By Kaz Stanaway

Port Douglas Lifesavers competed in the fourth carnival of the season at Ellis Beach last weekend.  The events were all held on the one day on this occasion, which meant skills, fitness and endurance for all competitors was put to the test.

Life saving carnivals are great colourful events - exciting for both competitors and spectators, and Ellis carnival was made even more interesting with ages ranging from under 8s to over 60s all competing alongside each other.  As you progress through nippers, to open and masters age groups, the events become more complex.  Under 8s start with shallow water wades, and as skills improve they are expanded on each year.  They start on foam boards, then short fibreglass boards, long paddle malibus, and eventually using the single or double ski's.  All of this was show-cased on a perfect North Qld day with a light south-easterly picking up the waves.

Points are awarded for a place in the top 6 in all races.  In Under 14s, the stand out result for the day was Mitchell Knight receiving Age Champion, having achieved a 1st in the Board Race, and 2nd in both the Surf race (swim) and Ironman.  Che Innes got 3rd Boards, 5th ironman, and 6th in the swim.  Mia Devine-Cameron was 5th in the boards, and 6th Swim, 6th ironperson.  Josh Lukin enjoyed his pet event with 6th in the boards.  Sam Schibig had a great day on the beach with 1st in the flags, and 2nd in the sprint.  

Under 13s Derek Sorenson did exceptionally well with 1st boards, 2nd swim, 1st ironman, and Jai Hackett continues to show his speed with 1st in the sprint.

Under 12s best result was Kai Smith 5th in the flags and team sprint relay, and all enjoyed the competition.

Under 11s Oliver Lukin did well on the beach with 1st flags, 3rd sprint, and Kade Bickford was 2nd flags, 2nd sprint, 4th boards.  Sophie Knight showed her water skills with 2nd swim, 2nd Iron person, and 5th in the boards.  

Under 10s Stand outs were Angus Reynolds with 3rd in the swim, Jesse Smith 5th swim, and Jonte Revell 2nd in the sprint.  Hunta Langley achieved 5th in the sprint.   

Under 9s Daisy Colbridge was in the points with 1st sprint, 2nd flags, 4th swim, and 6th boards.  Sister Ruby Colbridge in the Under 8s achieved 4th in the wade race, 5th flags, and team mate Zara Passlow was happy with 2nd in the sprint.

At this carnival there was no Masters events, instead all met the challenge of competing in the Open Category - sometimes against young very fit 20 year olds!  Nicky Innes was 3rd in Ironperson & 3rd Boards, Lynn Butterss was 5th Ironperson.  In the Swim Irene Cats achieved 4th, Rachel Goodman 6th, Board Rescue: Kelly McNamara & Rachel 4th.  Ed Lukin was 5th in the swim and 5th in the rescue tube.  

Our competitors are training for the next and final carnival on the Far North life saving calendar - which Port Douglas is privileged to host.  This will be held on Sat 11th and Sunday 12th  October, and we encourage all to come down to the beach to support your home team.  Enjoy all the colour of the carnival from 12noon on Sat, and from 8am on Sunday - and remember to look for the navy blue & white caps and cheer them on.