Surf Boat rowing is by far the fastest growing sport in surf lifesaving with adrenaline filled excitement of punching out through the waves then turning and catching a wave back to the beach. Female competitors are making up a large number of eager participants.
There are a number of divisions in which members compete,
- Open Men.
- Open Women
- Reserve Grade Men
- Under 19 Men
- Under 23 Men
- Under 23 Women
- Masters Men
- Masters Women
Soldiers Beach had 6 crews compete in the 2007-2008 season.
- 1 x under 19 men’s crew.
- 1 x Reserve grade crew.
- 2 x under 23 women’s crew’s.
- 2 x Master’s crew’s.
All crews competed at various carnivals throughout the season, including the Peters Surf Boat Series, Coffs Harbour Annual Craft Carnival, Central Coast Branch Championships and NSW State Championships.
In recent years our 160 years Masters crew has had some success. The 2006-2007 season saw them come 2nd in the Peters Surf Boat Series, 2nd at the NSW State Championships and 3rd at the Coffs Harbour Annual Craft carnival But the highlight would have to be a place in the Australian Final at Kurrawa Beach in the 2004-2005 season.
Age Requirements
You have to be a minimum of 16 years of age before you can row surf boats and be a minimum of 30 years to be a master’s rower.
You must also be a proficient Bronze Medallion holder and fulfill your patrol requirements.
Training
Training would generally start Mid Winter with endurance work, long rows of up to 90 minutes per session in still water working on good technique.
As you get closer to the competition end of the season we would be working on skill such as, starts, turns and catching waves.
Sweeps
The club currently has 4 fully accredited sweep/surf coaches to train the crews that we currently have, but we are always looking for people who would like to take on these roles.
If you would like to row surf boats or interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Shane Walker on 0404498089 or Mick Crowe on 43961991 for more info.