EIGHT surfboat crews and a good handful of surf skiers took to waters off Pambula Beach for the Club to Pub race on Saturday.
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The race is an annual event that attracts visiting teams from Broulee and, this year, Gerringong as well as locals from Tathra, Pambula and Narooma.
Teams launched into rising swells that created plenty of excitement for spectators.
Once clear of the breakers, teams lined up to race out past Haycock before heading along the bay.
As the name implies, the race finished at the pub – The Lakeview Hotel at the Merimbula jetty.
The Narooma boat finished first in the boat division about two minutes clear of their nearest rival.
Tathra entered two men’s squads in the surfboat contest and finished second behind the Narooma men’s side.
The race wasn’t entirely without drama for the Tathra boat, with its sweep taking a dip as he tried to get off at the Merimbula jetty.
The host club, Pambula, finished in third with its senior men’s side again a few minutes behind the Tathra team.
However, the surf ski race was a much closer affair.
Jacqui Keogh was the first finisher, but came in just moments ahead of the second-placed paddler.
Organiser Chris Briggs was happy with the turnout for the race, with about 70 competitors and support crew involved.
He said safety was paramount during the race with help from Eden Water Police and Roads and Maritime Service boats, who acted to control traffic into Merimbula Lake.
The junior Pambula side, known as “The Ladz”, finished fifth behind the Gerringong squad, but was excited to compete.
We love racing, but we are lifesavers first and foremost ... it keeps the guys together and it is keeping me young too.
- Stuart Manson
Sweep Stuart Manson said the conditions were solid for the race.
“The [Merimbula] bar has dropped a bit of swell, which is good for safety,” Manson said.
The Ladz have a couple of new additions and are looking forward to the surf season.
“We love racing, but we are lifesavers first and foremost,” he said.
“Our first patrol for the season was last week, which is great because it keeps the guys together.
“And it is keeping me young too,” he said with a laugh.
The team is in training for coming summer events like the George Bass marathon early next year.