Over the next week and a half Kingscliff will come alive to the sounds of more than 6000 lifesavers from throughout NSW for the annual NSW State Surf Lifesaving titles.
Starting this weekend with the junior titles, the top surf lifesavers are expected to converge on Kingscliff as Cudgen Headland Surf Club and the Tweed Shire Council play host to the titles for the second year in a row.
Cudgen Headland president Adam Mills said there would be more than 2600 junior competitors taking part including large contingents from the four local clubs Fingal, Salt, Cabarita and the home club Cudgen.
More than 3000 senior and masters competitors will head to town the following week.
Tweed Shire Mayor Barry Longland said the event was important to Kingscliff and to the entire Tweed.
“We are very excited about the state championships coming here again,” Cr Longland said.
“It is a great way to showcase the Tweed. The surf titles generate a lot of visitors and it is great for out entire area. We are hoping it will be a big success.”
The only black cloud that has been hanging over the titles this year has been the beach erosion cell which first threatened and diminished the southern end of the beach and has now hit north of the surf club.
“Unfortunately this means the arenas (for the event) have had to be split in two,” Cr Longland said.
However he said the club and the state body had been working closely together to make sure the program was still highly successful. The council workers and contractors have also been working hard in recent weeks strengthening the rock wall in front of the surf club and replacing grass and fencing.
Since Saturday morning a large army of volunteers and club members have been busy putting up fencing and structures around the town preparing for the titles.
“Volunteers have been gradually coming forward but we can also do with some more particularly for the senior weekend,” Adam said.
“Tasks include preparation of meals for officials and workers; erection of tents, barriers and fencing; manning the BBQ, rubbish management and cleaning.”
Meanwhile junior coach Phil Klein has been busy preparing his troops for this weekend’s titles.
“It is great having it here on our home beach and not having to travel,” he said.
“We will have a lot more kids entering because it is at home – we usually get 20 for state but we should have 70-80 of our own competitors taking part this weekend.”
Phil said the group was the most successful country club at state last year and would be looking to emulate this again this year.
“The kids have been training hard – training three days a week on the beach and with swimming sessions in the pool.”
And after a successful Branch Championship last weekend the youngsters are all raring to go.
Phil, who has been coaching for 15 years (well after his own kids had moved through the junior club), said there would be plenty of locals to watch including Luke Chaffer in the 4s, Josh Jones in the under-11s, Liam McPhail in the under-12 board, multiple state champion Emily Hurt, Josh Quinn, “Tommy-gun” Swift, Tamzin Bell, Tara Fitzpatrick and the Warne kids Lewis, Anthea and Joseph.
Action begins on Friday in the juniors, with the Masters starting next Thursday, culminating in the senior titles next weekend.
