Aussies2015 on beach newspaper issue3

THURSDAY APRIL 16, 2015 • #AUSSIES100 SLS.COM.AU/AUSSIES

THE LIFEOF RILEY

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO COMPETE IN THE 100TH AUSSIES?

“It’s fantastic to be

here and a part of this

historical moment and to also watch my sons

compete here.”

“It’s great to know that

you are a part of history

and seeing the sport progress to today.”

“It’s great to be apart

of history and a major

milestone in Surf Life saving.”

“It’s good; we both have

been competing since 1978. It is great to

see our kids go through the sport. It is

pretty special.”

SUE LINDSAYSURFERS PARADISE SLSC, QLD

TILLY BELLKEMNMONA VALE SLSC, NSW

MAIA BRYANT CURRUMBIN SLSC, QLD

MICK DIDETTA & CHRIS MAYNARDCURRUMBIN SLSC, QLD

PAUL COCHRANE

HE’S been the voice of surf lifesaving this

summer on Fox Sports, but Kurt Hanson is

taking away his own slice of gold from The

Aussies 2015.

He ended the Masters program with

five gold medals for the Freshwater SLSC,

including an epic Taplin relay final win with

teammates Michael Kirkby and Peter Obern.

“That was right up there with the best

experiences of my life in surf. To do it with two

other guys who really put it all on the line was

pretty special. And a pretty special moment

for the club as well and something that we

won’t forget for a long time,” Kurt said.

Later this week he’ll try and defend the

Open Belt Race title he won in Perth last

year, in between commentary commitments

for the television broadcast, live streaming

service and the on-beach presentation.

“I’ve got a big week ahead of me. But I’ve

known it’s been coming for a month now,”

he said.

“It’s a bit funny to drop the microphone

and go out there to compete but it’s

something that has been manageable at the

moment. My open career is pretty much

winding up so I’m really focusing more on

the work side of things now and doing the

commentary which I am loving. This is just a

cross over period so I’ll give it one last hurrah

and see how it goes.”

“It’s something that I am very passionate

about and I want it to go for another 100 years.”

There’s just one other catch to further

complicate an already busy schedule. He is

the ground announcer for the Sydney Swans

and they play at home on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m going to fly down to Sydney and do

that and then come back Saturday night to

hopefully be in that Belt final.”

CHELSEA PALMER

SLSA has been running an

intern program during The

Aussies 2015, giving media

students an opportunity to be

part of the event. CHELSEA

PALMER is from Minnesota

in the USA and has lived in

Australia for just 10 months.

This was her first time at a surf

lifesaving carnival.

WHERE I’m from, our version of the

beach is two months of swimming in

murky lake water. So the chance to

volunteer as a journalism intern at The

Aussies was an opportunity I could

not pass up.

Watching the men’s Flags races

opened this Minnesota girl’s eyes to

a whole new world. As a first-timer to

The Aussies, watching is like learning

a foreign language. I’ll admit, I had

no idea what was taking place before

my eyes.

I asked a Surf Life Saving member

next to me what the aim of this race

was: men lying face down in the sand

only to quickly stand and sprint to

another location.

He didn’t offer a straight answer,

but this race appeared to be a test

of a man’s reflexes, which is a key to

saving someone’s life. You have to be

able to react quickly.

Looking back across the sand

to the waves crashing ashore with

Surfers Paradise in the background

reminded me that I am in Australia,

a land where people do things a bit

differently from back home.

I will leave The Aussies with an

increased respect and admiration

for what surf lifesavers do just as I

respect and admire the shear power

of the waves beyond.

CLAUDIA FERGUSON

THE Open Championships were launched

with a traditional Grand Parade, kickstarting

a carnival that will feature around 4,000

competitors from more than 180 clubs.

Byron Bay SLSC member Joshua Brown

delivered the Athlete’s oath on behalf of all

competitors and Carolyn Wilson from Secret

Harbour SLSC read the officials oath.

Athletes marched into the arena to the

sounds of contemporary tunes, followed by a

public welcome from Indigenous elder Luther

Cora from the Bungarra family.

