Collaroy - 1992The ASRL Hall of Fame listing is complete, however there are plenty of profiles missing! We are looking to our enthusiastic members to do a bit of digging for us, and fill in the gaps below.

If you are able to, please e-mail a short profile and if possible, a photograph of each person, to secretary@asrl.com.au

1996

Keith “Spaz” HURST

Keith "Spaz" HurstKeith Hurst known to all boaties as "Sir Keith" & "Spaz" had an extensive record of achievement in competition in both long-boards and boats at National and State level and was a handy swimmer.

Keith won the Australian Longboard Championship in 1946 & 1950 with North Bondi.

Keith won the Australian Senior Boat Championship in 1957, 1958 & 1959 with North Bondi and in 1960 with Mollymook.

A handy swimmer Keith won the Sydney Branch Junior Belt Race in 1944.

In addition to his achievements in the water, little is known of his support for the League in its infancy in 1993.

"Spaz" spoke with Ron Payne on many occasions regarding his views and the direction he thought the League should be headed.

Remember this was prior to the meeting at Manly on 10 September 1993 the day the League was officially 'born'.

Keith gave wise counsel to Ron and the Interim Committee and probably in hindsight his prophetic advice to Ron was, "Ron, never break away from the Association."

There were many in the Association at both National and State level who thought at the time that the League was a 'break-away group'. That was never going to be the case.

"Spaz" attended a lot of events, always passed on invaluable advice to many aspiring rowers and sweeps, was always at the Boaties Conference at the Aussies, remained loyal to his many friends and the League until his passing on 29 January 1996.

Keith was the first inductee in the ASRL Hall of Hame in 1996.

Keith was acknowledged by SLSA as a Legend of Surf Lifesaving.

Approaching 60 years of age, Keith rowed 200km in a small dinghy alone, alongside surfboats in the 1988 Brewarrina to Bourke outback classic and still took the time at the end of each day's rowing to pass on to younger sweeps and rowers his wealth of experience from many years in boats.

So to finish off, Keith's insight in the early years was invaluable at the time and to the future of the League and his legacy will always remain. 

1997

Chris BRANSON

Bill CLYMER

Ron DAVIDSON

Ron Davidson has been a long and loyal servant to the Surf Boat Rowing fraterntity initally in Sydney but for the majority of his time with the South Eastern Corner of Queensland.

His list of credits are far to vast to list here but do include National championships as a Sweep in the Junior, Open and Reserve Ranks. Ron has also given loyal service to the Tallebudgera SLSC as their Captain for 8 years and has been a S.L.S. Australian Surf Boat Inspector for QLD for over 30 years now. Well done Ron you are truly one of the Sports gems.

Keith HODGSON

Keith "Hottie" Hodgson joined Point Lonsdale in 1959 and took over sweeping the Open crew in 1962.  The crews came 2nd in 1963, won at Scarboro in 1965 and 5th in 1966.  Hottie swept Lnsdale crews until the mid 90's.  He hs been an official at Victorian carnivals and Australian Chamionships for over 30 years and his intrictae knowledge and interpretation of the rule book is used in protests. 

Ross JORGENSEN

Kim MARSH

Bob MILES

Bob Miles was born and raised in Manly on Sydney's Northern Peninsula. He was a Master Craftsmen in Timber Boatsand leanrt his trade as a shipwright at Sydney's Garden Island dockyards.

He started out building yachts and built them right up until 1979, when he built "Team Spirit" for the North Cronulla Surf Club. This boat won a gold medal a remarkable achievement from a man who had only built one surf boat. Over time Bob built boats for Sydney clubs including Queenscliff, Warriewood and Dee Why, other states also had the benefit of Bob's skill with Lorne and Coolum also rowing Bob Miles Boats. Boats constructed by Bob Miles have notched up State, Australian and World Titles and he is certainly a worthy entrant into the ASRL Hall of Fame. 

Ken MURRAY

Ken MurrayKen Murray has been in and around Surf Boats his whole life, he has no less than 5 life memberships one of which is to Surf Life Saving Australia. He is a member of the NSW Hall of Champions and has a place in the Hunter Region of NSW Hall of Fame. 

Ken achievements in the sport include 9 first placing's at Australian Championships, twice a member of Australian Teams and 29 NSW Surf Boat finals in Seniors and Junior Ranks. 

CLUB - Swansea-Caves Beach SLSC

BIOGRAPHY: The Australian Surf Life Saving Movement has produced countless champions over the years, but any mention of the wave-orientated sport would be incomplete without reference to the doyen of surf boat sweeps, Ken Murray. For decades, his name was a household word in the sport at which he excelled at Branch, State, Australian and International events, in addition to which, he has given 29 years of service to the Caves Beach SLSC as boat captain and committee man. During the same period, he included 20 years as a patrol captain, 10 years as a carnival organiser and 24 years as a club selector.

Ken, who attended Swansea Primary and High School, followed his father - a Swansea-Caves first senior boat crew member - into surf life saving. He gained his bronze medallion with Swansea-Belmont in 1950.

Junior and senior football with Lakes United Rugby League Club gave way to surf club interests and Ken's outstanding performances saw him installed as vice-captain of the Australian team that met South Africa in 1970-71. In 1974, as captain of the Australian team that competed in the World Congress in South Africa, he was sweep of the Australian crew that won the World Surf Boat Championship.

