The surf boat rowing season got underway with a two day carnival at the Minnie Water- Wooli SLSC on the weekend. The Macksville-Scotts Head SLSC was represented at the carnival with three crews.
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For the first time in many years a male open crew competed for the club in addition to the usual male reserves and the 200 year plus masters' crew. The Rebels male open crew of Brendan Ratcliff, Brent Russo, Morgan McDonough, Nathan Down and swept by Brook Down, did a good job in their first competition outing with some podium finishes over the two days.
It was also the first competition outing for the Vikings male reserves crew of Todd Johnson, Rob Rathborne, Ollie Walshe, Dave Walshe and swept by Keith "Mook" McKay. They also ended the weekend with some places.
The 240 year Rusty Tools crew of Butch Laverty, Steve Russo, Mike Coulter, Dave Walsh/Rick Andrews and swept by the Mook had to battle with a large, competitive field but managed to come second overall on the Saturday and first on the Sunday.
"Over the weekend I rowed at second bow in seven races. It was a mixed bag of windy and rough conditions and the first time I've ever had to wear a helmet because of the big surf. It's great fun rowing with Dad and the rest of the crew Todd, Rob and Mook are super supportive of me, as are the rest of the Macksville-Scotts Head boatie family," Ollie Walshe said...a great summary of why surf boat rowing remains an iconic Australian surf sport.
The Macksville-Scotts Head surf boat crews now turn their attention to the Coffs Harbour Boaties Bash on November 23-24 and then to the Streets Surf Boat Carnival at Scotts Head on December 7-8.
