NEWS ARTICLES

Body surf lessons a QLD first

by Peter Trundle at Coolum

THE THREE Sunshine Coast councils have approved what lifesavers believe will be the first bodysurfing lessons on public beaches in Queensland.

A former Coolum lifeguard, Mr Vince Hayes, 41, said yesterday that he planned to begin the coaching at the start of the Australia Day long weekend.

He said he would charge $20 a half hour for one person alone or a total of $20 for a group of up to four people.

Mr Hayes, who believes the classes will be an Australian first, said they would be held at Sunshine Beach in the Noosa Shire Council area; Coolum Beach within the Maroochy Shire Council and Kings Beach in the Caloundra City Council area.

Queensland Surf Lifesaving Association lifesaving services manager, Mr Andrew Buhk, said he had heard of classes for surfboard riders but not for bodysurfers.