Bulli, Corrimal dominate men’s racing at Ocean Thunder surfboat series
It was a bit of a drive but the effort was worth it for these Illawarra teams in the opening round of the Ocean Thunder surfboat series.
Illawarra Star
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Illawarra crews had a bit of a hike to get there but at least they made it to the opening round of the Ocean Thunder surfboat series at Dee Why on the weekend.
The same couldn’t be said for the crew from Woolgoolga, caught up in the fire crisis north of Sydney.
Crew member Damien McSkimming said the men’s team attempted to drive to Sydney on Friday afternoon before realising the severity of both the conditions and road closures.
“At 3.30pm on Friday and it looked like 9.30pm at night,’’ he said of the smoke from the fires.
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“We picked up everyone at Coffs Harbour and then checked and realised all the roads were closed. It was that dark and smoky.
“There were burnt leaves falling on the beach.’’
Illawarra teams dominated the men’s racing in the opening round of the Ocean Thunder series.
Bulli won the day from Corrimal and North Cronulla.
Mona Vale was the best placed Northern Beaches crew in fifth, followed by Collaroy in 6th, Newport 7th and Dee Why 8th.
The Palm Beach crew, swept by Peter Spence, won the opening round of the women’s competition from Lorne, Tallebudgera and Collaroy.