May Dalmeny Boardriders Competition

by Alice Wilson It was a typical Autumn day in paradise for the Dalmeny Boardrider’s May competition. Due to weeks of poor water quality and extreme seas the April competition was cancelled - so our surfers were keen to don the club’s brand new rashvests (sponsored by Capital Chemist) and hit the beach for some friendly competition.

Even after monstrous swell a few weeks prior, the prevailing bank at Kianga main beach provided surfable waves for the small, clean conditions. Predominantly 2 foot right handers - this did not deter the grommets from trying their luck catching green waves out the back (often in larger swells they sit closer to the beach catching already broken “foamy” waves).

The Under 14 boys final was a highlight with Oscar Jackson and Hamish White battling it out blow for blow. Both in fine form finishing equal first with 11 points, Oscar got the win on a count back.

The Eaton family surely displayed their surfing finesse. Pearl Eaton, 10 years, surfed up a division with the under 18 girls and came a close second, breathing down the neck of her older sister, Marley, who came first. Marley Eaton, 14 years, also surfed up a division this month with the Open Women, and with one of the most stylish cutbacks in the Eurobodalla was a standout and deserving winner.

Wave of the day was a tie between Mitchell Louden in the longboards and Matt Hoar in the open mens. Matt managed to get vertical multiple times on one wave, a difficult feat in deteriorating 2 foot waves.

Mitchell Louden took off on a peeling wave in the longboard heats, amongst a few turns and navigating some difficult sections he demonstrated several technical longboard manoeuvres - surfing switch along a steep face followed by a long-lasting cheater-five (hanging 5 toes off the nose of the surfboard). For the longboard finals we were left with only two keen surfers, Nina Lange and Matt Hoar. Although Matt took out the win, Nina received well deserved cheers as she made some late takeoffs look easy and cross-stepped ever so gracefully along the length of her board.

Final results:

Under 13s - Ruby Davis

Under 14 boys - Oscar Jackson

Under 18 boys - Matt Driscoll

Over 45 men - Andrew Johnson

Open mens - Matt Hoar

Under 18 girls - Marley Eaton

Open women - Marley Eaton

Longboards - Matt Hoar

Between heats we had games and prizes for the youngsters - running relays and “musical towels” were the flavour of the day. Jim, Helen and Megan made sure the bacon was crispy and the lentil patties kept sizzling all day to keep the grumbling stomachs at bay. Their exquisite homemade chutneys and relishes were spread thickly on delicious Rapley’s and Sons sausages, eagerly devoured by all.

Our competitions are scheduled for the first Sunday of every month. The tents will usually be found where the surf is best, dictated by mother nature and Huey, somewhere along the Golden Mile between Dalmeny and Narooma Bar Beach. Speak to any of our friendly club members if you are interested in becoming a social or competing member! We look forward to seeing new faces!

Keep an eye out - Dalmeny Boardriders are hosting the NSW Junior Regional Titles on 28th of May. This will showcase some of our regions best junior surfers - it’s sure to make for some great viewing!

Next competition: The Daniel Campbell Memorial will be held Sunday the 5th June

Above: Lincoln Dell getting busy above the lip

Above: Valentino Guseli managing to throw huge amounts of spray on a small wave

Above: Grommies enjoying a few beach games

Above: Lucy Baltis and Jodie Hoar after the Open Women's final