“Everything was sweet except it was freezing,” club president Craig Ryan said with a laugh. “But it didn’t deter any of competitors, parents or volunteers, the support was amazing.”

Nearly 50 surfers hit the water after a fairly quiet winter where organisers said a majority of surfers “had gone into hibernation”.

He said the competition was moved from Merimbula’s Main Beach to Pambula after conditions fell a bit flat during the morning briefing. 

“Pambula Beach was more favourable with clean two-to-three foot conditions with offshore winds providing great opportunities for a good ride.”

Waves continued to build throughout the day with some small rolling swells making way for decent barrels later in the day.

Ryan said the bigger conditions spurred entrants on and gave them a chance to strut their stuff for the competition. 

The standard of surfing was high with some fantastic runs on the day including a few lip-carving turns and some classy tube runs.

Ryan said he was stoked to see everyone having fun.

“All the hard work from everyone involved makes it worthwhile when you see the smiles and laughter on peoples’ faces.”

Ryan also thanked all the volunteers who helped proceedings run smoothly on the day. 

“The families and volunteers deserve a massive thank you, it was a great turnout and everyone was still smiling and laughing throughout even amid the rain.”

He said one of the main focuses of the club this year was to teach kids and beginners the concept of competition surfing. 

“It’s a great social activity that brings everyone together, but also has a hint of seriousness and that makes it a lot of fun.”

Saturday was the last chance for competition practice ahead of the club’s “semi-serious” competition round that has been penciled in for the second week of December. 

The club’s grand finale round will have prizes and trophies on offer “with food for all of our members, friends and families,” Ryan said. 

Details about the round were still being finalised, but he said regular updates would be posted on the club’s Facebook page. 

Memberships are closed for the year, but anyone who is interested in taking up surfing or joining the club are urged to keep in touch via Facebook as the boardriders look to ramp up their efforts early next year. 

“We’ll be ramping up come the first week of February with bigger and better plans for the future of the Sapphire Coast Boardriders,” Ryan said. 

For more information about the club you can e-mail sapphirecoastboardriders@gmail.com.