IRB training, Lyall Bay.
Seeing the training today brought back a lot of memories http://thebay.net.nz/6-surf-lifeguards
Original post thanks to LemonNZ
To Celebrate 100 years of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand a group of "6 Surf Lifeguards" are circumnavigating New Zealand in two IRB's (inflatable rescue boats). The boats and motor are the standard IRB's used by most clubs around the country with a few modifications. These include the fuel capacity increased to 90 litres from the usual single 20 litre bladder, less fins on the propellor guard to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency and a longer tiller. A few other minor adjustments have been made to the foot straps and hand holds for comfort for the longer journey and different stance of driver and crew person.
The six life guards, Ash Matuschka, Andrew Lancaster, Jason Harvey, Blake Ingram, Matt Bouswell and Anthony Morgan are also supported by a crew including reserve driver, safety manager, media liason, doctor and mechanics as well as Ferg the teams mascot, a soft toy seagull who made the crossing in Andrew's pack.
The team are currently 6 days ahead of schedule which may put them in Mt Maunganui for the international surf challenge, NZ Patrol Champs and Surf League running from the 2nd - 6th of February. The team are constantly monitoring weather conditions and but are well aware of the Met service's warnings due to the impending storms associated with cyclone Wilma.
The trip will cover approximately 5200 km of NZ coastline and they will stop in to many surf beaches along the way.
More images from todays training, thanks to James, click on the images to view a bigger copy.
All images are copyright windyhill flying club and must not be used with out permission.
