Hawaii is usually the destination of choice for big wave surfers, but it may just become a future hangout for Canberra's budding gymnasts.
The Southern Cross Gymnastics Club is considering trips to the Big Island every four years after tasting success in two international meets at Hawaii last month.
Fifteen girls, aged from 12 to 16, have just returned to Canberra after competing against young athletes from 130 clubs, representing nine countries. Bianka Rose, Jaidyn Metcalfe and Katerina Babajanov were among the most successful, all three girls picking up overall gold at the Aloha Gymfest.
GALLERY: The Southern Cross girls train
Many of the other girls won specially designed trophies, made from shells and wood sourced from the Hawaiian landscape.
Rose, 16, switched to gymnastics eight years ago after starting in ballet. The Year11 student at Mackillop College said it had been the trip of a lifetime - including surfing, volcano crater hikes and a moving visit to Pearl Harbour.
''Going across to Hawaii and competing internationally for the first time was an absolutely incredible experience. It was just so fun and the atmosphere was just amazing,'' Rose said.
''The competition was tough but it was quite laid back so it was an enjoyable experience.
It wasn't so up-tight, they just wanted us to have a good time and to remember it.
''I was extremely happy with my overall efforts and my coaches are proud of me. I am proud of myself and how far I have come.''
Jaidyn Metcalfe, who claimed the level eight overall gold was surprised by her results.
The 14-year-old Calwell High School student has been competing in gymnastics for seven years but plans to take some of the training methods she picked up from foreign competitors back to Canberra.
Southern Canberra Gymnastic Club manager Kaylene Rose said the club would explore the possibility of returning to Hawaii on a four-yearly basis.
''It is certainly an event that we would like to revisit,'' Rose said.
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