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.
The COVID-19 restrictions that were set on Saturday 14th August have been extended for Greater Sydney until the end of September, while stay-at-home orders for regional and rural NSW will be reviewed on Saturday 28th August.
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: Thursday 19th August 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.
For the entire lockdown period, between now and the end of September, no one will be able to physically visit the office aligned to the Public Health Order. Please call the Surfing NSW office on (02) 9093 6035 for all information.
Events (August)
As it stands, the below events have been postponed until later in 2021. Further information will be sent to competitors in these events.
- Australian Boardriders Battle (North Clubs Qualifier) – New date to be determined on Monday 2nd August
- Woolworths NSW Junior State Titles pres. By Ocean and Earth (Illawarra Region) New date: 12 – 19 October, 2021
- Havaianas NSW Grommet Titles – New date Friday 22nd – Monday 25th October 2021 at Maroubra.
- 2021 Skullcandy Oz Grom Open pres. by Vissla – New date 9th – 14th November 2021 at Lennox Head.
For further enquiries please contact events@surfingnsw.com.au
Surf Schools
Regarding surfboard hire and retail activity – service providers must use a click and collect system. Requirements for Greater Sydney – outside of the local government areas of concern – can be found here and for the remainder of regional and rural NSW here.
Surf Schools may wish to obtain independent legal advice on whether your activity can proceed in line with meeting the requirements under the Public Health Order.
Stating this, please check in with your local council on your local rules and regulations.
If the surf lesson requires your participants to sign in, get ready or enter an indoor area they must wear a mask while inside.
For further information regarding regional sports and face masks please see the link below https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information#advice-regional
Boardrider Clubs
No surfing competitions or club rounds can be held as the NSW Government has stated residents of Greater Sydney, regional and rural NSW must stay at home unless it is for essential reasons.
There can be no community sport (whether training or a match).
Everyone’s circumstances are different and people will need to make their own decisions to determine if the activity fits within restrictions. People should take a common-sense approach when considering whether their reason is reasonable and be prepared to explain their reason to NSW Police if asked.
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 will keep you informed the best we can as the uncertainties of the COVID-19 restrictions in New South Wales constantly change.
Boardriding Clubs are always encouraged to stay up to date with COVID-19 information on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 website.
Please see below the information previously distributed to our Boardrider Clubs.
Programs
Her Wave: Her Wellness Experiences (Surf and Group Mindset Coaching)All Her Wellness events have been cancelled and postponed until further notice.
Surfers Rescue 24/7 – Based on the current Public Health Order, no Surfers Rescue 24/7 courses will take place until further notice
Financial assistance
Financial assistance is available from the NSW Government and Federal Government for individuals and organisations. For more information visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support
For further information:
- NSW Government – Latest News and Updates
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates - NSW Health
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au - Office of Sport – Community Sports information in Greater Sydney and in Regional NSW
https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information
