By RON LANE
ON Sunday the Noosa Heads SLSC held its quarterly club council meeting. This meeting was well attended and all aspects of club activities were reported. Acting President Barry Leek, in his opening remarks congratulated all patrolling members for their good work on maintaining a high standard of beach safety over the past season.
“The school holidays have seen our beaches packed and our standard of patrolling has been good,” he said.
Among the many reports for discussion was the progress at Peregian. This was tabled by Brett Leckie, the Peregian delegate. It was indeed very positive and all concerned are to be congratulated.
Highlights contained within the report were; a complete review of the current beach patrol system. This is a step taken by clubs through our organisation at the end of every season; with beach visitation on the increase, it is now top of the list.
The downstairs area of the club which houses all gear and equipment necessary for the day to day running of a surf club, has been upgraded and further development of the building is under discussion. Training courses covering all aspects of club life from Nippers to bronze medallion, patrol work and competition are being conducted on a weekly basis.
“I am very happy with the situation. With the current forecast of a big population increase over the next couple of years, it is essential that the Peregian community be serviced by a club that has all state-of-the-art facilities required for the running a safe and well patrolled open beach. Over all, the progress in all aspects of our upgrading has been spot on. To all involved, many thanks,” Brett said.
Regarding competition, Director of Surf Sports Peter French said, “Our results so far this season have been amongst our best ever; in particular those achieved at the state titles. Many thanks to our coaching staff, competitors, parents and support groups. For the Aussie Titles we will be fielding our biggest team ever – approximately 117 contestants.”
The Under 17 age group and the Patrol and Champion Lifesaver competitors received special mention. As these are young members on their way up in the world of surf competition, they are to be encouraged and supported.
Over the hill at Sunshine Beach, they too are in readiness for the Aussie Titles. Despite being one of our smallest clubs on the Sunshine Coast, they will be represented by some 40 competitors ranging in age from Under 14 to Masters.
“Everyone is keen to go – our season so far has been outstanding. Our strength is in in our team events; in these we are not just winning but also setting some records along the way right up to state level. We have a great coaching panel and our results show just how good they are,” Coach Max Pettigrove said.
“This will probably be our biggest team ever and all members are keen to do well in front of our home crowds,” Club President Craig Law added.
Last Saturday morning the Noosa Seahorses were again very active with a big role up of Nippers, leaders and parents. Because of the big beach crowds caused by the school holidays, parking facilities would have been a major problem had it not been for the incredible support of our local shire council. With their support it became possible to utilise part of the Lions Park as a pick-up point for parents and children. The families were then transported to Main Beach via the Noosa Surf Club bus, driven by volunteer lifesavers.
Families are again reminded that because of the Australian Championships being held on the Sunshine Coast, there will be no Seahorse Nippers this weekend. However they will recommence on the following Saturday.
