Nippers get champion tips | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

TECHNIQUE: Five-times NZ Ironman champion and World Board champion Daniel Moodie (right) shows junior lifesaver Niamh Jefferson how to clear a wave at the Waimarama Surf Club yesterday.

by Patrick O'Sullivanpatrick.osullivan@hbtoday.co.nz

The tide was high and so was the mood at Waimarama Beach yesterday as 40 youngsters had the opportunity to meet, greet and train with five-time NZ Ironman champion and World Board champion Daniel Moodie and two time NZ Ironwoman champion Nikki Cox at Waimarama Surf Club.

Mr Moodie said he was completing the natural cycle of training nippers.

"When I was young I was helped by some of the older members so I'm just doing the same," he said.

He lived in Australia where he competed in the many professional surf lifesaving competitions and had been feeling homesick leading up to Christmas.

"Over in the Gold Coast I was having an orphan Christmas with the flatmates so it was good to come home to see everyone," Mr Moodie said.

Ms Cox had just finished her first year as an accountant in Wellington where she is based for national and international events.

"I've been in surf lifesaving for 10 years so it is good to help train the next generation," Ms Cox said.

Their manager Andre Slade organised the voluntary event on behalf of the athletes who were building their professional careers.

"These guys train so hard they are not always aware of the other side of competing - like creating a profile, being different from the others and giving back," he said.