The Bayside Blog
What's Happening at Bayside
By
Caroline Bernard
Rainbow Beach Regatta 2023: SQ Zone Championships
What an epic weekend of racing. For those that missed out, the SQZone held its final championship event at the beautiful seaside township of Rainbow Beach (Butchulla Country), located in the Gympie Region.
Rainbow Beach is best known for its magnificent coloured sand dunes where many colours of the rainbow are found all along the beach shoreline.
The event saw over 300 paddlers taking to the water, to race over 3 amazing action-packed days (5th - 7th May). The first day saw all small craft hopefuls hit the water, including our very own Sandra Van Zyl and Marion Thursby participating in the Novice Women 6km Short Course. Sandra secured a second place standing for the final event, as well as second place overall for the small craft series.
Marion came in at 5th place on the day in the same Novice Women race. What an amazing result for both ladies. A true testament to their dedication and commitment to a sport that they only discovered less than a year ago.
The event saw over 300 paddlers taking to the water, to race over 3 amazing action-packed days (5th - 7th May). The first day saw all small craft hopefuls hit the water, including our very own Sandra Van Zyl and Marion Thursby participating in the Novice Women 6km Short Course. Sandra secured a second place standing for the final event, as well as second place overall for the small craft series.
Marion came in at 5th place on the day in the same Novice Women race. What an amazing result for both ladies. A true testament to their dedication and commitment to a sport that they only discovered less than a year ago.
Following the small craft series on the Friday, was the OC6, 8km short and 18km long, womens, mens and mixed races that saw a fair share of huil’s coming in and off the beach. Our own Bayside crews were not immune to the excitement of being washed ashore on both the Saturday event and the Sunday OC6, 25km beach relay event.
Mal from the Novice squad has now been named “Flipper” for the unfortunate bout of flipping in each of his races.
Mal from the Novice squad has now been named “Flipper” for the unfortunate bout of flipping in each of his races.
“Everyone was safe, accounted for and had a wild experience with stories I am sure they will tell with their own tales.” Sandra Van Zyl
"Just an absolute pleasure, when you see people with an enthusiasm and willingness to learn. It’s about a journey and I am so grateful to be there at the beginning to start it all off for you both. So proud to see what you have accomplished and hope I am there for many more". Mark Brady – Novice Coach
Big thanks to SQ Zone, Paddle Life TV, Gympie Regional Council and the Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club for an amazing weekend of competition, fun and laughter. Looking forward to next years event but for the meantime, bring on Nationals at Mooloolaba at the end of the month.
"Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” (Chris Grosser). You are the catalyst for all the things you (Sandra) and Marion have achieved". Dave Mason – Head Coach.
Event Results
On the day
Overall SEQ Series
- 1st - Master Womens 8km
- 2nd - Master Womens 18km
- 3rd - Golden Master Men 18km
- 2nd - Novice Women OC1 - Sandra Van Zyl
Overall SEQ Series
- 1st - Master Women
- 2nd - Novice Women OC1 - Sandra Van Zyl
ABOUT
Bayside Outrigger Canoe Club (Bayside OCC) is a great sporting club based in the Redland Bay, paddling the beautiful waters of Raby Bay, Cleveland. Our aim is to create a family orientated club, focused on fun, fitness, pride and respect.
