Surfing buddies have swapped their boards for kayaks as they ramp up training for a 367km fundraising paddle.
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Crews from the Westpac Life Saver helicopter bases in Sydney and Moruya have been training daily for the inaugural Heli 400 Bega to Bondi surf ski relay that starts on Anzac Day.
Together, they plan to conquer the coastline in nine days.
Pilot Matt O’Brien said the entire Moryua crew was involved.
“That is really pleasing,” he said.
“Everyone has taken it in their stride and really got involved.
“Before we started training for the Bega to Bondi, we used to surf together before our shifts.
“Now, everyone has swapped their surfboards for kayaks.
“I am looking forward to doing a trip with the crew outside of work.”
Mr O’Brien said training was going well.
“We had 10 guys on the water on Sunday morning,” he said.
“Everyone is getting excited.
“On Sunday we went out from Broulee in really confused swell.
“It was a good session and boosted the confidence of everyone.”
Each training session entails a 10- to 15-kilometre paddle in varying conditions.
“Everyone can comfortably paddle 10 kilometres, which is fantastic,” Mr O’Brien said.
Batemans Bay surf lifesaver Ken Bellette is training the crew.
“The support from Ken Bellette has been absolutely fantastic,” Mr O’Brien said.
“He has knowledge of paddling and has corrected our technique and style.”
Mr O’Brien’s brother, Michael, is a support paddler.
“I picked Mike as a support person because he has endurance,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We needed someone we could rely on to support someone who isn’t feeling confident.”
Helicopter crew chief and South Coast base manager John Costin began training as a beginner, but can now comfortably paddle longer distances.
“The learning curve has been extreme,” he said.
“For the first two weeks, I was thinking ‘what have I got myself into?’.
“I was quite anxious, but am starting to get into the groove.”
Mr Costin said the Moruya crew was dedicated.
“We train before work every day and try to fit it in with our roster,” he said.
“We got through some tough conditions on the weekend.
“That was mentally and physically challenging.”
He hopes for smooth paddling.
“I want to do it easily,” he said.
“You can’t let the young ones have all the fun.
“Everyone is getting excited.”
Mr Bellette said he was glad to support a vital service.
“These guys work with surf live saving very closely and it is the most wonderful service we have ever had on the coast,” he said.
“Their response time to incidents is so quick.
“Anything I can do to help the crew raise money and keep the service here, I will do.
“Half of them are seasoned paddlers,” he said.
“The learners have bought gear to train with.
“They are training every day and doing long paddles.
“We have done the Tollgates run, Broulee to Burri Point and several offshore launches from Barlings Beach.
“They are coming along beautifully.
“They will all be seasoned paddlers by the end.”
To donate to the Heli 400 Bega to Bondi surf ski relay, or to find out more information, visit www.begatobondi.com.au.
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