Queensland Exchange Teachers' League - Straddie

Just this last weekend we spent the weekend on North Stradbroke Island with a number of other exchangees - about 20 of us I think. Unfortunately with the very extended "wet" season here the weather wasn't the greatest but despite the rain we had a good time. As with many such gatherings much of the time was spent eating, laughing, reminiscing and having a glass of wine or two (?). In addition we ambled along a scenic Gorge Walk and went on a 4WD tour of the island.

National Surf Ironman Series 2013

After a brief campover at Boreen Point we drove to nearby Noosa Heads to watch the Surf Ironman competition, It's very much a beach and sun culture but the participants were in absolutely incredible shape. Needless to say our camera ran out of power by the start of the men's professional event but posted below are a few pictures that gives a sense of the series. Unbeknowst to us IronMan history was made that day with a fellow winning the Series for a record 7th time. However because the heavens opened up and we were running to the car - and got absolutely drenched in the process - we missed what the announcers were saying.

 

We didn't get all the rules but the athletes compete in a series of events that include swimming, running, paddle boarding and skiing - which is similar to a long kayak. They compete in a number of rounds - 3 or 4 - and the slowest participants are dropped for the upcoming events. The sequence is changed in each round but  eventually a winner is declared for the days competetion.
  

 

The Professional Ironwoman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Junior Ironwomen

 

 

 

 

The Junior Ironmen

 

 

 

 

 

 Professional Ironman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm exhausted just looking at these pictures!