Young members of the Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club made waves in a county-wide competition to test their skills and knowledge.

The ‘Nippers’ team returned home with 34 medals … 12 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze.

A total of 29 youngsters aged between eight and 13 took part in the event against rivals from Bideford Bay, Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, Polzeath and Exmouth.

And they held their own in the specialist categories against teams that regularly train on sand and in much more difficult surf conditions.

The Nippers spent the morning competing in the ocean events section, featuring a swim, plank paddle, golden claw (swim, plank paddle, run), plank rescue, plank relay and surfing (swimming, paddle board and running).

After a lunch break, the team attacked the beach events, facing Beach Flags, a 1K beach run, sprints and a sprint relay.

The annual Devon Nippers Surf Life Saving competition took place in Exmouth earlier this month.

Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club Head Coach and Club President Dave Manley said:

“Competing against 200 competitors from six clubs, Sidmouth put in a fantastic performance, winning a large number of medals, with many Nippers breaking their personal bests and leaving their parents and coaches in utter awe.

“The team can be justifiably proud of their efforts and ended their season on a high note. They were organized, committed, determined and had a great team spirit. Not a team to rest on their laurels, the team is already back in the pool for winter swim training and we will be ready to start again next summer.

A small team of young competitors traveled to Saunton on the North Devon coast to compete in the Devon Youth Championships.

Against a larger number of competitors from Cornwall the team did well winning seven event medals with outstanding performances by all.

Henry Birchall and Jessy Wheeler stood out with Henry finishing second in the 1k race and third in the plank race and Jessy finishing third in the sprint.