Surf boat rowing: the facts.

About Surf Rowing:

· Surf boats were originally used for rescue operations but have now been replaced by Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs).

· Intense competition at national, state and regional level has kept the thrill sport alive.

· In recent years there has been a huge increase in female boat crew numbers.

· Surf boat competition began in Australia in the early 1900s.

· All surf boat rowers must be members of a Surf Life Saving Club, hold a current Bronze Medallion qualification and attend regular club patrols to compete in competition.

· The competition season begins in November and reaches its height at the Australian Surf Life Saving Titles in April.

· Women's crew row the same weight boat and distance as men's crews.

· A full boat race is 800m and will take an average women’s crew just over 4 minutes to complete.

Boat Positions:

A surf boat crew includes four rowers and a Sweep. Most Sweeps (but not all) are male and are responsible for keeping the boat straight, steering, staying on a wave and coaching the team. The Sweep stands at the back of the boat. Seats in the boat are:

· Stroke: Sits in front of the Sweep at the back of the boat. Responsible for setting the pace of the crew.

· Second Stroke: Sits behind the Stroke in the centre of the boat.

· Second Bow: Sits behind Second Stroke in the centre of the boat. Second Stroke and Second Bow are both responsible for maintaining the boat’s power through the water.

· Bow: Sits at the front of the boat and is the first to hit and go down a wave. The Bow is responsible for keeping a long, powerful stroke through the water and helping to turn the boat around the can.

Rowing for North Wollongong SLSC:

· North Wollongong SLSC currently has 3 Women’s crews: Junior (16-20), Under 23 and Open Women.

· The club competes in all local, regional, state and national competitions.

· Most crews train 3 times per week (boat sessions) and 3-4 times per week (gym sessions).

· North Wollongong SLSC has a fully functional gymnasium. All members have free access to the gym at all times.

· The club currently has two Sweeps: Dean Anise and Martin Fox. Both have swept Australian Title medallist crews.

· North Wollongong has two new boats reserved especially for its women’s crews.

· The club hosts a number of social outings for both male and female crews throughout the year including a Sydney nightclub crawl, Pub to Pub running race, fancy dress nights and an end of season presentation.

· North Wollongong beach is the perfect setting for rowing training. Beginner crews can train in the protected harbour, teams can run or cycle on the bike track and the main beach is perfect for catching waves and swimming activities. When training is complete, many of our crew enjoy breakfast or lunch on the beach at the well-known Kiosk or Diggies Cafe.