Competitors Policy

All Competitors are directed to SLSA Policy 5.4 (Click Here for a copy), which sets out, in detail, the requirements for members to be eligible to enter SLSA competitions.

It is the individual competitors responsibility to should ensure that they meet the minimum requirements.

Random audits of entries will take place, and usually at least two clubs from Sydney Northern Beaches will undergo a full audit each year.

Within the attached Policy document please refer particularly to the following sections:

Page 5: Minimum patrol hours

Page 7, Note 6: New member patrol hour obligations

Page 7, Note 7: Returning member patrol hour obligations

Page 8, Note 11: Patrol Default hours

Good luck to all of our competitors in the upcoming championships.

Injuries:

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Surfboats

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NSW State titles , Swansea Belmont 26th-28th February 2010

We all arrived at Swansea to be greeted by a savage shore dump, ensuring an "interesting" weekend for all. Huey didn't disappoint us either with some major wipeouts and damage to gear. Many fine crews were eliminated because of the conditions including some of ours. Results as follows:

Masters 160's. Not beaten in any race in the last two years they were red hot favourites, and led the final by 3 boat lengths with only 50 metres to go , only to be overtaken by Queenscliff who caught a wave from behind and just pipped us on the line.

Open Men: Competed strongly all weekend and were looking good for a place in the final when they were smashed and rolled by a wave in the semi. to add insult to injury we also smashed a sweep oar.

Open Women: Gold Crew. Suffered a similar fate to the men except they didn't roll but rowed the course without a sweep oar and finiashed 6th to a standing ovation on the beach.

Red Crew. Were looking certanties for a medal when in their 2nd Semi (cutting the numbers left in the event from 8 to the final 6) they were 2nd with 30 metres to go when other crews from behind caught them. It was a blanket finish but we were given 4th. Bad luck girls.

Under 23 Men. Blue Crew. fought hard through the heats but were eliminated in round 4. Remem,ber this is a new crew and if they stay together next year , Look Out.

Gold Crew: We thought we had our first Gold Medal as they came in over the line with Avoca, and so did the media who flocked to the waters edge to take photos and video footage, but the judges called us 2nd in a very tight finish. Look for an Aussie Medal for these Guys.

Under 23 women.Did not compete as one of the crew had family commitments, but stayed around all weekend to help out. Thanks Girls and well done.

Under 19's: These guys made it through to the semi final and were competing in a race of 4 , 3 of which were to go through to the final, In ablanket finish with all boats on the same wave they were very unfortunate to be given 4th. I can tell you noe there was not half a boat length between the 4 boats. Here's a tip. If you have a few spare dollars put it on these guys for a Medal at the Nationals.

Surfboat Relay: Our Open Mens, Open Womens Red, and Under 19 crerws combined beautifully to win the bronze medal in this event. Well done to all, and a consolation prize for the Under 19's who should have had a medal earlier. Anyway boys you have your first State Medal.

Congratulations to all our competitors for their efforts and dedication throughout the weekend and to your great sportsmanship in tough calls. Congratulations especially for your comradeship and behaviour over the weekend. You did yourselves and Bilgola proud.

Our very best wishes go to all our competitors for the National Championships in two weeks

Battle of the Boats, Pacific Palms, 20th, 21st February.

A great weekend was had by all our competitors in sunny warm conditions as 42 competitors together with another 20 supporters headed for Beautiful Pacific Palms near Forster. Our competitors did us proud as they competed against the best in testing conditions in this annual event, and Bilgola finished a close 2nd to Avoca in the overall champion club competition. Results as follows.

Boat Relay: Bilgola 1st . The A crew started us off by attacking the large shore break and safely got out the back while the other crews waited. This gave us a good lead for the juniors who rowed the next leg and even opened up the lead, this gave the open women a handy lead and they were never in doubt as they safely negotiated the break to come home easy winners. GOLD MEDAL to Bilgola, and winners of the inaugural "Aussie Bum" trophy for champion Boat relay team.