His remarkable record includes: 42 first placings in boat events at Branch level; 10 first placings, 8 second placings and 2 third placings at NSW championships; 9 first placing, 6 seconds and 6 thirds at Australian championships. At Australian Surf Life Saving Council level, he has served as National Surf Boat Inspector and Chief Boat Judge at national carnivals.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

NSW STATE Championships:
1950/51 - 2nd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1951/52 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1958/59 - 1st N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1958/59 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships (Tie)
1959/60 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1960/61 - 1st N.S.W Senior Surf Boat Championships
1961/62 - 1st N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1962/63 - 1st N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1962/63 - 1st N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1963/64 - 1st N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1963/64 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1964/65 - 3rd N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships (Tie)
1965/66 - 1st N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1965/66 - 3rd N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1966/67 - 1st N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1969/70 - 1st N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1969/70 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1971/72 - 3rd N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1972/73 - 2nd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1974/75 - 1st N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1977/78 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1978/79 - 2nd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1980/81 - 2nd N.S.W Open Surf Boat Championships
1983/84 - 2nd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships
1985/86 - 3rd N.S.W Junior Surf Boat Championships

Australian Championships:
1950/51 - 2nd National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1951/52 - 1st National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1953/54 - 3rd National Senior Surf Boat Championships
1953/54 - 3rd National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1955/56 - 2nd National Senior Surf Boat Championships
1959/60 - 1st National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1960/61 - 1st National Open Surf Boat Championships
1961/62 - 2nd National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1962/63 - 1st National Open Surf Boat Championships
1962/63 - 1st National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1968/69 - 2nd National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1969/70 - 1st National Open Surf Boat Championships
1970/71 - 3rd National Reserve Surf Boat Championships
1971/72 - 2nd National Reserve Surf Boat Championships
1972/73 - 3rd National Open Surf Boat Championships
1972/73 - 1st National Junior Surf Boat Championships
1972/73 - 1st National Reserve Surf Boat Championships
1973/74 - 2nd National Reserve Surf Boat Championships
1975/76 - 1st National Reserve Surf Boat Championships
1976/77 - 3rd National Reserve Surf Boat Championships
1976/77 - 3rd National Open Surf Boat Championships

INTERNATIONAL:
1970/71 - Australian Representative V's South Africa (V/Captain)
1974 - Australian Captain, World Championships (South Africa)
- Winning World Surf Boat Championship
1980 - N.S.W Touring Team (European Tour)

General Information:

Roger NINHAM (dec)

Ron PAYNE

Kevin “Lofty” RICHARDSON

Lofty has had an outstanding career as both an oarsman and sweep.  He joined Maroochydore in September 1963.  He went on to compete at forty-four (44) National Championships in a row in open division competition.  He is a Life Member of Maroochydore and following in the footsteps of mentor Graham Ashton was Boat Captain for fifteen seasons in a row 1976 and 1990. He was club captain in the 1984 -85 season.

He was the recipient of an Australian Sports medal in 2000.  He also ventured into surf boat building having acquired patents from one of the pioneers of surf boat building in Claude Boyd.
The evolution of the Boyd Surf Boat linked closely to the success of Maroochydore in Surf Boat rowing.

His winning ways commenced in 1966 with Lofty's last National medal coming in 2004.  He is the only Sweep to have collected Queensland Titles in all divisions at a single Championship.  The dominance of Queensland surf boat racing by Maroochydore in the 1980's is unequalled. He represented Queensland as both a rower and sweep collecting seven (7) State Team blazers. A harsh disciplinarian and fierce competitor he personally trained to the high benchmarks set for the crews under his tutelage. His surf knowledge and freakish athleticism have provided many a story over a cold drink.

Lofty's record is as follows:-
 
As a Rower      
Lofty Richardson1966 - Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Queensland    1st Place      
1969 - Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Queensland    1st Place      
1973 - Open Boat Race Championship of Australia    2nd Place      
1974 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland    1st Place      
As a Sweep              
1978 - Reserve Grade Boat Championship of Australia    3rd. Place      
1980 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland     1st. Place      
1981 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland     1st. Place      
    Reserve Grade Boat Championship of Queensland    1st. Place      
1981 - Junior Boat race Championship of Australia    1st. Place      
1982 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland     1st. Place      
1983 - Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Queensland    1st Place      
    Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Australia    3rd. Place      
1984 - Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Queensland    1st Place      
1985 - Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Queensland    1st Place      
1986 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland     1st. Place      
1987 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland     1st. Place      
    Reserve Grade Boat Race Championship of Queensland   1st Place      
    Junior Boat Race Championship of Queensland   1st Place      
1988 - Boat Race Championship of Queensland     1st. Place      
1992 - Under 18 Surf Boat Championship of Australia    1st. Place      
    Reserve Grade Surf Boat Championship of Australia    2nd. Place      
1999 - Under 18 Surf Boat Championship of Queensland    1st. Place      
2001 - Under 21 Surf Boat Championship of Australia    3rd. Place      
2001 - Open Women's Surf Boat Championship of Queensland    2nd. Place      
2002 - Under 21 Surf Boat Championship of Australia    2nd. Place      
2004 - Reserve Grade Surf Boat Championship of Australia    2nd. Place    

Lofty has also collected numerous Branch, State, National and world Title medals in masters competition
 

Robert WALSH

Club - Warriewood SLSC
Joined 1971 & Gained Bronze Medallion 1971
 
Robert Walsh - Hall of Famer 1997Competed from 1972 -1986 in Surf Boat.
Began rowing in "A" Crew as Bowman at 18 years of age.
Rowing Coaching
1999/2000 -Assistant Coach Bungan Open Boat Crew
2001-2004 Coaching Warriewood Woman's crew and U/23 Men's crew
2007/2008 Coaching Reserve Grade/Masters and Junior Boat crew 

1998

Nick DIXON (dec)

Nick DixonNick “Dicko” Dixon 1933-1998
Clubs: Cronulla SLSC, Broulee Surfers SLSC
Introduction:
Nick gained his Bronze Medallion in May 1949 at Cronulla SLSC. He was a member of Cronulla SLSC for 50 years. Nick was also a member of Broulee Surfers SLSC from 1985 until his passing in April 1998.
Throughout his surf life saving career he excelled at Branch, State, Australian and International events with his love for Surf Boats.
Nick also held many Administrative positions for State, Sydney Branch, Far South Coast Branch and National Council.

