Race Day at Burc Beach

The day broke at 6am with the wind still blowing. The wind had changed slightly but the surf was still big and messy. There were thoughts about how the carnival was going to run and if we should call it off.

We all wandered down to Burc Beach from the hotel in the hopes of getting some time in the surf competing. March past followed by the haka on the beach. The haka was completed beautifully.

The demonstration then moved to water events and the skis hit the water. Mike’s rudder broke and Joe and Corey took out the race but it was hard to find the way out the surf and around the buoys. Kelly was pretty impressive persevering to make it out and back as well,

Then the board race had Mike, Leza, Kelsey & Channie along with a bunch of aussies on the start line. The drift was strong, Mike made it out the back second after Corey and the girls started to get out after being swept quite a way down the beach by the current.

Finally it was time for the first NZ, OZ & Turkish challenge. We had three surf boats lined up – our boys, the uni Turkish boys, & the masters crew from Forster. LBSLSC had a flyer off the start, the turks not far behind, with the Forster crew the first casualty with an early crowd pleasing backshoot! LB made it out the back first, turned the imaginary buoy, the turks 5-6 boat lengths behind. Catching runners back in both crews were looking good, DISASTER for the Kiwi’s, a good little runner suddenly sucked up mean on a sandbar and flung the black boat to the side, the resultant photo sequence ensued. The Turkish boys were delighted to reach the beach first!!!

Unfortunately, this was the only boat race run due to the heavy surf conditions, and so the other crews will have to wait for Kum Beach to check out the competition.

The beach events followed with LB clubbies featuring in the results of all racing and taking out the grand finale Chariot Race.

The beach party that night was super fun with a Hawaiian style wedding and some pillow diving antics. We also had the heaviest rainstorms in 5yrs on the walk home – everyone instantly drenched – super refreshing and helped the sobering up process !!

xoxo

Mike just before his board race
Channie waiting for her board race.
A collage of the men's boat race. Including the conclusion of the race.