Surfers take advantage of tides

BUNDABERG surfers braved the wet weather yesterday to sign up for the Pacifique Surfriders Club 2010 season.

Amanda Giovannoni from Pacifique Boardriders Association chats to Jake Hobbin and Eoin Whately at the sign-on day at Nielson Park Beach. . Picture: Max Fleet

BUNDABERG surfers braved the wet weather yesterday to sign up for the Pacifique Surfriders Club 2010 season.

Club secretary Daren Keena said about 80 people turned out to Nielson Park Beach to sign on, enjoy a sausage sizzle and take part in a surf gear swap meet.

“It was a pretty good turn out despite the weather,” he said.

“I am very pleased with the number of people who came down.”

Mr Keena said the family-orientated club meets once a month for friendly competitions.

“It doesn’t matter how well you can surf, it’s really about having some fun,” he said.

The club even holds development classes where experienced club members share their knowledge and skills with beginners.

“It’s like having a coaching class,” Mr Keena said.

“It gives people a good chance to get some hints and tips.”

Mr Keena said surfers were taking advantage of the king tide and mounting swells at the sign-on.

“There were a lot of people in the water,” he said.

“It was flat in the morning when we first got there but it really picked up after a few hours.”

Mr Keena said swimmers could expect to see plenty of surfers in the water over the next few days.

“With the low coming down we should be getting some great conditions,” he said.

“I expect there will be loads of surfers in the water this week.”

The good conditions will be great practice for inter-club competitions being negotiated by the Pacifique Surfriders.

“We are negotiating with clubs in Noosa and Caloundra to see if we can get some competitions going in a few months,” Mr Keena said.

“We’re definitely optimistic about getting a bus and doing a few trips.”

Originally published as Surfers take advantage of tides