Over 150 competitors from Albany, Esperance and Denmark SLS clubs took part in the annual Rainbow Coast Carnival at Bremer Bay on the weekend, including a whopping 73 Nippers from Albany! While Albany was narrowly edged out by host club Denmark in the race for the overall handicap cup, all clubs left the beach as winners and celebrated the success of yet another year of this unique event.
The program was absolutely jam packed, with Saturday morning featuring a number of development opportunities led by SLSWA representatives, Nipper Rescue Certificate program run by Denmark SLSC, wave training session for surf boats, skis and boards, and a community run swim run – all in the pristine waters of Blossoms Beach.
A delicious BBQ lunch on the beach was the perfect segue to the start of the carnival proper, which kicked off in traditional style with a rare March Past! New clubbies could only look on in awe and wonderment at the sight of the three clubs marching their way down the beach and past the judge’s tent. We still don’t know who won it, but all clubs definitely earned a point!
The beach events took up the rest of the afternoon, featuring sprints, flags, 2km beach runs, and chaos format relays – these were heaps of fun and managed to attract some new competitors off the sidelines which was great to see – organisers from all three clubs made a special effort to include as many opportunities for participation as possible this year… take note for next year guys!
The campsite was absolutely abuzz with excitement at the conclusion of the day’s events on Saturday, as the three clubs came together after dinner for a twilight talent show and disco party. This capped off a brilliant day and sent everyone scurrying for their beds for some well-deserved sleep!
No extra prompts were required for participants on Sunday morning, as we were again greeted by perfect weather and conditions at Blossoms for the water events. First cab off the rank was a mixed age board rescue, permitting any combination of ages, using every rescue board on the beach, and producing so many competitors that multiple heats had to be employed! Settling into the familiar pattern of surf races, board races and multi-leg ironman events, the water carnival took shape, encouraging individual and team entries over the morning and enjoying a wonderful competitive atmosphere.
Wrapping up proceedings by lunchtime, a quick presentation was held amongst the rapidly vanishing tents of the event hub, with most punters hitting the road directly for home via one last Bremer café or pub stop.
Volunteers from all clubs are thanked for their contributions – from water safety, officials, age group managers, social coordinators, setup and pack down crews – and Albany SLSC congratulates Denmark on running another great year on behalf of the three clubs … it’s our turn next year guys!
See you on the Beach 😉
Image gallery here