On the 2nd of May, 2013, Mallacoota sent their best young surfers to compete against the best in the Surfing Victoria team titles. The team consisted of Chloe and Brodie Scott, Kahli and Chiara Migotto-Brown, Tom Reichelt, Hannah Searl and Arrow Embleton-Mew. A huge thank you must go to our local sponsors. Mallacoota Pharmacy, Mallacoota I.G.A., City to Surf transport and Mallacoota Butchers. Without the support of the community the students would not have been able to attend. Thank you very much. See below for the students and my report.
On the 2nd of May, seven of Mallacoota P-12’s keenest surfers, Kahli, Chiara, Chloe, Brodie, Tom, Arrow, and Hannah accompanied by Simon and Priya travelled to Torquay SLSC for the night, to then surf at the state championships on the 3rd of May at Jan Juc.
Coming third place in our heat ‘the Coota groms’ made it into the finals placing fifth in the state. We all had a fantastic time and a great experience. Quotes from the students about the trip;
“The highlights of the day was being able to just surf” – Arrow
“A top effort from everyone who participated” – Chloe
“Making the finals and working as a team” – Tom
“Getting to surf a new break and socializing” – Brodie
“It was a great experience & improvement from last year. The highlight was touching the sand at Bells Beach” – Hannah
“An amazing experience, so much fun, great exposure to doing something that I love doing and wouldn’t be possible without all the support. Huge thank you to Simon & Priya” – Kahli
“Surfing all day and having fun” – Chiara
– Kahli, Chloe, Brodie, Tom, Chiara, Arrow, Hannah
We would like to thank the following on behalf of the seven of us; Simon and Priya Berry (for driving), Nigel Allison (for inspiration and organising), Jade Nolan (for great training). our parents (for their support), and the following for sponsorship – City to Surf transport, Coota Butchers, Coota I.G.A., and Coota Pharmacy.
The students were very excited to leave school (2 hrs early mind you) for the surfing competition. Spirits were high even though the the team was looking at an 8 hr journey. We arrived in Torquay at 10pm and sought our beds quickly. The students woke and ate breakfast looking out over Torquay main beach while the sun came up. It was decided a trip to the spiritual home of surfing, Bells Beach, was on the cards. After soaking up the ambience at Bells students headed to the competition.
The students did not have to compete in the qualification round this year and were straight through to the semi-finals. The swell that the students received in the semi-final was extremely challenging. But thanks to the great team work, particularly of Tom, Chiara and Arrow (who all completed their 2 waves in less than 10 minutes) the team secured the 5 pts for finishing early and made it though to the final.
The final was an extravaganza of young surf talent. Wonthaggi, the eventual winner, had every surfer completing bottom and top turns, as well as some floaters. The swell was a lot more kind this time and the Mallacoota team did fantastically. Chloe and Kahli grabbed two great waves each, which was followed up by Hannah who scored solidly on two. The team was so efficient thanks to Tom, Chiara and Arrow, Brodie was left with 20 minutes. Her last wave was the best of the day for the team. A fantastic right hander with lots of turns. The students were ecstatic after the final with such a great effort by the whole team. They placed fifth in the state, but to all it felt like first.
A large thank you to Jade Warren for her expert coaching and training sessions. Thank you Torquay SLSC, who offered fantastic accommodation, Nigel Allison for assistance on the day and Priya Berry for accompanying us.
I lastly want to thank the students. They should be proud of themselves, as I know Mallacoota P-12 College and Mallacoota in general is. Their behaviour was exceptional, energy was contagious, and manners were second to none. Well done guys!!!
Simon Berry
Secondary Sports Coordinator