Several international surf life saving clubs

are participating at The Aussies 2015 and took

part in the parade.

“It’s great to see the diversity of clubs

around” said Callum Gilbert of Grande SLSC

who stood at the front row of the opening

ceremony excited for the week ahead.

Mermaid Waters SLSC member Anne

Donnelly-Marshall also performed the

national anthem.

GOLD RUSH FOR SURF’S GOLDEN TONSILS AMERICAN ODYSSEY 2015LEFT: Taplin

triumph. Freshwater SLSC gold medal winning Masters trio Peter Obern, Michael Kirkby and Kurt Hanson.

LEFT: Indigenous elder Luther Cora from the Bungarra family helps launch The Aussies 2015 Open competition.

It’s a bit funny to drop the microphone and go out there to compete. Kurt Hanson

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS LAUNCHED IN GRAND STYLE

02 | The Aussies 2015 Thursday April 16, 2015

The interstate seas did not stop a comparative newcomer from WA, Don Morrison, who won four Senior Belt Championships and placed in another six between 1948 and 1959, eventually stamping himself and one of if not the best ever Open Belt Champion.

DID YOUKNOW

GRAHAM CALLAGHAN

ST KILDA’S Matthew Culka was one pretty

happy boat sweep when his crew survived

the closest decision of the day to be crowned

the 200 years Masters’ surfboat champions at

Tugun yesterday.

Five boats finished on the same wave

to send tower judges into a huddle at both

ends of the beach and after 15 minutes of

discussion it was announced St Kilda were the

gold medal winners.

Bronte were only centimetres behind with

silver while WA crew North Cottesloe took

home the bronze.

It completed a winning treble for St

Kilda after also taking out the World title in

France last year and The Aussies Reserve

grade championship at Scarborough Beach

last season.

“If you are good enough to make

every final and get a fair rub of the green,

consistency will see you win a few medals,”

Culka said.

Trevor ‘Trax’ Robson swept North

Cronulla to victory in the 180 years final

beating Austinmer and Tallebudgera in

another tight finish.

While sweep Mark McDonald pulled

his Elouera crew onto a one-metre wave to

comfortably win the 160 years final from Jan

Juc and Bronte.

Lorne’s win in the men’s 120 years final

on Tuesday was certainly a triumph for the

McCombe family.

Alistar McCombe swept Lorne to win gold

medals with his sons Jarod in the stroke seat

and another son Brent second stroke.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Picnic Bay SLSC, Moruya SLSC, Mooloolaba SLSC.

ABOVE: Ky Hurst sprinting to victory in the Restricted Surf Race Final.

If you are good enough to make every final and get a fair rub of the green, consistency will see you win a few medals Matthew Culka

SAINTS GO MARCHING IN… BUT ONLY BY A WHISKER

ADELAIDE isn’t just famous for its churches, sweeping landscapes and good wine - West

Beach SLSC is one of the first things you see, flying into the South Australian Capital.

Formed in 1956, the club has over 600 members, with a contingent of 30 heading up

to the Gold Coast to contest The Aussies.

The club was on the brink of shutting its doors in the mid 1970s, but club members

pooled together to keep it active.

Women’s Team Manager Damian Newberry says the turnaround has been a great

achievement and testament to the club.

West Beach has a strong focus on community engagement, with members raising

over $10,000 for Breast Cancer research in February.

After a tremendous season in the South Australian State Championship, a win at The

Aussies would be the cherry on top of a great year.

ABOVE : 30 Athletes from West Beach SLSC are competing at The Aussies 2015.

CLUB IN FOCUSWEST BEACH SLSC, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

DAVID MOASE

SURF race record holder Ky Hurst started

his 2015 Australian Surf Life Saving

Championships campaign in familiar style by

winning the Restricted Surf Race final.

Hurst, the 10-times winner of the open

surf race, claimed his fourth gold medal in the

Restricted Surf Race, which is for swimmers

aged 24 and over.

