Black Head Surf Life Saving Club's first foray into a fast 5 carnival format has proven successful, with an enthusiastic showing of nippers and surf lifesavers turning out for the occasion.
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Held at Black Head Beach on Saturday, November 7, the event was intended to give surf lifesavers from the area an introduction to competition without the pressure or drawn-out schedule of a regular carnival.
The fast 5 format sees competitors in each age group take part in a swim and four board races in quick succession.
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Director of surf sports at Black Head SLSC, Kevin Boag, said the day lived up to expectations, with plenty of first-time competitors enjoying the proceedings.
"I think they all just got an idea of what a carnival is like, but with a more relaxed atmosphere," he said.
"Everyone had a good time."
Mr Boag said it was also a good introduction for some of the area's budding young officials, who got their first taste of running a surf carnival without the pressure of any major results being on the line.
Initially expecting around 50 competitors to take part, Mr Boag said it was great to see 79 people line up across the divisions, which ranged from under 8s all the way up to opens.
This included representatives from Lower North Coast Branch clubs Pacific Palms, Cape Hawke, Forster, Black Head and Taree-Old Bar, as well as four competitors from Sawtell SLSC.
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With less than ideal weather predicted and a large swell running in the lead up to the event, Mr Boag said the conditions actually came together perfectly on the day, which added to the enjoyment.
"There was a good little wave and clear skies," he said.
"The swell was good actually; it dropped off on Friday night and we were left with a nice clean rolling wave."
Following the success of the day, Black Head SLSC will host another fast 5 carnival on Saturday, January 16.
For more information, visit Black Head SLSC's Facebook page.
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