Wiped out

By CPL Grant Robinson

CPL Justin Davey, from No. 3 Squadron, floats through his first heat at the NSW tri-Service surfing carnival.

Photos by LAC Euan Grant

LAC Scott McCallum, from No. 76 Squadron, pulls off a re-entry in the short board competition.

SOME brilliant performances were not enough for the Air Force team at the second annual NSW tri-Service surfing carnival.

In somewhat of a surprise, Army took out the team event this year with 184 points. The Navy finished a further 24 points behind the Army, and the Air Force another two points behind them. In the individual events, the Air Force had some very good results.

Leading Aircraftman Scott MacCallum, from RAAF Base Williamtown, finished second in the short board behind defending champion Seaman Jordan Dank, from HMAS Albatross.

Last year’s finalist Corporal Tim Galvin and semi-finalist Corporal Justin Davey, both from RAAF Base Williamtown, finished fifth and sixth respectively.

Squadron Leader Stu Seeney, also from Williamtown, came third in the long boards with Corporal Steve Pirotta, recently arrived from RAAF Base Pearce, sixth.

The unluckiest competitor was Squadron Leader Matt Hetherington, a navigator with Air Lift Group, who after winning his first round heat was called away to fly to Sumatra, and was unable to compete in the rest of the event. Group Captain Rick Owen also couldn’t attend due to his involvement in Operation Sumatra Assist II.

The event was held in superb conditions at Bendalong Beach in late March. The surf was 4-5ft throughout the event, with light offshore winds on the final day.

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