IRB & SURF BOAT LAUNCH 2022
IRB & SURF BOAT LAUNCH
26 March 2022
Wanda SLSC has launched two new surf craft in honour of dedicated club volunteers.
An inflatable rescue boat (IRB) and surf boat were launched at the club on Saturday, in front of a large crowd of members and supporters. Speeches and tributes were followed by the maiden voyage of both vessels.
“These surf craft are vital to Wanda and, in club tradition, have been named after members who stand out,” said Nathan Spinner, Wanda SLSC President.
“The craft were kindly donated by Lloyds Supa IGA Cronulla & Hurstville (IRB) and Gerard Malouf & Partners (surf boat).
“We are a volunteer organisation that relies on support and cannot thank both businesses enough for their generosity to surf life saving and the community,” said Mr Spinner.
The new surf boat was named in honour of Rod ‘Stick’ Holdsworth, a Wanda SLSC member for 40 years.
“Members like Rod are the reason surf life saving and Wanda continue to thrive,” said Mr Spinner.
“Rod has contributed widely to our club for decades, in particular the boat section. He was a rower, sweep, coach and mentor. His coaching helped us win our first Australian junior title, and his determined approach guided many crews and junior rowers.
“Rod has always been there to help, from advice to rowers in the gym or on the beach to helping new sweeps with small pieces of insight. He has toured, towed trailers, made lunches and always done whatever was needed, no job too large or small.
“It’s a fitting tribute to name a surf boat in his honour, a boat that will be valued by Wanda crews for years to come,” said Mr Spinner.
In his speech and tribute, fellow Wanda member Ric Smith said “Rod’s abilities and commitment can never be underestimated” and highlighted that “the significance of having your name on your club’s surfboat cannot be understated and it is an honour only few achieve.”
The new IRB was named in honour of hard working club members Adam “Bucks” Buckley and Mark Lloyd.
“Water safety is at our clubs’ core, with both Adam and Mark integral to this,” said Mr Spinner.
“As leading IRB section members, they have spent countless voluntary hours on rescue efforts, supporting nippers and at surf carnivals. They are often first at the beach and last off it, battling all types of weather and surf conditions, always with a smile and positive attitude,” said Mr Spinner.
Mark Lloyd joined Wanda in 2011 and has been part of the IRB section for 7 years and section captain for 3 years.
“Mark’s leadership and impeccable maintenance of our equipment ensures our emergency response is always first class. His skills and knowledge are widely admired,” said Mr Spinner.
Adam Buckley joined Wanda in 2008 and has been part of the IRB section for 10 years.
“Adam’s unwavering dedication IRB has enabled thousands of our junior members to participate in club activities. He is also always first on the scene for incident callouts, assisting with IRB efforts for local and regional emergencies.
“Both Mark and Adam are a driving force behind the professional response of our IRB team, and wholly deserve this honour,” said Mr Spinner.
Rod “Stick” Holdsworth Flyer || Mark Lloyd & Adam “Bucks” Buckley Flyer