Mens Open. The open men competed strongly including heat wins but after 6 rounds finished in 8th Position just 2 points from making the final.

Reserves. Competing strongly now and right on the pace. Finished 2nd overall in pointscore, and in the final the first 4 boats finished on the same wave. They were unlucky to finish 4th less than half a boat length from Gold. Look out next week for these guys at state.

Masters. Won every race they went in , including the final, no wonder they have won three state and two Australian Championships.Gold Medal to Bilgola.

Open Women. Our Gold crew was missing two of its members but the younger girls rowed up a division and competed magnificently. Unfortunately didn't score enough to qualify. Our Red Crew was in trouble early but fought back improving every race , unfortunately with a win, two seconds and three thirds, they just missed out on the top 6 to qualify for the final.

Under 23 Men. Qualified 3rd for the final. picked up some great runners in the final to come home convincing winners. A very strong division this so look out for these blokes next week.Gold Medal Bilgola.

Under 23 women. Don't forget these girls are all still just 16 yrs old, but competed well and getting stronger each week. They are now an integral part of the team and accepted by all. They helped out all weekend and this club should be very proud of them.

Under 19's. Speaking of being proud. How good a result for these guys . they made the top 6 and the final by pulling off some great rows during the heats.(Hats off to Benny Gill who held some monsters) Finishing 6th in a final of this class is a top effort boys. They are also some of the most popular guys in the team and are up there with the best in the state.

New Surfboat Christening

Well always one of the very special events in our club’s history is the christening of the new surfboat. This took place Sunday 18 October 2009 at Bilgola Beach.

The new surfboat looked spectacular in its distinctive ‘Blackmores’ signage as the photos certainly testify.

The surfboat name was unveiled by Lucy Brogden, wife of our Patron John Brogden, together with Life Member Graham Foran. Much to Graham’s surprise he found that his own name was underneath the protective tape. It was a richly deserved honour bestowed on Graham for his very significant support of the competition area, from nippers, through the senior club and then onto the driving of the boat area. For a number of years Graham has greatly helped out the Boaties in many ways, and this is the club’s way of showing their appreciation for his efforts.

A great afternoon ensued after Graham and Lucy christened the boat with champagne. Then followed the taking of the surfboat to sea for its traditional maiden voyage. The Open Mens Boat Crew was given the honour to take her to sea. In a very kind gesture, Don McManus, relinquished his position of sweep and gave it to Mitch Foran. Don took up Mitch’s seat in 2^nd bow and the crew went to sea. Mitch then cracked a lovely wave and held it straight to the beach. The 2^nd bow seat might be up for contention after Don’s rowing performance. A nice appropriate wetting of the surfboat’s head was held in the garden afterwards.

Well done and congratulations to Graham on a timely and well deserved honour.

May there be many waves, many wins and many good times in ‘THE GRAHAM FORAN'

ASRL Australian Open, Sandon Point Bulli,5-7th February 2010.

We arrived on Friday to be greeted by very large and dangerous seas, but officials decided to run some of the Masters events, but after just two finals they were abandoned for the day, but not before our 160 Masters crew continued their winning ways picking up the first Gold Medal of the event. Saturday was no better so the entire event was moved north to Sharkys beach just north of bulli.Even there the seas were formidable so the juniors, colts and fillies were put on hold and the reserves and open men and women started.

The" Brain's trust" at the ASRL Open. Denise looks enthralled.

Reserves: 88 of the best crews in the country, coming from every state in the country contested this event and our crew made it through to the final (6 boats). A stirling effort, with no luck in the final they finished 6th proving they are right up there with the best in the nation.

Open women: Once again a very strong field of 70 crews from all over the country started this event. Because of delays with moving and crashes the cuts were savage but when it came down to the semis both our Gold and Red crews won , giving Bilgola two of the six boats in the final. A great effort by both crews. The final took toll of Coogee at the start and in rough conditions there was nothing in it till the final seconds when Avoca caught a nice wave to win from South Curl Curl and Bilgola Gold. Our Red crew were caught in no mans land and had to take on a late take off on a big wave, resulting in the best vertical wipeout of the carnival.Bad luck girls but hey you are both on the money.

