Information about training and upcoming competitions entries are on the team Whatsapp group
Additionally, we have a social friend finder facebook group chat. If you are looking for people to do board races at lunchtime, this is the chat for you. The purpose of this chat is for people to find others to swim, board, ski, surf with, post social events, and have some fun.
The SLSA Surf Sports Manual is the resource for event courses, rules for all surf sports disciplines. Please familiarise yourself with the rules for your events.
To embark on your ski paddling journey, the ideal starting point is enrolling in the Learn to Paddle sessions offered by Sydney Harbour Surf Club. This establishment boasts exceptional facilities, including a comprehensive inventory of ocean skis, paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and a team of experienced coaches dedicated to teaching you the art of ski paddling from the ground up.
Download their app or check out their website: https://sydneyharboursurfclub.com.au/
As you progress in your skills, your next milestone will be conquering the surf. Once you've advanced to the Level 3/4 class and have built the confidence to keep pace effectively, you'll be prepared to explore the world of spec skis. It's important to note that spec skis differ significantly from the V10 models at SHSC. They are notably less stable and heaver in design. However, these specialized skis are engineered to withstand the challenges of ocean waves, which also renders them potentially hazardous for those who haven't yet honed their paddling competence.
Do you think you're ready to take on the challenge of spec skis? To ensure both safety and the protection of our valuable equipment, we require paddlers to demonstrate a proficient skill level, typically attained through participation in Level 3/4 classes at SHSC or their equivalent.
These precautions are essential, given the cost of these skis and the limited availability of club-owned models. If you meet the skill criteria and are eager to try out a spec ski, please don't hesitate to contact our club ski captain, Annabelle Paterson, at skicaptain@bondisurfclub.com. Annabelle will arrange a session for you and provide guidance on which ski is suitable for your level of expertise.
We have limited spots available at the moment and are building a wait list. Contact our club ski captain, Annabelle Paterson, at skicaptain@bondisurfclub.com to be added and we can work to find you a spot.
To start your journey to competition boards you must first develop a mastery of the humble yellow board. All Bronze Medallion and SRC holders are permitted to use yellow boards and are encouraged to take the yellow boards out whenever possible to develop paddling skills. There are also weekly yellow board sessions hosted by coach Blake Hatton to help members develop.
For those wish to train and compete at surf carnivals: When you can demonstrate an ability on the yellow boards to cleanly navigate the break zone, both in and out with speed and while maintaining complete control of the craft, Blake can sign you off to start using competition boards at organized trainings. Members new to comp board training will be permitted to use club training boards for training (see next section).
A record is maintained of each paddlers skill level; board coaches and the board captain maintain the authority to prevent members from attending training should they present acute risks to themselves, to others or to the craft. This includes during trainings with large or dangerous surf.
Training Boards: The club maintains several older boards for shared use by members building competition board skills. Located immediately on the left as one enters the competition shed, approved members may use these boards during organized training (i.e. comp training or yellow board training). The boards must be checked for damaged and signed out each use on the paper provided in the shed.
Rental Boards: The club also maintains high quality boards for rent by paddlers showing strong competitive potential. Boards are rented for a fee and the renter has responsibility for the board during the season including all damage and repairs.
Members owning their own competition board may seek a storage spot within the club. Spots are limited and will be given only to actively competing and training members with preference for tenure. A waitlist is maintained for new members seeking a spot, contact the Board Captain with any questions.
If your allocated or stored board is damaged, alert the board captain and seek repairs immediately. While your board is being repaired you are permitted to use the club training boards. Do not use an club rental board without seeking permission of the Board Captain.
Here are some trusted contacts for board repairs:
Murray at Maroubra Surf Board Repairs: https://www.easternsuburbssurfboardrepair.com/contact
CLS and PC are multidisciplinary sports designed to test all aspect of what it means to be a lifesaver, both physical and mental. One competes across a variety of events with the overall score calculated as a combination of all events.
CLS - individual competition composed of the following events:
Physical: Beach sprint, Swim race, Board race, Tube and fins race
Theoretical: Theory quiz, Live patient assessment (DRSABC), timed CPR.
With points tilted heavily towards the theoretical components it's a fantastic sport for any members new to competition who are well versed in lifesaving theory (think first aid, rescue technique and patrol operations). The Quiz is 40 questions multiple choice based on the Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue (PSAR) manual for your Bronze Medallion.
PC - team competition (4 for U17s, and 6 for Opens), and includes: theory quiz of 20 questions, surf teams race, board rescue/tube relay, 4 person CPR, 2 person live patient assessment and a 15 minute patrol scenario where the team must manage a small section of beach with unfolding rescues and first aid incidents.
See the SLSA promotion video for more info:
CLS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pkcL7lnpps
PC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOIT8XFcbrA
First Aid - teams of 2 are tested in a timed first aid triage and treatments, as well as communication and patient handling. Whilst it's not a physical event, it is quite fast paced and challenging!
Reach out to Lifesaving Events captains Robyn Farmer & Jonathan Potts, or via lifesavingevents@bondisurfclub.com