Surf Coast stars to compete at Aussies

Tim Birnie will be leading the charge for team Victoria at the Australian Shortboard Titles. Photo: NATHAN RIVALLAND

A TEAM of the Surf Coast’s top surfers and bodyboarders will be chasing gold at their respective Australian Titles this month.

Six athletes from the area will be competing in the Australian Bodyboard Titles at URBNSURF and the Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong over the next week.

Dane Pope from Armstrong Creek is competing in the Drop Knee category on his bodyboard, while five of his fellow statesmen will follow him up in the shortboarding discipline.

Leading the charge for Victoria is Jan Juc dynamo Tim Birnie, who will be looking to go one better in the Australian Titles after finishing second in 2019.

Tim Birnie in action at Jan Juc. Photo: ANGE ZORICA/SURFING VICTORIA

“It’s always good to represent Victoria and have a go at the national titles.

“This year being in a different area at Wollongong is really exciting… I can’t wait to catch up with surfers from around Victoria and to see interstate competitors.

“As much as I love competing, I certainly enjoy the social aspect of it all. I hope to give it my best.

“I love competing… it keeps me young… I just want to keep doing it until I can’t any more.”

Surf Coast Surfers — Torquay’s Tiffany Riggs will be competing in the Over 40 Women’s division. Photo: ANGE ZORICA/SURFING VICTORIA

Joining Birnie in the Victorian team are Tiffany Riggs (Torquay), Rebecca Morgan (Torquay), Craig Lloyd (Armstrong Creek) and Rowan Sapwell (Torquay).

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson wished competitors luck in the events.

“We have an epic list of competitors heading up to represent the state in Wollongong and at URBNSURF Sydney and I have no doubt they will do the state proud.”

For more information, head to australiansurfchampionships.com