SUMMER is officially over but it’s certainly heating up for the local Nippers from Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens heading to the NSW Life Saving Championships this weekend.

10-year-old Sophie Howarth from Tea Gardens is leading the charge after she won two Gold Medals at last month’s Age Hunter Branch Championships.

“She won the U10 age group Flags and Sprint, Junior Secretary Kate Maddison told News Of The Area.

“This is no easy feat, as most other competitors have additional coaching for these sports.”

To the rescue, local Life Savers of the Year, Jan and Tony Logue.

“We, as a little club were unable to provide this (coaching) until recently, when Jan and Tony Logue volunteered their time on a Saturday morning at 8.30am.

“Jan and Tony have both received podium results at Branch, State, the Aussies and the Worlds.”

“Sophie is a natural on the sand, she is our little rocket.”

For a small club, the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Surf Life Saving Club currently have 93 registered Nippers.

“To send a team of six to branch was a great effort,” Kate said.

“All six performed extremely well, it was a big shock to the other clubs how competitive our little club can be.”

If you’d like to support Sophie Howarth, Ella Howarth and Tiarna Chester at the NSW Championships this weekend, then head to Blacksmiths Beach at Swansea Belmont.

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By Margie TIERNEY