‘Incredible weekend’ for Waikanae

The four crews from Waikanae SLSC acquitted themselves well at the New Zealand IRB championships in Otago at the weekend, winning two golds, five silver and two bronze medals. They finished third overall out of 26 clubs. Back (from left) are Hamish Swann, Travis Mitchell, Harry Allan and Michaela Clearwater. Front are Bella Fitzharris-Stevens, Oliver Shivnan, Matti Richards, Connor Mitchell, Taran Wilson and Elle Williams. Facebook picture

Waikanae’s inflatable rescue boat crews finished a highly creditable third overall in the Surf Life Saving NZ national IRB championships at Waikouaiti Beach in Otago over the weekend.

The four Kaiaponi Farms Waikanae crews came home with two gold medals, five silver and two bronze.

Sunset Beach, from Port Waikato, won the overall top club crown with 161 points, St Kilda were second on 138 and Waikanae third on 63.

“What an incredible weekend with a lot of incredible results,” club manager Clara Wilson said. “We travelled over 1000km from home with the 10th biggest team at the comp and finished third overall as a club.

“It’s fair to say the team punched well above their weight and everyone is fizzing,” she said.

“Every team contributed to this result and it’s incredible what a small team from Gizzy can do.”

Waikanae’s open men’s assembly rescue team of driver Connor Mitchell, Oliver Shivnan and patient Matti Richards won gold.

The under-23 single rescue crew of Harry Allan, Travis Mitchell and Michaela Clearwater were also victorious.

Silver medals went to the open men in the single rescue and mass rescue, and to the u23 men’s crew in the mass rescue.

The u19 men’s crew of Hamish Swann, Taran Wilson and patient Richards won silver in the tube rescue and single rescue.

Bronzes were won by Mitchell, Shivnan and Richards in the open men’s tube rescue and mixed teams’ rescue.

“A massive shout-out and thanks goes to all the parents, supporters, chefs, helpers and everyone who has got us to this point,” Wilson said. “We could not have done any of this without you.

“Another shout-out to our patients for being thrown in and out of the freezing water all day and not complaining.

“It’s a massive task and we are very grateful for Michaela and Matti.

“A special shout-out to Brent and Hayden for handling all weekend and the biggest shout-out to Rodney and Eric for driving our gear down and back.

“The crews cannot wait to do it all again next season. Bring on 2025.”