Cottesloe Boardriders celebrated its biggest Queen of the Cove yet recently, with more than 70 competitors hitting the water for a day of surfing, community and plenty of club spirit.
The event almost didn’t happen, with an early morning call to cancel after the expected swell failed to arrive. But with the Rottnest swell buoy on the rise, organisers decided to roll the dice, and it proved to be the right call as the swell filled in and competition got underway.
“We were so torn because we had put so much planning into this one to make it a special day,” said Cottesloe Board Riders President Tele Ventouras.
“The swell arrived, the sun shone, the coffee van was humming and the bacon and eggs were flying off the barbecue. It really was a cracker day, with the swell and club vibes high.
“What’s particularly special is seeing the engagement with the public, walking past, grabbing a coffee and sitting on the hill just hanging out watching the surfing.”
The event also featured a foamie division designed to encourage more girls into competition, with a group of students from Iona Presentation College getting their first taste of a Cottesloe Boardriders heat.
“We’ve got so many girls in the club now, it’s epic,” said Ventouras.
Coaching was another focus on the day, with club coach Charlie Castelden filming heats and providing competitors with feedback before their next surf, giving members the opportunity to immediately put their learnings into practice.
Ventouras thanked the Town of Cottesloe for its support through a community grant, which helped the club deliver its biggest Queen of the Cove to date.
Queen of the Cove Results
Open Women: 1. Bronte Scott, 2. Eleonora Mahoney, 3. Laura Greenwood
Under 15 Girls: 1. Emilie Spring, 2. Maia Ciprian, 3. Cam Mackella
Under 13 Boys: 1. Jack Gerrard, 2. Austin Lamp, 3. Archie Murchison
Under 17 Boys: 1. Harry Evans, 2. Dane Farrell, 3. Harry Heath
Super Groms Parent Assist: 1. Emma Donisi, 2. Bobby Bahen, 3. Harry Bahen
Open Men: 1. Charlie Castleden, 2. Hamish Morley, 3. Blaine Watson
Events
