Bondi Girls Surfriders

Ahoy m’ladies,

It’s time for another gathering of sea hags!  Come along on Saturday morning for our September comp – spring has officially sprung (but don’t let that trick you into thinking it’s warm in the water, cause you still need your steamer!).  Meet at the south end of the car park at 7.30am and we’ll set up on the beach.

We are going to reschedule the Advanced and Int A coaching session as there are a lot of people away on Sunday morning.  Stay tuned for the new date.

See you Saturday!

Liv x

Claire is gaining quite a reputation as the “one to watch”, on the pro longboard circuit and it comes as no surprise to us at BGSR and her sponsors (Honey Ocean & Earth, Barry Bennett Surfboards, Xcel Wetsuits & Greenstuff Wax).

 She is one of the most graceful and gutsy longboarders i know, and a pleasure to surf with.

 This month Claire is off to the National Titles at Port Macquarie. Leading up to the nationals she placed 2nd in the regional titles and 4th in the state titles, so we are expecting big things from her at Port Mac. (No pressure Claire!) 

 Following that, Claire is looking forward to thawing out and kicking some professional butt in Hawaii for a 2*LQS at Waikiki. I can smell the coconut oil just thinking about it!

She’s a true blue BGSR frother though, here’s her thoughts on the club:

“When you rock up for the monthly contest at BGSR, and its 11 degrees outside and 16 degrees in the water, onshore south swell, closing out across the whole of Bondi… there’s no turning around and heading straight to the comfort and warmth of the weekend cafe indulgence.

Chances are the comp is ON! With the motivation and positive attitude from the girls, it is actually do-able. You head out into surf you usually wouldn’t think twice about, catch a wave or two, have a good laugh and get a good workout. Its really awesome to see how enthusiastic everyone is. I find it really encouraging to see all the girls, no matter what age or ability, so keen to hit the waves with such optimism. After each comp, i have been reminded its always worth a paddle… no matter what!”

 Good luck in the coming months Claire! (Check out the next issue of The Beast for more on Claire.)

Only the bravest and/or foolhardy surfer girls turned out for the August BGSR comp. And how inviting did the surf look? Not!

Count the ways,the surf gods worked against us:

1. The City2Surf

(a) shut down the car park without warning, and

(b) crowded the beach in tents, leaving us with no choice but to surf at the North end.

2. 2-4ft of south swell.

3. Chilly on-shore winds.

4. Bumpy, uneven waves

5. Draining out-going tide

6. Shallow banks

Adds up to:

7. Every wave a close-out!

You could have forgiven us if we called it off, but it was unanimous that the comp should go on. So with the attitude of “go hard or go home” we went hard! Here is the run down…..

Advanced

The Advanced grade has welcomed a new guard of surfers this year. Lucy Kavanagh, Matilda Strain and Claudia Berman have stepped up from the Junior ranks and are giving the older and more experienced girls a run for their money. All surfed well in the heats with

Lucy the standout, progressing straight into the finals after a convincing win, with 2 high scoring waves. She came a close 2nd behind Milo Hyde who just edged her out with a brilliant display of her uncanny wave selection ability. Well done Millsy!!

Brenda Miley at her competitive best took out 3rd place.

Longboard

Claire Norman showed why she is a currently ranked 3rd on the 2010 WQS, taking out the Longboard finals in very challenging conditions, with Brenda Miley close behind in 2nd and Kim McMahon 3rd.

Juniors

Where were all the junior girls today? Tween charger Helena Zavesky was all alone in her division, surfing really well and winning convincingly! Obviously..

Calling out to all junior surf girls to come and join next month, its not too late, you’ll improve your surfing and have a lot of fun!!

Adult Beginners

These girls are so enthusiastic and supportive of each other, today was not for the faint- hearted but that didn’t faze them as they paddled out laughing in huge close outs!

Gutsy effort girls! In the end Kim Gillard came out on top, with Michelle Grainger and Bethlyn Hunter fighting it out for 2nd and 3rd.

I urge any girls out there that want to join but think they are not good enough to come along and have a go, you wont be sorry and we wont bite, promise.

Intermediate A and B

A disappointing turn out for these two grades this month, with Kim McMahon winning the A grade and Rach Hainsworth winning B grade, without even getting wet!!! WHY?

Because no one else in this grade turned up when the heat was due to paddle out. Come on girls every point counts!

So that’s a wrap for this month. I’m looking forward to saying goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring. Bring on September!!!!!  

This update is dedicated to the memory of Chloe Byron, one of our original longboard grommets. Sadly she passed away, in the Bali bombings back in 2002.

If you are walking along the promenade at Bondi, take a moment to stop at the Bali Memorial Graffiti Wall. Chloe is the girl with the frangipani in her hair.

It was her Birthday on the 8th August.

Gone but never forgotten.

Hi everyone,

The month of June has flown by and it’s now time for our July comp!

Unlike last month, it looks like Saturday will deliver us some lovely weather and friendly waves so be sure to come on down to the Bondi Beach car park at 7.30am.  Registration closes at 8am so get in quick.  We’re getting to the second half of the season so it’s time to carve your mark in the comp and on the waves.

One of our club members Laura, who has had her head in the books for the first half of the year is coming down to do some field research for her Honours project.  She wants to speak to you, as female surfers about your surf travel experiences.  So come along with your tales of waves gone by and countries explored!

Also, if there’s anyone, members or parents, who are happy to put their hand up to help out on the day with jobs from flag changes to beach marshalling we’d love your help.

Look forward to seeing you all on the weekend.

Liv

Hi all,

Check out our *new* Club History web page.  The story is courtesy of Brenda Miley of Let’s Go Surfing, our founding member!  If you have any photos from the old days please let me know and I’ll have them put up to add some colour to the page.

Lady Liv.

Gary Crockett, a curator at the Historic Houses Trust  has a blog recording his research on an upcoming exhibition about the Sydney surf scene in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The exhibition will be at the Museum of Sydney late 2011. Check out his blog to see behind-the-scenes workings,  and of course,  funky surfing pictures. Leave your comments-you may have some info that could contribute to the exhibition!

Surfing NSW has a plethora of world-class judging and coaching courses coming up this June and July.

Beginning with an International Judging and Officiating Accreditation Course, and then followed by a series of Level 1 and 2 Coaching Courses, don’t miss out on these highly sought after events.

All courses are recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and are nationally recognised as the standard for all Surfing Australia Surf Schools.  Courses are available for people 16 years and over.

For more information visit https://www.surfingnswonline.com.au/coaching.php and https://www.surfingnswonline.com.au/judging.php.

Dates:

International Judging and Officiating Accreditation Courses

Saturday, 12 June 2010 – Cronulla, NSW

Level 1 Coaching Course

Saturday & Sunday, 19-20 June 2010 – Cronulla (Sydney ) NSW

Level 2 Coaching Course

Saturday & Sunday, 3-4 July 2010 – Cronulla (Sydney) NSW

Hi guys, heres a link to a video of a recent surf trip down the south coast…featuring Anna, Lisa, myself and local character on a pink board! Enjoy…