The Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships gets underway on the Sunshine Coast today, for nine days of competition featuring more than 8100 participants.
The Aussies, as they are affectionately known, has brought together the country’s fittest surf lifesavers who have spent the summer patrolling beaches and will now have the opportunity to test their rescue ready skills across the sand and the surf.
This year’s edition will involve competitors from 222 surf clubs across Australia. They will take part in youth, open and masters events.
The marquee Ironman and Ironwoman divisions will boast a line-up including defending champions Ali Day and Naomi Scott, previous champions Georgia Miller and Lana Rogers, as well as veterans Matt Bevilacqua and Kendrick Louis.
The boat events will be held at Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club, which is celebrating its centenary. The water events will be at Maroochydore and the beach events will be at Mooloolaba, where finals will be contested under lights. Board riding events will be at Coolum Beach.
For the first time, Adaptive Surf Sport events will feature on the program. Events will feature adaptations and modifications to maximise participation and ensure an accessible and enjoyable opportunity for all competitors.In the inaugural year, the adaptive events will include beach flags, beach sprint, beach run, surf wade, surf swim and board race.
Surf Life Saving Australia president John Baker expected the championships to be well contested.
“The Aussies is the hallmark event on our surf sports calendar, and we’re looking forward to the next nine days of competition,” he said.
“Since we last hosted the Aussies on the Sunshine Coast in 2021, our participation numbers have grown by almost 2000 with 8155 competitors ready to put it all on the line.
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“We’re excited this year for the addition of the adaptive events to the surf sports program, making surf life saving even more accessible and inclusive.
“Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Queensland Government, event partners like Sunshine Coast Council, BRP and FINZ, and event supporters Nutri-Grain, TFH Hire & SLSA’s major national partners in Ampol, DHL, Isuzu Ute Australia and Westpac.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said the championships went hand in hand with the region.
“The Aussies is such an iconic event, highlighting the Sunshine Coast’s stunning coastal scenery while celebrating our nation’s historic and heroic commitment to water safety,” he said.
“This year’s event will bring more than 8000 competitors to Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands and Coolum who, along with many more supporters and spectators, will provide a major boost to local accommodation and hospitality providers and tourism operators.
“With the new deal done securing The Aussies in Queensland for the next decade, we anticipate it will inject more than $100 million into the state’s visitor economy and further reinforce Queensland’s reputation as the ideal destination for major sporting events.
“As an ex-surf lifesaver, who first began patrols way back in 1979, I want to wish all competitors the best of luck and to thank you for your service and contribution in keeping this great Australian institution alive.”
Councillor Joe Natoli said he was delighted to have the Aussies back for the fifth time.
“We are honoured to host the country’s pinnacle surf lifesaving event, promoting the important work of Australia’s volunteer surf lifesavers,” he said.
“World-class titles like this help cement the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination for major events, provide a rare opportunity for local athletes to compete against the best on home sand, and residents to enjoy a great spectacle.”
“This event is also a significant boost to our local economy, delivering an economic contribution of almost $15 million.”
The Aussies schedule
- Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14: Youth championships
- Sunday, April 14: Ocean swim
- Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16: Masters championships
- Saturday, April 20: Adaptive surf sports events
- Wednesday, April 17 to Sunday, April 21: Open championships
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
