Surf Was Certainly Up for the LARC Vs

What do you do when you need to train in surf conditions but don’t locally have any surf? You come to Rainbow Beach!

The 35 Water Transport Squadron, part of the 10 Force Support Battalion, are based in Townsville but unfortunately the Great Barrier Reef prevents suitable surf conditions to train for certification in preparation for the high risk weather season so the Australian Defence Force can aid any humanitarian disaster relief if called upon.

Exercise Surfing Penguin 22 was held late August in and around the Rainbow Beach and Inskip areas, however coordinators noted a significant change in the beach conditions when compared to last year as there was a very notable loss of sand and a big cliff face on the dunes.

Soldiers were lessoned in how to judge the swell and surf conditions, note the lulls, sets and periods in types of waves and look for rips, bars, holes and other seafloor structures as all these considerations are vital to safe operation of the vessels.

Tow training for both LARC Vs and the F470 Zodiac inflatable boats was also conducted to ensure the craft can be retrieved if required.

There were plenty of onshore spectators during the training sessions, from residents to visitors, with a few wet personnel providing some unusual entertainment. Did you get to see the LARC Vs and Zodiacs in action?

Article and photos approved/provided by ADF