Competing against adults, young Gerringong Surf Club members have again stepped up and impressed with 15 year old Wyland Hall named the 2023 Werri Warrior and last year’s surprise winner, 12 year old Lucy Darragh, right behind him in second place.

This year’s event was one of the biggest with over 65 competitors and thousands of spectators lining the beach.

It saw competitors of all ages set off at the same time to face a swim around a buoy, a run to the north end of Werri Beach, and another two swims before a final run to the top of Gerringong Headland and back. The action was captured by Brian Scott: At the beach: The 2023 Werri Warrior Competition.

Member of Gerringong Surf Club, Richard Payne, who started the event seven years ago with his brother Mitch, says, “Both Wyland and Lucy have been training really hard with the Club all season. They are fantastic swimmers and good runners, so they had a really good battle for the top.

Lucy presents Wyland with the coveted winner's jacket

“The Club is certainly very proud of Wyland and Lucy and all the hard work that they have put in over the past couple of years to see them perform so well.”

The competition also saw a number of 10 year old nippers complete the full course, with a group of younger nippers completing it as a team.

“It was fantastic to see. It was an amazing effort from all of our young nippers,” Richard says.

“It was a fantastic day with the best weather and surf conditions we’ve ever had.

“It started off as a small surf club event that’s grown into a much larger event which brings a lot of people in to get involved, including Gerringong Lions and the Werri Boardriders."