As the surf-lifesaving season swung into action last weekend, Hunter branch chief executive officer Rhonda Scruton said it signalled the start of an exceptionally busy summer which included Fingal Bay hosting the national ironman series for the first time.
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“It’s going to be another busy season,” Scruton said.
“All of our lifesaving services have recommenced and Sunday, October 16 will be our big open day, where all of the surf clubs are open between 10am and 2pm for members of the community to come along and see what we do.
“The Blacksmiths to Breakwall Coastal Walk was held last weekend and this Saturday is the first carnival of our Newcastle Permanent Series. It is at Birubi and will double as a selection carnival for the interbranch team.”
The head of Hunter branch said a highlight of the summer will be when Fingal plays host to the Summer of Surf series and Nutri-Grain series qualifying round on November 26 and 27.
Newcastle has always been a popular venue for the elite ironman and ironwoman series but this year will make its first appearance in Port Stephens with the round the be staged at Fingal.
“Newcastle has hosted a round of the Nutri-Grain series for the past six years and Fingal will be a good location; we are grateful to have been given a round again because the cream of the crop will be there and it gives people of the Hunter the chance to see them in action,” Scruton said.
Among the locals competing that weekend will be Daniel Collins and Isak Costello, who will be in the mix for qualification for the national ironman series final to be held at Cronulla over three days in in February.
The Kracka Ironperson Challenge, for under-eight competitors up to under 19, will be another highlight of the year and is scheduled for Blacksmiths beach on November 6 and 7.
Scruton said the carnivals had been made “shorter and sharper” in recent seasons and said numbers were as strong as ever with 7500 members registered last season and figures looking on par for this season.
“They are being taught how to save a life and that’s why parents put their children in nippers; it’s not for the competition, it’s so they don’t drown in the ocean and they learn to love the ocean,” Scruton said.
“Surf lifesaving’s mission statement is to save lives, build stronger communities and create great Australians and we’re doing that well in Hunter branch.”
Hunter also welcome the return of the NSW surf-lifesaving championships this summer.
The state titles have not been hosted by Hunter branch for six years and will be at Blacksmiths beach for the next three seasons.