General Information:

Achievements:
   Marathons:
o Ampol Bondi to Wollongong Marathon – March 1959
o Brewarrina to Bourke Surf Boat Classic – 1988
o In 1974, as State Centre Secretary, Nick supported Al Armstrong (Eden) and Curly Annabelle (Bega) to promote and organise the 1975 George Bass Surf Boat Marathon. Nick went on to sweep Cronulla SLSC to victory in that event.
   Australian Championships – Surfboat Rower and Sweep
o 1949/50 – 2nd Junior
o 1950/51 – 1st Junior
o 1956/57 – 3rd Senior
o 1956/57 – 1st Junior and Senior
o 1957/58 – 1st Senior
o 1958/59 – 2nd Senior
o 1961/62 – 3rd Senior
o 1962/63 – 3rd Senior
o 1963/64 – 1st Senior
o 1965/66 – 2nd Senior
o 1970/71 – 3rd Senior
o 1970/71 – 2nd Reserves
  NSW Championships
o 1950/51 – 1st Junior
o 1956/57 – 2nd Junior
o 1958/59 – 1st Junior
o 1959/60 – 2nd Senior
o 1964/65 – 3rd Senior
   Interstate Championships
o 1950/51 – 1st Junior
o 1960/61 – 1st Junior
o 1963/64 – 1st Senior
o 1964/65 – 1st Senior
   George Bass Surf Boat Marathon 1975-1997
Nick competed as a Sweep, for Cronulla SLSC, and in later years became Race Referee. Nick also became the Organiser of the Event and help many positions in the organising committee.
Years of Participation: 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1995, 1997

Peter Peter "Mick" ELLERCAMP

Club: Caves Beach SLSC

Australian Championship record

Interstate Championships

NSW Championship Record

World Championship Record

Australian Surf Life Saving Representative Teams

NSW Surf Life Saving Representative Teams

Newcastle/ Hunter Surf Life Saving Representative Teams

Newcastle/ Hunter Championships
Too many to list, and honestly he cannot remember

Other Information

Russ JONES

Russ JonesBULLI: Russ has been a member of Bulli S.L.S.C. since 1952 and is responsible for 'Putting Bulli on the map' so to speak due solely to his efforts in sweeping and coaching crews to Illawarra, New South Wales and Australian Championship success.

He is a Bulli Life Member (1974), Clubman of the Year (1986-87), Boat Captain for thirteen {13) years and has held the position of Gym Supervisor for the last four (4) years.

ILLAWARRA: Russ first tasted success as a boat rower in 1956 when he, as a member of Bulli's junior crew, won the Illawarra Branch Championship - the first time that Bulli had won a boat championship.

In the early 60's Russ was at the back of the boat as sweep and beginning to make his mark with the formation of crews and the setting of a standard that exists in Bulli today - some 40 odd years later so much so that he can now watch his son Paul continuing the family tradition as a sweep of Bulli boat crews.

Russ was one of the first in Illawarra to introduce a 'scientific approach' to training with the use of gym work and running to build strength and stamina as well as the use of an ergonomic rowing machine to assess rowers progress.

At Illawarra level Russ won nine (9) Open Boat Championship from 1967 to 1989 and also represented Illawarra fifteen {15) times between 1966 and 1989.

NEW SOUTH WALES: Russ won Bulli's first NSW Open Boat Championship in 1968 and won a Reserve Grade Championship in 1975.

He represented NSW on four (4) occasions - 1968, 1969, 1981 & 1989

AUSTRALIA: This is the toughest boat racing of all as reputations mean nothing but Russ was able to win medals of all colours starting with his Junior c_rews in 1966 (3rd) and 1971 (2nd) and then his Open crews won Bronze in 1968 & 1976, Silver in 1977 culminating with the Championship Gold Medals in 1978 (coincidentally at the same beach Kingscliff, NSW where they won their first NSW Open Championship in 1968).

In that 1978 Australian Championship Russ and his crew won six straight races winning the final by one of the biggest margins in recent years.

Russ also had success at Inter-State level winning Gold in 1967 and Silver in 1976.

He was inducted into The Australian Surf Rowers League Hall of Fame on 6th April 1998.

Marathon Surfboat Racing The George Bass Surf Boat Marathon is the ultimate and in 1979 Russ swept a Bulli crew to win all seven legs of gruelling seven {7) day, 164 Km race - the first club in the race's history to win all seven legs.

Russ and his Bulli crew represented Australia in the !983 George Bass Marathon and together with Cronulla they defeated New Zealand crews in The Trans Tasman Challenge.

Olympic Torch Relay: In the year of the 2000 Sydney Olympics Russ had the honour of carrying the torch in his home town of Woonona and handed it over to Olympian and fellow Bulli Surf Club member Tim McLaren who was in Russ' crew which won the Australian Open Boat Championship in 1978.

