Coolum Beach crew won round one of elite national event Ocean Thunder over the weekend.
Ocean Thunder is restricted to 24 elite open men’s crews and 20 elite women’s crews, held over four rounds in DeeWhy, Sydney, NSW.
Crews travelled from all over Australia to compete in the event.
Surf boat captain Jessica Arvela said, “It was a huge day on the beach, eight races is quite the effort, we usually race five or six in a day, so it was great endurance training.“
“The swell in the surf was welcome. It really allows for some interesting racing. You need a mix of power, surf skill, team work, coordination and speed.
“Honestly, the win didn’t hit us at first. We didn’t row our best, our coach [David Tomba] was certainly letting us know about it.
“We took it one race at a time, focused on what it felt like in the boat, listened to each other and David. We knew the race wasn’t over until you’re on the beach – with the conditions, there was a lot of carnage, anything could happen.
“Our focus now is national team selection and the Australian short course Saturday week in Queenscliff, NSW.
“A huge thank you to our sponsors, Richardson and Wrench, Fez Constructions, Recor Consulting, Pathway Legal, Health Junkee, and Covey Associates. We wouldn’t have even been there without their support. We are grateful for their commitment and investment in the local community.“
Highlights of this unique and iconic Australian sport are on FOXTEL and Channel 9.
Crew name for the event: Richardson and Wrench – Coolum, after the major sponsor.
Results for round one for Coolum Beach:
– Race one: 1st.
– Race two: 2nd.
– Race three: 1st.
– Race four: 3rd.
– Race five: 2nd.
– Quarter final: 2nd.
– Semi-final: 1st.
– Final: 1st.
Next Ocean Thunder dates:
– Saturday 10 December.
– Saturday 7 January.
– Saturday 4 February.
