SURF LIFE SAVING –
Central Coast Nippers descended on Terrigal Beach on December 5 for their first Newcastle Permanent Junior Carnival of the season.
This carnival was the first since lockdown ended, and all 15 surf clubs on the Coast turned out to compete.
Jon Harkness, CEO of Surf Life Saving Central Coast said the junior carnivals provided a great opportunity for all Nippers to test their life saving skills with healthy competition.
“Competition is an important part of the skill development process for the Nippers program as the event focuses on a particular skill sets which they will use to stay safe at the beach and use to one day save a life,” Harkness said.
“Surf Life Saving Central Coast has adopted a participation focus to their Newcastle Permanent Junior Carnivals.
“While medals are awarded the top three places, the focus of the carnival is more about providing all Nippers with an opportunity to test their skills and build their confidence as they continue to develop their lifesaving skills.
“This season, the carnival program has been revised after feedback from members
and to adapt to the COVID restrictions,” he said.
A ceremony to remember the long-standing members of the Central Coast Surf Boat community who passed away over the winter period was also held at round two of the Central Coast and Hunter Boat Series in Hawks Nest on December 4 and Tea Gardens on December 5.
Kevin Bootle from Avoca Beach SLSC was a driving force behind the scenes of the iconic boat series and was an incredible rower back in his day.
His notable successes included nine Australian Gold Medals spanning 45 years in
boat competitions and
represented the Central Coast branch in the USA.
“The service involved over 250 competitors holding their oars high to pay their respect,” Harkness said.
“These types of send offs are the ultimate tribute in Surf Boat Rowing.”
Harry Mulholland