MAROOCHYDORE OFF TO WINNING START

March 9: HOST club Maroochydore hit the sand running and enjoyed a golden start to Surf Life Saving Queensland's Junior State Championships today.

Almost 1500 of the State's best young lifesavers will be in action until Sunday and it was the home team leading the way in the early events.

Maroochydore claimed gold medals in the female under-13 Cameron relay, the male under-14 Cameron relay and the male under-14 board relay.

Another Sunshine Coast club, Mooloolaba, also had a winning start to its carnival with the female under-14 Cameron relay team taking the gold medal ahead of Northcliffe and Maroochydore.

Among the early winners, Maroochydore pair Matthew Barclay and Rhys Wolfendan both claimed two gold medals as part of the under-14 Cameron relay and board relay teams.

Competition in team events and the under-11 and under 12 beach events continues today.