sport, local-sport, Clayton Pickworth, Drop-knee sessions, Port Macquarie, Lighthouse Beach
About 30 drop-knee bodyboarding specialists will converge on Lighthouse Beach for Saturday’s annual Drop-Knee Sessions. Organiser Clayton Pickworth says this year’s sessions will commence from around 7am. Pickworth was enthusiastic about the 2019 event with a 50 per cent increase in competitor numbers over last year. While he nominated Lighthouse Beach for the event, Pickworth said there could be some last minute changes. “The way the weather is forecast we are expecting to be at Lighthouse on Saturday morning,” he said. “The conditions are projected to include strong northerly winds, so we will head to Lighthouse. “I’m expecting a good swell so with the winds we should see some decent waves. “It should be open slather in those elements.” A final decision on which beach will host the event will be posted on the drop-knee sessions Facebook page. Pickworth said the 30 competitors are a core group of competitors who are proficient at their particular sport. “Drop-knee is a really targeted group and is a different side of the (bodyboarding) sport,” he said. “It is very unique and a lot different from either bodyboarding or stand-up. “While a lot of people don’t like to do it, drop-knee does require a lot more balance because – as a sister to surfing – you are half standing, half sitting. “But this is their sport and it is all they do. They don’t like any other side of bodyboarding. “It is a real niche within a niche,” he said. Pickworth said the sport enjoys a real cult following with its clean manoeuvres requiring a lot of balance. Drop-knee boards also have different specifications meaning the boards come in different shapes. Two-time drop-knee sessions winner Gary Thatcher will again compete and is the man to beat, according to Pickworth. “He is the most in-form rider at the moment. “Justin Welsh, who reached the semi finals last year, and Dane Pope, who was runner-up, from Victoria will also make a return. “South Australia will also have a competitor while the bulk will come from as far afield as Wollongong through to Coffs Harbour.” The Drop-Knee Sessions is arguably the longest running drop-knee contest on the coast. Read more: Check out the action from the 2017 event Pickworth invited anyone to come down to the beach and catch some of the action. A presentation will be held from 6.30pm at the Settlers Inn on Saturday night. Also making news: While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you’re up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
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