Summary:

Conclusion: Russ Jones, a Bulli Surf Club member for over 60 years, has had outstanding success as a surfboat sweep winning championship gold medals at Illawarra, New South Wales and Australian level and being in representative teams at all three levels as well. The legacy he started as a sweep 40 plus years ago continues today and this is mirrored in the current success of Bulli boat crews.

Alexander NORTON

1999

George CHALLIS (dec)

George ChallisGeorge Challis joined Cronulla as a probationary member in 1935.  He won junior belt championships in 1937-38.  He went on to hold several administrative positions within the Club and enlisted in the Army in 1943.

On his return from war service, George’s interest turned to surf boats.  He became one of the greatest surf boat sweeps in the history of the Association bringing to the Club between 1949 – 1955 three Australian titles including the senior junior double in 1950-1951.

Elected a life member of Cronulla in 1953, George retired from competition in 1955 and became Club president in 1957 for two seasons.  He also served as a surf boat inspector for 15 years with the Sydney Branch and was National Council surf craft advisor for many years.

George Challis was awarded an SLSA Certificate of Merit in 1948 after he and North Cronulla member Jim Peryman performed a successful rescue at the infamous “Alley”.

He was awarded life membership of the Sydney Branch in 1973.  He set high standards whether it was as an administrator, a lifesaver or as a sweep at the back of a hardworking boat crew. 

The death of George Robert Melrose Challis in September 1982 brought an end to a life devoted to surf life saving and to the Cronulla SLSC.  He had excelled as the complete all rounder, an administrator, Lifesaver and competitor.

As much as anything else, he was one of Cronulla’s favourite sons.

Robert FULTON

Bob Fulton joined the Warriewood Surf Club in 1969 and began rowing Surf Boats in 1970. His list of achievements is formidable and they include but are not limited to:

Kevin “Bluey” MYERS

Kevin "Bluey" Myers joined the Freshwater Surf Club in 1949, he offically started rowing boats in the 53/54 season. It was to be from this point he never looked back, competing in a total of 18 Australian Boat Finals with 4 wins, and numerous other titles to speak off, it is indeed a list of achievements to be proud of.

Kevin was the 1st Chairman of the Australian League of Rowers and has 105 Branch, Metrolpolitan, State and Australian Championships to his name.

Stephen SWANE

Stephen “Yap Yap” Swane joined North Cronulla SLSC as a cadet in the 1960-1961 season when he was 15 years of age.

Steve gained his Bronze Medallion the following season.  His surfboat rowing career began in 1964 and the following year came 2nd in the U18’s boat at the NSW Championships.  The same year he was appointed as senior chief gear steward and then surf boat captain.

A tour of duty on Active Service in Vietnam saw Steve absent from surf club activities from 1968- 1970.

In 1972-73 Steve was again appointed as boat captain.  The following year he placed 2nd in the NSW championships and 5th at the Australian Championships in the Open boat division.

In subsequent years he gained numerous minor place finishes at state and national level.  In between were victories and minor places in marathons like the George Bass and Pier One in Sydney, as well as a trip to Bali for the world championships.  Then there are the various club awards including best boatman, most outstanding senior, NSW representative crews etc that have come his way over the years, the list goes on.

In 1985 as a sweep his A crew broke the ice winning the NSW championships.  They also got 2nd at the Australian Championships.  The following year the double, State and Aussie champions were their reward.

In 1987/88 another NSW open boat championship and 3rd place in the U18’s and to top off a great season, Steve was awarded life membership of North Cronulla SLSC.

In the years to come Steve won more NSW State championships in A’s and reserves as well as winning gold silver and bronze medals at Australian Championship level, Steve has won many awards and received many accolades.

In 1999 he was awarded an Australian sports medal.  He has held numerous positions in the North Cronulla Club and has applied himself with as much enthusiasm in these positions as he has to his beloved surfboats.

To list all of his achievements would take almost forever.  One thing that has been a constant is his loyalty to one Club, North Cronulla and his commitment to all aspects of surf Club life but in particular surf boats.
 
A good club man and a good bloke.

Peter WILLAMS

2001

Peter “Grub” GRANT

Don McMANUS

2004

Wayne THOMPSON

Wayne Thompson - Grange S.A.Born 1952
Joined Grange SLSC: 1968
Bronze medallion: March 1968
25 years service Award: 1992
30 years  service award: 1997
Patrol hours : 611.75 (up to March 1998)
Life membership Grange: 1987

Other competition involvement:
Swimming: Surf teams (Cadet, junior and senior), surf race (Cadet, junior and senior), surf belt (junior and senior). State medals in all of the above events.
Iron man: Medals in State junior ironman.
R & R:     State Championship medals in Junior and senior R & R
1972 Australian Championship silver medallist in Junior R & R Ocean Grove, Victoria

Club management:
Club Captain 1977, 1978.
Boat Captain 1975/76

State Representation

State Championship performances

Interstate Surf boat achievements      

Australian Championship Surf boat performances      

World Championship performances:      

Additional contributions:
Coaching crews, organising gymnasium programs, extensive fundraising for equipment needs.
Coached highly successful 1999 Grange U/21 crew who won the State U/21 and Open Surf boat Championships. 

2006

Warren MOLLOY

Warren Molloy at George Bass marathon in January 2008Warren joined Garie SLSC in 1955 and was appointed Boat Captain and sweep of open crew in 1956 at age 19. Swept in last surfboat race in January 2008 at age 71 by competing in the 182 kilometre George Bass marathon, winning the veteran category with the North Steyne  club.

