Hellfish win first round at Ocean Thunder Surfboat Series

Report from Michael King.

The Newport Hellfish, our open men’s surfboat crew, had their first big win of the resumed competition season last Saturday at the first round of the Ocean Thunder Surfboat Series. This was Newport’s first win at OT after many years trying at this elite event.

The crew: Lucas Wilson, Hugh Pender, Alex Brown, Jake Butcher and sweep Mitch Foran started the day as they finished, punching through the shore break and were never headed.

There was plenty of action over the day, some great waves cracked, along with plenty of oars as crews rapidly tried to regain their sea legs and surf skills after not being able to row during lockdowns.

In the final, starting on the unfavourable northern end, the boys hammered the start, just made it over the first, then a second, a third and they were out, leading all the way in the double leg race.

A great reward for all their efforts.

Looking forward to a big season form the Hellfish and the whole boat section.