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25 to 26 January 2025
Over the Australia Day long weekend around 70 Swanny Vikings, ages from under 8 to just under 80, descended on Bunbury for the Annual Country Carnival. It's fair to say that Swanny dominated, with horns seen at most events, including karaoke and in particular the 2 km beach run where it was hard to see anyone else! Horns Up Swanny!
The schedule was loaded from the start so the organisers decided there would be no time for a march past. Ah, yeah nah mate. Swanny gathered and to the delight of the crowd we did a lap of the main arena in full Viking regalia. Even the commentators admitted we got it right!
The first event of the day, after some last minute course preparation was the beach runs.
The open ladies saw us place 4-5-6 with honours to Hannah Orchard, Kristie Orchard and Sophia Defrancesco. Nice work!
Lachie Broomhall took out first place in the open male flags and sprints. Well done Lachie! Finlay, Jack and Cooper came in 3-4-5. Solid effort!
Sophia, Sierra and Georgia placed 1-2-3 in the Under 19 female flags. Dominated that!
Neve placed 3rd in the under 17 female flags. Well done Neve!
Sierra and Sophie came in 2-3 on the under 19 beach sprint, Sierra backing up from the flags!
The U19 male surf boat crew picked up a 3rd (Lachie, Elliot, Hunter, Cooper and Kev). As did the Swanny Donkeys (Erin, Lou, Kristie, Sharon and Lippo). Go the boaties!
Bunbury was having some difficulty with their timing and marshalling so unfortunately, we have no official results for anything else. In the absence of anything contradicting this, it can be safely assumed that we won...... everything.........Sigr! (Viking for victory).......... and if we didn't, we had the most fun just being there.
After the last event, we headed for the surf for a group swim before packing up and heading back to camp. As we were packing up, we got a very nice comment from another club who said they loved the way we operate and wanted to grow the same spirit in their club. What a compliment! Our spirit is irrepressible!
After day 1 we gathered at base camp to re-fuel on burritos and margaritas and a final long table chicken dinner in the same campground before heading off to the Bunbury Surf Club for karaoke or to watch the fireworks on the foreshore. Getting 60+ people in one spot for these dinners with everyone chipping in was a fun logistical feat to be amongst and see.
Many thanks to the organising team, helpers, support crew and competitors. A fantastic weekend.
Bring on Albany 2026!