During this period Warren's highlights included:

Warren is currently a member of Queenscliff, North Steyne and Mooloolaba clubs and resides at Queenscliff, NSW.

Peter MACKIE

Peter Mackie service to SLSC Competition, Volunteer & Coaching.
Assistant Surf Boat Captain 1994,95,96,97,98,99,00.
Surf Boat Captain 2003.
Superintendent Surf Sports 2004,05.
Surf Boat Liaison Officer 2007.
Surf Boat Manager 2008
Skills & Development Coach 1991 to Current. 

Don EllercampDon ELLERCAMP

Club: Caves Beach SLSC

Australian Championship record

Interstate Championships

NSW Championship Record

World Championship Record

NSW Surf Life Saving Representative Teams

Newcastle/ Hunter Surf Life Saving Representative Teams

Newcastle/ Hunter Championships

Other Information

2007 

Dennis PATISON (dec)

Mel MacPHERSON

Mel started rowing surfboats will Bilgola in 2001 and has never looked back.  She has had a dream career as a rower winning four Australian Open Woman's Titles in a row in three different seats.  Two were won with Bilgola SLSC and two with Avoca SLSC.

Mel has also had a very active roll in the promotion of the sport within her career as a freelance camerawoman. Mel has put together a vast array of short motivational surfboat movies, created DVD sponsorship packages for many clubs as well as shooting for TV programs like Ocean Thunder Pro Surfboat Series, Surf Patrol and The Nutri-Grain Iron Man Series.

Mel MacPherson - 2007 Hall of FamerHer list of achievements include: 

2009

Brian ‘WOGGLES’ MASON

Introduction and Summary –Brian (Woggles) Mason (1934-2004)
Brian Mason joined Freshwater Surf Club in the early 1950’s and soon became one of the surfboat movement’s most outstanding members.  Brian’s contribution and unmatched achievements in the surfboat arena had a huge impact on the sport of surfboat rowing.
*’Woggles’ –he was humble yet quietly confident.  He was compassionate yet did not suffer fools. –He developed local surfers with no rowing experience into talented rowers. (*extract from ‘The Surfboat Book’ –by Kim Marsh 2008)

The demise of the historic double-enders in the 1950’s saw the introduction of the more manoeuvrable flat tuck stern boats.  These new boats meant new techniques and Brian pioneered and mastered the skills required of the ‘modern’ surfboat rower.  The ‘jump-start’ technique, still used today, is an example of the innovative approach perfected by this master sweep.  This along with his proficiency of the buoy turn was soon taken up by the rest of the surfboat fraternity taking the sport to a new level from which it continues to improve to this day.

Sadly, Brian passed away in 2004.

List of Championships Achievements

Australian Titles

(The above feat of 2 sets of back to back championships in one decade remains a record)

Interstate Titles

State Titles

Branch Titles

Howard CHRISTIE

Howard’s Rowing, Sweeping, and Coaching career, has spanned 38 years of non stop involvement
 
Competitor achievements:

List of Open Boat Results at State & National levels – many other championship results in other divisions plus a long list of placing’s at all levels complete what has been a remarkable career so far for Howard Christie.  

NSW Titles – Open Boat

1985 – Bungan Beach
1993 – Freshwater
1996 – Bilgola
2008 – Whale Beach

NSW Titles – Open Women
2003 – Colloroy

Australian Titles – Open Boat
1985 – Bungan Beach
1986 – Bungan Beach 

Rick MILLAR (dec)

Rick has done it all from Administration to rowing & this is a sample of his competitive achievements to date: 

2010

Bob LUCE

AWARDS

COMPETITION

Australian Championships.

Interstate boat Race Championships

State Championships

GENERAL

Boat Captain Pt. Lonsdale
State Team Selector
State Coaching Panel
Carnival Official
Coached for 26 years at Pt. Lonsdale, Anglesea, Lorne and Torquay

2011

Tony HAVEN

2012

Jack ALLISS

Jack Alliss ~ North Cottesloe SLSC
A Modern Day Surf Boat Legend

Jack Alliss

Made a life member of North Cottesloe in 2003, having been a member of that Club since the late sixties when he joined as a junior. North Cottesloe’s rise to the top echelon of surf boat rowing in Australia is directly attributable to his dedication, commitment and professionalism.

Jack rowed junior boats and then graduated to the Club’s A crew in the mid 70’s before turning his hand to sweeping. He started off with a raw junior crew taking them to their first Aussie champs at Bancoora in 1977 – still regarded as possibly the biggest Aussies ever.

Part of that crew went on with Jack as he put together his first serious boat crew – a Reserve grade crew that swept all before it in WA before finishing an unlucky fourth at the Aussies at Trigg in 1979. Lean years were to follow as they had at North Cott for some decades in surf boat rowing. In the early nineties Jack began to assemble the first of his might J crews, winning his first State Open Championship in 1992. This was North Cottesloe’s first state open championship in 32 years. Over the next two decades North Cottesloe was to dominate this championship – with Jack steering his J crews to 14 of the 18 championships contested before his retirement at the end of the 2010 season.

During this time, Jack’s crews were also involved in the Uncle Toby’s Super Series. For three years, North Cottesloe J was one of the leading crews in this series, travelling far and wide across Australia to feature in many great finals against the best surf boat clubs in the country. After winning a third consecutive State title in 1995 Jack’s J crew went on to feature in its first Aussie final, finishing with a bronze medal.

