22-YEAR-OLD Hawks Nest resident, Nicola Henare, recently became World Champion when she took out Gold in the Open Women's Team Event at the World Inshore Rescue Boat Championships (IRB) held in Lorne, Victoria on February 22 and 23.
Niki was the driver in this event and along with her Gold Medal; she also took home Silver in the Open Teams Event and Silver in the Open Tube.
"Winning my race was an exciting achievement, but being part of a team (Caves Beach) that is now the best in the world is even more special," said an ecstatic Niki.
Along with Niki's medals, Caves Beach took out the overall IRB club champions of the event.
"These are the best results I have ever achieved and I have been competing in IRB's since I was 16," she explained.
Niki has been involved in surf life saving since she was a six-year-old nipper at Caves Surf Beach Club. Local residents and regular holidaymakers may recognise Niki, as along with her job at the Tea Gardens Country Club, she also assists with voluntary surf patrols on Hawks Nest Beach in her spare time.
"I have been patrolling as a surf life saver for eight years now, I now do my patrols at Hawks Nest Beach and have been here for around a year, I really enjoy helping out," added Niki.
The next World IRB Championships is in 2 years in Germany, and Niki is looking forward to competing in this event.
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