Calling all former Yamba surf boat crews

A reunion of surf boat crews, past and present will be held at the Yamba Surf Life Saving Club on Friday May 7.  The bar will open at 5pm. 

The purpose of the reunion is to celebrate 30 years since the Yamba Under 18 boat crew swept all before them, winning gold medals at the Branch and Country titles, and featuring heavily in the State and Australian Titles. All current and past Yamba rowers, and their supporters, are invited to attend. A great night is promised.

Put the date in the diary – Friday 7 May, from 5pm, at the Yamba SLSC – and let’s celebrate surf boats.  For further information about the reunion, please call Mick Smith, on 0497 303 411.

Background

The Yamba Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has a proud history in surf boats. The 199/91 season, was, however, special. 

The junior boat crew – Grant Cooper, Tim George, Simon Opalniuk, David Smith and sweep Mick Smith – had not rowed together prior to the 1990/91 season, and debuted in a new, and untried, boat. 

This combination, however, proved unbeatable at Branch and Country level, and were unlucky to be knocked off in the State semi-finals. To cap off a great season, they made the final of the Australian Titles in Perth in very rough conditions, not winning, but proving they were among the best boat crews in Australia.

Steve Butler