Main Menu
Sub Main Menu
sunshine coast
national
extra
2:37AM Tuesday 02 December, 2008

Winter kids running hot

4 September 2008

| By Blythe Seinor

If you cast your eyes out to sea at Sunshine Beach on any given weekday afternoon, chances are you will see two blonde heads bobbing in the water.

That’s Jackson and Kelly Winter.

The brother and sister like nothing better than to hit the waves together, and they do so at every opportunity – either before or after school at Sunshine Beach High.

And it seems doing what they love is paying off, with Kelly and Jackson each scoring solid placings at major surfing tournaments this year.

Kelly was second in the Open Women’s event at the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles at Port Macquarie last month and said it was easily her biggest surfing achievement to date. “I definitely didn’t expect to do that well,” the 17-year old said.

Kelly was also second in her division at the Queensland and Australian titles and said her goal for the next 12 months was to qualify for the 2009 World Longboard Titles in France next year.

Jackson scored placings this year at the state titles, Malfunction on the Gold Coast and the Crescent Head Malibu Classic.

But when they go head to head, who’s the better Winter in the water?

“That’d have to be my sister,” 15-year old Jackson said.

But when it comes to “paddle battles” Kelly said Jackson had it covered. “He’s a bit faster than me,” she admitted.

“Paddle battles are where you see who can get to the wave first – but it’s friendly.”

Their mum and dad are also keen surfers and Kelly and Jackson both said it was their favourite way to have some quality time with their family.

“I just love surfing with my family in general, they mean a lot to me and it’s something we can do together,” Kelly said.

Paul Winter said his kids were a great influence on each other.

“I think they push each other along,” he said.

Have your say

We welcome comments on our stories and blogs - after all it's your site. Please note comments should be on-topic and not abusive. Comments are checked before publication.