Fourteen-year-old local teen, Jack Sampson, will represent the region after being selected in the Queensland Country team to compete at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Interbranch Championships in Brisbane this weekend.

The Queensland Country team is made of 13 to 17-year-old participants from surf branches between Port Douglas and Harvey Bay competing against teams from the South Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Point Danger on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November.

Just five females and five males in each age group make up the team and Jack was picked to compete in beach sprints and beach flag events after posting successful results at the North Australian Championships in October.

The teenager, who has been a part of the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club since 2014, was the only Port Douglas member chosen and had to be self-motivated, often training alone after the surf season ended here in October.  

The hard work has paid off for Jack who said he was extremely excited to have been chosen in the team.

“I am looking forward to pushing my goals even further,” he said.

“I am passionate about sprinting and beach flags; however, I love all aspects of Surf Life Saving.

“Port Douglas Surf Club is my second home. I love spending my weekend with my surf family. Whether it's training, competing or volunteering as a lifesaver.”

The Mossman State High School student also thanked his teachers who helped support him at school with assignments as the competition interferes with his end of year exams.

Irene Cats, Director of Surf Sports at the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club, said it is great to see Jack get selected and represent the club.

“It was a very strict selection with only five competitors from each age group selected,” she said.

“It was really one of his big goals this season and he trained hard for it, so to see him selected has been a real highlight.”