Fifteen-year-old Daniel Wilson is completely unfazed about competing in the under-18 age group of the Australian Bodyboard Titles.
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He will take on competitors almost three years his senior when the tournament begins at Tweed Heads on Thursday, but the Anna Bay body-boarder is undeterred about the age difference.
What's more, Wilson will be competing in the under-16 age group as well, having won both divisions during the NSW Bodyboard Titles at Kiama in May.
But still, the kid who only took up the sport about five years ago after relocating to the Hunter from Gladstone, is equally as relaxed about having to spend essentially twice as much time in the water than his rivals.
"I just go out and surf," he told the Newcastle Herald.
"It's what I do best. It doesn't really bother me, I'd like to win but if it doesn't happen it's not meant to be, I guess. But it should be good."
Wilson's coolness shouldn't mask his desire.
He is in the water most afternoons after school and on weekends around other commitments. Last year, he qualified for nationals but chose to put the team before himself in electing to skip the event because it was on at the same time as his rugby league side's grand final.
While he didn't make either after breaking his arm beforehand, this year his focus is solely in the water.
"It's a goal to be Australian champ, but I guess it's everyone's goal," he said.
"You want to be the best in Australia in your age."
The Tomaree High School student said it was his dad who got him started in the sport but the enjoyment of surfing with mates had kept him in the water.
"All my mates do it," he said. "Once my dad got me into it, I ended up meeting my mates and they all did it, so I did it. We all do it together and like hanging out body-boarding. It's good to go outside instead of being cooped up inside all day."
The Australian Bodyboard Titles run from Thursday to Saturday as part of the three-week long Australian Surf Championships.
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