With the Whomp-Off just weeks away, local bodysurfers have taken to the water so they’re good and ready to take on teams from the rest of Australia in the water at Coledale on September 9 and 10.
South Coast Bodysurfers is just one team competing in the event, which is expected to attract more than 50 competitors. The club will use that weekend to celebrate its first anniversary, and they’re always welcoming new members.
The Whomp Off will be sponsored by Bulli company Ecto Handplanes, with owner Chris Anderson an active part of the team.
“We have around 10 committed regulars at our meets,” he says. “We have more than 20 members so far and we bodysurf at beaches between Stanwell Park and Thirroul.
“There are all age ranges and we have both men and women in our group. It’s all about style, angle and position, but it’s also about being thankful and grateful for living in such a beautiful place. Basically, if you’re stoked to be in the water, you’re welcome. Really, we just want to be dolphins,” he laughs!
Craig says to celebrate the Whomp Off and to bring competitors and their crew together, South Coast Bodysurfers will host a special night at Timber Mill Studios on Saturday September 9.
“It will be an eclectic collection of art and photography,” he says. “We will also have a fantastic collection of original flippers and hand planes from the 70s and 80s,”
In the meantime, Chris and his team have created an awesome photo-essay of bodysurfing under the Sea Cliff Bridge. You can have a look at more fantastic shots HERE