It has been a busy time for the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club in the lead-up to the 2018/19 season.
Along with preparing for the 41st HitFM Surf to Surf Fun Run on Sunday, October 14, the group has begun a search for new surfboat rowers.
Surfboat events typically feature teams of four surfboat rowers and one sweep each.
Teams race approximately 400 meters out to sea towards a buoy, and paddle around the buoy before returning to shore.
Hoping to field crews across multiple divisions, the club has described the sport as being for “thrill seekers” with enthusiasm and team spirit.
City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club’s Caitlin Prosser has been a surfboat captain for the past three years.
“I came from river rowing and I needed a Summer sport and so I gave surfboat rowing a shot,” Ms Prosser said.
“I love surfboat rowing because it’s a sport based on thrills and there’s a lot of teamwork involved, it’s also very traditional.
“It was also the first form of rescuing people within the surf club.”
According to the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club, training demands vary based on each team’s division, coach, and the personal commitments of the participants.
Training sessions typically revolve around gym work, fitness, and cross training as well as rowing in surf and flat water conditions.
Ms Prosser said physical strength, aerobic fitness, energy, and coordination were all required for being a successful surfboat rower.
“We have a great crew here, everyone pitches in and we’re a community organisation,” she said.
“We’re here for some fitness and fun over Summer, and we’re also about health, teamwork, and friendship.
“Surfboat rowing is great if you’re looking for something new, it’s a good activity and it’s great for spending time on the beach.
“You can treat it as a social event or be as competitive as you like.
“Hopefully, we’ll get to compete in a few surfboat events over the Summer.”
Ms Prosser said the club was committed to competing in a variety of surf life saving carnivals during the season, going up against South West and Perth clubs.
She said each team’s training commitments would increase slightly in the lead-up to surfboat carnivals/races.
Interested persons must be at least 16-years-old, and will need to attain a City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club membership as well as a Bronze Medallion.
Visit bunburyslsc.com.au/ or the City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club Facebook Page for more details about the group’s schedule over Summer.
Read more:
