Representing Pambula Surf Life Saving Club in the triumphant boat crew was Jamie Boulter of Eden, Ben Claxton, Pambula, Andrew Love, Eden, Christopher Love, Eden, and Stuart Manson, Pambula Beach. 

The crew was formed 10 months ago and is a very young crew, with the average age of 17 years compared to most of their competitors.

They had never competed at a high level such as this before and were inexperienced compared to the other competitors. 

"Ït was hard, tiring and tough," Ben Claxton said. "But it was fun at the end when we finished".

The crew said it was hard to keep going strong when the other competitors only had to row three races whereas they had to row six races straight after each other.

The team awoke on Saturday, January 17 to a 1.5 metre swell crashing on the shores of North Mollymook challenging all surf boat rowers to take on Mother Nature.

The North Mollymook championships saw in excess of 1200 competitors across all surf sports events, ranging from beach sprinting to surf boat racing and all competitor age groups: juniors, opens and masters.

Over 60 boat crews accepted the challenge presented by North Mollymook, with all ages and genders being well represented.

This was 'The Ladz' first major competition and they were the only crew on the day to race six races in over two age groups: under 19 and under 23.

Along with their coach and sweep Stuart Manson, 'The Ladz' were triumphant bringing home bronze in both categories.

The crew was formed in February 2014 and their preparation involved gym training and lake rowing.

They competed in October 2014 in the 'club to pub' finishing 2nd in the junior category.

To be eligible for state level competition the boys had to complete all rostered patrol hours at Pambula Surf Life Saving Club, which they did, with one of the boys having to put in a huge day to get his hours up.

And the future looks bright for 'The Ladz' with Stuart 'Pop' Manson at the helm, guiding the boys through their preparation and three days per week of training.

The crew is now looking forward to competing at local and branch carnivals during the balance of the season, with their eyes firmly fixed on bigger surf boat events come the 2015/2016 season. 

Their next big event is the Pambula branch carnival next weekend.

The boys thanked Dave Gilbert of Merimbula Fibreglassing, Joe Day of Merimbula Outboard and Tim Wilson of Wilson Signs for their work on the surf boat; 

Andrew Holt and Bron Knox for their work before and during the championship and, the Pambula SLSC committee for its support.

Stuart Manson is always on the lookout for more junior rowers and can be contacted on mobile 0437 256 098.