The Professionals Weekend of Surf is bringing lifesavers to Forster's Main Beach this October long-weekend on for the 21st year.
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The weekend kicks off with social interaction on Friday night from 5pm at the surf club.
From 10am on Saturday morning the ironman will be held followed by the three-person board relay race from noon.
On Sunday the program begins with the iconic march past event at 8.30am and then runs into all the usual water events – swim, board, ski and taplin relay in age categories from under nine to masters in the over 50 age group.
Richard Crowther and Darrell Roche are proud Professionals Forster Tuncurry is the major carnival sponsor for a ninth year.
“It is fantastic to support Forster SLSC in its endeavours to meet its commitments to patrolling our beaches and this carnival also provides a significant economic stimulus to the area,” Richard said.
“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 and is something that the Professionals Forster Tuncurry highly value.”
Organisers are expecting good numbers with current champions Cooks Hill looking to make it five in a row with previous multi winners Umina, Wanda, Shelley Beach, Manly, Queenscliff and Bronte with plenty of competitors and high expectations ready to challenge for overall champion club.
Regular clubs Soldiers Beach, Terrigal and Swansea Belmont are rolling up with good numbers.
Overall the club envisages approximately 280 competing in the ironman event on Saturday and Sunday dependent on the weather with late entries possibly in excess of 450 – 480 competitors.
The amazing thing is the variety of clubs competing with as many as 40 clubs from Wollongong to Coffs Harbour making the trek to Main Beach.
Over 90 per cent of competitors come from outside our local government area and this provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Great Lakes to many visitors many of whom stay 3-7 nights.
This year we even have competitors from two Victorian clubs, Jan Juc and Mordiallic which are taking the opportunity to participate in the carnival after holidaying on the Gold Coast.
On a local level all six Lower North Coast Surf Lifesaving Clubs will have competitors entered 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 conducted in December at Cape Hawke.
We welcome all competitors and visitors to our competition and especially in advance thank our carnival officials led again by Bernadette Nicholson from Black Head in charge for without our band of officials both local and visiting the event would not occur.
For Forster members much help is required to conduct the event so please see Bruce Higgs, Dave Keating, work party and Brian Wilcox, water safety, there is a job for everyone.
For entries please let Beth Lee know on 6555 2227 if you have not as yet entered.
Bronze and Surf Rescue Course: Lock in the date, October 20, 2016. Bronze Medallion/SRC Course at Forster SLSC with Dr Jim. (SLSNSW Trainer of the Year 2013).
Training each Saturday morning from 8am and Thursday afternoon, 5.30pm for seven weeks.
Assessment on November 28,
Contact Jim at least two weeks weeks prior to course to register 6555 7249 or jimandsuewills@gmail.com
Do this important course and make a difference to your club and community.