For the 20th year, a range of events will be spread across the Professionals Weekend of Surfing. 

Kickstarting socially at 5pm on Friday October 2 at the Forster Surf Life Saving Club, the Ironman event at 10am the following day will be enough to shake off any tired thoughts, pushing an expected 240 participants to their max. A three person board relay at midday precedes lunch and will be followed by a full Sunday of competition beginning with the iconic March Past event at 8.30am. 

All the usual water events will come into play in swimming, boards, skis, and mixed iron person relays taking place in age groups, from under 9s to the masters in the over 50s.

Supporting the event for the eighth year in a row, Professional’s Richard Crowther and Darrell Roche are pleased to support both the surf club’s patrols and the local economy stimulus brought on by the weekend. 

“The carnival is always well run and the attitude of competitors, officials and spectators is first class. Surf Lifesaving in general provides positive outcomes for member development and meeting the community’s needs,” Richard said. 

Large numbers are expected with current champions Cooks Hill, previous multi-winners Umina, Wanda, Shelley Beach, Manly, Queenscliff and Bronte all supplying plenty of competition. Entries from regular clubs Soldiers Beach, Terrigal and Swansea Belmont are also expected, providing more numbers for events. 

With late entries, an anticipated 400 competitors from as many as 40 clubs from Wollongong to Coffs Harbour are expected to participate across the weekend. 

“This year we even have competitors from two Victorian Clubs, Jan Juc and Mordiallic, who are taking the opportunity to participate in our carnival after holidaying on the Gold Coast,” FSLC club president John Quinn said.

Locally all six Lower North Coast Surf Lifesaving Clubs have competitors entered across the age groups. 

“Many will utilise the event to push for the opportunity to represent the Lower North Coast in the State Inter-branch Championships to be conducted in December at Cape Hawke,” John said.

Welcoming all competitors and visitors in advance, an acknowledgement of thanks has gone to the carnival’s officials led by Blackhead’s Bernadette Nicholson, without whom “the event would not occur”.

Keeping in mind there is a job for everyone, anyone willing to put their hand up to help is encouraged to contact Dave Keating on the work party or Brian Wilcox on water safety. Entry enquiries phone Beth Lee on 6555 2227.