LIFESAVERS flocked to Tathra over the weekend for the Far South Coast branch championships.
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Director of surf sports Melissa Meaker said it was a “great weekend”, but it was “very full on”.
Seniors took the beach on Saturday, while juniors were in charge on Sunday.
Meaker said a highlight was the huge turnout of juniors to compete on Sunday morning.
“The numbers were excellent,” Meaker said.
“There was over 250-plus and the conditions were perfect.
“[It was] sunny for half the day and less than a metre of swell,” she said.
The massive contingent of youngsters was made up largely by Tathra and Broulee club members, but Meaker said every club in the branch - from Eden to Batemans Bay - was represented.
“All the clubs were represented - including Jindabyne,” she said.
Jindabyne doesn’t have a life saving club, but plays host to Nippers and forms a “sub branch” of sorts with the Tathra club.
“Any of their surf work they come and do at Tathra – we look after them,” Meaker said.
Meanwhile in the open division, the competition was friendly, but fierce, and spectators enjoyed the action.
“There were a few exciting moments in the boats,” Meaker said.
She said there was a couple of dramatic moments, but overall the competitors were excellent.
“The Narooma veteran men’s team broke a sweep oar ... they were very good competitors.
“There was also the Broulee under 19s and Tathra vets in the men’s category, they all competed very well,” she said.
In the women’s division, Moruya, Broulee and Tathra also had very tight competition with the visitors edging out the locals on the day.
Meaker said it was exciting to see everyone competiting and enjoying the carnival.
“It was a great weekend, the jet skis - the RWC - from Pambula came up and they helped with the water safety.
“And we had members from Tathra and the other clubs in the IRBs all day,” she said.
Meaker hailed the carnival as a huge success.
“The barbecue sold out of food and drinks so that’s exciting ... it always means a good carnival.”
Meaker said the beach was in excellent condition and welcomed all the visitors after work from council and volunteers.
“Members from the Tathra club and council worked really hard to ensure the beach was in great shape.
“Workers graded the beach and improved access.”
The weekend marked the last major event for the branch this year with junior events still running in to April.
“That’s the last carnival of the year, all the clubs will be moving in to having their presenation nights,” Meaker said.
“The Nippers will all start to finish up and have presentations in April and May with the branch one to be in June.