The traditional Aussie sport of surfboat rowing is enjoying a surprise resurgence with officials saying the welcome spike in competitor numbers is due to COVID.
The fact the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships will be hosted on the Sunshine Coast next April, is also helping lure back more rowers in Queensland’s south-east.
Many people returned to exercise and refocused on their health and wellbeing during lockdown.
This led to more people gravitating to the iconic surf sport, which was massive in the 1990s when it featured along with the ironmen and women as part of the televised rival Nutri-Grain and Uncle Toby’s series.
Mooloolaba will on Saturday (8am to 3pm) host the latest round of the Navy-sponsored series, which will attract 92 crews – a 10-year record attendance – from throughout Queensland. Navy has been proud to associate with surf rowing in recent years as it perfectly fits its team philosophy.
Rowers are travelling from as far away as Mackay, Yeppoon and Bundaberg, and Tweed Heads/Coolangatta in the south.
Sunshine Coast clubs represented include host club Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Dicky Beach, Metropolitan Caloundra (Kings Beach), Coolum, Noosa and Marcoola.
Some colourful crew names have been entered, such as the Maroochydore Bin Chickens, Noosa Spangled Drongos, Alexandra Headland Expendables (a masters crew with an average age of 65), Mooloolaba Special Ops, Kurrawa Stiff Brown Sauce, Metropolitan Caloundra Margaritas, Dicky Beach Prime Beef and watch out for the Tallebudgera Tiger Queens.
Australian Surf Rowers League Queensland (ASRLQ) president, Gary Williams, told sunshinecoastnews.com.au it was great to see competitor numbers on the rise again.
Williams said pre-COVID people had worked more and played less, but they were now making more time for themselves and the activities they loved.
“They can also train more, because many are working from home and not having to commute to Brisbane from the coasts.
“I have two girls in my crew (Tallebudgera) who worked in Brisbane and now they are based at home so have more time to train.’’
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Williams said having the national championships on the Sunshine Coast also was a big plus because when they were scheduled in distant locations like Perth, numbers dropped dramatically with people having a season off to do other sports.
Mooloolaba SLSC president Andrew Cairns said last season’s COVID-related cancellations, which included the state and national titles, had made competitors hungry for early-season events.
Mr Cairns said the Navy round at Mooloolaba would no doubt be hotly contested with crews having the chance to see how they measured up against their opposition.
“We are always proud to host sporting and tourism-boosting events and this one is going to be very exciting.
“Spectators are welcome and there are many vantage points along our beach to see the action.’’
NAVY SURFBOAT EVENT: Mooloolaba Beach, Saturday: 8am–3pm. A total of 92 crews in action from throughout Queensland. Viewing points along Mooloolaba, just south of surf club.
