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Wrightsville Beach Junior Elite stand up paddle board team eager to compete again
Courtesy: Virginia Garrison

Wrightsville Beach Junior Elite stand up paddle board team eager to compete again

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — The WBJETS/Wrightsville Beach Jr. Elite team was formed in 2016 and is open to kids 9-18 years old. The team goals are to promote a healthy lifestyle on the water for kids and water safety in the flats and ocean so these skills can be passed along to others. Racing is when it gets to be fun for the team.

Team Mom Erin Carter told us, “We do team pre-race dinners with positive energy to help the crew focus. The team works on distance, sprints, and SUP surfing. The goal is to work hard, to play hard, and fun is the main goal.”

The senior crew members (Elle, Jenna, Campbell, and Erin) are the team captains and leaders. They are there to encourage the others to try their best at every practice. This crew is growing up fast and loves being on the water. The team celebrations always include food fights, a tradition started by Coach Jarrod.

Due to Covid, there weren’t many recent competitions. However, the team now has the following upcoming races: Carolina Cup (April 30 and May 1), Bear Town Paddle Battle, and Low Country Boil.

Erin Carter said, “I will say that these kiddos like to sweep the podiums at races. The team is about being together and making lifelong friendships. Win or lose, we are always laughing and smiling!”

COACH JARROD COVINGTON

Coach Jarrod Covington has been paddling and racing SUPs (Stand Up Paddle Boards) and Outrigger Canoes for 12 years locally and internationally. He has been coaching the Wrightsville SUP team for 6 years. We asked him to tell us about the team. He told us, “They are a paddle family that encourages and pushes each other to be better on and off the water. Our team has always had great times traveling to Florida, Charleston, Outer Banks, and all over for games and tournaments with great success, regardless of placement. Overall growth is our goal! Each race is a lesson, and everyone learns from each performance. We train them to be mentally strong and introspective to constantly improve.”

Responding to his proudest coaching moment, Jarrod told us, “Every day a kid shows up to practice with a smile… I have learned that my energy is contagious, and the team shares that, good or bad.”

As a coach, Jarrod hopes to leave a legacy of seeing the kids build tenacity and passion for life, no matter where it takes them. He continued, “I hope they remember our mental toughness lessons, and it takes them to great success, peace, and happiness.”

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