Kiama Downs SLSC are the 2019 State Champions after scoring the highest points at the 2019 Sharkskin NSW Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championship.
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Kiama Downs SLSC were one of twenty-one clubs who competed in 121 races across five male and female divisions on June 29 - 30.
Over the weekend 350 surf lifesavers hit One Mile Beach, Cape Hawke SLSC on the state's lower north coast for the Championships.
While Kiama Downs SLSC got to take home the perpetual Sharkskin NSW trophy, the Mercury two-stroke engine was awarded to the second place getter, Caves Beach - as Kiama Downs SLSC also won the 2019 Premiership.
Before the event, Kiama's Team Manager Steve Strong said the team was firing.
"We've had a couple of sessions on the water since the Premiership and have ironed out a couple of little issues," said Strong. "Our club has a rich history in IRB racing and with recent success we've received a lot of support from the club and the wider community who have been sharing our success this season.
"It would be great to defend our title this weekend," Strong said. "We have a team of 21 competitors fielding crews in almost every race except the Rookies division, so we have no excuses."
"State Champs is a fantastic event each year," said SLSNSW Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon. "It's the culmination of the IRB racing season and highlights the abilities of clubs to field strong rescue and race teams. It's a strong indicator for the state's success at the national IRB Championships coming up in July.
"Holding the State Championships at Cape Hawke SLSC is a great opportunity for the club and local community to host teams from across the state. It also gives our members the chance to travel to regional NSW to compete."
Kiama Downs holds eight Championship titles while Caves Beach has dominated the Championship with 11 titles since the first event in 1981.
Competing Clubs
Avalon Beach SLSC, Bondi Surf Bathers, Coogee SLSC, Forster SLSC, Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC, Kiama Downs SLSC, Maroubra SLSC, North Avoca SLSC, North Cronulla SLSC, Newcastle SLSC, Nobbys SLSC, Newport SLSC, Ocean Beach SLSC, Queenscliff SLSC, South Maroubra SLSC, Stockton SLSC, Terrigal SLSC, Thirroul SLSC, Umina Beach SLSC, Woonona SLSC, Caves Beach SLSC.
