Surf boat racing involves teams of 4 strong rowers (men and women) and a sweep (the guy who steers the boat) racing off the beach, out through the surf, round a buoy and back through the surf to the beach again. Competition day comprises 6 races each of about 1200 meters and 5 minutes of adrenalin- pumping action and gut-busting effort.
Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club has a long and proud history in Surf Boat rowing. In 2015 the “Mairangi Bay Merkins” Open Mens’ crew were the NZ Surf Boat National. The year before the “Mairangi Bay Muds” were the Australian title holders in their age group and in 2013 the Mairangi Bay Womens’ crew were the National champions and the NZ crew representing NZ at the Trans – Tasman Challenge, which they won.
Mairangi Bay is currently looking for rowers in Open Men, Open Women, U23 Men and U19 Men divisions. For more information contact Boat Captain Terry Burbidge.