Picked up earlier in October, the “as new” boat came as an unexpected, yet very welcome and valuable gift, for the JBAC, which is also registered as the first sole Aquatic Men’s Shed in NSW.

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“Our group got on the NBN Sunday news show in September, and it kind of went a bit viral around the place – even up to surf club websites in Queensland,” JBAC President Peter Rogers told the News Of The Area.

“I got a phone call from the treasurer at Soldiers Beach SLSC, who we had met before through past SLSC carnivals and competitions.”

“He said they were going to sell their old boat that was to be replaced, but… decided to donate it to the JBAC instead’.

“We went down and picked it up a few weeks ago, it may be second-hand, but it serves our purposes – it was still racing last year, [it] even had a few things fixed before they donated it.

“The Freemasons, who originally bought the boat for Soldiers Beach SLSC, were happy, and JBAC will keep their name on it.”

As an Aquatic Men’s Shed, JBAC has received special grants to train many of its members in first aid and the use of defibrillators.

Peter Rogers commenced the JBAC in July 2022, after discussion with several local community members in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

It was to fill a void in male mental health and wellness in the area.

Many local businesses approached JBAC to support what they are doing for men in the local community.

JBAC now has 52 members, after starting with just five people.

Its first boat was a donation from Terrigal SLSC, and other equipment was from South Curl Curl SLSC.

The Club participates in annual events like the Mullet Run, which is coming up again at the end of November.

The JBAC launches from Jimmys Beach Monday to Friday, around 4pm every afternoon.

By Thomas O’KEEFE