Young Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club members made waves at a county-wide competition to test their skills and knowledge.
The team of ‘Nippers’ returned home with a haul of 34 Medals... 12 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze.
In total, 29 youngsters aged between eight and 13 took part in the event against rivals from Bideford Bay, Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, Polzeath and Exmouth.
And they held their own in specialist categories against teams who regularly train on sand and in much more challenging surf conditions.
The Nippers spent the morning competing in the Ocean Events section, consisting of a Swim, Board Paddle, Golden Nipper (Swim, Board Paddle, Run), Board Rescue, Board Relay and a Surf Relay (Swim, Board Paddle & Run).
After a break for lunch the team attacked the beach events, taking on Beach Flags, a 1km Beach Run, Sprints, and Sprint Relay.
The annual Devon Nippers Surf Life Saving Competition took place in Exmouth earlier this month.
Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club head coach and club chairman Dave Manley said: “The competition came to a conclusion at 4.30pm, followed by a medal presentation at 5pm - a 10 hour beach day in total!
“Competing against 200 competitors from six clubs, Sidmouth put in a fantastic performance, winning a big haul of medals, with many of the Nippers smashing their own personal bests and leaving their parents and coaches in complete awe.
“The team can be justifiably proud of their efforts and ended their season on a high. They were organised, committed, determined and had a fantastic team spirit. Not a team to rest on their laurels, the team is already back in the pool for winter swim training and we will be ready to go again next summer.”
A smaller team of youth competitors headed to Saunton on the North Devon Coast to compete in the Devon Youth Championships.
Against more competitors visiting from Cornwall the team did well winning seven event medals with outstanding performances from all.
Henry Birchall and Jessy Wheeler were the standouts with Henry coming second in the 1km run and third in the board race and Jessy clinching third in the sprint.
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