Surf Boat racing and surfing is a popular sport in Australia, and is steadily growing in popularity in parts of the UK. But while the five-man oar-driven boat - which is designed to enter the ocean from the beach in heavy surf - is now popular as a recreational pursuit, it has more traditionally been deployed for lifesaving and rescue purposes.
To commemorate the centenary of the ANZAC landings on the Gallipoli peninsula during the First World War, more than 20 Australian Surf Boat crews took their boats all the way from Australia to Turkey to pay homage to their fellow countrymen’s campaign. However, following the commemorations, the cost of returning the boats to Australia was deemed too uneconomic, therefore the UK Surf Boat League intervened and organised their import to the UK with the co-operation of watersports clubs such as Tenby’s own SurfLink.
A year later and one of these boats is now only weeks away from arriving at its new home in SurfLink’s clubhouse. The rowers are especially excited by its impending arrival and the club welcomes anyone who is interested in trying out the sport to join and get involved.
In other news, SurfLink have recently put the finishing touches to their new kayak storage area beside the club as they further expand the range of sports on offer.
“We anticipate that this new venture will increase our membership and we are making the storage accessible all year round to members old and new at a very reasonable price,” said a spokesperson for the club. “The kayaks will be locked to an upright wall bracket within a secure compound area, with access only given exclusively to the kayak owners themselves. Standard annual club membership fees apply to any further usage of the club’s facilities, equipment and activities. However, we are also offering short term storage and membership at a reduced weekly rate for those visiting Tenby during the summer months.”
If anyone wants more information regarding the surf boat, kayak storage or anything else in relation to what SurfLink has to offer, please contact the membership secretary at [email protected].