Both the organisers and competitors were hoping for quality surf conditions for the first comp of the year at Sawtell on Sunday.

Quality surf allows boardriders to perform to the peak of their ability, regardless of what that be, and naturally good waves are more fun to be in, whether competing or just socially surfing.

With a solid north-east swell rolling all week, combined with a northerly air flow, some reasonable waves were ridden midweek at Southside, so anticipation was high for Sunday’s first comp.

Sunday brought with it a south-west to south wind, which rendered Southside useless for competition, and Main Beach was much the same with a heavy swell and dangerous surf conditions prevailing, which only the very experienced could tackle.

Disappointed, the committee had little choice but to postpone the comp until this weekend.

The disappointment, however, did have an upside with more than 45 surfers braving the rain to sign up for the ensuing season, and with about another 25 expected to join, 70 members looks to be a manageable crew for the year.

It was pleasing to see so many super-groms (under-12 years) and girls committing to 12 months of competitive surfing.

This is a trend happening not only in all the boardriders’ clubs in the Surfing North Coast region, but also along Australia’s coastline, and it augurs well that the land of Oz will continue to dominate the world at a professional level.

Sawtell Boardriders Club will hold its postponed sign-on day comp and barbecue on Sunday.

Surfers should meet at Sawtell Surf Club at 6.30am.

The next comp will be held on February 28, with surfers to meet at the surf club.

Come long, join in and have some fun.