Newsletter 2.2.08
Welcome to the first newsletter of the Queenscliff Boardriders Clubs 30th year. Who would of thought a couple of mates surfing their local break almost 30 years ago and having a pipedream to create a boardriding club would lead to an organization that has won numerous national titles, produced more than a handful of world class surfers and boasts more than 100 members (some second generation) competing in 7 divisions. QBC in 2008 is an icon of club surfing and is as Australian as a BBQ in your mates backyard sitting on an esky wearing thongs and a bonds singlet while watching cricket with a cold VB stubby permanently attached to your right hand. But it’s surfing that we do best by meeting at the bench on the first Saturday of each month for a club contest. This has been happening for 30 years, and I can’t see why it won’t happen for another 30.
Saturday 2nd February was the date of the first contest of 2008 with sixty competitors manoeuvring their way through a clean and contestable 3-4ft easterly swell. A few changes have occurred in the off season – Tickle has learnt how to make it to the beach before 7.59am, Tim Manion took a knee and proposed to long time partner Benita, Nick Riley is moving to Hollywood to purse a modelling career with girlfriend Jacinta and Brett and Spudlett have relocated from 0/35’s to the melting pot that is B-Grade.
The ideal conditions lead to sum big scores being given by the judges and this was evident in the A-Grade final. Riley, Sam Page, life member Ryan Alagich and young up-and-comer Daniel Karen took to the water hoping to claim the victory and the 100pts on offer. Years of experience in the Queenscliff line-up were the difference with the veteran Ryan getting the pick of the waves and the victory from Riley, Sam (who had an equipment failure breaking his board) and Dan.
B-Grade saw a much slimmer Brett Cohen make a successful leap into the B-Grade ranks taking the win from Morgan Lane, Tim Manion and the soon-to-be father Meggsy. U/18’s saw a tight tussle between Blake Levett and Daniel Karen with Blake getting the nod in a tight final. Stu “the Knife” Blake and new member Tom Lane took the minor placing.
The most promising aspect of the contest was the increase in numbers and the level of competitiveness in the U/14’s. Thirteen grommets took to the water with Rob Zammitt winning the $20 first place prize from Blaise Bell, Spencer Price and Hayden Bowra.
A-Grade |
B-Grade |
O/35's |
1. Ryan |
1. Brett C |
1. Marvo |
2. Riley |
2. Morgan |
2. TM |
3. Sam |
3. Tim |
3. Simmo |
U/18's |
U/14's |
Snr Women |
Jnr Women |
1. Blake |
1. Rob Z |
1. Bronte |
1. Bronte |
2. Dan K |
2. Blaise |
2. Sue |
2. Tori |
3. The Knife |
3. Spencer |
3. Tori |
3. - |
While the contest was a success, the committee that steers this club is looking for willing members to help out behind the scenes and on contest day. The current committee comprises only four members, that’s approximately one committee member for each 30 members. If you’d like to get involved by cooking the BBQ, assist in tallying and scheduling on contest or if you have ideas that may improve our club please see club president Marcus Cav at the next club contest.
On the weekend of 9th and 10th of February QBC sent two teams of 5 surfers south to Cronulla for the state qualifying round of the Jim Beam Surtfag. Of the 32 teams competing on the weekend only eights would progress to the National Final to be held at North Narrabeen on Friday 7th March. Our B-Team consisting of Ben Hamilton, Rob Bain, Jack Joy, Danga Butler and Jesse Lowe surfed competitively but were unable to progress into the semi’s and unfortunately didn’t qualify for the National Final. However, our A-Team comprising new member Luke Cheadle, Sam Page, Nicky Riley, Matt Toghill and the evergreen Ryan Alagich excelled in the trying 3-4ft conditions and placed 3rd,behind Cronulla and South Queenscliff (Nth Steyne), qualifying for the National Final. All 10 of our representatives surfed well but with only 5 positions in our team up for grabs at the National Final and with the team still to be picked, the pressure will be on these guys to perform in the next club contest, The Holiday Cup, and cement their spot in the team. Well-done boys and good luck at Narrabeen in early March.
The next club contest is the Holiday Cup to be held on Saturday 1st March, standard cut-off times apply. The Holiday Cup is sponsored by The Holiday Surf Company, a Japanese surf brand owned and operated by Shun and Shiro Yamamoto. Shiro, who back in the day was Japans first professional surfer, was adopted by QBC in the late 1980’s while he was competing throughout the beaches of the world. Since those days a strong relationship has been held between QBC and the Yamamoto family and their friends. Although sadness has descended upon the Yamamoto family with the passing of Shiro’s mother earlier this year, we look forward to once again hosting our Japanese friends and hopefully surfing with them in some contestable waves.
As I’m sure most of you are aware, 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of QBC. To remember this milestone The QBC 30th Year Ball will be held at Manly Pier Restaurant on Saturday 15th November. Tickets are $125 each and include a 3-course meal, beer and wine, and will be on sale at the March club contest. Tickets are limited to 120 so get in quick to avoid disappointment as there wont be another night like for another 30 years.
See you in the water,
Brad.