Surf Sports at Coolangatta SLSC

Gold Coast Competitive Lifesaving – Train, Compete, Excel in Gold Coast Surf Sports

At Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, competitive surf sports are a cornerstone of our lifesaving tradition. Our members don’t just patrol the beaches—they sharpen crucial rescue skills through exciting competition while building lasting bonds with fellow athletes.

Elite Surf Sports Training on the Gold Coast

Our competitive programs cater to all ages and skill levels:

Junior competitors (Under 15s) developing foundation skills
Open division athletes competing at peak performance
Masters competitors (30+) proving excellence has no age limit, with members competing into their 70s

Diverse Competition Disciplines

Coolangatta SLSC members excel across multiple competitive disciplines:

Beach events – sprints, flags, relays testing speed and agility
Water competition – swim, board, ski, and ironperson challenges
Surf boat rowing – teamwork and power in ocean conditions
IRB racing – rescue craft operation at competition speed
Lifesaving events – demonstrating practical rescue techniques
Pool rescue – controlled-environment lifesaving skills

From Social to Elite Competition

Whether you’re seeking friendly club-level participation or aiming for national titles, Coolangatta SLSC supports your competitive journey. Our members regularly represent at:

Local Gold Coast branch carnivals
Queensland State Championships
Australian National Titles
International competition

Member Requirements

As a competing Coolangatta SLSC member, you’ll balance sport with service through:

Regular beach patrol duties
Maintenance of lifesaving qualifications
Adherence to our comprehensive competitors’ agreement

Join Coolangatta’s proud tradition of surf sports excellence while contributing to our essential community safety mission.

Contact our Surf Sports Director to learn more about training sessions, coaching opportunities, and competition schedules.

Coolangatta SLSC Member obligations are set out in the competitors agreement.

Surfboat Captain:
VACANT

There never was a thrill like cracking a good wave right to the beach. Surfboats since their inception have always been a challenge for their crews and sweeps. The hours that are spent in training to be a good boat crew are countless. It takes skill and endurance far in excess of most other sports. Coolangatta have the finest men and women committed to Surfboat competition. Our Coolangatta boat crews and sweeps continue to excel due to there dedication to the sport.

Board & Ski Captain: Gary Gee

Coolangatta boasts a strong world class master’s contingent of paddlers as well as some quality younger paddlers. This discipline is the most competitive within the surf sport competition. Over the years, our club has attracted many new members who have reached the highest levels in competition due to the dedication of our Champion coaches and the family atmosphere at our Club. Come and talk to our Board & Ski captain to find out when they train and how to get involved.

IRB Team Coach:
Bella Cera

Before modern lifesaving equipment, Surf Lifesavers had to perform rescue by swimming out to sea with a belt attached to a rope. In the current era, the most efficient rescue craft is the Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB). IRB competitions are usually held during the winter months to hone the skills of our IRB drivers and crewpersons involved. Come on down and talk to one our IRB Team Captain and join in the excitement of IRB racing and get to know a little more.