Ava heading in right direction

Ava (front) and her sister Stella compete in the board rescue during the Eastern Regional Championships at the weekend. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Murray Robertson continues his series of profiles on up-and-coming surf lifesaving athletes . . .

Wainui board paddler Ava Smith ticked off one of her goals this summer when she won the under-16 women’s board race at the Tairawhiti/Gisborne Eastern Regional Championships at Midway Beach at the weekend.

Smith, 15, ticked another box on Monday when she raced on the board for the Gisborne team in the New Zealand Representative Challenge and won that race, too.

“It was so good to have been part of that team, and to win, especially here in Gisborne,” she said.

Before Christmas, Smith finished runner-up in the Whangamata Classic in both the under-16 and open women’s board finals.

Ava has followed in the footsteps of elder sisters Jasmine and Stella as a surf lifeguard.

She has also proved to be an excellent pool swimmer with the Enterprise Swim Team.

“Ava is one of those athletes who comes along once in a blue moon,” Wainui head coach Dion Williams said.

“She has a nonchalant board-paddling technique, but a mongrel attitude. She is ready to fight for everything she can get.”

Williams believes the achievements of her whole family have driven her to strive for her own success.

Her sisters Jasmine and Stella have both represented New Zealand in their sports, and her mother and father were both well-performed sportspeople.

“She is such a neat kid and gets on well with everyone in our club and district,” Williams said.

One of Ava Smith’s long-term goals has been to make the New Zealand surf lifesaving teams, starting with the Junior Black Fins.

“I like the competition that comes with surf lifesaving sport,” she said.

“Especially, I like being on the ocean and out in the waves.”

She enjoys the Wainui surf.

“Wainui has such a powerful wave, and that has helped me and my clubmates with our paddling in big waves.”

When Smith is not in the pool or training for surf lifesaving, her downtime is spent surfing for fun with family and friends.

“I board-train with Dion and the others three times a week,” she said.

She has more goals to meet.

“My more immediate aim is to compete strongly in the New Zealand championships at Mount Maunganui in March, and at the national age-group swim champs in April.”

This will be her last year as an under-16 competitor and she intends to make the most of it.

“I am hoping for some big waves at the nationals,” she said.

“It’s so much fun being involved in surf lifesaving. Everyone supports each other.

“Thanks to Dion and the crew at Wainui, along with the other Gizzy clubs who all mix it up training together.

“Also, thanks to Matt Martin and my swim squad at Enterprise.

“Finally, Mum and Dad, family and friends for all the hours running around after me — thanks!”