The first round of the South Coast Teams Challenge took place at Middleton Beach, where fun, small, and glassy conditions provided the perfect setting for a great day of surfing. 

Encounter Lutheran College was represented by two strong teams, both of which performed exceptionally well, finishing first and second overall to secure their place in Finals Day.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated impressive skill, teamwork, and adaptability. Highlights included seeing new surfers take part in their first contest, the strong leadership shown by senior team members, and the incredible camaraderie across all year levels. Each student pushed themselves outside their comfort zone, learning from every heat and adjusting strategies based on the conditions and their role within the team.

A special thank you goes to Tyson and Cruz from the media team for capturing the day’s highlights, and to Raimundo, our current state champion, who stepped into the role of team manager while recovering from injury. His guidance and encouragement were invaluable to the team’s success.

With both teams advancing to Finals Day, the Encounter Surf Team has plenty to be proud of, and even more to look forward to in the next round.