GUJARAT NRE Coking Coal has continued its strong support of the Illawarra community with the unveiling of a new DKG brand surfboat for Woonona Surf Life Saving Club last weekend.

The new boat, utilising the ‘classic’ hull shape, was made on the Gold Coast with the craft at 209 kg weighing almost 10% less than current boats average weight of 230 kg.

Club Boat Captain, Jonathon Chivers, said his members were incredibly grateful and over the moon that Gujarat NRE and Russ mining have chosen to support and invest in the surf boat rowing section of the club.

Ten surfboat crews are now in training at the club compared to just two crews three years ago, with the new boat taking over from three old tired crafts which had been used for training and competition.

The clubs Australian Surf Rowers League Under-23 champions from last year, who have now progressed through to the Open Men’s grade, have been given the honour of taking the boat out on its maiden voyage.

Upcoming carnivals for the boat named ‘Gujarat’, had immediate success at Sundays Illawarra branch titles at Bellambi Beach with Woonona winning seven medals in the branch boat events yesterday at Beliambi, where they second in the Under-19 male, third in the Under-23 Female, third in the Open Women, second in the combined 120 +yrs womens and third in the combined 180+ yrs

They were also third in the Lifesaver Relay which also includes a Surf Boat leg.

The final round of the South Coast Boat Series at Port Kembla on February 19, the NSW State titles at Kingscliff Beach in March and the Australian Championships at Kurrawa Beach Queensland in April.

President, Peter Evert, said the purchase of the new surfboat, marked the first new boat in over 25 years for the club.

New boat spurs Woonona ahead

After formally unveiling the boat earlier this month, Woonona’s 10 crews captured seven medals at the region’s annual carnival.

The northern suburbs club won silver and bronze medals in the under 19 men, under 23 women, open women, 120 years women, 180 years women and lifesaver relay.

“It was a very successful carnival in the new boat. To win medals covering under 19s through to veteran categories was very pleasing,” club president Peter Evert said.

The new craft was made on the Gold Coast and weighs about 10 per cent less than the average 230kg surf boat.

Just two crews rowed for Woonona three years ago. That number has swelled to 10.

“With rowing interest at the club now featuring 10 crews, this in turn has provided an additional 40 fit patrolling members at Woononabeach,” he said.

Woonona will use the boat for Saturday’s final round of the Warilla Bowls Series at Port Kembla, next month’s state titles at Kingscliff and the Australian championships at Kurrawa in April.

Shove thy neighbour

Needing only to finish among the top three to be assured of the open men’s series crown, Bulli sweep Paul Jones and his crew claimed line honours, relegating Austinmer Blue and Austinmer White to second and third places respectively.

“The open men’s final was one of the best races of the season,” series co-ordinator John Masters said.

“There were a few crews level at the turning buoys and then Austinmer Blue took the lead, but Bulli pulled onto a small wave near the finish to be first across the line.”

Austi Blue were second on the series point-score and Wollongong City third.

Batemans Bay won the open women’s series title, despite finishing fifth in the final.

The Bay had secured enough points in the previous three rounds to claim victory, followed by Broulee and Warilla-Barrack Point.

Austinmer Blue finished on a high note, taking out the final ahead of the improving Woonona crew and Broulee.

Corrimal were triumphant in the final race of the men’s reserve division, but Wollongong City captured the series championship, with Batemans Bay second and Bulli third.

Batemans Bay clinched the under 23 men’s title with their final-round victory, while Broulee won the under 23 women’s series, despite Austinmer crossing the line first on Saturday.

Broulee were victorious in the under 19 final, though Wollongong City claimed the overall title.

Woonona won the men’s reserve division final to secure second spot in the series behind Bulli Workers.

Batemans Bay were rewarded for their consistency in each division over four rounds by being named champion club of the series.

Woonona East PS Fundraiser

Eleven teams of “girls” and four teams of “boys” rowed off to complete a series of 2,000 metre races in the fastest possible time! This relay event is all about fitness, strength and teamwork, with rapid changeovers the key to success!  The Rowing event was organised for the school by Ian Gibson, Fitness Trainer and Owner of Pioneer Fitness and a proud supporter of the school. The event presentation and the motivational music all delivered a fun event leaving people asking for more!  Using specialist Indoor Rowing computer software from Boston, USA. Ian was able to connect up the rowing machines to a computer so the racing positions could be projected onto the school projector screen. The audience were treated to the exciting spectator sport of Indoor Rowing!  For the vast majority of competitors it was their first indoor rowing competition.  Teams of four raced in a relay over 2000 metres, each person rowing a frenetic, energy sapping 500 metres on rowing machines you’ll often see in your local gym.

“This is the first time an event like this has been run in the Illawarra”. Ian said. “I was overwhelmed by the interest from my clients, Mums and Dads from the school and the girls from Contours Woonona.  The enthusiastic participation of everyone made the day an “oarsome” success.”

“I had people from all rowing disciplines participating, surfboats, outriggers, dragon boaters, scullers and indoor rowers.  All got into the spirit of the event. It was really gutsy for some people who were giving the sport a go for the first time.  I am now preparing a team to compete in the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships in Melbourne on October 16th. If anyone is interested in the sport of Indoor Rowing, please call me on 4285 3108.”

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my clients for supporting the event.  Also, thanks again to clients and Woonona Surf Club for lending me their rowing machines in support of the school”.

6.30pm for 7pm (sharp) start

now at Bellambi Surf Club

(due to our club’s building renovations)

Contact Stacey to book your table (0407 710 221)

New games, audio music rounds – great prizes to be won!

It’s not too late to submit articles, photos etc – please contact Publicity (Gail or Michelle), but don’t leave it too long!

Please wear your white Club of the Year shirt.