Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club had a remarkable weekend at the 2024 National Pool Rescue Championships in Auckland, breaking three national records and claiming the highest number of medals in the competition.

With more than 50 athletes from junior, senior, and masters categories, Pāpāmoa fielded the largest team at the event and played a vital role in officiating, ensuring the competition ran smoothly.

The championship featured intense competition, but Pāpāmoa’s athletes delivered outstanding performances, achieving personal bests and securing podium finishes.

Ricky Broadley and Cooper Taylor-Jonsson won the U12 100m Patient Tow with Fins. Photo: Supplied.

“Breaking three national records is a massive achievement and showcases the determination and talent within our team,” said coach Jack Bullock.

“Our athletes worked incredibly hard this winter, and it’s great to see that pay off in such an impressive way.”

The junior athletes opened the competition with exceptional performances, earning multiple medals and impressing spectators with their skills, particularly in the U12 category.

The senior competitors maintained the momentum, frequently making appearances on the podium across various events and setting new personal bests.

The Masters 4x 25 Manikin Relay Winners Richard Williams, Naomi Davoren, Radleigh Cairns and Jen Roberts-Lochray. Photo: Supplied.

Highlights from the weekend included Bella Davoren’s victory in the U17 Female 200m Obstacles and a gold medal win in the U12 100m Patient Tow with Fins by Ricky Broadley and Cooper Taylor-Jonsson.

The U19 Male Line Throw team of Ryan Bevin and Triton Dickens, along with the U17 team of Lockie Cairns and Oliver Pepers, also captured gold in their respective divisions, with Lockie and Oliver breaking the U17 NZ record for the fastest time of the weekend.

Coach Jack Bullock. Photo: Supplied.

Pāpāmoa’s Masters team aimed to defend their national title and did so with authority, scoring over three times the points of any other club. Their success underscored the dedication of the athletes, many of whom also volunteer as lifeguards, committee members, and officials for the club.

“The commitment of our Masters squad is remarkable,” Bullock said.

“Many of them already contribute so much to the club, and to see them dominate like this is a credit to their hard work and passion for surf lifesaving.”

Triton Dickens and Ryan Bevin. Photo: Supplied.

The Masters team set a new NZ Masters record in the 100m Manikin Tow with Fins, thanks to Naomi Davoren, and achieved a record-setting performance in the mixed 4x25m Manikin Relay with team members Rob Pepers, Jen Roberts-Lochray, Naomi Davoren, and Richard Williams.

Overall, Pāpāmoa finished sixth, an improvement from last year’s seventh place.

“It’s been a fantastic season, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our coaches, parents, and club volunteers who helped manage and officiate,” said Bullock. “It was a true team effort, and we’re excited to build on this success for next year.”

The club also expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to a successful season, including the Four Winds Foundation, which provided a grant for lane hire throughout the season.

Oliver Pepers and Lockie Cairns set a NZ record. Photo: Supplied.