THE Port Macquarie Bodyboard Association has once again brought home the bacon following a very successful campaign at the NSW State Championships.
In fact, the club returned with four champions in its midst.
Kurt Gillan blitzed the grommet division, as did Charlie Holt in the cadets.
Chase O'Leary took out the junior crown, with fellow club members Jacob Hein, who travels from Coffs Harbour for the friendship and competition each month, securing second and Jay Turner, last year’s cadets national champion, picking up third.
Ellie Wilkinson dominated the junior women’s category.
The next assignment on the calendar is the Human Australasian National Titles in Port Macquarie from Monday, September 15.
The event concludes with the Aussie Pro Tour presentation evening on Sunday, September 21.
“The club continues to boast an outstanding state representation for the Nationals,” PMBA president Sean Hall said.
“Apart from our NSW champions, it’s worth keeping an eye on Liam McLennan, who placed third in the cadets.
“He’s also recorded some exceptional results in club competitions over the past few months.
“Blake McKenzie, James Stewart and the quiet achiever of PMBA, Samuel Rutherford, are other boarders to watch.
“The junior division is always hotly-contested and we can expect some great bodyboarding from Jesi Robinson, Scott Breheny and Blayke Rogers, who also competes in the opens.
“Cody Charnock will experience his first National Titles in the grommets.
“Eric Medcalf and PMBA club captain Josh Tabone should be among the contenders for the open section, up against some solid competition from South Central Coast’s Eli Murphy, Alex Wilkie and Cronulla die-hard Glen Sullivan.
“Keegan Cronin is our 2007 Australasian champion and DK legend, and he’ll be keen to get on top once again.
“Many of these state representatives have been able to pursue their dream through the support of the Mayor’s Sporting Fund, established by Wayne Richards.
“The community support for the local club comes from many sponsors including Ken Littles Fruit and Veg, Port Macquarie City Bowling Club, Scampis Restaurant, Inner Vision Surf and Skate, 2MC, Rydges, 4 Play, Turbo Bodyboards ,Wizard Home Loans, Wiggly Tail Butchers, Salt Water Wine Surf, Paradise Surf, Dawn Light Surf, No Clones, Hydro Sportz, Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park, Eppos bodyboardshop.com and many others.
“The women’s bodyboarding scene is getting busy too with Lilly Pollard hosting some ‘girls’ coaching clinics during the Nationals, so all local girls are invited to hook in, get confident and join the club in 2009.”
Meanwhile, 2008 marks the 21st anniversary of the Port Macquarie Bodyboard Association.
A reunion/birthday party is being organised for Saturday, November 29.
“For all of those parents, members, helpers and anyone who has become ‘obsessed’ with this sport, it will be an opportunity to meet the people who made it all happen back in 1987,” Hall said.
“From this group of kids and some dedicated parents 21 years ago, NSW Bodyboarding was formed.
“Other clubs followed soon after … ensuring a national competition got off the ground.
“PMBA is also the home of two world champions, Michael Epplestun and Damian King.
“And, we’re confident the club will produce another couple in the near future.
“Eppo and Kingy are always working for the sport – and behind the scenes with the PMBA committee and members.”
Contact the PMBA and/or Clayton Pickworth for details of the reunion.
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