More is better for Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club competitor Matt Hardiman.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 19-year-old, who recently returned from finishing his first elite long course race at the Coolangatta Gold in 16th on October 7, has big intentions in the upcoming 2018-19 surf season.
“I want to get to as many carnivals in Queensland and New South Wales as I can,” he said. “The more I get to, the more experience I get racing against some of the pros in the ironman and seeing how I go.”
Hardiman completed the 41.8-kilometre course, which included a 23.1-kilometre ski leg, 2.1-kilometre transition run, 3.5-kilometre swim, 6.1-kilometre board leg and a 7.1-kilomtre run to the finish line, in five hours, 11 minutes and one second.
After a short rest upon his return to Warrnambool he said the reason behind his eagerness to compete was his transition from a specialized board paddler into an all-round competitor.
“I’ll still keep the board as my main event but I’m looking to add a few extra races and try something new,” he said.
“It will be good giving a few different disciplines a go and I will soon find out at the first few carnivals.”
The WSLSC senior competition squad member, who is currently doing a one-year sport and recreation traineeship at Emmanuel College, said training for the new season was already in full swing.
“I’m just starting training after a break after the Coolangatta Gold and then ill focus on some shorter distances, mainly on the board and maybe a few ironman races,” he said. “It goes for most of the summer and then I will eye off the nationals at the end of the season.”
Hardiman said the first carnival was close to a month away and the club’s squad was still in its pre-season.
Fellow WSLSC member Mark Owen also competed in Coolangatta, where he finished the 50-plus short course event in 22nd in a time of four hours, seven minutes and 10 seconds.