Surf Sports competitions are conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia, and events that may be held (depending on carnival organisers) are:
- Surf Race/Ocean Swim
- Board and Ski races
- Sprint/Flags/Soft Sand or Beach Runs
- First Aid Competition
- Surf boat rowing
- Beach (volleyball, soccer, cricket, ultimate frisbee, etc)
See the SLS NSW website for the calendar of events.
Please email admin@longreef.com for further information.
Cadets
The Long Reef SLSC Cadet Program offers a range of activities for the U14 to U17 age groups, catering for those who enjoy socialising with others through surf life saving, competing in a team environment, achieving surf life saving awards, working on community projects or any one of these areas.
Specifically, the Cadet Program objectives are to provide cadet members opportunities to:
– Gain appropriate surf life saving skills,
– Move easily through different opportunities within SLSA,
– Be motivated and have fun while developing skills,
– Be inspired to stay involved in SLSA over the longer term,
– Develop as an athlete and surf sport competitor, representing Long Reef SLSC at SLS carnivals
The Cadet Program includes activities that focus on life saving (including water safety and patrol participation); leadership development (including development camps, Nipper support and committee representation); competition training; and the all important social evenings and time to enjoy the beach with friends.
The program is coordinated by Tom Woods who is also assisted by several other parents. Anybody wishing to join the Long Reef Cadets should drop a line to admin@longreef.com.
Rowing
A surf boat crew consists of five competitors, four being ‘rowers’ and one being a ‘sweep’, who controls the boat by use of a sweep oar and commands to the rowers. Boat crews start at the water’s edge holding their boats ready. On the starting signal, crews row around their assigned turning buoy situated approximately 400metres off shore and return to the beach. The winner is the first crew to pass their boat between the finish flags on the beach.
Photos are regularly uploaded onto the Long Reef SLSC facebook.
Rowing Information for Young Rowers
rewarding, exciting, exhilarating, and builds lifelong friendships and bonds with your crew mates.
There are many matters you, and your family, should be made aware of before committing.
Essential Requirements:
1. To row and train in a surf boat you need to have your Bronze Medallion.
2. For Insurance purposes you need to be a current Financial Member of a Surf Life Saving
Club.
3. To compete in a surfboat Carnival you must be 16 years old minimum, and be Bronze
Medallion Proficient before the 31st December.
4. To compete at Championship events i.e. Branch, States, Aussies and Worlds, you must have
achieved 25 hours minimum patrol hours in the proceeding Calender year.
Safety
- Helmets are available and sometimes mandatory,
- Fluorescent vests are mandatory when racing.
- Alternate venues are used when the surf is too big
- Safety is extremely important and sweeps, trainers, officials and carnival organisers do a much as possible to avoid injury.
Grades of rowers
- Under 19s (mixed). For those turning 19 after the 30th September.
- Under 23 men. For guys only, turning 23 after the 30th September.
- Under 23 women. For gals only, turning 23 after the 30th September.
- Open Women. For women only crew turning 23 after the 30th September.
- Open Men. For men who take rowing very seriously and train hard.
- Reserves (mixed). For those not in any other category.
- Masters All rowers are minimum age of 30years.
- Surfboat Rowing is a Team Sport. The fastest, safest, and therefore best crews, are those that work together to be fit, strong, and time every part of the stroke together. When things go wrong they work together to correct it. If one member is not working for the same goal than the boat stops! This can become a potentially dangerous situation. So it is important to have crew of people you get along with, trust, and have the same common goals. NB: A champion team will always beat a team of Champions.
- Training is essential, and training with your crew is mandatory. Rowing surf boats is not like sitting in an IRB and opening up a throttle. It’s physical, and requires strength, style, timing, and an understanding of waves and conditions. Spending time in the Boat and in the Gym will help you develop these, and reduce the risk of injury. Young rowers and their bodies should be gradually eased into boats using the gym and boat work 2 to 6 times a week, bearing in mind the season, school work, and other demanding activities. Training is NOT to interfere with school requirements and is negotiated at the outset
- A competent Sweep and good technique coach and ability to listen and follow.
- Food and rest: Boat rowing is physically demanding and the body needs good and ample nutrition, fluids, and adequate rest periods to cope.