

The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships began at North Kirra on the Gold Coast, with the Nipper and Youth Championships on 29-30 March. Harsh weather led to water event cancellations and a reduced beach program. Ayr Surf Club’s seven youth competitors performed well despite event limitations. Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth and Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth placed 6th in their R&R finals, with Bella & Briella as the top Queensland team. Other members excelled in beach and ocean events. The season ends with the Championships, but patrols continue until May, with a new season starting in July.

The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships kicked off on the weekend at North Kirra on the Gold Coast, with the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Nipper and Youth Championships taking place on the 29th & 30th March.

This annual event where members from the 314 Surf Clubs across Australia come together to compete in more than 480 beach and ocean events, is the largest event of its kind, only comparing the likes of the Commonwealth Games. Wet and wild conditions greeted competitors on the opening day of the Championships, with all water events cancelled and a limited number of beach events run in horrendous conditions after the program was revised.

Delays in the start of competition had competitors nervously waiting for their opportunity at a national title and the uncertainty of proceedings and conditions making for a very unsettled morning. Beach flags and R&R were the only events that could be held as part of day one youth competition, with the youngsters battling the wild winds and rain.

The seven youth members from the Ayr Surf Club - Isla Chapman, Bella Lawry, Briella Wassmuth, Zachary Dale, Milla Chapman, Charlotte Lawry and Emilee Wassmuth - all had a very solid carnival with the limited events they were able to partake in due to the shortened program.

Both the 2 Person R&R teams: U14/15s - Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth & U13/14s - Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth, had strong performances in their heats to advance to the finals and both teams placed 6th in some very close and tough competition, with only a handful of points separating all teams and several countbacks to determine placings. Bella & Briella were the top Queensland team in their competition which was taken out by Brighton SLSC, and Charlotte & Emilee were the 4th Queensland team, with the top 3 QLD teams taking out the medals; Redcliffe, Burleigh and Townsville-Picnic Bay respectively.

The other 3 members took to the ocean and beach for their events, having to choose between specific events due to clashes in the revised program and missing additional events which were cancelled due to further deteriorating conditions on Sunday and all 3 youth members performed exceptionally well and should be proud of their efforts.

The Australian Championships brings the 2024/25 competition season to a close, however beaches will still be patrolled across Queensland until the end of the May Day long weekend and a new season of lifesaving for both Juniors and Seniors will be kicking off at the end of July. If you are interested in joining the Ayr Surf Club, please contact ayrslsc@gmail.com or the Ayr Surf Club Public.

Contributed by Ayr Surf Club.

R&R Teams - Charlotte Lawry, Emilee Wassmuth, Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth
U14/15 2 Person R&R - Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth
U13/14 2 Person R&R - Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth
Zachary Dale
Isla & Milla Chapman