Surf: Bigger surf could favour Aussies

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2001
Surf: Bigger surf could favour Aussies

By Dale Paget

GOLD COAST, Aug 30 AAP - Bigger surf could give Australia's surf lifesaving team an
extra edge when the sport debuts at the Goodwill Games this weekend.

After more than a week of hardly any waves a weakening low pressure system in the Tasman
Sea today provided lifesavers with one metre sets for a training session at the Kurrawa
beach venue, south of Surfers Paradise.

"It's looking promising," said Australian surf swimmer Mark Williams, as he surveyed
the rising swell.

"Big surf will play into our hands because we're used to being in the surf and many
of the other nations aren't."

The South African and New Zealand teams won't have a problem if the swell builds but
for the Spanish, French, English and Canadians, who train primarily in swimming pools,
the flatter the better.

"The best for us would be a small swell," said Canadian ironman Dave Sage.

"We have enough surf experience to give us a bit of an advantage over some of the European
teams but if it's really big it is going to totally favour the Australians."

The two day team event will put surf lifesaving in front of a global television audience.

No matter where competitors are from they agree the bigger the surf - the bigger the spectacle.

"They are not going to be too interested if it's flat but if they see people getting
smashed by the waves then it's going to be great TV and it's going to put surf lifesaving
on the map," said Williams.

The weather bureau is forecasting the swell to hold into tomorrow but warns northerly
winds may cause it to drop over the weekend.

"If it's flat the racing will be very, very close, but if there is a bit of a wave,
the knowledge of our guys will, I think, get us ahead of the rest," said Australian team
coach John Baxter.

"I think we can come out in front in any conditions."

AAP dp/sp

KEYWORD: GOOD SURF

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