Surf Sports
Competition Requirements & Registration
Any Senior Member (Under 14 and above) who is currently financial, holding the SRC or Bronze Medallion, and proficient for that season; is able to compete at Senior Carnivals – and if over 30 years of age, at Masters Titles as well. In order to compete you must complete a minimum of 16 patrol hours per calendar year unless an exception applies.
Interested in one of the below competitions? Contact us today to learn more about available training sessions and competition registration.
Water Events
Explore the various events by clicking any of the images below, each offering a unique glimpse and in-depth description of the surf sport event.
R & R
The Rescue and Resuscitation (R&R) competition challenges SLSA members to showcase traditional rescue and resuscitation techniques using the belt and reel. Competitors participate in either 2- or 5-person events, where teams simulate a rescue by combining swimming, resuscitation skills, marching, and drill—all judged against specific criteria.
Swimmers must have moderate to strong ability, while non-swimmers should maintain a moderate level of fitness.
Notably, R&R is one of only two events—alongside the surf race—that has featured at every Australian Surf Championship. Originally, only a 6-person event was available with positions determined by ballot, requiring every team member to be a strong swimmer. Today, many R&R events use pre-determined positions for teams of 5 or 6.
Beach Events
Explore the various events by clicking any of the images below, each offering a unique glimpse and in-depth description of the beach event.
Surf Boats
A boat crew is composed of five competitors: four rowers and a sweep who directs the team using a sweep oar and clear commands.
Crews start at the water’s edge, poised with their boats, and when the signal sounds, they row to an assigned turning buoy roughly 400 metres offshore before racing back to the beach. The winning crew is the first to steer their boat between the finish flags.
Some events feature a short course, with buoys positioned approximately 250 metres from shore.
The club has a thriving Surfboats section, with a number of male and female crews in various age categories. Seacliff crews compete at boat carnivals during the season, including the Navy series, Brighton Jetty Classic and Senior and Masters State Titles.
Inflatable Resue Boats
Explore the various events by clicking any of the images below, each offering a unique glimpse and in-depth description of the IRB event.
March Past
The March Past is a vibrant display of precision and pride, featuring a team of 12 lifesavers marching in perfect harmony along a designated course to the rhythm of music. Each team proudly showcases key elements: a reel carrier, a belt-wearer, and a standard-bearer carrying the club flag.
Open to both juniors and seniors, this iconic event not only celebrates competitive spirit but also honors the lasting legacy of returned servicemen who played a pivotal role in shaping surf lifesaving.
Historically, clubs were required to present a March Past team or at least someone carrying the club standard to compete at carnivals, underscoring its importance in the tradition of surf lifesaving.
Surf Rescue
Explore the various events by clicking any of the images below, each offering a unique glimpse and in-depth description of the surf rescue event.
Board Riding
Board riding is essentially competitive surfing, with events divided into two categories:
Short Boards (less than 2.74 meters)
In the short board category, competitors are judged on their style, wave selection, and the ability to fully harness the wave’s power. Emphasis is placed on maintaining high speed, executing a variety of maneuvers, and maximizing performance on quality, sizable waves.
Long Boards (minimum 2.74 meters)
The long board competition focuses on controlled execution, blending traditional and modern maneuvers with precision. Competitors must demonstrate mastery by effectively using the entire length of their board while maintaining control throughout their ride.
Pool Rescue
Explore the various events by clicking any of the images below, each offering a unique glimpse and in-depth description of the pool rescue event.
Still Got Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our amazing team today!
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