Barrel
roll
Air Force riders prepare for new surf season
By
Andrew Stackpool
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LAC
Scott MacCallum participates in the surfing trials held
at Catherine Hill Bay, near RAAF Base Williamtown.
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Photo
by LAC Euan Grant
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AIR
Force will be looking to make a strong comeback after going down
to Army and Navy in last year’s tri-Service surfing competition.
Army took the event, with Air Force 26 points behind, despite
some outstanding individual performances.
The 2006 event will be held again at Bendalong Beach on the southern
New South Wales coast from March 27-31.
Although late in the season, conditions on the south coast promise
exciting and challenging surf with a traditional 1.5 to 2-metre
swell, a favourable set and reliable onshore breezes.
Team Manager and President of the Williamtown Surf Riders Club,
Corporal Grant Robinson, is asking longboarders in particular
to try out for the team with a drop in numbers because of Service
requirements. Nevertheless, he is confident the team can take
the comp.
“We have some very strong riders and I am confident we will
get across the line this time.”
Last year’s shortboard finalist, Corporal Tim Galvin, and
stalwarts Corporal Justin Davey and Leading Aircraftman Scott
MacCallum, are expected be in this year’s team.
“Our team should be as strong as in the past, but we will
have to wait until the trials to see if we have any new guys.”
After a warm-up on March 27, the carnival proper starts on the
Tuesday with the teams’ events, while the individual short
and long boarders will compete on the Thursday and Friday.
A shortboard man, CPL Robinson is encouraging anyone with any
interest in surfing to turn up and watch.
“We’ll have the best surf on the coast, top surfers
and plenty of action. Regardless of who wins, it’s going
to be another great comp.”
At
a Glance
With
LAC Scott MacCallum
Q:
When did you first become interested in surfing?
A: I started when I was ten years old. At age 15 I joined Windensea
surf club on the Sunshine Coast, but I haven’t always competed.
Q:
Apart from the ADF inter-Service competition, what other competitions
have you participated in?
A: The Quicksilver Pro Junior Series, which wasn’t very successful.
Also some triathlons, snowboard’s “Thread for Bread”,
a kite surfing expression session in South Africa, and some water
polo.
Q:
What is your favourite spot to surf, here in Australia and overseas?
A: Overseas would be Jefferies Bay [in South Africa] and in Australia,
Angourie Point [near Grafton, NSW].
