TWO paddle boards donated to the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club have turned out to be a pretty good helping hand.
The boards, donated late last year by the Victoria Point Shopping Centre, were put into competition straight away and have already brought home gold and silver medals.
Club junior activities director Matt Robinson said the boards also were used regularly in training.
Mr Robinson said the club’s nipper program was unusual in that it was run on a Saturday over an extended period.
This was because many nippers travelled from the mainland to North Stradbroke Island which made an extended training period a practical move.
“They get on the Straddie barge at 8am and return on the 3pm barge,’’ he said.
Mid-week training was conducted at Raby Bay.
“We can really refine their skills here (Raby Bay),’’ he said. “By the time they leave nippers, the are confident and capable on the beach in any conditions.’’
Victoria Point Shopping Centre marketing manager Evan Jamieson said it was decided to make a donation to the club because life saving played such a prominent and important local role.
It also was seen as a worthy and community-oriented sport.
Club treasurer Nadene Kugler said each of the boards was worth more than $1000, making them a valuable addition to the club.
Nipper age groups run from U6s to U14s.
The Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships, the major event on the SLSQ calendar, will be held at North Kirra, Gold Coast, on March 10 – 12, with more than 2000 competitors expected from across the state.