St Andrew’s surfers dominate at regional trials
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St Andrew’s Anglican College’s young surfing talent shredded up some top surfing conditions recently, dominating the school regional trials at Coolum.
St Andrew’s Anglican College young surfing talents shredded up some top surfing conditions, dominating the school regional trials at Coolum recently.
The best young surfers on the Coast were on display in what is always a competitive event, as they vie for the chance to compete at the State championships.
St Andrew’s had 11 surfers competing in the trials, with Summer G, Dippy St B and Lucy B securing their place in the regional team.
Tim B and Will P took out the MR Shield team event in the Junior Boys Division and will also represent the College at the Queensland State Surfing Titles.
St Andrew’s Anglican College students Tim and Will took out the MR Shield team event in the Junior Boys Division at the Regional Surfing trials at Coolum in August 2020, and will represent the College at the Queensland State Surfing Titles
Teacher-in-charge-of-surfing Alex Austin congratulated the St Andrew’s students for their diligent preparation and wonderful achievements.
“Our surfers have been training extremely hard in their sessions before school, so this event was a great opportunity for them to be able to display their talents under pressure in a competitive environment,” Mr Austin said.
“There is always an element of luck with the ocean involved, but we had high expectations for a number of our surfers to be successful and qualify for the Regional Team.
“Summer, Dippy and Lucy have all been involved in the surf programme for a number of years and it’s great to see their hard work pay off with these excellent results.”
Given everything that has happened this year, Year 12 student Summer was grateful to be able to compete for the final time in this event.
“On the day the conditions were fairly challenging and I definitely feel I could have performed better; however, I am still super happy to have made the regional team moving on to the state titles,” Summer said.
“My goals are obviously to do as well as possible and a win would be great, but to also make the most of the competition experience as it is my last school state titles after many years of competing. I look forward to spending time with my team mates and enjoying the team element of a sport that is usually very individual. I am extremely excited to get some good waves and surf them to the best of my ability.
“The surfing community at St Andrew’s is so inclusive and encouraging. There are groups for all students from learners to advanced surfers and it brings people from all ages and experiences together.”
St Andrew’s Anglican College students Matthew and William at the Regional Surfing trials at Coolum in August 2020
Surfing at St Andrew’s has been on the rise as a popular co-curricular opportunity in both the primary and secondary school for a number of years, with the Peregian Springs-based school producing a number of State and Australian champions, as well as Alumni now competing on the professional circuit.
This month’s win by Tim and Will in the MR Shield, a team event that allows schools to compete against each other in a Tag Team style format, was the first time St Andrew’s had won this event.
“Our surfing programme has been going from strength to strength with squads being conducted every morning before school across all year levels and abilities,” Mr Austin said.
The surf conditions on the day were some of the best contest conditions seen at Coolum in a number of years, with two- to three-foot clean peaks on offer throughout the day, providing the platform for an excellent level of surfing.
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