NORTH COAST SURF REPORT 26-09-08

NORTH COAST SURF REPORT 26-09-08

Size does matter, as well as the shape. As we charge head-long into our summer surf conditions, with ever changing wave types, the design of the surfboard you are riding will determine how much fun each session will be.

We are now seeing much more variety in board design and size than ever before. Just take a look around you when next in the surf, you are likely to see young groms riding speedy competition models and the reborn mal riders on modern sleek designed nine footers.

Also, the retro four finned fish design, based on the 70’s twin fins has huge popularity with the soul surfers, there everywhere. It’s not uncommon to see young chargers riding dads old single fin they found under the house, and of course the backpackers in surf school on the soft style double ender.

As well technology has opened a pandoras box of board shapes and design, with hollow epoxy models giving a different feel compared to the standard fibre-glassed craft. A local Coffs shaper of note once told me his concepts for board design are a mix of a door and a beachball. Thats sounds hi-tech.

In todays scenes, taken at Diggers beach in Coffs Harbour around 9:30 today, we see a 1 metre ESE swell fanned by a light SSE breeze and a dozen or more surfers with boards of all styles enjoying a sunny spring day of fun waves.

The swell is predicted to drop a little over the weekend with northerly winds kicking in bringing on a very summer like start to the school holidays. When you rock up for your next surf I hope you are all well equiped to maximise the fun.

Cheers, noel.

DESIGNER BUNNIES A FANCY HOBBY

Rabbits have received a pretty tough rap in Australia over the years, blamed for damaging crops and even the extinction of native animals. But not all bunnies are bad.

The hobby of breeding and exhibiting rabbits is called ‘The Fancy’, and reporter Jess Phillis learnt how the game really lives up to its name.

Double click on video to play in full screen mode.

More information on rabbit breeding can be found at the NSW Rabbit Breeders & Exhibitors website.

ARE WE REALLY A FAT NATION?

Despite all the spin and statistics, questions still remain when it comes to the national obesity epidemic.

However one academic has told a Commonwealth inquiry that being a fat nation is merely a symptom of a much bigger health crisis.

KIDS CAN’T RESIST NEW EXERCISE PROGRAM

25 per cent of Australian children are overweight or obese, and unless we make some serious lifestyle changes now, that statistic is just going to keep growing.

A University of Newcastle study is paving the way, providing school students with a form of exercise they’re finding hard to resist.

EFFORTS TO REMEMBER IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTHOUSE

As the use of electronic navigation aids increase, we’re seeing a slow decline in the number of operational lighthouses.

But on the Central Coast, the Norah Head tower is still protecting vessels from our rocky shores, and today there were efforts to promote its place in maritime history.

CENTRAL COAST SCHOOL TO HELP KIDS OVERSEAS

A Central Coast school has joined forces with their local church to help kids in the Solomon Islands.

A group of 26 people will head over to the small village of Samasodu to help improve the quality of their education.

NEW BREED OF ROBOT BUILDER

Move over NASA, there’s a new breed of robot maker in town and they haven’t even finished school yet.

After spending the past few months building the bots, dozens of Hunter based students showed off their mean machines.

BEST IN THE WORLD AT WIFE CARRYING?

Some men feel like they occasionally have to carry their wives.

But an Aussie pair is hoping to become the best in the world at wife carrying, even though they’re not married.

SEAPLANES ARE BACK

A new seaplane service begins operating next week between Newcastle Harbour and Rose Bay in Sydney.

Aimed at business people, the 30 minute flight will become the fastest way to travel between the two cities.