Success for North Cottesloe at Aussie final level was spasmodic until the run of four straight championships commenced at Kurrawa in 2006. North Cottesloe was a regular finalist over those years, also winning 2 ASRL Championships along the way and the World Championship at Lorne in 2006.

North Cottesloe J has also featured strongly in the Ocean Thunder Surf Boat Series, being a prominent crew in each year the event has been contested. The J’s won many events and always featured prominently in the overall championships.

Jack has represented Australia on three occasions with his J crew – at the Centennial carnival at Bondi, Scarboro and most recently in Durban.

Jack Alliss swept each of the crews mentioned so far. His influence on surf boat rowing at North Cottesloe, and indeed at state and national level has however been much greater. North Cottesloe’s dominance at the Surf Boat Relay (where Jack has another 15 gold medals is testament to this. But other North Cott crews have also been successful over this period – from U19 Australian Champions, through silver medals for Open Women, another bronze for our second open mens crew at the Aussies in 1996 and a host of finalists as well.

Jack’s influence in surf boats is broad. He has coached by invitation in Darwin, has held many clinics in Western Australia, and is an accredited surf coach and surf official. He has been on the surf boat panel at many Australian Championships. Jack has represented Western Australia in surf on many occasions, and has been Captain of the Western Suns Surf Life Saving Team.

The table below is representative, including most of Jack’s major achievements. It is not however exhaustive.

Event
Category
Place
Western Australia
State Championships
Open Boat
Champions 1992, 1993,1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,2008, 2009
 
Reserve Grade Surf Boat
Champions 1991
 
Surf Boat Relay
Champions 1977, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009
 
 
C Grade Surf Boat
Champions 1977, 1979, 1982
ASRL Open
Open Surf Boat
Champions 2002, 2005
Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
 
 
 
Open Surf Boat
Open Boat 1995 3rd place,
Open Boat 1997 4th place
Open Boat 2006 First place
Open Boat 2007 First place
Open Boat 2008 First Place
Open Boat 2009 First Place

Stephen BLEWETT

Stephen Blewett1980 to the present - Barrister of The Victorian Bar

1966 to 1980 (and continuing in a limited capacity)
Boat-builder with an extensive history of construction and repairs to surf-boats boats and oars (timber and composite).

Fully conversant with the operation of all relevant specifications.

Strident proponent of present specifications as to the present physical characteristic and weight of the craft.

Member of Committee of the ASRL since inception of the League in 1993
• One year as Victorian delegate (during Presidency of Bob Stone)
• Otherwise as a Vice President;
• Active in all aspects of the governance of the League during the years of Vice Presidency;

Successful rower, sweep and coach having won multiple National and State championship medals in all divisions:
National finalist on 11 occasions – 1st -1, 2nd – 3, 3rd – 4, unplaced finalist – 3; this accounts for 15% of all final appearances by all Victorian crews since 1958.
State Championship on 20 occasions - Open Boat – 8, Open Women – 5, Colts – 4, Fillies – 2, Juniors – 1.

Mentor of coaches and sweeps with many members progressing to State and National successes.

Active in the formulation and presentation of:
• Most sweeps/coach’s schools and accreditation courses in Victoria
• Sweep schools in Tasmania and SA.

Member of Victorian Surf Rowers Committee since its inception in 1989, including many years as Chairman of same

2013

Robert BURGESS

BURGO’S involvement in our sport spans a period of more than fifty years.
During this period he has been successfully involved with a number a clubs as a rower, sweep and coach.
He was a member of the Queenscliff Gold Medal Senior A Crew who he insist were the very first crew to drag the Speedos up the rear too row on the buttocks.
For many years he was the only sweep whom had won, Junior, Reserve and Open Titles at a National Level and remains today the only individual in the sport to have won Open Titles as a rower and sweep.

Below is listed his achievements and involvement with the clubs and crews over the duration of his career.

Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club

North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club

Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club
Burgo joined Woolgoolga Grafton SLSC.(later changed to Woolgoogla SLSC) as a junior and rowed with the club as an U18.

When he moved away due to study and work commitments he remained involved and committed to assist crews at the club whenever required.

He regularly visits the club and is always on hand to assist with sweeping, coaching or to pass on any advice.

He has conducted seminars at the club on sweeping and training techniques in an endeavor to improve the competitiveness of our crews and raise the profile of the sport in our Branch.

Burgo has been instrumental in the recent success of our U19 crew at Branch and State level and has given the kids the confidence required to mix it with much fancied city crews.

As a friend and mentor he has played a huge part in the success of our crews over the period of his involvement and I would fully support his induction into the ASRL Hall of Fame.

Trevor Clarke Boat Captain Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club

Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Rob joined Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club in 2004 to row in the Masters division of our sport with many of the friends he has made over the years in the movement.

He has been successful in Master division competition at National and International level as a rower and is always ready to assist crews and offer support to the clubs Open Senior Crew sweep Matt Collins when required.

2015

Sheryl BEAUMONT

(From Joe Western: Mooloolaba SLSC)

(From Molly Stewart: 2001 – 2006 were with Noosa Heads SLSC)

(2006 onwards with Mooloolaba SLSC – from Sara Western)

With 3 consecutive gold medals at the Australian Titles (due to 2010 and 2012 being cancelled) Sheryl was a pioneer of women’s surf boat rowing; pestering Joe Western to sweep her before women even began. Sheryl has rowed for over 20 years.

