SURF BOATS
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Austinmer women's surf boat crew will be looking to take the lead in the Ocean Thunder Series when the penultimate round of the elite competition begins at Dee Why on Saturday.
Predominantly a masters team, the Jacoars crew have turned heads with consistent performances in the opening two rounds to sit second on the overall series ladder.
Sweep Jack Patison said the crew habitually punch above their weight.
"They're the NSW masters champions, so they've got a few years on some of the other crews but they definitely hold their own," Patison said.
"They're a lot smaller than some of the other crews too which certainly opens some eyes.
"They're a skillful crew and with their experience their mistakes are very limited which really counts."
Patison said the Ocean Thunder format, which differs from traditional surfboat racing, also suited.
"It's a run up the beach to finish, it's normally a wet finish in traditional surfboat racing, the final's usually a double race and the races are a lot closer together," he said.
"It's a long day, you do a lot more races than a normal surf carnival and that seems to suit the girls because of their technique.
"When some of the bigger stronger girls get a bit tired we seem to hold our own."
Patison said today's round will be crucial.
"There going well but you've just got to turn up on the day and see who's on and who's off," he said.
"You're talking the elite crews of Australia so no-one's going to have it all their own way.
"It's about consistency and I think that is their biggest asset."
The men's crew, also sitting second overall, is missing Aaron Jackson and Steve Kenna. "I'll take two blokes out of our other A crew and I'm confident they'll do well," Patison said.