Australian Surf Boat Team Reigns Supreme Over Kiwis

The 2018 Australian Surf Boat Team has powered their way to a dominant 12-0 victory over the New Zealand Oar Blacks on Saturday afternoon at Elouera Beach.

In testing conditions, the Australian Surf Boat Team was spurred on by a large crowd enthusiastically cheering on local Sutherland Shire crews Elouera SLSC (Open Women) and North Cronulla SLSC (U23 Men.)

The four Australian crews maintained their composure against the Kiwis, battling through the rough conditions with a calm and controlled attitude, leading to a clean sweep of 3-0 victories across the board.

With nine of the ten Open athletes making their Australian Team debut, sweeps Grant Wilkinson (Elouera) and Rob Lowery (South Curl Curl) guided their crews spectacularly and proved their worth in challenging swells.

Prior to the race all four crews were presented their Australian Caps from Brian Wilkinson, an Olympian famous for being one of two people to represent Australia at the Olympic Games as both an athlete and coach.

The Australian Surf Boat Team has dominated the Trans-Tasman competition since it was re-introduced in its current format in 2013. Whilst this is Australia’s sixth consecutive overall victory in the competition, it is the first year the team has been able to whitewash the competition across all male and female age groups.

All four crews will be looking to push for selection in 2019 when the event returns to Waihi Beach, New Zealand on Saturday 9^th February.

Australian Surf Boat Team 2018

Team Management:

• Team Manager – Greg Heard

Australian U23 Pathway Surf Boat Team 2018