Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club wins NSW state gold medal

The 220+ men’s crew didn’t let big swell get the better of them.

Author

Ellie Chamberlain
March 03, 2026

The Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club 220+ men’s crew have brought home a NSW state gold medal.

More than 100 crews from across the state raced at Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club in tough conditions over the weekend.

From bronze to gold: Stewart Henderson, the club's boat captain, said the Macleay Valley crew had been training hard after winning a bronze medal at last months’ Australian Surf Rowers League competition at Wanda Beach.

  • “They have shown great strength and dedication to bring home the gold medal in difficult conditions,” Henderson said.

Volunteers only: Unique to Surf Life Saving, each of the crew members are required to volunteer their time as surf life savers patrolling on the weekends in order to compete.

The crew of Gavin Burke, Joe Notley, Simon Tamblyn and Steve Pellen were swept by Mick Megaloconomos, and are now eyeing off an Aussie’s medal at the national event held on the Gold Coast later this month.

Thumbnail: The local 200+ men’s crew. Picture supplied.