Surf boat racing is one of the most spectacular events in the Surf Life Saving competitions.  Each surfboat is manned by four rowers and is steered by a sweep.  Crews compete head to head racing from the beach, rowing through the surf into open water and turning at a designeated set of turning buoys or cans.  After rounding the cans, the crews race back to the beach each keeping in their lane or alley. As the surfboat nears the beach the aim is to catch a wave and surf to shore whilst the sweep steers the boat to keep it upright and on the face of the wave.  Surfboat races are conducted on a weekly basis throughout the Australian summer and hundreds of boat crews take part.

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Surfboat competitions offer members the chance to test their skills and fitness against the very best lifesavers in Australia.  Competitors have the opportunity to travel across Australia. Competitors have the opportunity to travel across the State and Country to attend numerous local and interstate carnivals.  In order to compete each athlete must have a minimum qualification of a Bronze Medallion and meet patrol hour requirements according to their membership category.

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There are 7 divisions in surf boat rowing competition.

• Open Men

• Open Women

• Reserves (B Grade)

• Under 23 Men (Colts)

• Under 23 Women

• Under 19 Men

• Masters – Women 140-180 years & Men 120-260 years

 

For more information on surf boat rowing in Australia you can visit the Australian Surf Rowers League website.

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If you want more information about joining a boat crew at Avoca Beach please email John Mitchell.