Sport Tri Club tastes success at South West Rocks Local boys dominate U/15 BMX Freestyle National Championships The Byron Tri Club has just competed in round three of the North Coast Interclub series and look likely to hold on to their top spot on the ladder. ‘We’re heading back from South West Rocks now. It looks like we’ve taken it out again and maxed out [on points] but we won’t know until Tri NSW does the proper tally,’ team member Deborah Fuller said. The club is currently on top of the ladder after winning the first rounds at Yamba and Kingscliff. The
Joe Stocks In a thrilling display of athleticism and camaraderie Malakai Kopman of Mullumbimby and Felix Stokes from Brunswick Heads, made it to the podium at the 2024 BMX Freestyle National Championships held in Melbourne last weekend. Malakai showed significant improvement from last year’s performance to clinch the top spot – he was crowned U/15 Boys National Champion. On his debut at the national level Felix secured third place. Both boys have honed their skills under the guidance of coach Josh Khoury at Level Up Skatepark; as well as at their local parks, where they enjoy pushing their own boundaries. The competition itself was a spectacle of
next event is the Tweed Enduro on 24 February. ‘Just about everyone
was in the top ten yesterday for the 750m swim/30km cycle/5km run,’ Deb said.
Rainbow Dragons claim medals at the ‘Battle of the Paddles’ on the Gold Coast adrenaline-fuelled stunts and prowess and captivating the Felix (L) and Malakai at the Rampfest Skate Park in Melbourne during the 2024 Nationals. Photo supplied breathtaking manoeuvres, as riders unleashed a barrage of tailwhips, barspins, and backflips with precision and style. Each competitor was allotted two gruelling one-minute runs through the skatepark, showcasing their
crowd with their fearless displays of athleticism. The event drew competitors from across the nation including Olympians Natalya Diehm and Brandon Loupos, along with a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming talents.
‘Boneless Brigade’ ready for another big year The Northern Rivers Skateboard Club (NRSC), aka the Boneless Brigade, is rolling into 2024 with its first club round to be held at Byron Bay Skate Park on 24 February at 9am. The club has a big schedule for the year including monthly events where members can compete in a friendly environment at local skateparks and schools. Highlights from last year included club members competing in Yamba against sister-club, Mid North Coast Skateboarders. After a street and bowl event, the NRSC walked away with the win. Awards of excellence are also given for standout performances throughout the year. 2023 winners were: Male
The Byron Triclub had another very succesful day at Trial Bay, South West Rocks last weekend. Photo supplied
‘Boneless’ groms on the half-pipe. Photo supplied Skater of the Year – Archie Simpson (Lennox Head); Female Skater of the Year – Tanisha Gardner (Pottsville); Skater Grom of the Year – Maasi Solano, (Ballina); Keenest Grom – Noa Cavandish, (Pottsville). Club members who prove to have a great passion
and talent will have the opportunity to be chosen for the North Coast Academy of Sports skateboarding development program, which is the next step to becoming a skateboarding athlete, and then possibly an Olympian. Contact: bonelessskateclub@gmail.com.
A team of 38 Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head-Ballina) dragon boaters headed north for the formidable Broadwater’s ‘Battle of the Paddle’ on the Gold Coast, and brought home trophies. This regatta attracts a very competitive field that often use it as preparation for the imminent State Championships. The home club is full of prime young paddlers who dominated the finals. However the Rainbows Mens 10 team paddled with gusto and came in third. In doing so, they achieved their long-standing goal of winning their first medal at a regatta. Last year they were pipped by 100th of a second for third place at the Australian Masters Games. Also two Rainbow Pink paddlers teamed up with Wollumbin Pinks to finish second in the Breast Cancer Survivors category. Other team results were very competitive too, as the Mixed 20s completed the 200m in less than 54 seconds in both heats.
Rainbow Dragons Mens 10s paddled their way to the podium for the first time at Broadwater. Photo supplied Later, in the 2km ‘Island Dash’ boats had a 20-second delay start and by the home straight the Rainbows had overtaken two boats, although one fought back. The Rainbows emerged from this almost physical encounter 20 seconds ahead, but just outside the top 10 times. Club president, Lu Cooney, summed up the day: ‘It was wonderful to have a broad cross-section
of members representing the Rainbows at this regatta.’
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