It was the first carnival Tathra has hosted since one of Tathra SLSC’s long-time members Christine Armstrong was killed by a shark in April 2014. 

Director of Surf Sports FSC Melissa Meaker said there was concern from the other clubs in the lead up to the event. 

“There was definitely some fear from some of the other surf lifesaving clubs, but they still came and it turned out to be a wonderful day,” Ms Meaker said. 

About 100 contestants aged from under 15s to over 50 from Batemans Bay, Bermagui, Broulee, Moruya, Narooma, Pambula and Tathra competed.

Before the event kicked off at 10.30am there was a minute silence in memory of Tathra Surf Life Saving Club vice-president Dave Elliott, who died recently.

After the opening ceremony the surfboats took to the water for the day’s competition.

Broulee’s early season training paid off as it raced competitively, like past years, in the boat division.

The men’s race was almost a dead heat with three teams - Broulee, Narooma and Tathra – all hitting the sand at virtually the same time. 

Broulee’s women’s crew followed the men and rowed exceptionally well to finish ahead of Tathra.

Ms Meaker said an unusual, but pleasing aspect to the day was the closeness of the competing teams.

“Usually there’s a standout club, but actually this time around everyone was fairly even,” she said.

“Broulee has held the Jack Beale Trophy for I think around four years, which is given to club with the highest point score.

“But on Saturday it was a very close contest between Broulee, Narooma and Tathra.”

​There are three senior carnivals during the season, with the next one at Broulee on Sunday, January 31.

However, next on the calendar is the gruelling George Bass Surfboat Marathon from January 3 to 9.

The first Nippers carnival for this season is planned for December 6 and will be hosted by Moruya.