Surfboat racing is one of the most spectacular events in Surf Life Saving competitions.

Our Proud History

Cooks Hill has a long and proud history in the sport of surfboat rowing and surf lifesaving in Australia. Cooks Hill started to race boats from the late 1910’s and became extremely competitive in the sport in the early 1920’s. Purchasing our first boat that year. Named SWAMDAM, using the letters of the surnames of the Club’s fallen in WW1. A tradition which continues today.

Surf boat races involve four rowers and a sweep in an eight metre surf boat, with a maximum of seven crews in each race. The course consists of a start in approx knee depth water, then a 400m row out to sea before rounding a turning buoy and then a 400m return back to the water’s edge.

We currently field teams across all the grades. We are keen to encourage younger members to join the Boat Section, if you are interested or know someone who is please contact us. In order to compete each athlete must have the minimum qualification of a Bronze Medallion and meet the patrol hour requirements according to their membership category.

The rowing discipline commands a high level of fitness, commitment and skill. Competitions typically commence around October/November and runs through to the National Titles in late March. During this time Cooks Hill crews compete in the Streets Boat Series, involving both Hunter and Central Coast branches, Coffs Harbour Craft Carnival, Sydney Carnivals, Australian Surf Rowers League along with State and National Titles.

If you are interested in joining our Boaties community, please email office@cookshillsurfclub.com.au

For more information on surf boat rowing in Australia you can visit the Australian Surf Rowers League website.