Sport
24 July, 2026
Accolades for surf boat crew
ETTY Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s masters surf boat crew has capped off a remarkable season, overcoming equipment setbacks to earn major honours at the 2025/2026 Surf Lifesaving Queensland North Queensland Branch Awards of Excellence in Cairns.
The Masters 180+ crew was named sports team of the year, while long serving member David Jones received the prestigious Clive Hammond OAM Medal for his outstanding contribution to the club.
The crew of Mr Jones, Paul Rinaudo, Adrian Conroy, Matt Sharrock and Shayne Cini produced one of their strongest performances at the Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open in Coffs Harbour, one of surf lifesaving’s premier national events.
Racing across three rounds, they accumulated enough points to secure the bronze medal, though they initially missed the podium presentation after being unaware of their placing.
Organisers later made a special presentation at the Coffs Harbour Surf Club. With their own boat still under construction, the team competed in a borrowed craft from Metropolitan Caloundra, whose sweep happened to be the boat builder.
The crew also contested the 2025 Australian Surf Lifesaving championships on the Gold Coast, but severe weather delays and unfamiliar equipment hampered their chances of repeating their earlier success.
Modern equipment challenges have been an ongoing hurdle for Etty Bay.
The club’s first new surf boat in 24 years was expected before the ASRL Open, but manufacturing delays forced the crew to borrow a boat instead.
The new craft finally arrived the day before the Aussies began, leaving no time for proper rigging or familiarisation.
Despite these setbacks, the Etty Bay crew’s determination, resilience and results earned them well deserved recognition at branch level and pride within their club community.
Alongside their rowing achievements, the crew are also senior patrolling members, with two patrol captains among them, contributing a combined 195 patrol hours last season, a testament to their commitment both on the water and on the beach.
Mr Jones, a life member has dedicated more than 40 years to surf lifesaving, serving as Etty Bay president (2002–2005), long standing vice president, IRB captain, as well as a member of the emergency response, fundraising, building management and life membership committees.
He gained his bronze medallion in 1986 and was named best club person in 2002 and 2020. In 2022, he received the Cassowary Coast Regional Council lifetime contribution award.
Under his leadership, Etty Bay now fields three active crews, two masters’ teams and a women’s crew.
Mr Jones and his 180+ teammates have been driving recruitment, with 10 new bronze medallion holders last season and several already eyeing a seat in the boat.
In 2026, Etty Bay secured a grant to upgrade the clubhouse, improving community access and supporting essential structural maintenance.
Mr Jones quickly volunteered for the building management committee, working alongside club leaders, the project manager and Surf Life Saving Queensland.
His club spirit, commitment and hands on support continue to strengthen Etty Bay and keep surf boat rowing thriving.