IRB Racing - State Titles

State titles 2022, Coolangatta was started by the usual Friday scrutineering of all our race gear and the team worked really well in the cold wet rain to get this done

 

Saturday the carnival was moved to Bilinga due to an inshore sand bank that would not allow racing all day. With the move and fair water conditions the boys hit the water. Caleb and Dave just missed out making it through the heats in the open male events. A true valiant effort was shown and Dave actually started getting the hang of staying in a boat. Next up was the under 23s - Caleb and Toby. These guys really stood up this weekend. They blitzed the quarter finials and strolled through their semis with relative ease. Our masters, racing guys 20 years their junior, didn't miss a beat by clearing their quarters and giving it all they had in the semifinals.

 

Sunday - final day. A day traditionally in the past we would be watching, but following the huge efforts from the day before, we made it! Racing was back on at Coolangatta and the pace of the day = quick. The masters stumbled at the last hurdle in their 45+ mass rescue and finished with dignity and pride. Our under 23s had the pressure of the whole team riding on them for the 2nd fastest race of the day in the surf race. The boys got off to a flying start and when 8 of the 9 boats practically turned together it was anyones race. Caleb and Toby came in an admirable 6th out of 9 spots. They can aslo lay claim to being the 2nd fastest team north of the Brisbane Rive

 

It has been a really proud season for our small rebuilding team, and has lit the fire of desire to be bigger and better next season. A huge thank you to the club, Greg W, Carla and supporters. Beryl H for being the future development coach, Leah H for putting up with the boys and not letting them miss any races this season. Veronica for your calming influence and assistance. To our team officials Allison S, Sharleen S and Greg B for coming down and doing your thing for our team this season. Alistair and Browny - this team could not be without you. Andrews boys, for actually getting out of bed, the new guy Dave... best team cook and social media account driver. I hope next season to see you back and staying in a boat

 

Last but not least Caleb, huge efforts again both on and off the beach, thank you and be proud of your efforts

 

Cheers team

Your coach

Smithies