A record setting attempt. Join the fun! Photo: Surfthebay.com
Sure, fireworks and a nice picnic may be enough for some people to celebrate their country’s national holiday, but in Broulee, a small town on the south coast of New South Wales, Australians have registered to win a world record for their country.
On Sunday, January 26, surfers from across Australia will gather at North Broulee Beach in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people riding one wave together. In 2009, South Africa earned the world record when 110 surfers shared a wave. However, Australians want this title for themselves, and they intend to get it.
Surf the Bay School has teamed up with Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Club (BSSLSC) to host the event. While a cost of $20 is required to register, all the proceeds will go to BSSLSC, for new equipment and improved facilities, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Glenn Hall, organizer of this event, has his fingers crossed that at least 150 surfers will show up ready to share a wave. Surfers young and old, beginner and expert are asked to join in. The only requirement is that you are able to stand up on your surfboard and ride the wave straight toward the beach.
Hall is encouraging participation from all surf clubs in the region and hopes for somewhat of a “friendly rivalry” to see which club has the most people surf for the world record. With so many people out in the water all trying to catch one wave, it’s hard to imagine the logistics of how this event will work. Not to worry though, Hall has designed an elaborate system involving flags and horns that will give surfers in the water the best chance and success in not only catching the right wave, but also claiming that world record.
The competition will begin at 9 a.m. and surfers will have only one hour to find and ride the perfect wave into shore. Hoping for five to seven attempts and beautiful waves, organizers have planned a day for the registered surfers to remember. After the event in the water, there will be a barbeque with prize giveaways, raffles, volleyball and musical entertainment. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend Australia Day than spending time with family, friends and fellow surfers in the water trying for a world record and celebrating on the beach.
If you’re going to be in the area on Sunday, I wouldn’t hesitate to register, which you can do at www.surfthebay.com.au, and head out to the event. Get yourself a commemorative shirt for only $15, hop in the water to be a part of a Guinness World Record and spend the afternoon on the beach with your fellow surfers. Help make Australia Day 2014 a day to remember.