Billy Gold crew members come to the aid of the red Billy girls after their spectacular wipeout

Open Men: 57 of the best Crews in the nation contested this event. Our Crew competed strongly all weekend and were leading their semi when they rowed into a large patch of dead swirling water which cost them at least 6 boat lengths. They battled on but finished third and just missed the final.

Under 23 Men: A crack field of 48 boats started this division and when it came down to the final six our Under 23s were there. In a tight rough final the boys finished a gallant 5th. This season has been a disrupted one for the fellas with injuries but they are now just about back to their best. Look out for them at state and Aussies.

Under 23 Women: This event was delayed till the Sunday and unfortunately Alex had to return to Sydney, but well done to Georgie, Courtney andEllie, who stayed on and helped with boats and support throughout the nweekend. But we did feature in the final when Kristen Raper and Ellie Lidner, rowing for Avalon Beach went on to just miss silver and pick up the bronze Medal. Congratulations girls, a great event for you.We'll all be looking out for you at the State and Aussies.

Juniors: with 48 crews starting it was a cracking field and the boys were right up with them winning heats and getting through to the semis when they had a huge wipeout, with Hugh Pender re dislocating his shoulder. He was taken to Hospital where it was put in place and is now home and OK. Pretty spectacular boys. You can put them down for another medal soon.

Branch Championships, North Steyne/Queenscliff 31st anuary 2010.

Beach: Our first Gold Medal of the Day came when Alex McGain blew away the rest of the field to win the Open 2km run winning by almost 100 metres. She must be considered a huge chance for State and Aussie titles.

Congratulations to Carol Forlonge who picked up Gold in the 45-49yrs Womens Beach Sprint

Maree Doherty finished 3rd in the 2km beach run and 2nd in the 40-44 yrs Beach sprint final

Our Beach relay Team of Maree Doherty, Kaz Peek, Lou Edgley and Carol Forlonge finished a fighting 3rd in the relay.

Water: Mixed luck for our crews as a savage shore break took its toll throughout the day.

Open Mens Crew. Competed strongly all day only to be snotted in the final and finished 5th. But this was enough combined with the results of earlier carnivals for them to win the Branch Premiership and pick up a Gold Medal

Opens Womens: Our Gold Crew are almost back to their best and were just pipped on the line to pick up the silver medal. Our Red Crew was a victim of the conditions and eliminated in the semi. But as with the A Crew they had enough points to still come 2nd in the premiership and finish with a silver Medal.

Reserves: Finished 6th in the final, and will give a great showing this coming weekend representing NSW in the interstate challenge.

Under 23's. Both the U/23 Mens Blue crew and U/23 Gold crew were knocked out in the semis. Still a strong effort from these two new crews.

Under 19's. Well done to the "Boys from the Bush" they are certainly back in town. Picking up their first medal with a bronze in the final.

Wanda 24th January 2010, Best of the Best. This Carnival is a joint venture of the ASRL and SLS NSW and you had to qualify to even be invited to compete. All our crews had made it and arrived at Wanda to be greeted by a 2.5 metre surf with a double break. A very testing day for all with damage to many boats including our new boat being holed near the stern Results as follows:

Open Men: 2nd in Final. Led all the way only to be pipped on the line when the wave they were on doubled up at the wrong time slowing their boat down as they hit the line.

Open Women: Bilgola Red, 6th in Final. A very good result with Annelise's foot still not right and some stirling sweeping by Mitch.

Bilgola Gold. Out in the repecharge after Lisa Buckman had to pull out with a sore back, and replaced by Courtney Cox from the U/23 crew. Thanks again Courtney. You are doing the club proud.

