The SOCIAL REPORT from Brian Delaney

We had a good roll up for the end of year presentation last Sunday afternoon at the Ballina Bowling Club. It was a new venue for our annual preso and it worked quite well with our own function room so we might do it again. Wazza will have more to say about the placings and the day in general so I will just give a short wrap up of the year's social activity.

We tried for a bit more variety this year and that worked to a certain extent but the most popular outings are still the restaurant nights. The committee has taken note of what wasn't popular and we will consider the 2010 social agenda at the first committee meeting after the AGM in February.

Robin and I wish you all a merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2010 for you and your families. I also hope we can get some consistent swell and light winds over the holiday period, what a difference that would be.

See you in the surf, Brian D.

COMPETITON UPDATE

The December round nearly didn't get off the ground with small messy waves and the threat of an onshore breeze suggesting cancellation was quite possible. Whether it was the camaraderie of the crew that triumphed, or the overwhelming desire to finish 2009 on a high note, the word was given "let's do it!"

Eighteen surfers braved the challenging conditions to grab the last few points on offer for the 2009 competition season. The early heats had the toughest of the conditions, however, as the heats progressed the expected north-easterly breeze never arrived and was replaced by a light southerly that slowly smoothed the small swell.

In true style the competition leaders demonstrated long boards can cruise in just about any conditions pulling off drop-knee turns, walking the board, and even some quick toes on the nose. Frank McWilliams continued his impressive performances during the year just beating Wazza and taking out another first place in the firsts. Congratulations Frank!

See the image gallery for all the pics and live footage...

The judging tent with Kerry spotting and Eric, Mick, and Mel scoring.

(L to R) Pete and Bruce checking the break while Frank and Marg discuss tactics.

Eric and Grant were desperate to get into the newsletter again!

COMPETITION RESULTS

2009 Annual Presentation

The annual presso' was held after the December comp round in the boardroom of the Cherry St, Bowling Club. Around 40 members and their partners enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort of the Boardroom for pre-presso' drinks and nibbles. It was no surprise that Frank McWilliams tookout the Club Champion, Frank surfed consistently throughout the year and thoroughly deserved the win. Well done Frank!

After the presentation of the annual awards the crew enjoyed an "all you eat buffet".

Club President Wazza with the 2009 Club Champion Frank McWilliams and Marg the Club Treasurer

Marg Bryant was chosen by the members as the Club Person Of The Year.

Marg Bryant was awarded Club Person Of The Year for her contribution to the committee and her behind the scenes work for the club. She was so overcome on the day she was unable to speak. Following is Marg's message of thanks:

" I was lost for words for once on Sunday night - totally overwhelmed and grateful for the lovely things said about and to me. I never expect any rewards for things I do but it is really lovely to be thanked and appreciated. As you all probably know I am very enthusiastic about my surfing and my involvement with the club and am hoping to surf for many more years yet. Thanks and hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas with lots of good waves."

Many thanks to Ken Garington who kindly donated key rings with the Ballina Malibu Club logo to each of the winners. Contact Ken if you would like to purchase a key ring ($5).

See all the presso' photos in the gallery...

Judging Criteria for Competition Rounds

The judging criteria is now available online. A decision was made this year to limit the number of waves a surfer can catch per heat to 5 waves. This will be implemented of of the first round next year. We will be discussing this more with members at the next comp.

We invite suggestions from members regarding practical methods of improving our ability to apply the judging criteria. Some suggestions to date include:

• online video examples of waves and their scores,
• judging clinics

If you have an other ideas we'd like to hear them.

Next Club Round

Our first club round for 2010 is on Sunday 7th February.

PIC OF THE DAY

Each month we feature the best picture taken on the day. (Sorry no pics from Alan this week).

Mi Thai Winner

Sorry no Mi Thai $25 voucher this month.

TRAVEL REPORT

Please email the secretary if you have an interesting travel story.

MEMBER PROFILE

Jan Webster

Name: Jan Webster

Family: The Websters - previously the Cusacks. Husband Bill, sons Bryce, Jackson, and Murray. Oh and Sam the dog.

Origins: Mona Vale - "The Basin".

Current jobs: Nurse (Emergency, S/W care nurse, IV Sedation Nurse).

Surfboard(s): 9'2" mal - Christmas present in 2004.

Natural or Goofy footer: Natural.

Best Job you ever had: Social Director for All-Girls Surfriders Club

Musical Preference: When I hear it, I'll tell you. (I do like the 70's)

Movie Preference: Drama / Comedy - Happy engings!

Fav. Surf Movie: Morning of the Earth

Fav. Non Surf Sport: Soccer

Fav. Grog: Caprioskes, White Wine, Red Wine, Black Russians, Bloody Mary's, Beer, and many others. (ED - We found Jan to be very honest unlike all the other members who only answered with one type of drink.

Fav. Surfer: Steph Gilmore / Bethany Hamilton

Best Surf Holiday: Haven't had it yet!

Fav. TV show: Spicks & Specks

Hobbies: Sewing.

Nickname & why: Not telling!

What I hate most: Dishonesty & short fuses.

Where and when was the best surf you ever had: Two weeks ago in front of Lennox

Age when you started surfing on a board: 46

Before you had a car, where did you surf most: On a surf mat at Mona Vale

How many overseas surf trips: 1

Where was your first ever surf on a surfboard: Tallows Beach in 2003

My Dream surf trip: Hawaii on a nice day!!

NEWSLETTER & NEW WEB SITE

All club newsletters can now be accessed via the web site and viewed online. Members who have provided their email addresses to the secretary will receive an email each month containing a link to the newsletter. The Committee urges all members to take advantage of the web site and register their email address. Members without an email address will still receive a printed copy via surface mail. Members interested in submitting stories for inclusion in our monthly newsletter should Email submissions to secretary@ballinamalibuclub.org

MEMBERS CLASSIFIEDS

Items for sale (eg. used surfboards, surfing-related items etc) may be listed free of charge by members. Members are invited to lodge advertisements by Email to the Secretary. Please include a description, asking price, contact details, and preferably a color photograph of the item(s) for sale.