Surf boaters thrive at Aussies

SURF rowers from the Surf Coast and Bellarine have done their state proud at the Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open in Coffs Harbour.

More than a dozen crews from Jan Juc, Fairhaven, Lorne and Anglesea raced at the national event in New South Wales last weekend.

In the interclub competition, a number of Victorian crews made it through to the quarterfinals and beyond.

The Jan Juc Jets won a silver medal in the Under 17 Surf Boat final, while the Fairhaven Angry Otters made the semifinals in the Open Male category.

Victorian competitor and Jan Juc Jets sweep Aaron Tannahill said the team would build on the experience gained from the competition.

“The silver medal for the Jan Juc Jets is a recognition of the hard work that the four young women do in and out of the boat. All of them are emerging leaders within our community and this sporting result is well deserved.

“The Fairhaven Angry Otters crews have been right at the top for a number of years and the state are extremely proud to see them with another strong result. Finishing in the top eight at a national competition is a remarkable achievement.”

Overall, Victoria came away with a 5th place.

The team was well supported by a number of volunteer officials including head referees Tamara Brawn and Peter Van Deuren from Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.

The final Victorian Surf Rowers League event will be held at Bancoora on March 1.

Crews will then travel to Warrnambool the following weekend for the Victorian Senior Championships.