SURF BOATS
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bulli's all-conquering under-19 surf boat crew has cemented its reputation as the nation's best.
Competing in last month's Australian championships at Queensland's North Kirra beach, Bulli answered every challenge to claim the gold medal.
The victorious crew consisted of Albert Smeaton, Kyle Mercer, Iszak Lunney, Toby Allnutt and sweep Shane Geloven.
"I'm extremely proud of the boys," Geloven said.
"They've trained hard all year and the results they've achieved have been phenomenal. It's a real fitting award for an outstanding season."
Bulli's 2012-13 wins included the world title in November, the Warilla Bowls Series and the Navy Series, which earned them NSW selection.
The biggest bonus is that the entire crew is likely to stay together to defend their crown next season.
"That's probably the best thing, that they all have another year in the under 19s," Geloven said.
"All the boys come from a rowing pedigree with their fathers, uncles and brothers part of the legendary Bulli boat crews of the past 30 years.
"The depth we have now has not only been displayed in individual divisions, but with the overall success in the new surf boat relay event. The club is certainly in good shape in surf boat rowing."
Bulli's victory at North Kirra maintained a long tradition of surf boat success for the club.
"They've been the standout all year. They're the world champs and the Aussie champs," club president Keith Caldwell said of the under-19 lads.
"We're certainly one of the top 10 or top five clubs in surf boat racing in Australia."
Bulli had other medal winners at the national titles.
Hannah Minogue claimed a bronze in the open women's board, Lachlan O'Grady was third in the under-19 surf race, Penny Locke finished second in the 40-44 years women's ski and third in the surf race, while Michael Locke and Ian Timbrell combined to capture a silver medal in the 40-44 years men's double ski.
Bulli will be hosting the mixed Winter Surf Boat Convention at Thirroul Bowling Club on July 27.
All past and present members of the surf boat rowing community are invited to attend.