Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club emerged victorious at a three-event series at Jan Juc on Sunday 13 November.
The Summer Surf Series officially kicked off with 200 of Victoria’s best water athletes, including locals from Anglesea, Jan Juc, Lorne, Ocean Grove and Torquay SLSCs who are also volunteer lifesavers.
Ocean Grove, with 266 points, edged out the home club Jan Juc on 141 points for the overall win, while Ocean Grove’s Campbell Asher was crowned open ironman and also took out the open men’s surf race, sprint swim and under 17 men’s sprint swim.
Home club Jan Juc has a strong future, with under 15 competitor Zoe McKenna proving to be a triple threat, winning the under 15 ironwoman and board race and placing third in the surf race.
In the ‘blue ribbon’ open mixed Taplin relay event, Ocean Grove continued its strong performance placing second, ahead of Jan Juc in third.
LSV general manager education, sport and club development Kate Simpson said the carnival was a great kick-starter to the Summer Surf Series, following the recent endurance championships and beach carnivals.
“It is incredibly exciting to have surf sports back in full swing, with lifesavers coming from regions across the state to battle it out in the surf,” Ms Simpson said.
“At this carnival, we were particularly excited to feature the open mixed Taplin relay in Victoria, combining our best male and female athletes in a fantastic show of athleticism and team comradery, with the Mentone/Mordialloc composite team taking out the event.
“These athletes on the beach are the same volunteers who patrol between the flags each summer from November to Easter and LSV is proud of their dedication not only to their sport, but to saving lives.”
The second Summer Surf Series event is Torquay SLSC’s Jim Wall Iron event, which will take place at Torquay on Sunday 8 January.
