Ron Lane
On Sunday morning at Noosa’s Main Beach, the Noosa Heads SLSC, celebrated what has now become part of its proud boating tradition – the ceremony to mark the launching of a new surf boat.
In his opening speech to invited guests and rowers Master of Ceremonies Mick Curwen, veteran masters’ rower, paid homage to the original owners of the land, the Gubbi Gubbi people.
He went on to give a brief history of the boating section in which he acknowledged the year 1993, a year in which the boating fraternity underwent a massive restructure has brought boat racing to its present conciliated and successful situation.
‘’This, in turn, had made procuring sponsorship deals a more viable proposition. In saying this, we take the time to thank most sincerely Richardson and Wrench for their outstanding contribution to our boating.’’,
In his welcome to guests and members club president Ross Fisher also acknowledged the Gubbi Gubbi people. He then congratulated the boat crews on their achievements not only in competition but also in the core business of their patrol work.
“I also thank sponsors Richardson and Wrench for their outstanding contribution. Shane and Gillian McAuley from the sponsors asked that we pass on their apology as they were unable to attend. We thank these people and wish them all the very best.”
At the completion of the speeches came the most important part of the launching ceremony, the christening of the boat.
Imagine the shock when the MC was asked to remove the strip covering the person’s name, only to discover the name was his, Mick Curwen.
His immediate response was, “My God that’s me.”
The applause that erupted following this revelation, told all present the decision for this high honour was indeed totally supported. When asked about the award and his 30 years of service he replied, ‘’I feel very humble about the naming. And about my 30 years, man I am just starting,” he said with a laugh.
Mick’s career in lifesaving started in 1992 when, as a father aged 33, the family joined the Noosa Nippers. Following this, like a lot of young fathers he, along with his new mates from the nippers, joined the senior club obtaining his bronze.
This was to be just the start of a successful career in the Noosa club. Through the years he has held various positions, most important of which were treasurer, patrol captain and boat captain.
In competition he rowed in many masters’ boat crews as well as being part of the maintained crews: older rowers who were there to assist when minor damage occurred during racing. The support of his wife Anita and children were a major factor that made it all possible.
Like all the old masters he will still have a row when the occasion arises, but like all the oldies his favourite pastime is a chat over a cold beer. Amongst his favourite chats was rowing in the massive surf of 1997 at Karrawa with Alby Maxwell sweeping. So big was the surf on that occasion that on race day the break (that area inside where waves continually break ) was full of overturned boats, crewies and boat oars. The other was at Elouera in 2018 during the Australian Surf Rowers League Championships when again the surf was huge. This time for Mick and others, it was a matter of club pride.
Two junior girls’ crews (all eight crewies, 15- and 16-year-old high school girls) both in the same division made the final. Rowing in the biggest surf that they had ever seen, they not only got out and back but in doing so did the unbelievable by finishing first and third, giving them the gold and bronze medals. When the final placings were announced, the beach, packed with hundreds of rowers from all over Australia erupted: 15- and 16-year-old Noosa school girls, “Unbelievable, but they did it. Certainly, something to remember.”
When it comes to the cost of a new boat, the importance of good sponsorship becomes obvious.
A boat plus trailer is $35,000 and complete with oars, brings the total to $40,000.The importance of these boats in a surf club, cannot be emphasised enough.
First of all, it is a team sport that creates a bond amongst club mates that you will never find in any other discipline. And it is this bond that creates spirit, pride and tradition that is so important in the life of a good club. It is these characteristics that carry over into the structure of good beach patrols with members who can face up to big surf and always move together as a team in times of performing their core business, the protection of human life.
On Saturday morning the Noosa club played host to an u/8-u/10 Nipper Carnival with 12 clubs were in attendance. Watched by a crowd of some 500, the day started with a demonstration dance performed by the Gubbi Gubbi people. The dance team, which was well received, was formed by a direct descendant Lyndon Davis.
Also in attendance were sponsors FINZ and Golden Circle. The morning went off well with just a small wave for the competitors. With nipper clubs turning out nippers at such a young age, it makes things look good for the future of lifesaving. We wish all our nipper families all the very best for the years ahead.
Weightlifting.
On Saturday Zac Schwitter and Taj Marsh, representing both the Noosa Barbell Club and Queensland, competed in the Senior Australian Weightlifting Titles in Brisbane. For both lads (competing in the snatch and clean and jerk) it was their first time in the senior nationals. This was a great chance to gain experience in the senior division. In their respective events, Zac competed in the M81kg class and Taj in the M96kg. For Taj, this was the first time in that division as his normal was M89kg but following requests from the Queensland team to move up, he agreed to do so.
Zac had the misfortune to pick up an elbow injury in his last snatch attempt, but with ongoing help from Jason McNamara from SNP Health he was able to finish his event. In doing so he showed a lot of courage and dedication to his team. The end result saw Zac, despite his injury finish in sixth place, in this his first national titles.
Taj’s build up for the competition was rather disjointed, studying for his year 12 exams, attending graduation social events and training made things difficult.
‘However, with his tough mental attitude he executed a fantastic day on the platform to also finish in sixth place in his first nationals.’
After the competition he was quoted as saying, “Small fish, big pond – time to get to work.”
In his summary of the titles coach Woogie Marsh said, “This is the end of the 2021 season for Noosa. It’s time to build again and bring new blood into the Noosa Barbell Club and Crossfit 4566 fold for the 2022 calendar season.”
He thanked the community at Crossfit and the Barbell club for their continued support, dedication and training efforts. Coach Marsh closed off by saying, “bring on 2022”.
