MNC surf boat crew takes silver after "hectic" swells delay nationals

After dangerous surf conditions led to the rescheduling of some events, the Kempsey-Crescent Head 240s Surf Boat crew won a silver medal at last month’s Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.

• The 240s’ crew of Gavin Burke, Joe Notley, Simon Tamblyn and Stewart Henderson were swept by Mick Megaloconomos.

• “Being the second best crew in Australia is a pretty good feeling, especially surviving those hectic conditions,” said Henderson, the captain. 

Add it to the trophy cabinet: The club’s 220+ men’s boat crew - the number is based on the combined age of the competitors - won a NSW state gold medal in early March, after winning bronze at the Australian Surf Rowers League competition in mid-February.

•  Henderson said the “pretty amazing year” was a result of “the hard work and dedication these guys put into training and volunteering, given their work commitments”.

Last man standing: Henderson said the 180s’ surf boat crew battled six to 10-feet swells, and at one point, as Mick Megaloconomos rode to shore, he stood up and realised he was the only crew member still in the boat.

Henderson recounted Megaloconomos saying to him, “I looked around and thought, ‘Where are the other fellas? I hope they enjoy their swim’”. 

What next: The boat crews are taking a break from training and will continue beach patrols until April 27.

In order to compete at events, crew members must undertake voluntary beach patrols on weekends.

Thumbnail: The Kempsey-Crescent Head 240s Surf Boat crew won a silver medal at last month’s Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast. Images supplied.