Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club has taken home the 2019 Sharkskin NSW IRB Premiership, after maintaining their undefeated run on the weekend.
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Steve Strong of Kiama Downs SLSC said his team had a score to settle with Caves Beach after they took the Premiership off them in 2018.
"We were hoping to win it back after we lost it last year, and it was nice to claim it back in a big way," he said.
Starting with a good foundation before working on the more technical aspects of the race was key, Strong said.
"The technique in getting around the cans, maintaining a good speed and line is probably one of the harder things to get right," he said.
At the conclusion of the Premiership Surf Life Saving NSW announced the 2019 NSW IRB Interstate representative team. The 20-strong team is made up of the top IRB racers in the state. They will be led by some of the most experienced and technical managers who will aim to take the title from Queensland.
Nathan Foster, Jordan Dusmanovic, Blair Joynson, Bradley Honey, Rhianna Kevill, Aidan Hazell, Kirsty Honey, Kathy Foster were chosen from Kiama Downs SLSC to represent their state at the Australian Championships at Cudgen Headland on 10-14 July.
Strong said one of the best parts of competing at all levels of IRB racing was the family atmosphere teams shared - and watching younder members develop.
"If you need something, the other clubs will help - it's a really close knit community and I think that's what keeps people coming back," he said.
"Our young guys really stood out. They pulled some magnificent results across two grades, and they're only going to get better. [After the state titles] we've got the Australian championship at Kingscliff. Hopefully we can do well at [interstate] and then back it up."
