From 29 December 2024 to 4 January 2025, ten locals over the age of 40 rowed in the 50th annual George Bass Marathon - a seven day, 190km surf boat race on the open sea stretching from Batemans Bay to Eden. 

Boat captain Ian Backhouse says that on day seven they were just hitting their stride.

“We rowed down Mollymook on the last day. That was very satisfying and we reckon we were just starting to hit our straps. What might have happened if racing had continued for a few more days?” Says Backhouse.

The crew were the first ever Men’s Veteran Crew entry in Kiama Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) history and finished the race with a combined total time of 16 hours, 49 minutes and 54 seconds, securing 6th place.

“The racing was tight on most legs and a tussle for placings took place daily between Kiama, Cottesloe, Mullaloo, and Mollymook. Often the margins were so close that the lead would change every time we or they had a change of crew. Most days we finished only minutes or seconds apart,” says Backhouse.

The crew consisted of 8 rowers - Evan Westlake (56), Ian Backhouse (65), Alan Swan (56), Matthew Barnes (47), Dave Selby (57), Nathan McInerny (41), Martin Walker (51) and Ben George (48) - as well as a sweep - Steven Swain (79) - and super-sub Reece Gregory (41).

Backhouse was full of praise for the crew’s commitment. “It was an amazing team effort from all crew members as well as their wives and kids who didn’t see them as much during training for 6 months and then away for a whole week during the summer holidays. I am humbled by this level of commitment,” says Backhouse.

In addition to the surf boat race, the George Bass Marathon also features a surf ski event over the same course. Peter Gallagher represented Kiama in the veterans division

and emerged victorious, impressively winning every leg with a cumulative time of 15 hours, 2 minutes, and 23 seconds.

Peter Gallagher receiving his first place trophy. Source: Ian Backhouse

“It was a superb effort from a great bloke and much-admired mentor coach and athlete of Kiama SLSC. He was part of our crew touring party and we enjoyed sharing meals and spending time with him during the week,” says Backhouse.

Backhouse says that even though it was challenging - and a lot of the crew have some gnarly blisters and bruises to prove it - it was one of the best weeks of his life.

“It was physically demanding and difficult but we achieved our goals by completing the course without injury or damage to any equipment. We were camping with all the other competitors and it was a happy experience sharing time and space with other like-minded people enjoying the sport that they love. It brought our members together for an adventure like no other and we will strengthen us as a club,” says Backhouse.

The veterans men's George Bass Marathon crew. Source: Ian Backhouse

Backhouse expressed his gratitude to all the organisers of the marathon, the families of the crew members, Kiama SLSC, and their sponsors: Ray White Kiama, Kiama Lions Club, and BOAB Commercial Marine. And he gave a special mention to their support crew.

“An integral part of our race was Dave Griffin and his crew Charlotte, George and Hannah Griffin. These guardian angels kept us safe and we spent time recovering from our efforts on board that boat,” says Backhouse.

He also encouraged younger members of the community to get involved with the surf club and events like the George Bass Marathon.

“All of these people and crews mentioned are qualified and proficient life savers patrolling our local beaches and saving lives. Some are getting close to retirement we need younger members to fill our ranks and keep our beaches safe in the future,” says Backhouse.

“We encourage anyone in our community to come down to Kiama SLSC and join us. Get your kids involved, it is a great club. The Surf Bronze can be undertaken at age 15 and is a widely recognised workplace award. Surf Life Saving is one pathway to work in health care, nursing, ambulance paramedics, firefighters, police and lifeguards.”

If you want to get involved visit https://kiamaslsc.com.au or email Backhouse at [email protected].

The Bugle congratulates the veteran crew for completing the gruelling 190km race and especially Peter Gallagher for winning first place.