Mixing it with the bigger boys

GOOD TO GO: Waikanae’s Lachie Falloon has moved into the under-16 age group of competitive surf lifesaving and has already made an impact. Picture by Liam Clayton

Waikanae up-and-comer Lachie Falloon has made the step from Oceans under-14 to u16s this season and the gutsy youngster is looking forward to what’s ahead of him.

Lachie was a strong competitor through his junior years, culminating in gold medals at the Oceans 18 national under-14 championships at Orewa.

He won the board race and diamond event in the u14 age group.

Lachie started this season where he left off in what was his first young adult carnival. He won the u16 ironman, was second in the surf race, third in the ski and fifth in the board at the Whangamata Classic last month.

“It was an outstanding performance from Lachie,” Waikanae head coach Cory Hutchings said at the time.

“Lachie’s a very motivated and very determined competitor.”

The young man himself said the Whangamata trip was a good taste of the competition he faced in the older age bracket.

“I was a bit nervous at the start at Whangamata but once I got into racing I settled down.”

His goal this summer is to medal at the national championships at Mount Maunganui in March.

“Ironman would be my main event so I hope to medal in the under 16s in that event. It will be a tough task, being my first year in the age group, but I will give it a good crack.”

He trains nine times a week.

“That’s broken down with three sessions in the pool a week of an hour-and-a half each, about four to four-and-a half kilometres each time.

“The other sessions involve two board sessions, two more on the ski, and two ironman sessions.”

Lachie trains for close to 14 hours a week in total.

“I feel pretty happy about where I am at physically. I’m also happy with how I fit into my age group and the competition around me.”

Lachie joined Waikanae as a six-year-old.

“I really like the club because of the people who go there. It’s a good culture to be around. It makes you want to push yourself. They help me be the best surf lifesaver that I can be.”