Yamba Surf Club Under-23 crew making waves at championships
YAMBA Surf Boat enthusiasts Rod McSkimming and Sam Kapeen are in the same boat when it comes to why they love their sport.
Kapeen is relatively new to the sport and competes as part of the Yamba Surf Club's Under-23 crew which claimed a gold medal at the Country Championships at South West Rocks last weekend.
McSkimming was swinging on the end of an oar before Kapeen was born, and has been performing his role as sweep for the better part of two decades.
While results like that achieved last weekend give both plenty of satisfaction, it is the mateship the endless training and trips away brings, that makes the sport so appealing.
"We were pretty happy with the win at the Country champs," Kapeen said.
"I just love the sport, it's great to get a weekend away with your mates and to get the results like we have is a bonus."
The U23 crew have had plenty to be pleased with this season, with great results at the World titles in Adelaide and in the much stronger open division in Queensland.
McSkimming has done plenty of kilometres both in the boat and behind the wheel this season, and while he admits the travel can be tiring, says he wouldn't have it any other way.
"We have the New South Wales state titles coming up in February at Umina on the Central Coast, followed by the ASRL (Australian Surf Rowers League) Open Championships at Stockton Beach in Newcastle," McSkimming said.
"That event is as big as the Australian Titles, which we are also aiming to get to at Tugan on the Gold Coast in April.
"The boys are really hitting their straps at the right time of year, so we've got some exciting racing coming up."
