Australia’s best surf boat rowers to surf into Lorne

MORE than 2,500 of Australia’s premier surf boat competitors, supporters and event officials will descend on Lorne Beach next week for the Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open.

The February 15-18 national finale is the biggest stand-alone surf boat event in Australia and will involve close to 300 surf boat crews and 80 clubs.

Anglesea SLSC, Jan Juc SLSC, 13th Beach/Barwon Heads SLSC and Fairhaven SLSC are all locked in to compete in the Open Men, Open Women, Reserve Grade, Under 19, and Masters divisions.

The highly anticipated Australia vs New Zealand Trans-Tasman Test also returns and is sure to be a highlight of the four-day competition.

ASRL President Natasha Tunney said she couldn’t wait for the action to kick off in Lorne.

“This event will bring a large number of visitors to the region and engage with hundreds of Victorian lifesaving members, council representatives and other volunteers from the community,” she said.

“The ASRL are committed to taking our premier event to top surf destinations that are also visitor-friendly. Thanks to the support from the Victorian government through the regional events fund, Team Navy, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Lifesaving Victoria and Victorian Surfboat Rowers League, we are able to achieve this in 2024,” Mrs Tunney said.

“We encourage everyone to come down and experience this thrilling event”.

Life Saving Victoria general manager for sport, Ryan O’Connor echoed Ms Tunney’s excitement.

“We are expecting a surge in excitement within Victorian lifesaving, and our Surf Coast in particular, as the Australian Surf Rowers League Open draws crowds from across the nation to our breathtaking beaches.

“Over four action-packed days, Lorne will pulse with energy, showcasing stunning event snapshots to captivate audiences locally and nationwide and we expect these images will attract future visitors to enjoy the charms of our stunning west coast town and beaches.”

To find out more about the 2024 ASRL Open visit, asrl.com.au or facebook.com/navyasrl