SURF life savers from across the state will battle it out at Forster Main Beach this weekend for the annual Weekend of Surf.
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Now in its 19th year, the event will welcome over 300 competitors from 40 surf clubs from Wollongong up to Coffs Harbour.
Cooks Hill SLSC and current champions will return with a strong contingent with the intention of defending their crown but will have tough competition against last year’s runners up Swansea Belmont as well as Soliders Beach, Umina and of course, Forster.
This year, competitors from two Victorian clubs - Jan Juc and Mornington will also compete in the event. The clubs are taking the opportunity to participate in the carnival after holidaying on the Gold Coast.
Sydney club Queenscliff will be undertaking a training camp at Pacific Palms during the week with 30 competitors in nipper and master categories staying on for the carnival.
Forster club members will be joining them on Thursday where Laura Thurtell will be assisting with the coaching and other activities.
All six Lower North Coast Surf Lifesaving Clubs will enter competitors from under nine to masters categories. Many will utilise the event to push for the opportunity to represent the Lower North Coast in the State Inter-branch Championships to be held in December at Catherine Hill Bay.
The weekend will kick off with social interaction on Friday from 5pm at the surf club and Saturday will see the 8km ski race commence at about 10.30am followed by the Ironman race at midday.
On Sunday, the iconic March Past event will start at 8.30am before all of the usual water events – swim, board, ski and mixed iron person relay in age categories from under 9 through to the masters in the over 60 age group.
Forster SLSC president John Quinn thanked the Professionals for their ongoing support as well as carnival officials.
“We welcome all competitors and visitors to our competition and especially in advance thank our carnival officials led by Neil Whitaker from Cape Hawke on Saturday with Bernadette Nicholson from Blackhead in charge on Sunday. Without our band of officials both local and visiting the event would not occur.”
Forster club members who can assist with the running of the event are asked to contact Dave Keating or Bruce Higgs (water safety). For entries phone Beth Lee on 6555 2227 if you have not yet entered.
John Quinn