It was a cold wet first paddle-out for surfboat crews on Saturday November 4th but that didn't stop clubs from Manly to Palm Beach and even rowers from North Bondi SLSC make the best of challenging conditions at Bilgola in Round One of the 2017-2018 SLS SNB Premiership.
The crews were ably supported on the sand by the best and most passionate officials in the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, with Zom providing great commentary. Nick Sampson, one of the great rowers at Avalon Beach SLSC was on hand, despite a snapped ACL, helping out as you may have to keep a boatie out of the boat on occasion, but you won't keep them away form the action.
Also present were the fans of the surf boats, including photographers such as Bill Sheridan and Paul Lemlin, whose spectacular shots celebrate as much capture these iconic boats catching a shoot or making wings of water around their bows as they meet, rise and go over a wave when heading out to the cans.
There were a few spills as rowers and sweeps shook off the last of the Winter lull, a great number of younger members gearing themselves up for their first competitive rows and a lifetime in one of the best water sports there is, some great waves caught, or skillfully recovered from and a nice casual chance to catch up with friends on the sand in between heats.
As always it's the teamwork within a club and the teamwork where clubs combine that stands out at any surf boat carnival - something you have to get on the beach and amongst to really appreciate.
Round 2 will be hosted by Newport SLSC on Saturday November 18th, Round 3 by Warriewood SLSC on December 1st.
Next Saturday, November 11th, the first of this Season's Ocean Thunder events kicks off at Dee Why with the followup on December 9th - showing there's going to be a lot of surf boat action and opportunities to see these great lifesavers in the lead into Christmas and after New Years, January's great Manly Boat Carnival, the ASRL Boat Carnival at Freshwater before February's Branch Championships - this year at Collaroy.
Results of the Finals at Bilgola run below and some pictures of 2017's Billy Boat Carnival. Those who want to download some for their own family albums can do so HERE.
