Cameron Wright (left) and Conor Swords crash through a wave during their IRB exam. Photo / Mike Swords
Cameron Wright (left) and Conor Swords crash through a wave during their IRB exam. Photo / Mike Swords
New IRB drivers Ten lifeguards from Northland and Auckland surf lifesaving clubs sat their IRB driver's exam last weekend at Waipu Cove, with high surf adding to the challenge.
The lifeguards sat the theory part of their test at Auckland's Bethells Beach but with flat conditions there, decided to move the practical part of their exam to Waipu Cove, where the surf was roaring.
The successful lifeguards were: Ruakaka's Cameron Wright and Conor Swords, Waipu's Quintin Brown, Angela Stolwerk, Tyler Flannagan, Callum McKay and Mairangi Bay's Benjamin Miles, Sashenka Reiser, Zoe Macready and Robson Hay.
IRB driver candidates (from left): Callum McKay, Conor Swords and Sashenka Reiser. Photo / Mike Swords
Waipu Raft Race Wet weather postponed the first Waipu River Raft Race date and threatened the second, but organisers from the Waipu Boat and Fishing Club persisted and made it happen last Sunday.
"Because the weather forecast and early morning rain radar was showing the day to be unpleasant, the bouncy castles and a couple of the other vendors cancelled," said club commodore Graeme Giles.
The club is discussing whether to run the race a third time next year - Mr Giles said it was a difficult event to plan for, with late entries and fixed overheads that must be covered.
Winners of the Open section were Cogan's Heroes (Simon Mansell, Nick Spring, Corey Taylor, Dave Claire) and the junior winners were Tekashi (Saequan Boyd, Braden Brookstee, Jacob A'Court, Joshua Polewart).
Cogan's Heroes, the winning raft team in action. Photo / Gavin Carroll
Beach clean Many hands make light work – so bring yours along to Waipu Cove this Saturday morning for a quick beach clean-up between 9am and 11am.
The clean-up coincides with National Sea Week. Northland Regional Council will provide bags for collecting rubbish, but you can bring your own bucket or recycled bag and bring gloves if you wish.
Meet by the benches in front of the toilets and give as much time as you can – you don't have to stay for the full two hours.
Football registration If you would like to play football this season but haven't yet registered, time is running out.
Registration for Bream Bay United Football Club closes tomorrow. Register online at nzf.comtxt.co.nz and if you have any trouble, email the club at bbuafc@gmail.com .
Junior rugby registration Waipu Rugby junior rugby rally days for grades U7 to U14 are today and next Thursday, 5-6pm upstairs at the clubrooms.
Bring your child's passport or a copy of their birth certificate if they are new to the club. Training for junior players begins March 22 with the first game on May 5.
For more information contact Dylan Jones 021366960 or Lisa Jones 0211630237.
Email Julie Paton at moojoy@xtra.co.nz if you've got Bream Bay news to share with Northern Advocate readers.
