ISSUE 13
- Beth Landon
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
As well as our success in Surf Boat Rowing, Port Kembla was known for our skill and capabilities in the IRB’s. In this blog learn about our first carnivals and results in this area! Get to know Surf Boat Rower, Ruby Peterlin, and what her favourite memories of the season have been!
GENERAL NEWS
OVER 50 YEARS OF SPORTING SUCCESS
Since the early 2000’s, Port Kembla Surf Lifesaving Club has been known for our skill in the surf boats. However, back in 1985, we were remembered for our competitive edge regarding IRB racing.
Current lifesaver Michael Rogan was one of our strongest competitors and has fond memories even when conquering the biggest swell!
This photo shows Michael Wilson, Sid Graham, Richard Ford and Danny Aarons, negotiating the 4 - 6ft shore dump and up to 12 - 16ft swells at Wamberal Beach. In this race they had to drop off "patients" in the mass rescue category at the NSW IRB Championships!
The next photo depicts, Michael Rogan, and Sid Graham taking the third “patient” out (Greg Travis) prior to the start of the race. Unfortunately, the club was knocked out in the semi-finals of the championships in the mass rescue and patient rescue events. Despite this loss, our club was one of the few clubs not to roll the boat at all in the championship!
The (Zodiac) Rigid hulled IRB was the club's second IRB acquired in December 1985 sponsored by Brambles Industries. This was a milestone purchase for the club, fundraising over $10,000 for its purchase (boat, motor and trailer). The funds were raised through a fashion parade, raffle ticket sales, donations and a lamington drive to raise 50% of the funds which was matched by Brambles Industries. The above photo shows Michael Rogan as the driver and Jamie Rogan as crew.
In the 1979-80 season the FM Rennex sponsored (Zodiac) IRB was the club's first IRB acquired in this season. In this photo Michael Rogan is taking it out for a solo test drive.
The IRB was not only useful for competitions, but was an important transition to an advanced, faster and more durable fiberglass-hulled vessel to cut through the waves more efficiently and plane more effectively over the water.
MOMENTS ON PATROL
1/3/2026
Patrols 3 and 4 were looking after the beach on Sunday. It was a quiet 22 degree day, with choppy surf with a moderate wind.
8/3/2026
Nippers was cancelled due to the rain and unsafe surf conditions. Unfortunately the beach was also closed for the majority of the day.
LIFESAVER SPOTLIGHT
RUBY PETERLIN
How long have you been a lifesaver?
I’ve been a patrolling member for 4 years now.
What has been your biggest accomplishment this season?
Completing my first rescue.
Why do you like patrolling?
I enjoy patrolling because I get to spend time at my favourite beach all while giving back to the community by volunteering to help keep our beachgoers safe. It also connects me to the club and the sport I love, surfboat rowing!
What is your most memorable moment from patrol?
While I was out on the IRB we had a big pod of dolphins swim past. So magical.
COMING UP...
15/3/2026 - Patrol 1 (9:00 am - 1:30pm) & Patrol 2 (1:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
22/3/2026 - Patrol 4 (9:00 am - 1:30pm) & Patrol 3 (1:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
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