COFFS Harbour Surf Life Saving Club teams have triumphed at one of the most iconic events in Australian sport.

The club’s Surf Sports Teams achieved top results competing at this year’s Coolangatta Gold.

The Coffs teams covered the 21km short course event, completing surf ski (10.5km), swim (2km), board (3km) and run (5.5km), as they competed in classic, light wind conditions.

Coffs Harbour’s Under 19 team consisting of Lucy Wilde, Holly Becker, Cohen Franklin and Hudson Barry finished first in the mixed teams category, while the Under 19 team of Payton Lawler, Coco Backhouse, Elliot Hulbert and Cooper Gunther finished second.

The club’s Under 17 team of Xavier Hulbert, Ethan Dawson, Maddison O’Leary and Abbey Lawler finished second in their age group.

Coffs teams finished prominently in the mixed teams category, placing 8th (Under 17 Drop Bears), 15th (Under 19 Bananas) and 26th (Under 19 Sleepyheads).

Over 90 teams male, female and mixed completed the short course event, with Coffs Under 17 team placing 42nd, with the Under 19s placing 57th and 79th overall.

Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club Captain Grant Lawler said the young athletes had put in the necessary training to prepare for such a gruelling event.

“Having completed their 20 weeks of endurance training in the lead up to the event the teams approached the race with confidence that they had prepared for the gruelling test,” he said.

“The event traditionally prepares surf sport athletes for the upcoming season,” he said.

“Having been a first for all the youth competitors of the club, it is a credit to their dedication and willingness to train over the winter months.

“As part of the club’s pathway program supported by the John and Marge Mills Coaching bursary, the athletes are learning what it takes to prepare and support compete in this type of arena.

“The club wishes to thank its families and coaches for supporting the group.

“The Coffs Harbour club is extremely proud of the achievements.

“The group now switches their attention to the shorter formats of competitive surf sports racing.

“We look forward to the season ahead.”

By Aiden BURGESS