Big seas in recent weeks have limited the number of Sunday morning handicap surf races held, however there were ideal conditions on Sunday with blue skies, warm water and a gentle surf running for the 15 starters.
First time participant Belinda James swimming off 30 secs came home the winner from Cadet member Paris Brailsford off the go mark. Kieran Lynch off 90 secs took third place.
The progressive pointscore for the season currently sees Scott Butler leading with 56 points from Jim Dougherty on 50 and Matt Eke on 46. Swims will continue each Sunday until the end of April.
Four of the Under 13 Nippers were last week assessed for their Resuscitation Certificate. Well done to Millie Speirs, Lucas Becker, Sam Earle and Alex Salvestro on achieving this award. Thanks to the trainers Jill Ennever and Bill Onslow and assessor Alan Schofield.
Last Sunday saw the Nipper members of the club wind up their activities for the season with a fun afternoon on the beach followed by the end of season presentation and AGM. The major award winners from the Nipper group were Yasmin Elabbasi – John Muggleton Award for Junior Club Person; Ben Morris – Jack Goddard Award for Best and Fairest & Des Eamens Award for Carnival Beach points; Dexta Jones – Norma Doulis Award for Carnival Water points and Felix Forbes – Junior Club Champion.
At the AGM which followed the presentation of awards, James Forbes was re-appointed as the Junior Activities Committee Chairperson with Helen Morris as Deputy. Paula Watts takes on the role of JAC Secretary with Narelle Kemp returning as JAC Registrar.
An enthusiastic group of parents also volunteered to take on the various other roles required which will enable another season of Yamba Nippers to begin later in the year. Two faces that won’t be seen as regularly around the Nipper ranks next season are Simone Bradley, who has been a regular official for Nippers at all surf carnivals over many years and Larry Griffin who has manned the Sunday morning BBQ for the last 4 or 5 years. Well done to these two members for their years of dedication to the Yamba Nippers.
Patrols are continuing each Saturday and Sunday on Main Beach and members are reminded of the need to attend when rostered right through until the end of April. It is important that replacements are found if members are unable to attend a rostered patrol so that a full complement of patrol members are on duty.
Patrols this weekend:
Saturday: 9am to 1pm – Patrol 9 – T. McFarlane (C).
Sunday: 9am to 12.30pm –Patrol 1 – J. Ryan (C).
Sunday: 12.30pm to 4pm – Patrol 2 – B. Onslow (C).
Cathy Dougherty