ISSUE 04

Beth Landon
Oct 29
3 min read

Updated: Nov 11

The start of the season is not only exciting for our senior members, but also our junior members as well. Get to know of the Open Female Surf Boat Team who have just competed in their first carnival of the season.

NIPPERS

A GREAT START TO THE NIPPERS SEASON!

There were smiles all around last Sunday at Port Kembla as Nippers kicked off for this season. Under the supervision of Nippers President Cham, around 200 keen Nippers arrived at the beach.

Although conditions were not ideal, with air and water temperatures a little on the cool side, Nippers new and old had a morning of fun and excitement on the sand and in the surf.

It was not just the Nippers having fun. Aurora MacKaskil has volunteered her time to provide Water Safety for the Nippers for five years.

“It was great to be back, it was pretty cold but all the age groups gave it a really good go.”

New members stepped up to fill the roles of the retiring committee with ease. Anu and Sarah handed out uniform orders and finalised any last minute requirements, all whilst the Age Managers looked after the Nippers.

The Club have had an incredible turn out of Age Managers which meant the beach was organised and in control. Former Nippers Secretary, Chris Landon, feels confident with the team.

“It feels so great passing on the responsibilities to such capable and enthusiastic volunteers.”

It was a great start to the season and the committee is looking forward to many more Sundays to come!

GENERAL NEWS

TRAINING HAS BEGUN FOR THE CLUB'S NEXT LIFESAVERS

Training for both the SRC and Bronze Medallion are underway. The club's newest lifesavers are currently learning all the vital skills required to manage the beach. Under the guidance of club trainers, they are learning rescue techniques, radio calls, hand signals and first aid. The future of the club seems to be in capable hands!

MOMENTS ON PATROL

19/10/2025

It was a beautiful sunny day with good conditions for Patrol 7. The beach was moderately busy at times which meant the patrol stayed vigilant and undertook preventative actions.

19/10/2025

Conditions did not live up to expectations for Patrol 3. The beach was quiet and cold but the conditions were still monitored to keep the beach safe. They also caught up with the MP to discuss future plans for the club.

(For more exciting information about future renovations, stay tuned for the next blog!)

SPORTS

GET TO KNOW OUR OPEN FEMALE SURF BOAT TEAM!

Team Members & Positions:

Jack Patison (Sweep)

Renee Patison (Stroke)

Morgan Jackson (Second Stroke)

Shannon Grimsey (Bow)

Samantha Henry (Second Bow)

How long have you been rowing together?

MORGAN: This season is our first together.

A couple of us have rowed together before, but this year Shannon is rowing in the bow and I’m back in after having a year off.

What are you looking forward to in this season?

MORGAN: I’m really looking forward to seeing how our new training program pays off this season. It’s been written specifically for us, which is exciting. I’m keen to see how it translates into our racing and hopefully into some great results. And getting to share the season with my husband and two boys at the carnivals makes it even better.

What is your favourite memory rowing together?

JACK: Australian Gold in the boat relay! Only a little club and I had to sweep all 3 crews. As a sweep you feel guilty if everyone doesn’t win, that’s the closest you can get to satisfaction for me.

RENEE: Winning Australian Gold, Boat relay. Small club, 1 sweep, 1 boat (had to borrow a second on the day), 1 rower with a broken hand and open women racing against open men to bring it home!!

MORGAN: My favourite thing about rowing is the chaos and calm — the nerves on the start line, the burn mid-race, and the feeling at the end when you know you’ve left it all on the water. It demands you be fully present.

SHANNON: My favourite - seeing the smile on (my son) Kai's face after his first roll over in 2024. It was the moment I knew he loved surf boats for the same reasons and as much as I do. After everything I've done in 24 years in this sport, nothing tops that.

SAMANTHA: I can't go past rowing for Australia on your home beach (at the time 🙊) was pretty special.