The 34-year-old from Kurrawa outswam

and outsprinted ironman champion Shannon

Eckstein (Northcliffe), with Nathan Smith

(Manly) in third place.

It was an important hit-out and confidence

booster for Hurst, who will face plenty of

challengers for his Open Surf Race crown

later in the carnival.

“I’m happy to get a final out of the way. It’s

only Wednesday and we’ve got a long week

ahead,” he said.

“Most of the best surf swimmers in the

country are over 24 so it’s like we have two

surf race finals.

“And there will be a few younger blokes

in the surf race this year who will shake

things up.”

Hurst, Eckstein and Smith are set to

clash plenty of times throughout the

championships, with one of their next

confrontations likely to come in today’s

Surf Teams final, where Eckstein, with

his Northcliffe team of younger brother

Caine Eckstein, Jordan Harrison and

Sam Sheppard, will be chasing an eighth

consecutive gold medal.

Power paddles by Danielle McKenzie

and ironwoman Rebecca Creedy pushed

Northcliffe to gold in the Open Women’s Ski

Relay.

Mooloolaba continued its dominance of

the Open Board Relay, making it a hat-trick

of Aussie titles.

HURST STILL HAS THAT GOLDEN GLOW

sls.com.au/aussies • #Aussies100 The Aussies 2015 | 03

RIGHT : Alex Headlands push themselves onto the next leg of the Ski Relay.

RIGHT : Alex Headlands in the women’s Ski Relay.

ABOVE : A smooth board transition for Cudgen Headland SLSC.

FAR RIGHT : Tugun competitor puts his body on the line for a smooth transition.

RIGHT : Open men push for a good starting position in the Board Relay.


LEFT : The second paddlers eagerly await their team mates in the trough.

LEFT : Peter Scott, Redhead SLSC lapping up the atmosphere at The Aussies.

RIGHT : Brodie Moir from North Burleigh.

FAR LEFT : Northcliffe battles a wave in the Board Rescue.

ABOVE : Finish line judges keep a close watch with the help of their handy i-pads.

LEFT : Newport rounding the flag in the Ski Relay.

Championship photos available at harvpix.com


CLAUDIA FERGUSON

FORMER Tasmanian Ellie Picken has capped

off a dream summer in the surf by winning

gold with her Mooloolaba SLSC teammates in

the under-19 Taplin Relay.

After starting her season with victory

in the Coolangatta Gold, Picken, Ella

Brown(swim) and Karlee Nurthen (board)

produced a dominant performance to lead

from start to finish ahead of Northcliffe and

Newport.

“After winning Gold at the state titles we

thought let’s keep the team for The Aussies,

why ruin a good thing,” Picken said.

Northcliffe won the under-17 Taplin final

despite ski paddler Kate Taylor taking a spill

20m from the shoreline. It came after Megan

Kreuter (swim) and Hannah Sculley (board)

had set up an unassailable lead.

“It’s hard when you have such a dominant

paddler and swimmer, as it puts a lot of

pressure on me nose-diving down that wave,

which I haven’t done all season,” Kate said.

“Lucky for me Megan set up such a good

lead in the swim, because it was hard for me

to swim back because I don’t swim!”

She had enough in the tank to beat a

surging Kurrawa team to the finish line.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE AUSSIES

“Coming together with

people, the social aspect of the event

is great.”

“I love coming to The

Aussies, the atmosphere

of the event is what I love most about it.”

“I love the healthy rivalry

between the clubs. ”

“This is only my second

Aussies but I love coming

away to The Aussies and having more

competition than State Titles.”

ANITA LANGENBERG POINT LOOKOUT SLSC, QLD

TIANA MERCER NOOSA HEADS SLSC, QLD

JACK MOYESTERRIGAL SLSC, NSW

SOPHIA TONOLI MONA VALE SLSC, NSW

What is your favourite memory of The Aussies?

Racing the Open Ironwoman against Karla Gilbert in 2003.

From a young age she was my hero and I got to race with

her in her last race, which was a special moment being an

aspiring Ironwoman at the time.

