Navy Australian Surf Rowers series 'kicks' off
3 December 2010
Members of HMAS Newcastle joined local Surf Rowers on Nobby's Beach, Newcastle this morning, for the official launch of the 2010-11 Navy Australian Surf Rowers League series.
With a Squirrel helicopter from Nowra's 723 Squadron hovering over head the surf row boats and the group of young people, it was difficult to distinguish who was enlisted and who was a surf rower in the fit, young group.
Speaking at the launch, President of Australian Surf Rowers League, Mr Bert Hunt, welcomed Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate, the CEO of Hunter Surf Lifesaving, Rhonda Scruton and the broader crowd, outlining the natural alliance between the Navy and surf rowing. He said since Navy became naming rights sponsor of the Australian Surf Rowers League three years ago, the profile of the sport had grown.
The Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle, Commander Anthony Campbell spoke on behalf of Navy, and agreed the iconic sport and Navy have a lot in common.
“Both the Navy and ASRL have young, healthy Australians in boats doing a community service.”
“We are very proud to be the naming rights sponsor of this important Australian sport, as in surf rowing, teamwork is essential to the Navy,” said Commander Campbell.
Tomorrow, the Navy Australian Team Selection Regatta will take place at Stockton Beach. The best teams in the country will battle it out to represent the nation at the International Surf Rescue Challenge test series, which will be staged at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, 29th January to 4th February 2011.
This won't be the last taste of the sport Newcastle gets, with the 2012/13 Navy Australian Open Surf Rowers Championship being held in Newcastle.
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