By Luke Voogt
Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club’s under-19 surf boat crew will compete against the world’s best this month.
The team flew to the Netherlands for the Lifesaving World Championships on Monday after winning Life Saving Victoria’s ‘Team of the Year’ in July.
Club president Noel Dubberley said he couldn’t be prouder of the team.
“It’s a huge ask for a young crew to travel across half the world to compete in surf boat races.”
Rowers Manning Gratwick, Jacob Morgan, John Fannon and Davis Kontelj will hope to cap off a stellar year, after winning every local competition at their level.
“At the Victorian titles they basically won everything they could,” Mr Dubberley said.
The team made the final in the Australian Surf Rowing League Open, won the Victorian under-19s gold and silver in the under-23s.
The crew are finalists for ‘Team of the Year’ at Surf Lifesaving Australia’s national awards, which will take place in Sydney on 22 October.
More importantly, said Mr Dubberley, the team’s exploits and behaviour has given younger members something to aspire to.
“They’ve been very good role models to the kids down here.”
Veteran lifesaver Scott Tannerhill will be at the sweep mentoring the team.
“As far as getting the best out of a crew you couldn’t ask for a better person,” Mr Dubberley said.
The team will also compete in Biarritz, France, at the Surf Rowing Championships later this month.
