Lifesaving is more than just about keeping beachgoers safe in the water while on patrol – though of course that remains a core role for our volunteers.
Surf Life Saving is about promoting a healthy lifestyle and sport plays a key role in keeping lifesavers fit and rescue-ready.
Throughout the year there are many different competitions at a local, state, national and even international level for our members to test their skills across a diverse range of events.
Each location that hosts a championship or surf carnival event, experiences an economic boost, especially in the accommodation and services sector.
Calendar Highlights
January
Summer of Surf Series Round 5 – North Wollongong (Illawarra)
The Summer of Surf Series pits the best of the best against each other as they battle it out accruing points in an effort to secure a place in the Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Iron Series at North Cronulla.
Australian Surf Interstate Championships – Alexandra Headland (QLD)
NSW will field a strong team at the annual Interstate Championships where the best athletes on the sand and in the surf attempt to reclaim the title from defending champions Queensland. It won’t be easy, especially in the Red’s backyard
February
Stramit NSW Country Championships – South West Rocks (Mid North Coast)
Over 1500 competitors, officials and supporters are expected to make the trek to South West Rocks for this 2-day event in early February. Open exclusively to athletes living outside the metropolitan areas and catering to those aged from 8 to over 70, this unique event is always eagerly anticipated.
NSW Best of the Best Surf Boat Challenge – North Narrabeen (Sydney Northern Beaches)
Australian Interstate Surf Boat Championships and ASRL Open - Shellharbour
February is the surf boat rower’s chance to shine with a number of events for the boaties to contest along the coast.
March
NSW Surf Life Saving Championships – Swansea Belmont (Hunter)
Proudly supported by ClubsNSW, the NSW Championships are the pinnacle of the state’s surf sport calendar. Held across three weekends, this event will feature all disciplines and caters to those aged from 9 through to over 70.
The biggest weekend is the Age Championships where around 2500 youngsters will compete. After 4 years on the Central Coast, the Championships return to Blacksmiths Beach at Swansea Belmont for the first time since 2010 and is expected to inject around $10 million into the local economy.
The season ends in Queensland at The Australian Championships where 7000 competitors descend on the Gold Coast from all over the country.
IRB Competition
Inflatable Rescue Boats (more commonly known as rubber ducks) are a familiar sight on our beaches forming a vital part of the lifesaver’s rescue equipment. To keep their skills sharp over the off-season our members can compete in IRB competition.
This fast-paced, high octane sport showcases the skills required to rescue someone while providing a thrilling competition for competitors and spectators alike. The season consists of a premiership series over 4 rounds (April-July) where clubs battle it out for top-spot on the ladder before ending with the State Championships and Australian Titles in late winter.
In 2017 the Premiership will be contested at;
Round 1 – Caves Beach
Round 2 – Mollymook
Round 3 – Ocean Beach
Round 4 – Cape Hawke
The NSW IRB Championships will be held at South West Rocks on July 1-2.
Monday 19 December 2016