A GORGEOUS morning last Sunday greeted us for the April surf comp. This comp was held at Bingie Point, where some of the crew hadn't been before. It is truly a little hidden treasure so close to home and although the surf was really small, the water temp was about 25 degrees and crystal clear. The morning started with the juniors and what a confidence building day it turned out to be. The pre-comp briefing from Mick emphasised the fact that today would be the day that the juniors could try to paddle onto their own waves and not relying so heavily on being "pushed onto" the selected waves. All surfers did a great job with most paddling back out solo or at least attempting to which was great to see. Days like this is when the surfers (and not beginners) really go ahead leaps and bounds with the basics all coming together. Sunday was for some; the first time they have been able to paddle out unassisted. Pretty much everyone were on soft boards, so there were even some friendly collisions which provided laughs for everyone - the Opens showing the juniors what "dropping in" and friendly "Wave Rage" really looks like!
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Heat 1 saw tight tussle between five girls that are improving every week and loving every minute in the surf. The look on their faces and the wild giggles evidence of a great time had by all. The water safety officers were having a ball just watching and listening out in the warm shallows.
First Ruby, second Savannah, third Lani, fourth Stephie, fifth Lauren.
Heat 2 was filled with Opens who went out on softboards with the intention of having a hoot, and didn't they do just that. There was lots of multiple surfers on the same wave, wrestling, dropping in and laughter.
First Cat, second Nicky, third Angie, fourth Sue, fifth Sammee.
Heat 3 was again tightly contested. There were some great improvers in this heat with Tiarne and Abbey getting their first waves standing up after only a couple of surf comps - great work gals. Practice makes perfect, so all that board training is certainly working.
First Geena, second Baillee, third Aisha, fourth Abbey, fifth Tiarne.
Heat 4 12/13/14yrs all jumped in together in heat 4 and you can tell these girls have been in the water a lot in the last few months. Their timing, technique and willingness all shone through and made it a great heat to watch. Meg and Anna were on their fibreglass boards and snatched a few sweet little green rights and look comfortable and at ease up there.
12 years first Anna, second Amy. 13 years first Lara, 15 years Meg.
Heat 5 the remaining Opens hit the water last and if the swell could drop any more that it started at, it did by now. Competition tactics went out the window and it was all about trying to control a softboard after being on fibreglass boards for so long. Congrats to Jackie, who persisted on every attempt with a smile. Belinda broke a long standing curse and cracked the top spot on the podium at this comp and showed her trademark style on some nice little right handers.
First Belinda, equal second Jane and Lin, third Jackie.
Encouragement Awards went to Aisha Thomas who showed some great skills in both paddling and wave riding. Anna Rogerson who received the award due to her diligence and attention to detail while judging. It is great to see the juniors taking the other responsibilities associated with Surf Sistas seriously and being willing to learn. This is how the future of the sport will continue in years to come.
Surfer of the month - April
Geena Thomas this month really showed a dramatic improvement riding the waves. Her balance, technique and ability to shift direction are a mark of something to come... watch this space.
Weekly Board Training - still on... Thursdays at Bar Beach from 4.30pm
Board training is still on at Bar Beach each Thursday from 4.30pm. As daylight saving has finished, training now finishes a little earlier.
Don't be put off by the "nearly winter" thoughts... the water is the best temperature at this time of year. Training will only be on for the next couple of months before the winter hiatus so get in now while you can. Please make sure you bring along any of your own gear. Due to the increase in members, loan equipment is limited, so it's important that if you have your own gear you aren't using borrowed equipment that Sistas without their own gear could be using.
Kids under 14 years are to be accompanied by an adult.
Want to know more about Surf Sistas or thinking about joining? It's not too late to join up. The season runs until November, with comps every month and training weekly.
Call Mick or Sue Anderson on 44767 362 to get all your questions answered.
Upcoming Comp Dates
May 18, Comp at Kianga
June 15 Comp at Kianga
Note: If conditions mean comp is called off on the scheduled date, it will attempt to be held the following Sunday.