FAMILIAR conditions could play a part in Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club's senior competition squad collecting a large haul of medals at the state championships at Lady Bay this weekend.
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Close to a full complement of the club's senior squad, including 10 first-time state competitors, will hit the familiar waters for the Lifesaving Victoria State Championships in Warrnambool on Saturday and Sunday.
Competition squad coordinator Martin O'Brien said predicted rough and large swells could prove a blessing for the club's squad.
"It's a big advantage (to be competing at Warrnambool) for sure," he said. "The Saturday is looking like there will be a bit of swell but Sunday is still an unknown it could be a bit but how much we don't know.
"Ultimately the squad prefers rougher conditions were there is a bigger swell and Saturday will suit them. Most are comfortable with it as they train when it's average so they are familiar with it."
The 50-strong squad will feature in 108 events, including 55 relays and 53 individual events, across the two days.
O'Brien listed Matt Hardiman, 19, Sophie Thomas, 22, and Brayden Casamento, 18, as the ones to watch but said challenging conditions could mix up the fields throwing predictability out the window.
The Deakin University employee said the club was excited to have a number of teams racing in the most prestigious and fiercely contested event in competitive Surf Life Saving - the Taplin relay (board, swim ski).
WSLSC will have three six-member men's teams, two three-member women's relays, three three-person under 19s teams and one male and female three-person under 17s relays.
O'Brien said having the event on the club's doorstep was a positive for the sport in the region.
"It's a bit of profile for us and means we get pretty much everybody competing as they don't have to go too far," he said
"We will also have lots of people watching and have former and current club connections there to support, which keeps them engaged with the club."
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
