General News
3 March, 2024
Riding the waves
A GROUP of ocean loving locals can be seen riding the waves in Warrnambool in the early hours of the morning.
Not even Warrnambool’s often cool and windy conditions can deter this group of body boarding enthusiasts – who have fondly named themselves the ‘Sea Tarts.’
Meeting at least three times a week, from 8am Tuesdays and 9am Wednesdays and Thursdays, the group sets out to catch as many waves on their bodyboards as possible – and according to group founder Trish Taylor there’s no better way to start the day.
“A friend and myself decided to go body boarding back in November 2018 so we went down there (to the beach) with a couple of old boards and just hoped for the best,” Trish said.
“Originally I came from an in-land town, miles from the nearest beach, so this was all relatively new to me but I was keen to give it a try.
“We absolutely loved it and have been doing it ever since.
“Our group has steadily grown and we can get anywhere from about half a dozen to more than 10 each session. The average age of our regulars is probably in the mid-60s; we spend about an hour in the water riding waves; it’s addictive.”
And it’s not just a summer hobby for Trish and her friends, they head down to the beach all-year round.
“The weather may be a little colder in winter but there really isn’t much difference in water temperature – we always have a bottle of Port in the boot and a quick nip from that (or a hot cuppa) always warms us up.”
Trish’s grandson Alejandro is also a keen member.
Having spent his earlier years riding waves on Trish’s back, he is now one of the first to get out there on his own board during school holidays.
“I think Alejandro enjoys it as much as we do and when he comes down he’s always one of the first to catch a wave. He’s now eight and we all love having him with us in the water.”
New members are always welcome to join the Sea Tarts in the waves.