What does The Aussies mean to you?

The Aussies brings everyone together, and recognises

and celebrates the best of lifesaving traditions. I love

seeing familiar faces and being a part of such a fantastic

community. It’s great to catch up with everyone and stand

on the line knowing the athletes have put in everything

they can in the lead up to the events.

What are your tips on recovery to ensure top

performance over next 5 days?

It’s important to get back under the tent in the shade to

rest. We talk a bit of trash. I would say some tent trash

talk gets us through the day and the other usuals -

adequate hydration, good nutrition and definitely rest

when you can!

NAOMI FLOOD

LEFT : The victorious Mooloolaba SLSC Taplin Relay team (L to R) Ellie Picken, Ella Brown and Karlee Nurthen.

FAR LEFT : Mooloolaba SLSC star Ellie Picken powers her team to victory in the Taplin Relay final.

OLYMPIAN, SLS AMBASSADOR & SURF SKI WORLD CHAMPION

YOU may have noticed that Matt

Poole has jazzed up his outfit this

Aussies. Yes, he has painted his finger

nails a lovely shade of black, and

without a blemish.

At his state titles Matt made a bet

with three of his team mates, Luke

Cuff, Matt Bevy and Hayden White

that the person who came last in the

Ironman out of the four would swim

in the Open Surf Race at The Aussies

with their nails painted. Obviously,

Matt was the loser.

Matt wasn’t sore about it at all

though telling SLSA how he had been

“working on his technique” and had

accidentally knocked over the nail

polish when he had “over stroked”.

PICKEN A WINNER


Did you know that in 2014 the Eckstein brothers came in first and second in the Ironman. Shannon coming in first with his younger brother Caine coming in second. This was the first time a brother duo have taken out the 1st and 2nd place in The Aussies Open Ironman!

DID YOUKNOW

BALI BOYS TAKE ON THE AUSSIES

LEFT : Some of the competitors from Badung surf club in Bali in action at The Aussies 2015.

ABOVE : Mooloolaba SLSC’s Karlee Nurthen embraces teammate Georgina McDermott after their win in the under-19 Board Relay.

ABOVE : Riley Fitzsimmons celebrates with his teammates after the Single Ski Relay final.

MADIE O’SULLIVAN

BADUNG Surf Club in Bali is just one of 32

International Clubs who have made the

trip to North Kirra Beach to be a part of the

centenary Surf Life Saving Championships.

Badung is on the coast of Bali and the club

covers Kuta, Seminyak and Legian beaches.

Patrolling some of the most popular tourist

beaches in Bali for Australian travellers the

team say that competing in Australia is really

special to them because of the friendships

they have made with Australian Surf Life

Savers both at home and in Australia.

The Balinese team of six have travelled

over with their coach I Wayan Sudarta, their

manager I Ketut Ipel and two government

representatives from Badung.

The team train twice a week with their

coaches, with training sessions ranging

from sport specific activities to more fitness

based training which compliments any other

training they do on their own.

“Last year our beach relay team came fifth

at the World Life Saving Titles in France, so

to make the final or even take home a medal

would be amazing” Emma Larssen said.

Emma is a Cronulla SLSC clubbie who

moved to Bali five years ago to work on an

AYAD project focusing on water safety. Along

with her work developing sustainable school

and community water education programs.

Emma is also a Coach for the Badung Surf Life

Saving team.

IAN HANSON

A star was born at North Kirra yesterday when

18-year-old Riley Fitzsimmons from Avoca

Beach paddled his way into Aussies folklore.

The kid from the NSW Central Coast came

from the clouds to steal the coveted open

single ski relay from defending champions

Newport and six-time champions Northcliffe.

“This is the one race we’ve been after,

the one race we’ve been chasing for years;

we’ve been second and third twice but we’ve

never won the gold,” said 38-year-old second

paddler Gordon Jones.

“We’ve been chasing a kid who can paddle

and run and we’ve found one in Riley. I can

now retire a happy man.”

But that’s only one part of a day in the life

of this Riley.

