BURLEIGH RIDES HIGH FOR FIFTH TIME IN RUBBER DUCK RODEO
IT was a fast and furious victory on the water as North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club took out its fifth consecutive win at the Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championship at the weekend.
The Burleigh Heads club cemented its reputation as the rubber ducky powerhouse by taking out six gold medals in the Mens’ Tube Race, Mass Tube Race, Team Race and in Womens’ races.
Club captain Andy Kelckhoven said the team was still relishing their historic win.
“We were the underdogs this year because our team was a lot smaller but we still managed to pull the win which is just unbelievable,” he said.
“It’s not easy wining the Australia IRB tittle because NSW is traditionally really good at it so for us to win five in a row has been a pretty good effort.”
Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club also scored several podium wins including silver in the inaugural Masters Male Rescue Tube and Masters Male Mass Rescue as well as bronze in the Masters Team Race.
The Broadbeach-based club’s IRB coach Scott Wheeler said the wins were a testament to the club’s surf lifesaving skills.
“The race was fast and furious and there’s a lot of speed in it so that’s a testament that we know what we’re are doing on the water.”
More than 700 surf lifesavers in 150 teams competed in the three-day event day at Kingscliff Beach despite windy conditions.
Chairman of sport for SLSA Andrew Buhk said the introduction of a Masters’ division in the championships had contributed to the 40 per cent increase in competitor numbers compared to last year.
“We’re extremely happy with the turnout as it cements IRB racing’s reputation as a serious surf lifesaving sport,” he said.