SURF LIFE SAVING –
The first Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing event in two years for Surf Life Saving NSW kicked off in perfect conditions at Terrigal over the weekend of May 14 – 15, with the hosts, along with North Avoca and Ocean Beach representing the Central Coast.
The large swell at many other beaches across the state did not affect the Terrigal waters, with the headland providing protection from the wind.
Nonetheless, with fierce opposition coming from across the state in this Round One of Four of the NSW IRB Premiership, the Central Coast teams certainly had their work cut out for them.
The winning club over the weekend was the defending Series and State Champions, Kiama Downs, who took out an incredible 15 of the 23 finals and finished well in front with 163 points.
Kiama Downs Team Manager Steve Strong said his team was running really well over the duration of the weekend and they were pleased with the results.
“The core of our team has been racing for a long time so there’s a lot of experience in our team,” Strong said.
“Our management systems and our training systems have all been in place for a long time and now we’re capitalising on it and have been fortunate enough to enjoy a really good run the last few years.”
Behind Kiama Downs in second place was host club, Terrigal, on 89 points, and further below was North Avoca in ninth place, finishing with 23 points.
Teammates Laura and Chloe from Terrigal club said the sport provided a great thrill.
“The adrenalin and the camaraderie of the team is what we love,” said Chloe.
“And it’s such a fun sport, it’s like a little family,” said Laura.
“This first event is great having everyone here on our home beach, it’s a pretty even playing field and the sun is out – what more could you want?”
The next round of the premiership will be over the weekend of May 29 – 30, at Cape Hawke SLSC on the Lower North Coast, followed by Round Three at Warilla Barrack Point SLSC on the South Coast on June 12 – 13.
The final round of the premiership will return to the Central Coast and take place at Ocean Beach on June 26 – 27.
Source:
Media Release, May 17
Surf Life Saving NSW.