Reserves: 2nd in Final. They too led all the way to be pipped right on the line. The result took 15 minutes to come through.This result followed their 4th at Manly and should make the crew the NSW representative for the ASRL Interstate challenge.

Under 23 Men: Gold crew finished 2nd in final. Some very good rows by the boys who had U/19 Jesse Thompson rowing for them to replace the injured Nathan Udy.

Under 23 women: Gold Crew had to withdraw after being involved in a major crash in their round 1 race , with Ellie Law getting a very nasty injury to her cheekbone when hit with a flying oar. We all hope she has a speedy recovery.

Under 19: Ben's Blue Crew had a similar result to Manly and were unlucky to be knocked out in the semi. They have had no luck, but it willchange for them shortly.

Ellie Law cops an oar at Wanda

Manly 23rd January 2010 NSW ASRL Open: This is the largest club carnival in Australia with 240 crews competing from Clubs from every state in Australia. In 40 degree heat and hot westerly winds it certainly was a test of fitness for all.Results are as follows:

Open Men: Unlucky to be knocked out in the Semi Final but still made the top 12 of some 48 top open crews.

Open Women. A great result for our club, when our two womens crews (Bilgola Red, swept by Mitch Foran and Bilgola Gold , swept by Don McManus) both made the final. that means of the top 6 womens crews of the top 48 competing both made the final 6. They finished 4th and 5th respectively, were in alleys side by side and were side by side at the finish and barely a metre between them at the finish. Looking good girls.

Reserves: We had two crews entered in this event, our Gold crew swept by Don and our champion 160 Masters crew swept by Mitch competing in this division against crews at least 10 years younger as a sharpening up exercise for the major championships ahead The Gold crew rowed strongly all day and finished 4th in the final. Coming good at the right end of the season.The Masters certainly showed why they are considered the best in their division in the nation by making it through 4 rounds to the quarters.

Under 23 men: With an injury to Nathan Udy who had a VERY BIG DAY OUT, the Gold Crew were certainly going to struggle in this hot division, but witha great effort by Courtney Cox who filled in they managed to get to the quarters before being knocked out.The blue crew are certainly coming together and made it to the same stage.

Under 23 Women: The girls are improving with every outing and are not far away from being finalists. Watch out for these girls next season.

Under 19: The guys are now building their fitness and by the time the major championships come along should be a force to be dealt with. Made it to the semis and were unfortunate to be eliminated.

East Coast Masters. Collaroy 10th Jan. Billy had a great day at the Annual East Coast Masters both on the water and on the Sand Our girls competed with Distinction in the Sprints, flags and relay while the 160 Masters Crew won every race in their division to win the Gold Medal. They also competed in the 140s division and once again won the final. Results as follows:

Beach: 45-49 Womens Beach Sprint. Carol Forlong 2nd..Silver Medal

40-45 Womens Beach Sprint. Maree Doherty 2nd...Silver Medal

50-54 Womens Beach Sprint. Ali Metcalf 3rd...Bronze Medal

50-54 Womens Beach Flags. Ali Metcalf 3rd...Bronze Medal

Womens Relay: Our Team of Carol Forlong, Maree Doherty, Ali Metcalf and Kaz Peek finished 3rd...Bronze Medal

Great results girls, We all look forward to Branch and State results.

Maree Doherty in Action

Boats: As mentioned above, our 160 mens crew of Don McManus, Grant Jacobs, Mark (Dirty) Parsons, Norm Pounder and Garret (The Doc) Smith once again dominated their division to win every race on the day to pick up the Gold Medal. They also competed in the 140's division and won that final. Looks like another state and Aussie championship for this crew again.

QUEENSCLIFF OPEN CARNIVAL 9th Jan 2010. This years Queensy carnival drew a large number of entries from all over Sydney and the standard was very high indeed. We entered 8 crews and all performed proudly and admirably for our club. Three outstanding results were that our two open womens crews and two colts cres both made the final and the new u/23 womens crew made the semi final. Dont forget u/23 womens crew are all only 16 and are competing far above their weight - but they are already making an impact and starting to turn heads on the beach. They improve with every outing and will certainly be helped by the tough races from here on in. If they can stay together for next season they will certainly be a force to be dealt with in this division.

