Kiama's Kyah Shipley is sitting in second place in the Open Female division heading into the Sydney Water Surf Series finale this weekend.

The series, held across four weekends, features a range of surf lifesaving events designed to prepare competitors for major competitions later in the season. 

Athletes earn points in each event, with the overall winner decided by the highest total at the end of the final day.

Shipley said that while the series is primarily about building form for the season ahead, she’s pleased with her performances so far.

“The past three rounds have been a great start to the season, giving me ideas on what I should work on and improve,” she said.

“And, as Sydney Water always is, it throws the best and the worst surf at you.”

Shipley has been competing in the Ironperson, Surf Race, Board Race and Single Ski, earning several strong results - including a few wins.

“I’m racing in the Opens now, so the ski is included in the Iron. It’s not my strongest leg, but there’s always room to improve,” she said.

“Right now, in terms of total points, I’m sitting second behind Sarah Locke. She always pushes me, and I’m pretty proud of how I’ve gone so far in my first year racing Opens.”

“I’m positioned well in the Iron, Swim and Board events at this stage - but all of that can change. That’s surf.”

Shipley has been involved in surf lifesaving since she was six years old and says it’s now an essential part of her life.

“I love racing with my friends, and we always push each other. I love the team events too - they’re a huge part of why I love the sport so much,” she said. 

“I used to be scared of the water when I started, and now I can’t live without it.”

Kyah says she is still finding her feet on the ski, but that learning and improving makes the sport fun. Photo: Kyah Shipley

Her favourite event is the Ironperson because it tests all her skills - swim, ski, board and run. The ski, however, is still where she’s finding her feet.

“I’m not the best on the ski yet,” she laughed. “I’ve still got my L-plates on. I was coming second in one of the races and somehow completely missed the can - so I ended up last. My dad was volunteering in the IRB and had a good laugh! But I’m happy to keep learning and improving. It makes the sport fun.”

Shipley has big goals for the coming year, including the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, plus Australian and State Championships on the Gold Coast. For now, she’s using the Sydney Water Surf Series as both preparation - and a chance to enjoy the sport with her friends.

“My main goal is to have fun, put my foot on the starting line and try my best,” she said.

“All I can do is have a go, cheer on my team and enjoy it. I hope to see the rest of my teammates from Warilla smash it too.

“So many of them are doing amazing things. Imogen Moore and Max Miller, who are also from the Kiama community, are racing incredibly well. It’s unreal to see. If I get on the podium on Saturday, great - and if not, I’m sure I’ll learn something.”

Shipley will race in the final round of the Sydney Water Surf Series on Saturday, 13 December, at Bulli Surf Life Saving Club.

She thanked Central West Plumbing, Civil Drainage and Ngi Brown and her team for sponsoring her equipment.

“I also want to thank my surf club coach Craig Burke from Warilla Barrack Point, and Greg ‘Egg’ Miller, my pool and ocean swimming coach from Kiama Leisure Centre,” she said.