SunLive – From plumbing to world champs

Omani surf rescuer Braith Swanberg was due to be on hand in Tauranga this week with tools to clear drains and tighten taps.

Instead, the 17-year-old plumber's apprentice found himself on a scorching hot Gold Coast beach, competing against and defeating some of the best surfers in the world.

Braith was named in the Junior Black Fins squad for the World Championships at Kurrawa Beach at short notice after Taranaki's Daniel Callebaut was ruled out through injury, but it was hard to tell on the first few days of racing as he took home a silver medal in the Board Rescue and an excellent fourth place in the Oceanman final.

Braith Swanberg at the Oceanman World Championships on the Gold Coast in Australia. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

“I was supposed to work on Monday, but I got a call at 11am on Saturday and they said I was going to compete in the World Championships that weekend. It's pretty surreal,” says Braith.

“I'm grateful to be here. Of course I would have worked.”

Fortunately, Braith's boss was understanding and supportive – he works for his father Greg, a loyal member of the Omanu Club and a very proud father.

Braith Swanberg at the Oceanman World Championships on the Gold Coast in Australia. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

“Braith was pretty successful at the state championships, winning the under 17 Ironman and being the top U17 champion at the state championships,” says Greg.

“But there were many other top athletes and they made him the first reserve. Then Daniel Callebaut from Taranaki got injured.

“Last Saturday we got the call to put Braith on the plane to the Gold Coast on Sunday. It was a bit rushed, but he was pretty excited.”

When Braith left, it was 14 to 15 degrees in Tauranga and about 32 degrees on the Gold Coast. He says it took him a while to get used to the temperatures.

“On Saturday I trained in a wetsuit and now I wear swimming trunks all day,” says Braith.

“On Thursday I would have been driving around in the van, making some deliveries and working with the old man. He's still working.”

Oceanman World Championships on the Gold Coast, Australia. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

Black Fins junior coach Zac Franich was disappointed for Daniel but thrilled with how well Braith has fitted in.

“Braith was in our extended squad and had an impressive summer of racing. He also continued his swimming training,” says Zac.

“But his attitude was really great. He's fitted in so well this week and really brought enthusiasm and energy to the team. We're delighted with his race on day one.”

Greg says Braith is very proud of his Omanu club at home.

“He has Cory Hutchings and Danielle McKenzie as his surf coaches. And his swim coach is Stan Teokotai-White, who has also been instrumental in Braith's success,” says Greg.

“He also has great clubmates who have supported him, contributed to his success and pushed him forward.”

Braith Swanberg at the Oceanman World Championships on the Gold Coast in Australia. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

Greg says Braith has been working for him for about three months.

“He would have been at work. He had just started an apprenticeship as a plumber with me.

“Since he works for me, it's easy for me to give him time off. Most mornings he trains with Stan in the pool from 5:45 a.m. I expect him at work at 8 a.m., he works until 4 p.m. and then comes home, eats and is at the beach by 4:30 p.m., where he does his Ironman training with Corey.”

Braith says he has continued training since the New Zealand Championships and feels prepared for the Gold Coast Oceanman.

“I have swum quite a lot and am therefore quite confident going into these competitions,” says Braith.

“I haven't touched a board since the Nationals and haven't done a single run since then. So I'm just trying to find my place here and fit in.”

After the two days on the beach, the New Zealand junior team is currently in third place behind Australia and France before the pool competition.

So far, Braith has achieved silver in the board rescue with Gisborne's Yahni Brown, finished fourth in the Oceanman, fourth in the surf race, fourth as a swimmer in the Oceanman relay, fourth as a swimmer in the Oceanman mixed relay and seventh in the board race.

“He also won a bronze medal in the pool in the 4×50 steeplechase relay with Yahni, Jasper and Isaac,” says Greg.

Greg says the New Zealand team has been in the pool for the last two days and Braith has a final this afternoon.

Additional reporting: Jamie Troughton.