ACT based still water rowers in the Canberra Vikings surfboat crew were undefeated when winning every stage of the world’s longest and toughest ocean surf boat race. The 190km race down the NSW South Coast was held in seven daily stages from the 1st to the 7th of January. Seven of the eight Vikings rowers were former or current still water rowers: Riley Owen, Anthony Pardy, Henry Gundry and David Wright (from ANUBC), Lawrence Sandrall and Mitchell Punch (Canberra Rowing Club), Iain Brambell (a former Canadian International rower) were joined by journeyman surfboater Lee Boswell, and sweep/organiser Gavin Hunt. This Vikings crew dominated the race from start to finish, reflecting the strong endurance base that still water rowing provides, and superb organisational support from the Vikings club.
In the women’s category, a strong Torquay crew based on a contingent of Mercantile and MULRC still water rowers were winners of the overall race, but with Canberra Vikings filling third place, and Broulee Capitals fourth. The Vikings crew included current and former still water ACT rowers Christabelle Northam, Leiley Wallace, Imagen Cowan, Mel Greck, Taryn Langdon and Emma Wawn, while Amanda Brien and Pip butt were members of the Broulee Capitals.
These crews are showing that off-shore rowing is already a hit with Australian still water rowers, and that the George Bass Marathon is an amazing event for those involved.