2018 is shaping up to be a great year for surf boat racing with Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) celebrating 20 years of the battle of the boats surfboat carnival on the weekend of February 24-25.
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From its humble beginnings in 1999 with only approximately 70 crews competing, this long running carnival now boasts close to 200 of the top surfboat crews on the east coast of Australia.
Teams make the trip to Elizabeth Beach in Booti Booti National Park every February for two days of spectacular surfboat racing.
The event has gained the reputation as one of the “must do” events on the surf boat rowers’ calendar and with over $8000 up for grabs, spectators can be assured of thrills and spills galore as the crews battle it out for top placings.
With racing in 10 categories and a round robin format, each crew is guaranteed a full weekend of racing, with finals of all categories to be held on the Sunday afternoon.
The ever popular Tim Knight club relay will again be held on the Saturday, with one crew from each club in men’s, women’s and junior division competing.
Entries are starting to pour in, with North Bondi SLSC, silver medallist in the 2017 open men’s category, already registered to contest this event.
Bilgola SLSC, who took third in the U/19 and U/23 ladies and masters men in 2017, is also back to better their previous results.
Club president, Dave Ellis said the battle of the boats 2018 will be a great opportunity for locals to view surfboat racing at its very best.
“With the NSW state and Australian championships just around the corner, crews will be honing their performances for these prestigious events and we can expect to see some thrilling surfboat action over the weekend.”
With expert commentary throughout the weekend and plenty of food and drink for sale, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
So come on down to Elizabeth Beach, the action starts at 7.30am Saturday and 7am Sunday.
For more information, head on over to our website at www.pacificpalmsslsc.org.au or find us on Facebook.
A range of local and other businesses sponsor and support the event including Bluey’s Cellars and Deli, Pacific Palms Real Estate, Bluey’s Retreat, Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Millers Turf, Adrenalin Paintball, NBN TV, Frothy Coffee Boatshed, Pacific Palms Resort and JR Richards Waste & Recycling Services.
