Boaters tackle large swell for VSRL Open

MORE than 200 surf lifesaving competitors tackled large surf at Jan Juc over the weekend for the Victorian Surfboat Rowers League (VSRL) Open.

Last Saturday’s event saw a total of 45 ‘crews’ races in Under 19, Under 23, Reserve Grade and Open Grade categories.

Members from Barwon Heads/13th Beach, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Fairhaven, and Lorne Surf Life Saving Club’s were joined by another dozen clubs from across the state.

The competition was the final selection event for the Victorian Surf Boat State Team, who will compete at Australia’s premier surf boat event, the Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open in February at Lorne.

Winners included,

Under 19 Female – Jan Juc ‘Jets’

Under 19 Male – Port Campbell ‘Subsonics’

Under 23 Female – Fairhaven ‘Salamanders’

Under 23 Male – Lorne ‘With the Wind’

Reserve Female – Mordialloc ‘MOJO’

Reserve Male – Fairhaven ‘Half Tonne Meat’

Open Female – Fairhaven ‘Salamanders;

Open Male – Fairhaven ‘Angry Otters’

VSRL panel member, Chris Campbell said conditions were challenging and thrilling for all crews on Saturday.

“We saw competitors from as far west as Port Fairy and as far east as Venus Bay compete at Jan Juc in waves up to two meters,” he said.

“There were some excellent skills demonstrated from all competitors in some big surf.

“The standard of racing is extremely high in Victoria, and we saw this on Saturday.”