By RON LANE
ONE cannot help but notice the sweet smell of success that is drifting through the three surf clubs within our Noosa community. It was one of the biggest Christmas holiday crowds that successfully patrolled, and with the competition results achieved, our clubs have emerged among the best of the best.
On Saturday, the competition success continued when the Noosa U/23 boat crew was selected to represent Queensland at Shellharbour in the Interstate Surf Boat Competition on 19 February; the team consists of David Tomba sweep, Tim Matters stroke, Charlie McKill second stroke, Anthony Sharp second bow and Dylan Bowness bow.
The tradition of surf boats in Noosa started back in 1949. Since then there have been many state championships won, but the big one, the Australian National Title has always eluded them.
Boat sweep David Toomba said, ‘’We are proud to represent Queensland. While at Shelly, we will also row in the Australian Surf Rowers League (A.S.R.L.) Open Championships/Navy Series. During the series, token allotments for attendance and achievements are awarded, and the overall winning crew receives a financial donation towards the purchase of a new boat. Certainly a prize worth winning.”
On Saturday, the Summer of Surf two-day carnival got underway at Noosa. Regardless of the showery weather, the carnival was indeed a success with clubs coming from as far away as Redhead NSW, Anglesea Vic. and furtherest of all, the Shikinejima Surf Club in Japan.
This club was represented by Katsu Noguchi and his presence was acknowledged by the big crowd.
Among the many to throw down the gauntlet of competition for the forthcoming State and National Titles, were Noosa’s Ironwoman Jordan Mercer, and Kurrawa’s Open Ironmen, Matt Poole and Matt Beval. Mercer was successful, winning the ladies final, with Poole and Beval taking first and second in the Men’s.
In the youth division, Noosa’s Cooper Williams was once again on the dais when he finished second in his division of the Ironman.
With Noosa’s success in hosting both this event and the Nutri Grain Iron Series in 2012, the club has shown that they have the beach, facilities and personnel required to run major carnivals. Therefore, it is to be hoped that when the competition calendar for the 2016/’17 season is drawn up, that Noosa is given every consideration in the awarding of another major.
Remember that these carnivals also bring both publicity and business into our community.
For Noosa, their achievements in hosting and competition have not come easy. The road to success opened when a small group of masters, Peter French (surf sports director), Bruce Warren, Ross Fisher and Tony Wetherell, not only started to compete but also talked and encouraged other masters and younger members to follow.
“By increasing our masters,” said Peter, “it also set an example for the young. At one stage, we only had Alex Austin and a mate to compete in the open events. That was back in 1999. Now with members winning big, young ones coming through the ranks, our reputation as a host club established and a workforce of old boys that is second to none, it makes it all worthwhile.” To this “Fabulous Four” of Peter, Bruce, Ross and Tony – well done.
Sunshine Beach will, for the first time in many seasons, field teams in the Open events. One in particular will be the blue ribbon Taplin Relay. A big factor contributing to this has been the excellent teamwork of Sunshine legendary coaches Max Pettigrove and former Olympian Clint Robinson. In the champion lifesaver and patrol competition, coach Jo Redwood and her teams are again in contention for top honours. Both Sunshine and Noosa will do us proud.
