Guns and Hoses at Westfield Kotara Triple O Challenge
(Merewether, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 16 March, 2012)
FOR the seventh consecutive year, surfers from the NSW Fire and Rescue Service have fired up to defeat the NSW Police Force, the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service of NSW at the Westfield Kotara Triple 0 Challenge at south Bar Beach.
A record field of more than 60 competitors took advantage of small clean conditions on offer in the water and renewed old friendships out of the water.
"It's a great day and it is getting some tradition about it now," said under-40 longboard winner Jay Rosetti.
"This is such a fun contest. We only get to catch up with all the boys once or twice a year, and the Triple 0 Challenge gets us all together," Rosetti said.
The ambulance officer from Barraba, 90 kilometres north-west of Tamworth, improved on his second placing in the same event last year and was particularly pleased to have gotten the edge over Justin Allport.
"Mate, I'd be happy to beat Justin to the kiosk on a pushy," Rosetti laughed.
Centre Manager for Westfield Kotara Ryan Burns said the day provided great camaraderie for people who often only get to meet under pressured circumstances.
"The Triple 0 Challenge resonates with the participants and the community because it really is a fun day with a competitive spirit," Mr Burns said.
While surfing representatives of the services all love to get a win under their belts, the day provides an opportunity to socialise away from the pressures of the circumstances these protectors of the public often find themselves.
Berowra-based firefighter Rob Gittoes racked up yet another win in the over-40s long board event. Gittoes, who won the same event three times between 2006-2008 and again in 2011, said the firefighters love to win the event and have a bit of a friendly dig at the other services.
"But regardless of the result, it always is a fun event," Gittoes said.
All competitors are looking forward to 2013 - but the other services might have to round up a few ring-ins if they are to break the vice-like gripe of Fire and Rescue NSW from the overall winner's trophy.
Results
Triple 0 Challenge Teams
1. Fire and Rescue NSW
2. NSW Police Force
3. Ambulance Service of NSW
Over-40s Longboard
1. Rob Gittoes (Fire and Rescue NSW)
2. Matt Jackson (Fire and Rescue NSW)
3. Steve Brinkley (Ambulance Service NSW)
4. Terry Burns (NSW Police Force)
Under-40s Longboard
1. Jay Rosetti (Ambulance Service NSW)
2. Byron Wall (Ambulance Service NSW)
3. Chris Jones (Fire and Rescue NSW)
4. Justin Allport (Fire and Rescue NSW)
Over-40s Shortboard
1. Rod Lynch (Fire and Rescue NSW)
2. Mick Grey (Ambulance Service NSW)
3. Rob Gittoes (Fire and Rescue NSW)
4. Rob Murray (Fire and Rescue NSW)
Under-40s Shortboard
1. Simon Kimberly (Fire and Rescue NSW)
2. Jay Rosetti (Ambulance Service NSW)
3. Justin Allport (Fire and Rescue NSW)
4. Chris Jones (Fire and Rescue NSW)
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter Sports Sports Group and the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Surfest Newcastle Australia is conducted over 12 days from March 7-18 at Merewether beach, a recognised Australian National Surfing Reserve. Merewether is home to festival patron and Australia's most accomplished men's world professional surfing champion, four-time world champion Mark Richards (1979-82) and presents the winner a trophy in his likeness. 2012 marks the festival's 27th year and with over 800 national and international competitors, Surfest Newcastle Australia is the largest festival of surfing in the southern hemisphere. Get up-to-the minute updates, photos and interviews, as well as the program of events at surfest.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
