First-timer Balun Cumming, 15, secured a bronze as bottom-age under 17 in the six-kilometre ski event and was an honourable seventh in the four-kilometre board paddle, which was run just 15 minutes after he had finished his ski race.  

Sophie Thomas, 22, finished first in the open two-kilometre swim and secured a silver medal in the 10-kilometre open ski.

Matt Hardiman, 19, fresh off training and competing in the Coolangatta Gold endurance event, took home a gold in the open six-kilometre board event and finished second in the 10-kilometre ski race. 

Cumming was pleased to medal but was disappointed with how the board progressed after the short turn around.

The year nine Emmanuel College student said it was a positive way to begin his season. 

“It was good to get some race experience under my belt and see where I am compared to other people in the age group,” he said. 

“I loved it and will be doing it again next season. I want to continue to push myself against the best in the sport.”

Cumming will now head to Fairhaven to try out for Lifesaving Victoria’s state team for the upcoming season. 

Port Fairy’s Firebirds surf boat crew finished second in the women’s reserve grade at their opening carnival of the season at Ocean Grove. 

The Shearwaters crew were unplaced in the men’s reserve grade final, after securing three seconds and a first in the heats.