Surf Sports

Competition Requirements & Registration

Seacliff SLSC members aged Under 14 and above who hold a Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion and have completed their annual proficiency requirements can participate in Senior Surf Carnivals. Members aged 30 and over can also compete in Masters competitions.

To be eligible to compete, members must be financial and complete a minimum of 16 patrol hours per calendar year, unless an exemption applies.

Interested in competing?

Get in touch to learn more about training opportunities, upcoming competitions and how to register.

Water Events

Surf Race & Surf Teams – Competitors take on the surf in a 400m swim, testing their speed, endurance and ability to navigate the waves. Surf Teams adds a team element, with individual finishing positions contributing to the overall result.

Board & Ski Races/Relays – Competitors paddle their racing boards or surf skis around a designated course, combining strength, technique and endurance. Relay events bring competitors together to race as a team.

Ironman & Ironwoman – One of surf lifesaving’s most challenging events, combining swimming, board paddling and ski paddling in a single race. Younger competitors participate in modified events combining swimming and board paddling.

Rescue & Team Events – Combining surf skills, teamwork and lifesaving traditions, events such as Board Rescue, Taplin and Cameron Relays, Lifesaver Relay, Belt Race and Rescue Tube Race give competitors the opportunity to work together across a range of disciplines.

Beach Events

Beach Sprints & Relays – Competitors race across the sand in short, fast-paced events that test speed, power and agility. Relay events add a team element, with competitors working together to reach the finish line.

Beach Run – A test of fitness and endurance, competitors tackle 1km or 2km courses along the beach, combining stamina, determination and the challenge of running on sand.

Beach Flags – A fast-paced elimination event that tests reaction time, speed and agility. Competitors race to secure a flag in the sand, with those who miss out eliminated until one winner remains.

Surf Rescue & Lifesaving Events

First Aid & Champion Lifesaver – Events that put lifesaving knowledge and practical skills to the test. Competitors demonstrate their abilities through first aid scenarios, resuscitation, lifesaving theory and physical challenges, reflecting the skills used by lifesavers on patrol.

Champion Patrol – A team event that brings together a range of lifesaving skills, including surf swimming, rescue techniques, CPR and first aid. Teams work together to respond to simulated situations, demonstrating the teamwork and knowledge essential to beach patrols.

Rescue & Resuscitation (R&R) – A traditional surf lifesaving event combining swimming, rescue techniques, resuscitation and teamwork. Competitors are judged on their precision, coordination and ability to perform lifesaving procedures, continuing a proud tradition within the sport.

March Past

A traditional surf lifesaving event celebrating club pride, teamwork and coordination. Teams march in formation carrying their club colours and lifesaving equipment, demonstrating coordination and discipline while recognising the history and traditions of surf lifesaving.

Surf Boats

A challenging team event where crews of five navigate their surf boat through the waves, around a designated buoy and back to shore. Combining strength, endurance and teamwork, surf boat racing requires coordination and timing as crews work together to tackle the surf and reach the finish line.

Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB)

A fast-paced event that puts lifesaving rescue skills to the test in a competitive environment. Drivers and crew work together to navigate the surf, collect patients and return safely to shore. With events ranging from single rescues to team and mass rescues, IRB racing combines speed, boat handling, teamwork and skill.

Board Riding

A competitive surfing event where participants showcase their skills in short board and long board disciplines. Competitors are judged on their wave selection, control, style and ability to perform a range of manoeuvres, combining technique, balance and creativity on the waves.

Pool Rescue

Bringing essential lifesaving skills into the pool environment, competitors take part in a range of individual and team events, including obstacle swims, line throws, manikin rescues and relays. Combining speed, strength, endurance and teamwork, pool rescue provides an opportunity to develop and demonstrate practical lifesaving skills.