Only minutes before his gold medal

paddle he had helped Avoca to a gold medal

win in the under 19 board relay with team

mates Brad McCloghry and Jordan Moore

over Newport B and Newport A.

But wait there’s more. While his open team

and club mates were madly celebrating, Riley

was hustled back to the under-19 ski relay

final where he again produced a paddle of

the ages to come from behind on the final

leg to win Avoca the silver medal, again with

McCloghry and Moore.

Two gold and a silver in 30 minutes of fury.

A day in the life Riley will never forget.

“It’s so exciting to get the opportunity to

paddle with guys like Lachy and Gordo every

day, I’m blessed and this is a like a dream, I

can’t believe it, I never gave up and knew I

had the legs to get there,” said Fitzsimmons

who will be back on the beach today chasing

more success in the under 19 single ski and

board races.

Unless he’s still sitting on cloud nine.

JACQUELINE GREEN

AN unusual training spike in the lead-up to

The Aussies proved a masterstroke for the

gold medal winning Mooloolaba under-19

Board Relay crew.

The team of Georgina McDermott, Kirriena

Raymond, Karlee Nurthen was able to take

advantage of the calmer conditions delivered

by North Kirra.

“The paddle in reminded me of training on

the flat lake back home which was always so

hard,” Kirriena said.

They were forced to come from behind to

overhaul the Newport crew after Georgia Miller

established a sizeable lead on the first-leg.

A determined final leg proved decisive

as McDermott seized the lead to steer

Mooloolaba to victory.

“I was hurting, I couldn’t see anyone next

to me or in front me so I just ran for Gold,”

says McDermott.

The battle for second was intense with

Northcliffe edging out Newport in a sprint to

the finish.

After a string of minor placings over the

past five years, Avoca finally cracked victory

in the under-19 board relay.

AUSTRALIAN sporting royalty has been

on site for The Aussies 2015 to soak up the

nostalgic 100 year celebrations.

Among them yesterday was swimming

great Lisa Curry who stumbled upon this

photo of herself, Aussies legend Grant

Kenny and their daughter Jaimi on the

stroll down memory lane.

She was here to watch son Jett

compete but things didn’t quite go to plan

– he suffered an injury while competing

for Alexandra Headland SLSC in the

under-19 Board Relay final.

LISA STOPS BY THE AUSSIES

FLAT OUT WIN

GOLDEN DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY


JOIN THE CONVERSATIONLife Saving Victoria

@LifeSavingVic

2 gold for Wendy Wilson Reyntjes

from #FairhavenSLSC in 40-44

Ironwoman & single ski @SLSAustralia

#Aussies100

Hayden Surfcraft

@HaydenSurfcraft

We hope everyone participating

in #Aussies100 has been having a

ripper time over the past 4 days!!!!

Matt Poole

@matt_poole1

YES, I did lose a bet. YES, I will be

racing #Aussies100 with my finger

nails painted. Cheers boys…

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR VALUED PARTNERS

MAJOR EVENT PARTNER

EVENT PARTNERS

MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERS

FACEBOOK.COM/LIFESAVING @SLSAUSTRALIA @SLSAUSTRALIAYOUTUBE.COM/USER/SLSAUSTRALIA

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : @somertonslsc, Somerton SLSC@amynurthen, Amy@ashleighgrace94, Ashleigh Grace@missdavishan, Hannah Davis

#AUSSIES100 PICS OF THE DAY

ON BEACH PRODUCTION TEAM: Paul Cochrane, Elyce Behrsin, Abigail Blaikie, Madie O’Sullivan, Jacqueline Green, Deon Savage, Claudia Ferguson (SLSA Media Team); Tom Parsons (SLSA Design); Ian Hanson; Harvie Allison, Kate Czerny, Shanta Allison (Harvpix.com).

WIN $500*

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*Prize will be drawn on Saturday 18 April. You must be present to redeem the winning prize. T&Cs Apply. See website for competition details. LTPS/15/01662

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Aussies2015 on beach newspaper issue3