Moruya's Westpac Life Saver helicopter crew is celebrating finishing the epic Heli 400 Bega to Bondi surfski paddle on Sunday.
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Ten of the Moruya crew, after a rigorous six-week training regime, took part in the nine-day event with Sydney-based crew members and supporters.
The 370km paddle began at Bermigui on Anzac Day hoping to raise $20,000 for a new helicopter engine.
Helicopter CEO Steve Leahy said almost $10,000 was raised.
“In our first year, we are happy with that,” he said.
“We are already talking about how we can make it better next year.”
Mr Leahy said he hoped the event would be an annual fundraiser.
Most South Coast paddlers handed over the baton at Sussex Inlet, but Moruya’s Wade Coster continued paddling across Jervis Bay and rescue crew officer Harley Dengate and pilot Rob Wildman paddled into Bondi at the finish.
“It’s done and dusted,” Moruya crew spokesman John Costin said.
Despite the tough nature of the paddle, Mr Costin isn’t surprised the Moruya crew was up to it.
“I’m not the least bit surprised; we trained pretty hard,” he said.
The six weeks of training all paid off when it mattered.
“Absolutely; I wasn’t the least bit sore the next day,” Mr Costin said.
“It was a daunting task, but we really pulled together to make it happen.”
Mr Coster paddled 42km in five-and-a-half hours at Jervis Bay.
Nature wasn’t always on the paddlers’ side.
“The weather wasn’t the best and the ocean was pretty crazy at times,” Mr Costin said.
“There were large seas as a result of the two low pressure systems.
“It was quite mentally challenging because you are at the mercy of the elements.”
However, the paddlers never felt alone.
“We have always been pretty close; it’s the nature of the environment we work in,” Mr Costin said.
Westpac Life Saver rescue helicopter CEO Stephen Leahy and crewmen Matt Scott escorted and encouraged the paddlers aboard jet skis, and their moral support made a big difference.
“Absolutely, and the safety factor they provided was great, too,” Mr Costin said.
Many would be happy not to see a surf ski again, but the Moruya paddlers are keen to get going again.
“We are continuing to paddle on our days off for fitness,” Mr Costin said.