On Sunday, South West Bodyboard Club held their fourth and final round of their 2017 season down at Gas Bay. Although the surf gods did not make an appearance, mother nature definitely put on a show with stunning summer beach conditions that set the stage for an action packed family day.
Throughout the 2017 season, SWBC have kept things interesting for club members by running various Expression Sessions as a mid-morning break between the serious heats. For round four, it was time to get the flippers off and do some ‘stand-up boogie’ and show the crowd just how versatile and fun a bodyboard can be.
All riders hit the water for a thirty-minute power session that saw some very skilful stand-up ability that is generally reserved for our fibreglass friends.
Without fins to hold you into the wave, stand-up boogie relies on rail work and a very good sense of balance!
In the end the spoils went to Club President, Michael Reid, who was able to link the perfect ride from the main peak right into the shore, demonstrating how a love of the ocean allows you to be able to adapt to any wave riding craft.
“The expression session would have to be the highlight of our day,” Reid said.
“Everyone in the water all at the same time for nothing more than a whole lot of fun.”
In the major divisions, it was the groms that stole the show with their light-weight frames able to perform critical manoeuvres in the waist height waves. Best Air and Best Barrel went to two Margaret River U14 riders, Max McGregor and Andreas Nikulinsky respectively.
Another of the club’s young guns, Angus Telchadder took home the Ryan Hardy Boadyboarding School Coach’s Award for most improved rider and will get to spend a few hours in the water, refining his skills, with his idol over the summer months.
Division winners included:
- U10 Supergroms - Hayden Reid
- U14 - Max McGregor
- U18 - Mat Jordi
- Over 30 VETS - Reid Jones
- Open - Reid Jones
- Dropknee - Ryan Hardy
- Women - Rio Clarke
With a two from two win on the day, Reid Jones was definitely a stand-out amongst the older riders.
Originally from the East Coast but now residing in the South-West, Jones was able to draw on his grovel-style upbringing and combine smart wave selection with speed and flow on the 2ft rip-bowl that he would normally turn his head to
“I can’t believe how much fun I had today. Normally I would be out on a Mal or something, but entering SWBC has forced me to remember how versatile a bodyboard can be no matter how big or small the waves are,” he said.
Club Person of the day was awarded to Bunbury’s Jayden Eastcott. Normally competing for the winner’s trophy in the Open division, Jayden was bundled out early but stuck around in true club spirit, helping with judging and cranking the BBQ to serve up a well earned lunch for all.
SWBC now looks towards their 2017 Presentation Night to be held at Good Earth Surf Shop in Bunbury on Saturday 20th January, 2018.
The night will also act as their 2018 season sign-up night so for anyone keen to get involved, at any age, gender or ability, contact the club via swbc2014@gmail.com or keep an eye on the club’s social media sites as information comes to hand.
The club would like to thank all of its sponsors, members, helpers, Mums and Dads, local authorities and councils and everyone that got behind the 2017 season.