2016

Natalie GARTNER

Natalie Gartner is a member of Bilgola SLSC, having attained her bronze medallion in November 1996. She is also a member of the Moruya SLSC since 2014.

Natalie has rowed surfboats for the past 21 consecutive years. During this time she has won every type of medal in surfboat rowing, including two Australian Championship Gold Medals.

Natalie has represented NSW on three occasions in the Interstate Surfboat Series. She has won many Branch, State and even World Title events.

At Bilgola SLSC, she has been a consistent member of the Management Committee of the surf club. She has also represented on various Surfboat Panels.

Natalie is held in the highest esteem in the surfboat fraternity, and for many years, has taken on a mentoring role for junior female rowers.

Natalie also joined the Moruya SLSC in the 2013/14 season. This included rowing in the 2014 George Bass Surfboat marathon where the crew placed 2nd.

Natalie is a phenomenal sportsperson, highly respected, a tough, fierce but always fair competitor. She is a life-long 'boatie', well known and well respected by all.

Her record is set out below:-
Sydney Northern Beaches Branch

NSW Championships

NSW Premierships

ASRL Open

Australian Championships

World Titles

International Challenge in New Zealand

Norm POUNDER

Norm Pounder attained his bronze medallion in 1985. Norm commenced rowing for North Narrabeen SLSC in the 1985-1986 season as a junior, winning the Branch Championships, 2nd in the State Titles and a semi-finalist at the Australian Titles in his initial year. This initiated an outstanding career in surfboat rowing.

Norm, together with sweep and mentor, Don McManus, joined Bilgola SLSC in the 1994-1995 season where he is presently a Long Standing member today. He is still rowing stroke competitively and has a most enviable record during the 29 years. Norm has won 4 Australian Open Championship Gold Medals, made up by two Under 18 Titles, one Under 21 Title and one Open Men's Title. He is currently working on completing the full set of Australian Gold Medals by competing in the Reserve Grade Division of rowing.  He has also won two World Masters Titles and one Australian Masters Gold Medal. He is a part of the well-credentialed Bilgola Old 180 Years Masters crew.

The nominee has represented NSW and captained the Interstate Team on three occasions.  Norm has won numerous State, Metropolitan and Branch Titles during his career. These are listed below, which sets out his long and outstanding record in surfboat rowing. It is littered with medals and is indicative of a very special and dedicated sportsman.

Norm is the Vice President of Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club. He is also the current Boat Captain of Bilgola SLSC and has put in countless hours in the mentoring and coaching of crews at this club. He is one of the most highly respected members of this surf club who displays the utmost in integrity and humbleness.

Norm is a current member of the Sydney Northern Beaches Boat Panel. He has been nominated for New Official of the Year Award and is the current Bilgola SLSC Rower of the Year.

Norm is also a current boat official and is one of the few 'boaties' who not only competes at carnivals, but also officiates. He shows great potential as a future Boat Referee. In his second year as an official in the 2013-2014 season he was the starter of the Under 19 final at the ASRL Australian Open, Branch, State and Australian Titles. This is a very accelerated position for a new official which only goes to show the high place in which he is held in the surfboat fraternity. It also goes to show his dedication to the sport of surfboat rowing.

1985-6 Season

1986-7

1987-88

1990-91

1992-3

1994-5 Season

1995-6

1996-7

1997-8

1998-9

1999-2000

2005-6

2006-7

2007-8

2008-9

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2017

Richard BriertyRichard BRIERTY

1968 – 1979 Joined North Narabeen SLSC as a 4 year old nipper. (He actually fell asleep while waiting for the whistle to go in the flags!!) Richard competed for Nth Narra nippers until U’15's.

Awards:

Special Awards

Avoca Beach Club Management positions

Competition Records

Central Coast Open Branch Championships:

1987/88 1st Open Double Ski
“ 2nd Open Single Ski
“ 2nd Open Ski Relay
“ 2nd Taplin Relay
1988/89 1st Taplin Relay
“ 2nd Open Ski Relay
“ 3rd Open Double Ski
1989/90 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 1st Open Double Ski
“ 3rd Open Single Ski
“ 2nd Taplin Relay 1990/91 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 3rd Open Single Ski
1991/92 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 2nd Open Double Ski
“ 1st Taplin Relay 1992/93 1st Open Double Ski
“ 3rd Open Single Ski
1993/94 2nd Open Single Ski
“ 1st Open Double Ski
“ 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 1st Taplin Relay 1994/95 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 1st Open Double Ski
“ 1st Taplin Relay 1996/97 1st Open Double Ski
1997/98 1st Open Single Ski
“ 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 2nd Open Double Ski
“ 2nd Taplin Relay 1998/99 1st Open Ski Relay
1999/2000 3rd Open Single Ski
“ 2nd Open Mixed Doubles
“ 2nd Taplin Relay
****************************
2001/02 4th Open Men’s Surf Boat
“ 1st Open Women’s Surf Boat
2002/03 1st Open Men’s Surf Boat
“ 1st Open Women’s Surf Boat
2004/05 1st Open Men’s Surf Boat
“ 1st Reserve Men’s Surf Boat

2005/06 1st Open Men’s Surf Boat
“ 1st Open Women’s Surf Boat
2006/07 1st U’23 Men’s Surf Boat
“ 2nd Open Women’s Surf Boat
“ 3rd Open Men’s Surf Boat

2007/08 1st Open Men’s Surf Boat 2nd Open Female
“ 1st Boat Relay
“ 2nd Lifesaver Relay
2009/10 2nd Open Women’s Surf Boat “ 1st U23 Men’s Surf Boat
“ 2nd Open Men’s Surf Boat

