Look out Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning. The Abbotsleigh team tore up the waves at Coolum Beach today. If any of the team turn professional, at least we know they can swim if their leg-rope breaks.
But first,
The team went-off in the pool this morning as another quality session was set by the coaches. Individual pockets of brilliance were plenty with an amazing amount of consistent effort shown by everyone. As an observer, definitely most impressive session so far. As such, the coaches struggled to name just a couple of swimmers and therefore agreed to name 3 Water Warriors each. The Water Warriors for this morning’s tough session were : Claudia, Georgia P, Sammy, Petro, Jaimey, Loz, Maddy, Em Booth, Abby.
After another good quality session, the team refuelled, re-sunscreened and then headed down to the Coolum Surfing School to learn how to surf. The conditions were perfect with a half-metre of consistent swell breaking on a low tide bank. There was next to no wind and not a cloud in the sky. If ever there was a day or a place to learn to surf, this was it.
The team was broken into three groups with an instructor for each group. After a brief safety talk, it was down to the beach to begin the lesson. Each instructor explained the basics and had everyone practicing on the sand for 10min before we hit the water. For most, this was the first experience of surfing but there was no fear in getting into the waves and by the end of the sessions all the team were standing up on the waves.
This afternoon the team jumped in with Graeme Brewer’s Noosa Aquatic team to do a joint session. The session was set and run by Leanne and Graeme. Great fun and lots of fast swimming as the team made some new friends. Water Warriors this afternoon were Kaea, Cal, Jacqui.
Tonight was a Master Chef competition with each team having to prepare pizzas for themselves and also one for the judges. The teams were judged on teamwork, creativity, leaving the kitchens clean when finished, and of course quality of pizza and supporting salad. There were a variety of pizza flavours from the teams including a Chocolate Pizza from the Northern Knights. The winners however were the Apeeling Banana Llamas who were award with the best pizza and second best salad.
Tomorrow – our last full day which will include the beach games.