Braxton’s year-long challenge passes 100-day milestone

A LOCAL junior lifesaver is well on his way to completing a year-long mission as he aims to raise important funds for his local club.

11-year-old Torquay Surf Life Saving Club lifesaver Braxton Smith is more than 100 days into his 365-day journey to get into the water every day for a paddle, swim, or surf.

Braxton, a Grade 6 pupil at St Therese Primary School, began his ambitious goal on August 1 and will enter the water every day until August 1 next year.

He said he began the challenge because he liked to keep active, also playing sports such as footy and basketball during the week, while also taking part in his weekly Nippers training.

“I like paddling, it’s a fun thing for me, then I thought it would be a good idea to set a challenge for myself.

“It felt good to reach the 100-day mark, it means I’ve done a big chunk of it already, but there’s a long way to go still.

“Some days I have to go in the morning if my parents are working and if I want to go in the afternoon I can decide whether I want to go for a surf or paddle like I usually do.”

Braxton has already raised more than $1,000 on his GoFundMe page and said the proceeds would be best spent on new equipment for Torquay SLSC’s Nippers program.

“Living on the Surf Coast, it is so important that young kids learn to swim and understand the dangers of swimming at the beach.

“It’s important to remember the nippers who are training now, might be the ones who help keep your family and friends safe at beaches in the future.”

Torquay SLSC club captain Grant Matthews commended Braxton’s determination over his year-long challenge.

“It is this spirit, commitment, connection, and love of the water that we work to foster here at Torquay Surf Life Saving Club,” Matthews said.

“We, the TSLSC committee, and I personally as the club captain, couldn’t be prouder of Braxton.

“So, if you see Braxton out on the water, give him a high five, cheer him on, or better still, join him and show your support for our club.”

Click HERE to donate to Braxton’s 365-day challenge.