To members of the NSW surfing community,
See this as an update for our Surfing NSW position which relates to COVID-19 as of today.
As you are all aware, the COVID-19 information – not only from a state and national perspective but also on a global scale – is evolving constantly. The health and safety of our members, the wider surfing community, the Surfing NSW team and your environment are paramount; therefore we will endeavour to keep abreast of updated information and act accordingly in compliance with State and Federal Government advice as it happens.
Below is the latest update from the NSW Government available to Surfing NSW. Failure to comply with these current restrictions carries significant financial penalties and we would urge all surf school operators and boardrider clubs to make sure that they are compliant during this period.
Please see below link to the latest COVID-19 update: Monday 11 October 2021 https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information
All Surfing NSW staff are working remotely. Surfing NSW’s working days are Monday – Friday and the office phone (02) 9093 6035 will be attended from 9 am – 5 pm on these days.
EVENTS
Surfing NSW is excited to present a range of events that will take place in the final months of 2021.
With the NSW Government’s recent announcement regarding the return of community sport at 80% full vaccination, ten events will take place until the end of 2021.
These include the Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp Series, Australian Boardriders Battle qualifying events, Woolworths NSW Junior State Titles pres. by Ocean and Earth, Surfaid Cup and the Aloha Manly Junior Teams Challenge.
Dates and locations for the events can be seen below:
- Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp – Coffs Harbour 6th – 7th November 2021
- Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp – Kiama 13th – 14th November 2021
- Woolworths NSW Junior State Titles presented by Ocean & Earth – Illawarra 17th – 22nd November 2021
- Surf Aid Cup – Manly 26th November 2021
- Australian Boardriders Battle – Regional Qualifier (Central Clubs) – North Narrabeen 27th November 2021
- Aloha Manly Junior Teams Event – Manly 4th – 5th December 2021
- Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp – Cronulla 4th – 5th December 2021
- Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Qualifier (South Clubs) – Kiama 11th December 2021
- Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp – Northern Beaches 11th – 12th December 2021
- Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Qualifier (North Clubs) – Coffs Harbour 18th December 2021
Please click here for further information about any of the above competitions or entries.
To see all events in the 2021 Events Calendar follow the link below:
https://surfingnsw.com.au/surfing-nsw-unveils-2021-event-calendar/
Community Sport (COVID-19 Vaccine Policy)
The NSW Government has announced at the 80% double vaccination mark, NSW community sport can return. This includes Surfing NSW events, community surf competitions and boardrider club rounds. As of today, please reference the link below for NSW Government information.
If any further COVID-19 public health order updates arise we will notify members, competitors and all involved.
From the 80% mark up through to December 1st 2021, all competitors and officials – aged 16 and over – will require double vaccination to compete and attend the competition zone for events in this period.
At each competition within the above time frame Surfing NSW will mark out a competition zone which defines an area around the Surfing NSW operations tents.
Also aligned with the NSW Government rules, anyone else aged 16 years and older who wants to enter this zone will need to be double vaccinated and check-in with QR codes.
Please note all event dates are subject to change due to COVID-19 related government restrictions and NSW public health order amendments.
For any further event queries please email: events@surfingnsw.com.au
BOARDRIDER CLUBS
From 18 October 2021, eased restrictions will enable community sport activities to return in compliance with the Public Health Order and gatherings limits.
Please be aware that the NSW Government has now classed community sport as an outdoor gathering. https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information
The following restrictions apply to outdoor activities/community sport for fully vaccinated adults (aged 16 years and over), children under the age of 16, and people who have been issued with a medical contraindication certificate compliant with the Public Health Order:
- All attendees including volunteers, competitors and committee members must be fully vaccinated until these restrictions are lifted.
- The maximum number of people for a COVID-19 safe outdoor public gathering is 200 people. Activity organisers must have an ‘Outdoor events’ COVID-19 Safety Plan in place. Click here to see the template for community sports including clubs; Safety plans Outdoor events
- Outdoor gatherings up to 50 people – A COVID-19 Safety Plan is not required for this type of gathering though QR codes upon check in are still recommended.
- Unvaccinated children 15 and under may participate in outdoor public gatherings for sport and exercise and count towards the total number of people.
- A child (15 years and under) is not required to be accompanied by an adult member of the household. All adults attending the gathering must be fully vaccinated.
- The 1 person per 2 square metre density requirement applies for all outdoor gatherings
We understand that between now and 1st Dec it may be difficult for clubs to run as normal. We hope clubs can get some club rounds going whilst adhering to the NSW public health order.
For clubs about to get underway, it would be a good idea to create a designated area that is obvious to the public and can be managed by the club with the right amount of members per 2 square metre density rule.
Surfing NSW does not administer the Public Health Act or have enforcement powers under the Public Health Order and, consequently, we are not able to comment as to its interpretation or application.
We hope this information is helpful to you and we will keep you informed as more information is released.
If you would like to get in touch please contact boardriders@surfingnsw.com.au.
SURF SCHOOLS
Once we hit the 70% vaccination target surf schools operating in the LGAs where stay-at-home orders are in place will join NSW Regional areas under the following guidelines:
- Surf schools are able to return to trade and offer classes for up to 20 people including coaches providing it is in line with the public health orders in a COVID safe manner.
- Surf Schools must adhere to the one person per 4sqm rule for all activities if inside premises. e.g: participant check-in, wetsuit fitting, etc.
- You must have proof of your vaccination with you at all times.
- You must show a Police Officer your proof of vaccination if it’s requested.
- Fully vaccinated means you have had 2 doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccination or have a medical contraindication certificate issued to you.
Masks and QR codes
- Masks required for all staff and customers in all indoor settings
- Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings (except for front-of-house hospitality staff).
- COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination required for staff and customers.
Surfing NSW does not administer the Public Health Act or have enforcement powers under the Public Health Order and, consequently, we are not able to comment as to its interpretation or application.
PROGRAMS
For more information on Surfers Rescue 24/7 courses and the ability to run or attend a course, please contact surfersrescue247@surfingnsw.com.au
We will keep doing our best to keep you informed of any changes we receive from the NSW Government as they become available.
For further information on Surfing NSW events and programs, please stay up-to-date on surfingnsw.com.au or contact info@surfingnsw.com.au
