Port's fastest nippers join North Queensland ahead of state champs

NIPPERS

Last updated: 20/02/2018, 12:05:00 (AEST)

North Queensland nippers in training at the Cairns Wake Park on Sunday in preparation for the state championships. IMAGE: Supplied.

PORT Douglas’ fastest nippers have joined the North Queensland team ahead of the Surf Life Saving Queensland Youth State Championships.

They will leave the flat water behind for big waves when they compete at Alexandra Headland over the three day carnival from March 2-4.

The local contingent includes 44 of the top junior lifesavers from Port Douglas, Ellis Beach, Cairns, Mission Beach and Etty Bay surf clubs, who will put aside traditional rivalries to compete under the North Queensland banner.

They will join nippers from across the State competing in surf rescue, board races, beach sprints, beach flags, surf swims, beach relays, ironman and Ironwoman events at the pinnacle sporting event for junior lifesavers aged 11-15 years.

“Petra Dunn generously offers the cable ski park at Smithfield each year so the team can work together to stay fit and train on their boards safely in the water.

“The result is a hardened team of athletes who have dedicated months of training in adverse conditions and their strength and endurance is noted by the southern clubs.”

The training the NQ nippers put themselves through is also preparing them to become volunteer surf lifesavers at their local clubs.

Nippers prepare for a swim at the Cairns Wake Park. IMAGE: Supplied.