Oceans ’17 gold to Keepa, Gaddum

HEADING FOR HOME: Competitors in a board race run out of the surf on day 1 of the Oceans ’17 national under-14 surf lifesaving championships at Mount Maunganui yesterday. The country’s top young clubbies are in action over four days to decide individual titles and the coveted top club. Gisborne’s Wainui, Midway and Waikanae clubs were among the medals yesterday. Picture by Alana McIsaac

ALL three Gisborne clubs were in the medals on day 1 of the Oceans 17 under-14 national surf lifesaving championships at Mount Maunganui yesterday.

Jack Keepa (Wainui) and Olivia Gaddum (Midway) won gold medals while Lachie Falloon (Waikanae), George Allan (Waik) and Nathan Proctor (Waik) picked up silver.

Keepa won the u13 boys’ beach flags and Gaddum the u12 girls’ board race.

Falloon was second n the u13 boys’ run-swim-run, Allan was runner-up in the u12 boys’ beach flags and Proctor got silver in the u14 boys’ board race.

The three clubs also made various finals on the first day of the four-day carnival for the country’s rising lifeguards.

Among those to just miss medals were Jodiesha Kirkpatrick (Mid), who was fourth in the u11 girls’ run-swim-run, Tigher West-Hill (Wain), who was fourth in the u12 boys’ beach flags, and Ava Smith (Wain), who was fourth in the u14 girls’ board race.

Host club Mount Maunganui took the early overall points lead in near-perfect weather and surf conditions.

Oceans ’17 event manager Scott Bickenell said the first day was “a huge success”.

“Everything from the athletes to the conditions, spectators and officials has been awesome today,” said Bickenell.

“It was great for us to see everyone enjoying themselves and supporting each other.

Today’s action includes the board rescue, diamond races and beach sprints.

The champs finish on Sunday.