Riding a wave of success

JAKE Heffernan (pictured, left) capped a powerhouse season when he was named Kiama Kingfishers Male Competitor of the Year at the club's recent presentation.

Jake, 9, also won his successive age group pointscore, taking out the Under 9s after winning the Under 8s division in 2005-06.

He won the prestigious competitor of the year award for his performance in Branch Carnivals during the season.

The age group pointscore award is determined from athlete's performances during the Kingfishers' four club carnivals during the season across a range of surf lifesaving disciplines.

"He is consistent over sand and in the sea," Jake's father, David Heffernan said.

When the Lake Times contacted David to discuss his achievements, the Heffernans were enjoying the surf at Yamba, on the Far North Coast.

"Jake has just started using surfboards at nippers and he has borrowed one from the local club up here to have a go," David said.

"He's away on holidays but is mixing training and pleasure without even realising it."

Jake has been competing at nippers for four years and his favourite event is the flags.

However, there are no grandiose plans for Jake to reach the pinnacle of surf lifesaving at the moment.

"At the moment he is just enjoying being in the water " we don't know how far he wants to go in surf lifesaving," David said.

"We are just really happy with his attitude.

"Whether Jake wins or loses, it's just like water off a duck's back."

Jake received tremendous support from his father, David and mother, Diane. His sister, Sharnie Heffernan, is a Kingfishers competitor in the under 8s.

Jake spends his winters as a player with the Kiama Power Junior AFL Club and in a weekly swim squad at Kiama Leisure Centre.

He would also like to thank Lawrence McDonald, the Kingfishers' under 10s Age Group Manger for his support during the season.