About Surf Boats

Initially, the surf boat was used in rescues in big seas, however the introduction of inshore rescue boats (IRB’s) meant that the surfboat was no longer deemed a rescue craft. But intense regional, state and national boat competition and the incredible commitment and enthusiasm of thousands of participants, and in recent years a massive increase in female crew members, has kept this challenging and thrilling sport alive.

Surf boat races involve four rowers and a sweep in an eight-metre surf boat, with a maximum of seven crews in each race. The course consists of a start in approx. knee depth water, then a 400m row out to sea before rounding a turning buoy and then a 400m return back to the waters edge.

 

Competition


The Lorne SLSC has a very proud history in the sport of Surf Boat Rowing, with multiple State, National and World Titles to our credit. As a section we are always striving to get the best out of each other, whilst having a lot of fun along the way.

Over the coming summer season our rowers will be competing at all the local carnivals, while also travelling along the eastern seaboard of Australia to Mollymook, Manly, Freshwater and Wollongong.

Our season culminates with the State Championships in March and a trip to the Gold Coast or Perth for the Australian Championships in late March or April.

 

Results

  • Our rich competition tradition has seen hundreds of medals won at State and National Titles over the years!
  • Click here for our National and International Titles results
  • Additionally, we have won many State medals, with some great examples being:
  • 2009
    • 3rd Australian Masters Championships 220yrs
    • 2nd Open Men Victorian Championships
    • 4th Open Men Victorian Championships
    • 4th Open Women Victorian Championships
    • 4th Reserve Grade Victorian Championships
  • 2008
    • 1st U/23 Victorian Championships
    • 1st Reserve Grade Victorian Championships
  • 2007
    • 1st U/18 Victorian Championships
  • 2006
    • 1st Reserve Grade Victorian Championships
    • 1st U/23 Victorian Championships
    • 3rd World Masters Championships 180yrs
    • 4th Open Men World Life Saving Championships
  • 2005
    • 1st Reserve Grade Victorian Championships
    • 1st U/19 Victorian Championships
  • 2004
    • 1st Open Men World Life Saving Championships
    • 1st U/19 Victorian Championships
    • 1st Reserve Grade Victorian Championships
  • 2003
    • 1st Open Men Victorian Championships
  • 2002
    • 3rd Open Men Australian Championships
    • 3rd U/21 Australian Championships
  • 2001
    • 1st U/19 Victorian Championships
    • 1st U/21 Victorian Championships
  • 2000
    • 1st U/18 Australian Championships
    • 1st U/18 Victorian Championships
    • 1st U/21 Victorian Championships
  • 1999
    • 1st U/18 Victorian Championships
    • 1st Australian Masters Championships 180yrs
  • 1997
    • 1st Open Men Victorian Championships
  • 1996
    • 1st Australian Masters Championships 160yrs
  • 1995
    • 1st Open Men Victorian Championships
    • 1st U/21 Victorian Championships
    • 1st Australian Masters Championships 160yrs
  • Newer and older results are being collated for publication

Getting Involved

The Boat Section is currently looking to fill seats for the coming season with the aim of having at least one crew in each division. These are U/19, U/23 men, U/23 women, Open women, Reserve Grade Men and Open Men along with the masters categories which start with an average age of 30 (120yrs) and go up to 60 (240yrs).  With sweeps both on the Coast and in Melbourne why not give it a try because who knows what may lie ahead! Think Big, Aim High!

We would especially like to field crews in the underage divisions as they are our future so if you are over 16, hold your bronze medallion would like to compete for the club or even just have a social row don’t hesitate to get in contact and we will organise for you to get involved!

To get involved in the Lorne SLSC boat rowing team, simply contact our boat area captain