THE Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club has good reason to celebrate after a record breaking medal haul at the recent State Championships held at Blacksmiths Beach.

With competitors on the sand and in the water TGHN came away with 6 Gold and 4 Silver Medals, the largest haul the club has ever won at such a prestigious medal carnival and against the best in the State.

The Club’s Peter Rogers told News Of The Area, “There are a 129 Surf Clubs in NSW from Brunswick Heads to Pambula, and in the final point score Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest came in 23rd.”

“That’s an unbelievable result when you look at the number of competitors entered for TGHN versus other clubs in the State.’’

LJ Chester, Kate Maddison, Peta Shelton, Kelly Pietsch and Justine Cruise, swept by the Scuba Howell, won Gold in the Master Women’s Surfboat.

“An achievement that will go down in the club’s history and another chapter for Ian Dunlop to write about,” Peter said.

“The first boat crew in TGHN history to win a Gold medal at the State Championships.”

“When one looks at the amount of time the club has been involved in this surf club discipline, with the resources available, they should be very proud of what has been done.”

The Master Men’s crew of Andrew Stubbs, John Estons, Ian Sunner and Peter Larkin missed the final by one point following a couple of tough draws.

Back on the sand the quiet achievers were at work.

Jan Logue won Silver in the 1km Beach Run, Silver in the Beach Sprint and Silver in the Beach Flags.

Not to be outdone by the boat crews, Tony Logue, won Gold in the 1km Beach Run.

In his first event on the sand at the State Titles, Andrew Stubbs backed up after rowing in the Masters to win Silver in the 2km Beach Run.

“Everyone in the club is extremely proud of their achievements,” said Peter.

“Remember they also patrol Bennetts Beach looking after the safety of locals and visitors when the flags are up.”

We couldn’t be in better hands.

 

By Margie TIERNEY