State : Geoff King Motors Boat Report

4 of our boat crews headed to North Steyne to contest the NSW State Championships to mix it with the best in the state .

Our masters crews kicked off competition in the 200’s  and 260’s divisions in flat, clean conditions which tested fitness, technique and timing .

In what is said to be our president Terry’s last season ( which by the way we hope it’s not ) the Aussie Tacos rowed well with no luck, in fact not catching a wave in the 3 races of the round robin .

The boys just missed out on a medal by 1 point finishing 4th, disappointing but that’s surfboats .

The Trainwrecks have put together 2 solid seasons, this motley crew have gelled in and out of the boat and are an example of the life long friendships that can be created from rowing surfboats .

All of the time and effort came to fruition in the final where they led the race from the first stroke to the last, winning gold . Rumour has it Simon O’Rorke wears his medal to bed!

Our Open and Reserves Men made it through to finals day on Sunday with the conditions providing some real “surf” for the competitors .

The Meatpies probably should have made the top 8, unfortunately they drew a tough alley and were knocked out in the quarter finals in what is an extremely competitive division ( whilst the numbers has dropped in Open Men the quality has improved .)

Comments from other sweeps and rowers make us proud that a little country club can mix it with the best. Well done lads on a top 12 finish .

The surprise package of the weekend was the Devon Sandwiches building on their form from the ASRL Open, the boys just missed out on the final due to a Palm Beach boat cutting them off.  They were in the hunt having beaten some of the best crews and finished in the top 8 these boys have heart and as sweep Matt Collins says they’re rough and sometimes it gets ugly but for some reason it works .

With 21 years between the youngest and oldest members of the crew, it goes to show surfboats has a spot for everyone, a crew is defined by mateship and a willingness to give it all for each other .

This state championships was the most successful to date for our boat crews and we are motivated to build with the momentum from this season to keep the wheels rolling .

We will be catching a few waves over winter and look forward to christening our new boat on the centenary celebration weekend .