ASRL Sweeps Academy

SWEEPS CAMP REPORT 2025

What is it with Palm Beach and the way every year, it turns on perfect weather for our Sweep Camps? Yes, another sensational weekend of weather and surf.

This year, the Camp was preceded by SLSA running a Performance Coaching Course on the Friday where 30 Sweeps from around the country came together to take their Coaching knowledge to the next level. This day was a complete success and it would only have been so if it was not for the experience of Dr Grant Wilkinson who was an outstanding presenter who held everyone’s attention throughout the entire day. Thanks also to Tracey Bloxsom from SLSA who was instrumental in making the day happen. 

The Sweep Camp officially begins early on the Saturday, however everyone knows it really starts on Friday night when the Boatie Cultural session begins. On this evening, Sweeps from all around the country arrive, many for the first time and others who are now a part of the furniture. 

This year, we had over sixty Sweeps attend from all States and approximately 75% were first timers. Saturday started with the obligatory water session which was in small surf, however perfect to get some quality buoy turn and starts done. 

A sensational lunch followed the water session then an afternoon of guest presenters and interactions covering a range of topics that kept interest high. Following dinner and what can only be described as another epic Legend Session where guest masters of our sport hold court in a relaxed interactive evening where many true and tall stories were told and discussed. Special thanks to Shane Geloven & Michael Brooks who each gave an insight into what it takes to become multiple Aussie Champions. 

The expectation of the surf coming up for Sunday was rewarded with nice waves and a Surf Risk Rating of 15 which was perfect for all Sweeps, many of whom went on to be assessed and moving up an accreditation level. In fact, we assessed nine to S1 and four to S3 levels. 

There is no doubt that this weekend was an outstanding success. The ASRL would like to thank all who helped make it another success. Special thanks to Mark Highfield and Peter Spence who worked tirelessly to ensure we all felt welcome. 

Thanks to Scott Tannahill for providing this review of Palm Beach Sweeps Weekend

Bancoora Surfclub hosted our National Rookies weekend. This was an exciting new initiative from the Sweeps Academy targeting sweeps who are new to the competition phase of their sweeping journey. Taking place on the 11th and 12th of October. The weekend was run by Scotty Tannahill, Myself and Nathan Perry, along with other local Victorian experienced sweeps. This camp allowed us to give ‘rookie’ sweeps the skills and confidence to take their sweeping to the next level. There were just over 20 participants from VIc, SA and NSW.

Here’s  a summary of the fantastic weekend down south from Scotty Edwards

With the collaboration of SLSA, the ASRL and with the assistance of a Maritime grant, from the Geoffrey Evans Trust we recently ran a very successful Rookie Sweep Weekend at Bancoora Surf Club on the 11th and 12th of October.

Friday afternoon was a very casual meet and greet at the Bancoora Surf club and a few of us ventured into Torquay or Barwon Heads for a bite to eat. Those who ventured south to Torquay had the bonus of a Ben Lee concert which was attended by a few Williamstown SLSC sweeps. Later a few cleansing ales were had for those staying in the bunk rooms to get acquainted.

Saturday morning was a theory session run by Scotty Tannahill, Jackson McCaffrey, Nathan Perry and myself. Topics covered were the S1-S3 journey. Sweeping stance, Turns, Wave Catching. Further, we covered rules and sweep etiquette, where the main emphasis as a beginning sweep is to always remain polite and humble. Nathan Perry and Jackson talked about building and maintaining club culture, whilst Scotty Tannahill gave us all a run down on the Maritime Rules that we need to be aware of as Surfboat Sweeps. And a few other topics.

After Lunch, with the surf looking ‘very fun’ albeit too challenging for the participants, we headed to Fishermans Beach in Torquay for the budding sweeps to hone their skills on the water. A perfect little 1-2 foot wave was on offer and provided the perfect challenge for the sweeps. Along with a stiff crosswind, all sweeps were able to grow in both confidence and skill ability. A big shout out to David ‘Higgi’ Higgenbotham for his expertise on the water and spending some time on the little stick, rowing and assisting the rookie sweeps on the water.

Saturday night we were treated to a perfect Paella, superbly cooked by chief organiser and number 1 host Scotty ‘S1’ Tannahill. It was delicious. The Bancoora SLSC were also gracious hosts and the bar was well patronised and the ‘networking’ continued into the evening.

Sunday we were again at Fisherman’s Beach, the wind and swell had dropped and the attendees spent another 3 hours on the water honing their skills. I was absolutely stoked with the improvement in all 21 who attended in how much more comfortable they looked up the back on the big stick. I love seeing the look on new sweeps faces when they hold their first wave or nail a turn. As Bob Stone said “If we all just keep taking from the cup there will be nothing left. We all need to just pour a little back in”. The more sweeps clubs have, the better for the sport. Whether that be training sweeps or sweeps ready to step up to competition, it will all help grow this amazing and special sport. 

I’d like to thank Tracey Bloxsom for her support from SLSA, Bec Hamilton for a lot of the leg work in the initial organisation. NR Perry for making the trip down, Jackson McCaffery for his scientific brain approach to all things sweeping. Higgi for his enthusiasm and efforts rowing and mentoring over the weekend. And Finally Scotty Tannahil for being the Host with the Most!!!! He was the Glue that held an amazing weekend- Thanks mate. And Finally to the Bancoora Surf Club- Amazing Hosts- Thank you!!!

I Look forward to seeing all those who attended on the water soon- I hope you all enjoyed the weekends on offer and that they were valuable for you. Good luck in your sweeping journey.

See you on the Beach,

Scotty Edwards