2010/11 2nd Under 19 boat
1st Open Men Boat
2nd Open Women Boat
1st Surf Boat relay

2011/12 1st Under 19 boat
1st Open Men Boat
1st Surf Boat Relay

2012/13 1st Under 19 boat
1st Open Men Boat
1st Open Women
1st Surf Boat Relay

2016/17 1st Open Men boat
Branch Boat Summary 21 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze

Branch Masters:

2002/03 1st 120yr Women’s Surf Boat “ 2nd 30-34yr Double Ski
“ 2nd 110yr Ski Relay
“ 3rd 35-39yr Ski
“ 3rd 35-39yr Surf race
“ 3rd 35-39yr Ironman

NSW Open State Championships:

1987/88 1st Open Ski Relay
“ 5th Open Single Ski
1988/89 1st Open Double Ski
“ 4th Open Ski Relay
1990/91 2nd Open Double Ski
“ 4th Open Single Ski
1991/92 1st Open Double Ski “ 4th Taplin Relay 1992/93 3rd Open Double Ski
“ 6th Open Ski Relay
“ 5th Taplin Relay
1993/94 3rd Taplin Relay
1994/95 1st Taplin Relay
1998/99 3rd Open Ski Relay
***************************
2001/02 3rd Open Women’s Boat

2005/06 3rd Open Women’s Boat “ 2nd U’19 Men’s Boat
2006/07 1st Open Women’s Boat “ 1st Open Men’s Boat
2007/08 2nd Open Women’s Boat “ 2nd Open Men’s Boat
“ 2nd Lifesaver Relay

2009/10 1st U23 Men’s Surf Boat “ 1st Lifesaver Relay

2010/11 1st 2nd 3rd Surf Boat Relay Open Women boat Life Saver Relay
2011/12 1st 2nd Under 19 Surf Boat Life Saver Relay
2012/13 2nd 2nd 4th 4th Life Saver relay Under 19 Surf Boat Surf Boat relay Open Women Boat
2016/17 1st 5th Open Women Boat Open Men Boat
NSW Open State Boat summary 7 Gold, 6 Silver, 3 Bronze

NSW State Masters:

2002/03 1st 120yr Women’s Boat
2003/04 1st 130yr Taplin Relay

Australian Open Championships:

1986/87 7th Open Double Ski
6th Open Men’s Single Ski
1989/90 2nd Open Men’s Double Ski “ 4th Open Ski Relay
1990/91 3rd Open Men’s Double Ski
1993/94 4th Open Ski Relay
2000/01 3rd Open Men’s Double Ski
*******************************
2002/03 2nd Open Women’s Surf Boat
2003/04 6th Open Men’s Surf Boat
2004/05 1st Open Men’s Surf Boat

2005/06 1st Open Women’s Surf Boat 3rd U’19 Men’s Surf Boat
2006/07 1st Open Women’s Surf Boat “ 3rd Open Men’s Surf Boat
2007/08 1st Surf Boat Relay
“ 2nd Open Women’s Surf Boat
2010/11 1st Surf Boat Relay
“ 1st Lifesaver Relay
“ 2nd U’19’s Surf Boat
“ 5th Open Men’s Surf Boat

2011/12 1st 3rd Under 19 Surf Boat Life Saver Relay
2012/13 2nd 6th Under 19 surf boat Life Saver Relay
(In Seasons 2014/15/16 Richard focused on youth surf ski and board coaching)

2016/17 1st Surf Boat Relay
Remainder of boat events not contested due to cancellation of carnival
Australian Open Boat Summary: 8 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze

Aussie Masters:

1999/00 1st 35-39yr Single Ski
“ 2nd 35-39yr Double Ski
2003/04 4th 35-39yr Double Ski
2006/07 2nd 110yrs Ski Relay

World Championships

2005/06 2nd Open Men’s Surf Boat
Boat Summary 1 Silver

Trans Tasman -New Zealand

2016/17 1st Open Men Team Selection (Elouera) 1st Open Men Trans Tasman Test NZ
Boat Summary 2 Gold

ASRL Open Championships

Ocean Thunder

Results not available however at least 3 medal final placings

Representative Teams:

2020

ROSS MCPHILLIPS

Ross McPhillips

The Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) are proud to announce ROSS McPHILLIPS as the forty-fifth inductee into the ASRL Hall of Fame.

Ross attained his bronze medallion at Whiritoa Surf Lifegaurd Service (NZ surf lifesaving club) in 1980 and has remained a proficient member until now.

Ross has won National medals in Open Surf Boat in 3 countries. New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Competition History at a National Level

Ross also medalled in 8 QLD open male championship winning 6, the first in 1992.

Ross has always been up for a good time, smiling and chatting to everyone on the beach but underneath that smile is the drive of an ageless elite athlete. Revered by all those Ross has ever been associated with as an exceptionally technical oarsmen and fiercely competitive trainer and racer inspiring all those around him.

Ross has always utilised his business and personal contacts to help other local and international clubs and crews throughout his surf lifesaving career.

Ross has always been willing and utilised as a skills coach to a variety of clubs. Ross has mentored many ASRLQ State Representative Teams. Through one on one sessions, coaching clinics or setting programs for club sweeps or crews.  In 2011 Ross started at Tugun SLSC formally training his sons junior crew and assisting Bruce Zillman with his Senior crews. Bruce achieved incredible success with Ross’s assistance having multiple State and National Championship winning crews also achieving Australian team representation.