The 2024 Werri Warrior was one for the history books. 47 individual competitors, 32 teams and three prestigious Gerringong clubs battling it out for glory - but in the end an outsider came home with all the glory.

After a swim around a buoy, a run to the north end of Werri Beach, and another two swims, Max Miller and Kobe Sims were the two leaders as they began the final leg running to the top of Gerringong headland and back.

Some of the competitors involved in the 2024 Werri Warrior. Source: Gerringong Surf Club Facebook.

Warilla’s Kobe Sims surged ahead during the run to the headland and maintained his lead all the way to the finish line. Despite representing Warilla, Sims has deep Gerringong roots - his father, Ashton, is a Gerringong Lions legend and former member of Gerringong SLSC.

“He may have moved to Warilla, but he’s a Gerringong boy at heart,” says Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Vice President Mitch Payne. 

The Werri Warrior began as just a fun event for the Gerringong SLSC, but has somehow grown into a full community event to the surprise of Payne.

“The first Werri Warrior, eight years ago, was a small club event - just a bit of fun for members. We had maybe 10 individual competitors and 10 teams,” says Payne. 

“Then, during the bushfires in 2019, it naturally evolved into a larger community event. That year, the Gerringong Rugby League Club, Werri Beach Boardriders, and Gerringong SLSC all came together, and since then, it’s been a collaboration among all three clubs.”

Although none of the clubs could boast a winner in the individual event, Ross and Noah Finney from the Werri Beach Boardriders won the team event. But despite the friendly rivalry between the clubs, Payne emphasises the event’s unifying power.

“It has really brought all the clubs together and created a good vibe on the beach. As someone who grew up in Gerringong, these clubs have never collaborated like this before and I think working together will help build all three clubs for the future,” says Payne.

After the event, nearly 400 participants and spectators headed up to the brand-new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club clubhouse for a tour.

“We’re not officially moved in yet, we’re still waiting on a few things. But everyone got a look at it and a tour and they all seemed to be happy with it - we got overwhelmingly positive feedback,” says Payne.

Spectators and competitors enjoying the new Gerringong SLSC clubhouse. Source: Gerringong SLSC Facebook.

With the success of the Werri Warrior and the new clubhouse, Payne hopes the momentum will attract more members to the Gerringong SLSC for the 2025 season.