SURF ROWERS COMPETE FOR GLORY AT SHELLHARBOUR

Australia’s elite surf rowers have gathered in Shellharbour to compete in the Navy Australian Open, with more than 300 race crews challenging to be crowned as the nation’s best.

The Navy Australian Open is the pinnacle of the Navy Australian Surf Rowers League Series and teams from around 100 surf lifesaving clubs will compete over three days of competition, commencing today.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said, “The Navy Australian Open is a prestigious event for the South Coast and is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors to the region, generating an estimated $2 million in visitor spend.

“In addition to delivering an economic benefit for the local community, hosting the Navy Australian Open is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Shellharbour and the South Coast to visitors from across Australia.

“NSW is also the birthplace of the Australian Surf Rowers League with the formerly-named International League of Australian Surfboat Rowers established here in the early 1990s.

“Our State is a fitting location to host this event and I encourage everyone to get along this weekend,” he said.

The Navy Australian Open will be held at Shellharbour today to Sunday 22 February.

For more information go to visitnsw.com/events/navy-australian-open-surf-boat-championship