When several Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club members tackle the world’s toughest surfboat marathon next month, the memory of Iain “Buster” Byrnes will be firmly in their minds.

In fact, it was his tragic death earlier this year that galvanised them into tackling the gruelling 190km seven-day challenge from 29 December.

Following a lifetime of voluntary surf lifesaving patrols, and competing for his beloved organisation, Buster contracted melanoma.

Sadly, after a short illness, he passed away.

But, he competed with distinction as a rower with Cooks Hill – and spearheaded its participation in the epic Gallipoli 100 surf boat marathon in Turkey.

The event, featuring Australian, New Zealand and Turkish crews through the Dardanelles, culminated in a landing on the beach at Anzac Cove on 25 April in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War.

However, that wasn’t enough for Buster.

He wanted to take on the George Bass Surfboat Marathon from Batemans Bay to Eden.

Unfortunately, that scenario never eventuated.

Now, as a tribute to his contribution to rowing and Cooks Hill, the members haven’t just named a boat in his honour, thanks to Hunter Valley Winery Bonvilla Estate, they’ll fulfil their late friend’s wishes.

“Iain was always so keen to do this event and we all thought we might get around to it at some stage,” long-time mate and fellow rower Peter McNally said.

“We staged an emotional surf boat launch at Bar Beach [in July] with hundreds in attendance.

“His daughter Bridget and mother Anne christened the craft before Iain’s ashes were rowed out through a treacherous surf as he had done many times before and spread at sea.

“It was then that the idea came to me.

“While he won’t be able to do the George Bass Surfboat Marathon, we can by completing the event in the Iain ‘Buster’ Byrnes surfboat.”

A team of nine veteran rowers, consisting of two crews of four and one reserve, committed to undertake the arduous training.

And, they’ve been hard at it for several months, rowing from Newcastle Harbour to Stockton and Bar Beach building up to 20km legs.

For sweep Mitchell Hermens, he knows what it takes after two previous appearances.

“The physicality of the event is not to be underestimated,” he said.

“The length of the course, over 190km, is enough but adverse tide and wind changes can make for a very long tough seven days.

“After rowing with Iain and the Cooks Hill crew in the Gallipoli 100, I’m proud to be sweeping the boys in this milestone 50th edition.

“I’m confident they’ll be a threat in the supervets division.”

The selfless team also has the backing of Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club president Michael Clancy.

“We’re right behind them,” he said.

“This is Cooks Hill’s inaugural participation in this event.

“More importantly, it’s a fitting tribute to one of our very highly-regarded members.

“So, we are confident they will represent our club with distinction.”

While the training is well-advanced and the event only a handful of weeks away, team manager Ross Hodge revealed there were still a couple of hurdles to overcome.

“The crews have all the gear and equipment and a small but willing support crew,” he said.

“But, we desperately need a support boat for the event, which can house the alternate crew of four at sea in between rowing legs.

“We are also still raising funds to cover the fuel costs and some equipment hire.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support of several local small business sponsors, however we welcome any others who want to be involved.”

To lend assistance, contact Ross Hodge on 0412 023 455.

George Bass Surfboat Marathon

Start: 29 December

• Day 1: Batemans Bay to Moruya 27km
• Day 2: Moruya to Tuross 19Kkm
• Day 3: Tuross to Narooma 22km
• Day 4: Narooma to Bermagui 24km
• Day 5: Bermagui to Tathra 35km
• Day 6: Tathra to Pambula 27km
• Day 7: Merimbula to Eden nominally 20km

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