After a thrilling return to the Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Sports schedule at the iconic Merewether Beach last year, the 2023 NSW Board Riding Championships looks set to be even bigger and better.
135 competitors are slated to hit North Avoca over the coming two days, 6-7 May, making the Central Coast a hive of activity and talent as perfect conditions are predicted for the event.
Competitors will travel from as far north as Cudgen Headland SLSC and as far south as Narooma SLSC, while members from Taree Old Bar SLSC will also make the trip south from the Lower North Coast.
The Board Riding Championships is a chance for surf lifesavers to showcase their skillset in a different water discipline to those commonly associated with the movement.
They’ll get to do so across a wide range of events, including two new divisions which are set to add an exciting new element to competition across the weekend.
The Clubbie Board Division is a ‘expression session’, of sorts, where surfers will get to showcase their skills on a rescue board, while the Tag Team Division will test competitors’ chemistry as well as their ability in the water on Sunday morning.
“It’s going to be a great weekend of competition,” Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Sports Manager, Jim Pinnington said.
“We’re very passionate about providing a platform for members to express themselves and demonstrate their talents through Surf Sports, what better way to do that than with an event that rewards expression above most others.
“We’re very excited to bring this event to the Central Coast and, more specifically, North Avoca. That stretch of beach has been a hot spot for surfing talent on the Central Coast.”
Indeed, Wade Carmichael, Matt Wilkinson and Ace Buchan surfed first at Avoca before surfing breaks at Bell’s Beach and J-Bay on the WSL Championship Tour, while former Junior World Champion, Macy Callaghan is also a local.
Championship Tour legend turned Surf Academy coach, Glen ‘Micro’ Hall also learned the ropes in the region.
“Surfers play an important role in and contribute greatly to ensuring our coastlines are safe. Whilst Board Riding might be considered a non–traditional Surf Sport discipline, it’s an important offering that caters to a different segment of the Membership,” Jim continued.
NSW Board Riding Championship Events:
- Youth Female Malibu Long Board
- Youth Male Malibu Long Board
- Open Female Malibu Long Board
- Open Male Malibu Long Board
- 30-49 Female Malibu Long Board
- 30-49 Male Malibu Long Board
- 50+ Male Malibu Long Board
- 50+ Female Malibu Long Board
- U13 Male Short Board
- U13 Female Short Board
- U14/U15 Male Short Board
- U14/U15 Female Short Board
- U17/U19 Male Short Board
- U17/U19 Female Short Board
- Open Male Short Board
- Open Female Short Board
- 30-49 Male Short Board
- 30-49 Female Short Board
- 50+ Male Short Board
- 50+ Female Short Board
Friday 5 May 2023