Surfboat crews from NSW completely dominated their interstate rivals in the Hog's Breath ASRL Australian Open Surf Boat Challenge 2008 at Stockton over the weekend of Friday 8th to Sunday 10th February.

Technically disciplined rowing from the NSW crews saw them completely dominate their interstate rivals in the Hog's Breath ASRL Australian Open at Stockton Beach today. With 315 surfboat crews vying for the 36 places over 6 divisions in the finals, NSW crews claimed 22 of those spots before collecting 4 wins and 4 second placings as well as completing a clean sweep of Friday evening’s interstate series.

2007 Australian Title holders Avoca swept by Richard Brierty showed they are again in terrific form when they took out the Open Mens division from Coogee in the ½ metre conditions. Coogee the only open crew in the final not competing in the prestigious Ocean Thunder series matched Brierty’s crew from the start and was neck and neck around the turning cans before having to settle for a close 2^nd. Whale Beach and Warriewood were both buffeted at the start by the shorebreak before trying to chase down the leading boats but had to be content for 3^rd & 4^th. 

Victorian Surfboat Crews set to Overtake Queensland crews

Victorian crews showed that will threaten the future dominance of NSW and Qld surf rowing by claiming narrow but well deserved wins in the U23 Women (Woolamai) and the Under 19 Men (Torquay).

Queensland struggled to show the form that saw them dominate Australian surfboat rowing over the last decade and had to settle for some minor placings. The only bright spot for Queensland rowers was in the Under 19’s with Noosa Heads, Rainbow Bay and Alexandra Headlands all making the final suggesting that there may be some hope for the future. 

INTERSTATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:

1st   NSW

2nd  TAS

3rd   VIC 

MASTERS RESULTS 

To view some photographs of the event, courtesy of our own Nugman, click here