The following Article on Sophie and AJ was published in the Hibiscus Matters on 17th September 2008

Youngsters bounce for New Zealanad

International Competitors will descend on rotorua for the Indo-Pacific Trampoline and Tumbling Championship this Month

It is the first time New Zealand has hosted the biennial event, and two young people from the Hibiscus Coast jumped at the chance to take part.
Sophie Harkin of Little Manly and AJ Hawkins of Red Beach are members of North Shore Trampoline Club and among those representing New Zealand at the champs.

With the competition approaching, early starts have become the norm for Sophie and AJ, as they travel to Browns Bay for training up to five times a week.

Sophie and AJ train on giant trampolines, two metres wide and four metres long, wearing special trampoline shoesfor extra grip. Forward, backward and twisting somersaults are among the moves that the pair are learning to master and Sophie is also competing in synchronised trampoline.

“Bouncing is fun, and you use every part of your body so it keeps you fit and strong,” Sophie says.

AJ says the club is mostly made up of girls, but he couldn’t wait to join after giving it a go on a school holiday programme.

“It feels really good when you get it right,”AJ says.

The Indo-Pacific Championships take place October 15th-19th and Sophie says China is the country to beat.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people from around the world and seeing how they do different trampoline techniques.”

North Shore Trampoline Club offers recreational and competitive trampoline options and includes classes for adults. For more information phone 09 478 4411.