Killcare lifesavers were taken aback by a very special visit on Saturday, January 6.
Patrol 5 was dealing with lots of flash rips and moving flags in the afternoon when three ski paddlers hit the beach – two of them literally when they encountered the infamous Killy shore dump – and pretty much collapsed on the beach.
The Killcare crew went down to check they were OK, only to find the three had paddled an amazing 9.5km.
“Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club had pretty comfortable numbers on patrol so these three decided to grab some skis and see how far they could get, carrying trackers and radio just in case,” a Killcare spokesperson said.
“How far? As the crow flies 9.5km.
“We fed and watered them and just to prove they did it (because they swore no-one would believe them), kitted them up in some Killcare singlets.
“After a bit of rest and assurances they were OK they set off for home with the wind at their backs, after rejecting lots of alternatives including a ride down to Waggy to catch the ferry back to Palm Beach.”
Whale Beach SLSC President Kieran Gallagher said the lads were “blistered but smiling from ear to ear” when they beached back on home turf.
“They arrived just in time for our annual Neighbours Night,” Gallagher said.
“And a beer that evidently never tasted so good.”
The offer is there for a souvenir Whale Beach rashie if anyone wants to match the feat by paddling from Killcare.