RESULTS OPEN MEN: Our A Crew certainly showed that the selectors got it right when they selected this crew to be the Sydney Northern Beaches representative crew in the recent Interbranch Championships as they performed well all day and just got better as the day went on, winning their semi final and being pipped in a blanket finish into 2nd place in the final.

RESULTS: 1st, Sth Curl Curl, 2nd, Bilgola, 3rd, Bungan, 4th, Whale Beach, 5th Palm Beach

OPEN WOMEN: As stated above both crews performed well all day with wins in heats and both easily qualified for the final. Our Red Crew copped a couple of checks at the start and in this standard you cannot regain two boat lengths in a final. Our Gold crew were right up there all through the race and were unlucky to be pipped by Bondi by less than a metre on the line.

RESULTS: 1st Bondi, 2nd, Bilgola Gold, 3rd, Manly, 4th, Queenscliff 5th, Bilgola Red, 6th Palm Beach Poison.

RESERVES: Competed well all day winning most races, unfortunately they drew a bad alley and were just beaten into 4th Place in the Semi, but they will certainly be among the medals at the upcoming championships.

COLTS: Fantastic to see both crews making it into the final with the Gold Crew winning, this is especially satisfying as Cam King was unwell and unable to row so Niki Sedgewick from the open womens red crew filled in and rowed two divisions all day. Well done Niki, I bet you slept well that night. Our Blue Colts side were certainly helped by the return of Jack Tomkins who has been away for the past season studying in Newcastle. The old saying "Jack's Back" was certainly never more apt. They finished a gallant 6th and look for more improvement as Jack regains his fitness.

FILLIES: As stated earlier to make a semi final with 4 rowers 16 years of age in an under 23 event is remarkable. These girls are starting to turn heads and they will certainly benefit from the upcoming championships. If they can stay together and stay dedicated look out for serious medals from them next season.

JUNIORS. This was a very important event for the Queenscliff club, as they had a special trophy made and raised $1000 in memory of a young rower who recently tragically died of pneumonia. After their performances in the heats we were trying to get them to agree to share the $1000 among all the crews, but Huey was not on their side and they were unfortunately eliminated in the Semi. But not to worry these blokes will be there at the big ones.

It was a great day at Queensy and the spirit, cammeraderie, and friendship of our entire team was fantastic. Everyone helped each other and the tent was just a fun place to be. Well Done to you all.

INTERBRANCH CHAMPIONSHIPS. This year the state interbranch championships were held at Cape Hawk,Forster, and our A crew of Nathan Udy, Mitch Foran, Mark Hooley, Anthony O'Toole and Don McManus were selected to represent Sydney Northern Beaches. In perfect conditions they made it comfortably through the heats on Saturday and lined up for the final on Sunday morning.In a tight race they led the final with just 20 metres to go when a nice little wave picked up the four boats behind and swept them up to our crew. In the end 5 boats all finished on the same wave within a boat length of each other. Unfortunately we were given 5th place. But there was still one race to go , the lifesaver relay worth Double Points, and the boats were the opening leg. This time we were not to be denied and we came through to win and give the next competitor, a ski paddler, a great start. It was fantastic to see the team support with some 40 members of the team in the boat area including Team Captain Naomi Flood, screaming their lungs out for our crew. At the end of the event over twenty of our team aged from 12 to 30 including Ironwomen, Ski Paddlers , swimmers and beach sprinterswere on hand to help carry the boat off the beach and on to the trailer, great team spirit. Final results: Sydney branch 1st 1436 points, Central Coast 2nd, 1434 points, Sydney Northern Beaches 3rd, 1411 points.

The "Graham Foran" (next to her names sake) just before her maiden race

The "Graham Foran" just before her maiden race