Big surf keeps aussieBums on shore

MOOLOOLABA Amcal team was crowned aussieBum Queensland Cup open women's champion at Coolum yesterday, but its crew is feeling like it was a hollow victory.

A rough landing awaits the Northcliffe under-23 men’s crew in yesterday’s final at Coolum. Picture: NICHOLAS FALCONER

MOOLOOLABA Amcal team was crowned aussieBum Queensland Cup open women’s champion at Coolum yesterday, but you could forgive its crew for feeling like it was a hollow victory.

After dominating their opponents in the earlier rounds, the women did not get the chance to end the series on a high note as most divisions were cancelled due to rough surf.

Mooloolaba’s Grant Cooper said it was disappointing the crew did not get to row, but safety was paramount.

“It was right on the verge of being tricky but dangerous,” he said.

“A lot of crews could handle it, but a lot couldn’t.”

Only the open men, reserve grade men and under-23 men were allowed to row in the sloppy 1.2-metre waves.

BMD Northcliffe took out the open men’s division, after finishing second in the final behind Alexandra Headland, and Maroochydore Force was a clear-cut winner in reserve grade.

Northcliffe was also crowned under-23 champion.

Some of the crews will reconvene at Coolum this morning for the Best of the Best series, but whether they row or not will depend on what the ocean delivers.

Alexandra Headland finished first and second in the under-23 women and won the under-19 men’s division, and Peregian Beach and Coolum took out the two masters divisions.

AussieBum Surfboat action

VIEW GALLERY

Originally published as Big surf keeps aussieBums on shore