Three days of surf lifesaving competitions in New South Wales left 16-year-old Bjorn Battaerd and 24-year-old Kevin Morrison feeling shattered. But the pair say it was all worth it after coming away with notable wins. New Zealand's Northern Region clubs team, the biggest in the country, competed at the TransTasman Tri Series, held every two years. Up to 16 events took place every day, with the young men averaging six a day. With temperatures around 30 degrees Bjorn and Kevin, both from the Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, encountered problems with dehydration but still came away with success. Bjorn won the beach flags competition while Kevin was in the winning team for the lifesaver relay and the beach relay. ``We won those two out of three tests, that was really good. We showed our depth across the disciplines in the big event.'' Kevin says it was a ``full-on'' event compared to what they do in New Zealand with different conditions. ``We don't usually do races day after day, or that many events in one day,'' he says. ``It showed that they race at a higher level than us more often. They are more aggressive.'' The northern region clubs competed in four carnivals in three days. ``They got some time to rest between events, that worked in our favour,'' says Northern Region's sport development officer Miriam Ellis. Miriam says every Tri Series they edge closer to their Australian rivals. ``There were 10 points between us, it's the closest we've ever been to the Aussies. The Tri Series has been going for 20 years.'' Both Bjorn and Kevin are experienced lifesavers, qualifying at age 14, and previously being involved in the Nippers as children. Their families' involvement sparked their initial interest. The next big competition is the Northern Regional Championships on Auckland Anniversary Weekend at Mt Maunganui. ``Hopefully all our team should be firing,'' says Miriam. Info: www.surflifesaving.org.nz. by Kirsten Grant
