Surf Lifesaving Report
Week 4 Term 1 2024
After some excellent conditions down at Long Reef during weekday training sessions, the Shore Surf Lifesaving (SLS) boys arrived on Saturday to a morning of driving rain, strong onshore winds and sizeable choppy surf conditions. We were all disappointed to hear news of the cancellation of the Barker College Carnival at Bungan Beach, particularly after the preparations the boys had made in regard to their competitive events.
However, SLS continued as usual despite the conditions. We are lucky to have a range of fallback options when Long Reef Beach is closed, including Dee Why Beach and Pool, Fisherman’s Beach, and Collaroy, which are all just a walk away. This ensures that the boys still manage to work on their skills and fitness in a range of beach and water events.
Year 7 and 8 Nippers
On Saturday, the Year 7 and 8 boys headed south to Dee Why to take part in some beach events and swim training in the ocean pool. The following results were recorded in competitive events;
| Beach Sprint | Flags | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Harrison A | Ander M |
| 2nd | Anders M | Richard G |
| 3rd | Richard G | Dash DV |
| 4th | Nicholas W | Harrison A |
| 5th | Archie K | Archie K |
| 6th | Will C | Nicholas W |
Year 9 and 10 Intermediates
Weekday training brought about near-perfect conditions at Long Reef, with some clean two-foot waves rolling in for the boys to practice their board skills and have a fun session of body surfing between the flags. Saturday was a different story, however, and beach closure at Long Reef saw the group relocate to Collaroy for the morning. The boys took part in a range of water race events, coupled with a really beneficial board skills session with experienced surf lifesaver Mr Ben Neighbour. The following results were recorded:
| Run-Swim-Board Race (Individual) | |
|---|---|
| 1st | Henry P |
| 2nd | Charlie M |
| 3rd | Noah K |
Year 11 and 12 Seniors
The boys relocated their SLS session over to Collaroy Beach on Saturday, where we secured a good spot north of the flags. The group took part in a physically challenging set of water events before returning to Long Reef for the patrol changeover. With so many boys now certified Bronze Medalion and ARTC holders, we are able to implement a four-team patrol roster, and the boys have been competing in these teams to battle for the Patrol Team trophy at the end of the season. The following results were recorded;
| Board Relay | Swim-Board | Run-Swim-Board-Run | Board Rescue Relay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Patrol Team 4 | Patrol Team 4 | Patrol Team 4 | Patrol Team 4 |
| 2nd | Patrol Team 1 | Patrol Team 1 | Patrol Team 2 | Patrol Team 1 |
| 3rd | Patrol Team 2 | Patrol Team 2 | Patrol Team 1 | Patrol Team 2 |
Note: Patrol Team 3 were on patrol at Long Reef, so they received 2nd place points for all events
Old Boys at Long Reef SLSC
Over the past few weeks, we have been seeing some familiar faces at Long Reef as some of our past SLS boys return to the Club as members in their own right. It has been great to see last year’s SLS Captain, Mr Jasper Krawchuck (’23) on patrol and past SLS leaders Mr Will Pritchard (’23), Mr Ollie Hurt (’23) and Mr Spencer Nelson (’23), completing their IRB Drivers course with Club trainers. These boys were fully invested in the School’s SLS Programme, and it is impressive that despite moving on, they have continued their commitment to the Club by further developing their skills and qualifications and giving back to the community.
Final Dates of the Season
| Saturday 2 March: | Knox Grammar School Carnival at Whale Beach, 8.30am arrival, Interim Patrol Team at Long Reef |
| Saturday 7 March: | Final SLS session, annual Iron Man races, presentations and barbeque at Long Reef |
Top image: Rory C and Matthew L – Board Rescue Relay
Mr G Jones
Acting MIC SLS
