Team performances once again highlighted the depth of the club, winning Gold in the NSW Open Taplin and a bronze in The Lifesaver Relay at the Australian Championships.
Avoca has a proud history in ski completion and the efforts of this year indicate that this could be another outstanding era for the club. At NSW level we achieved Gold in the double (Gordo & Pete), Silver Single Ski (Hamo), 3rd Ski Relay (Hamo, Lachy, Gordo) and 1st 17yrs Ski. At Aussies the results were 1st 30-35yrs Ski (Gordo), 1st Open Ski (Lachy), 2nd Double Ski ( Hamo, Lachy) and 3rd in Ski Relay. These results were not even matched by the strong Queensland clubs. Other results were outstanding with Shadey and Chris getting together to take out the Open Australian Board Rescue Championship. Their efforts highlight the great camaraderie within the group. Daniel backed this up with 1st in Open Board at State and 3rd at Aussies. Our girls were unlucky at Aussies not to be champions but can be very proud of achieving Silver in the U19yrs Board Relay. Congratulations to Codie, Kaitlyn and Amy. On the beach we were once again strong with the limited competitors. Jake O’Brien won Gold in Flags and Sprint at NSW and was a finalist in both events at Aussies. He was also a member of the NSW State Team and was elected in the High Performance Squad along with Riley and Bianca. Trent Martin was a member of the Nutri Grain series and was unable to compete at Aussies due to the birth of his child. Lachlan Tames’ effort in winning consecutive Gold Medals in the Open Ski has not previously been achieved in the club and was an exceptional effort that will be talked about for many years to come. Masters competition this season was once again coordinated by Jeff Smith and he has done a great job. While we did not have large numbers attend State or Aussies, we did have a good turnout for the Branch Titles and once again achieved success. Notable performances in the masters were: Gordo 1st 30-34yrs Ski; Hamo, Matt Jones, Gordo 1st 110yrs Ski Relay; Corey and Trent 1st 3034yrs Board Rescue.
Australian Champions Master Ski Relay at Aussies
Jim McAtamney took over the role of coordinating the Door Knock and did an outstanding job in organising and coordinating the event. The Golf day, run by Glenn O’Brien and Keith Ferrier was again well supported and provided much needed income to the club. Con and Marg Ryan, through their association with PAKS continue to support in providing goods and prizes that we utilise at these events. Con has also been instrumental in getting the involvement of Casio to support these events. Our Ladies Auxiliary maintains an important supportive role within the club, assisting in Sippers, providing work parties and doing much needed fund raising. Thanks to all those who have assisted in this area. With the support of Raine and Horne and NAB we were able to launch the Jim Harpur Surfboat. This was a special day for the club and the sponsors. I would like to express my appreciation to Joyce for her permission to name the boat after Jim. And it was fantastic to see it cross the line 1st at The National Championships. We welcome our newest Life Member, Richard Brierty to join a group of esteemed members. Richard joins Sharon as the first husband and wife Life Members of the club. Congratulations to all awardees at our presentation and we wish the nominees for Branch awards every success. A quote for those who sometimes criticise the people who do have a go. “Let’s be honest. There’s not a business anywhere that is without problems. Business is complicated and imperfect. Every business everywhere is staffed with imperfect human beings and exists by providing a product or service to other imperfect human beings.” “The key is to just get on the bike, and the key to getting on the bike… is to stop thinking about ‘there are a bunch of reasons I might fall off’ and just hop on and peddle the damned thing. You can pick up a map, a tire pump, and better footwear along the way.” Garry Clarke, President – Avoca Beach SLSC
Jeff Smith winning Bronze in Masters Board Relay at Aussies Page 9
r f life saving club 2011 - 2012 ANNUAL REPORT h su ea c
Our success in boats in recent years has been widely applauded but the efforts of The Grease Monkeys to go undefeated in the Age Group at all levels of competition is truly an outstanding effort.
As a club we need to continue to promote the development of lifesaving and I thank all those who have contributed this year. To members that patrol our beach I look forward to your continued efforts and pass on the thanks of the entire community for the time you give.
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Up and coming competitor Riley Fitzsimmons performed outstandingly, achieving Gold in U17 Ski at NSW and Gold in U17 Board at Aussies. Brad and Blake supported Riley in winning bronze in the Board Relay at NSW.
Mike and Andy continue to work with the young brigade in training our members but we are always looking for more support. We thank Craig Anderson for his efforts over the past few years overseeing lifesaving education. Our group of trainers and assessors has maintained its growth from last year and we once again thank Mick Kendal, Andy Hoban, Craig Anderson, Jeff Barnes, Dylan Coleman, Scott Smith, Jono Donnelly and Garry Clarke for their efforts.
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Competitively it was again a successful year even though our numbers were slightly down. As a club we won Nippers Branch, by the highest margin ever, were 2nd at Open Branch and won Masters Branch. We again were the premier boat club in the Branch.