Tradies set themselves for work on the waves

TRADIES from across the state will swap tools for tubes today as Jan Juc hosts the Tradies Surf Challenge.

The one-day surfing competition, hosted by Surfing Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, will bring together tradesmen who will all be in the running for the best wave worker of the bunch crown.

Brendan Murphy is one tradie who will be swapping fluoros for a wetsuit today, with the 29-yearold owner of West Coast Plumbing and Gas Fitting just happy to have some fun.

“It’s pretty much just for fun, mate,” Mr Murphy said. “It’s good to get out there.

“I’ve got a few mates in it so it should be a bit of fun.”

Surfing Victoria chief executive Adam Robertson said the competition was a great way to welcome WorkSafe Victoria to Geelong.

“With their recent move to Geelong, it’s fantastic to see their willingness to engage with the local community,” Mr Robertson said.

“When we last ran this event in 2014, the response from local tradies was great. We can’t wait to run the event again alongside WorkSafe.”

The competition includes divisions for Open, Masters and Pairs surfers, and is expected to attract more than 50 tradies.

WorkSafe community and stakeholders director Ashley Clearihan said the Tradies Surf Challenge was a great way to promote the importance of workplace health and safety.

“The ability to go for a surf before or after work is yet another reason why staying safe and healthy at work is so important,” Mr Clearihan said.

“The popularity of surfing in the Geelong region is not lost on WorkSafe, and we’re proud to be a part of the relaunch of such a great event.”

The Tradies Surf Challenge will be held at Jan Juc beach from 9am today.

“It’s pretty much just for fun, mate. It’s good to get out there. I’ve got a few mates in it so it should be a bit of fun.” WEST COAST PLUMBING' S BRENDAN MURPHY, RIGHT