Surf Sports DISCIPLINES
diverse competition program
Surf Life Saving offers one of the most diverse sporting programs in Australia, with events across beach, ocean, pool and lifesaving disciplines.
With options for all ages and abilities, there’s something for everyone — from individual racing to team-based events.
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Surf Life Saving Tasmania hosts a range of surf sports events throughout the year across the state.
The calendar provides a central place to view:
Carnivals and championships
Development activities and clinics
Ocean Swim Series events
National events (e.g. Aussies, Pathway Cup, Interstates)
Types of events
Surf sports events develop essential lifesaving skills, provide competition opportunities and build club culture and engagement
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![A woman wearing a red and yellow cap and a yellow swimsuit is surfing on a green surfboard in the ocean, with the sky and clouds in the background.]()
Ocean events
Ocean events test endurance, skill and surf awareness:
Surf swim
Board paddling
Ski racing
Ironperson / Ironwoman
Taplin relays
Rescue events and surf boats
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![Two young female athletes in yellow beach outfits and caps are competing in a beach race, crawling on the sand while manouvering around small poles with their hands and knees, with a few spectators in the background.]()
Beach Events
Beach events focus on speed, agility and endurance:
Beach sprints and relays
Beach flags
Distance beach runs
March Past (traditional team event
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![Two lifeguards helping a distressed swimmer at the beach, with ocean waves in the background.]()
Lifesaving Events
Lifesaving events reflect real-world rescue skills:
Champion Lifesaver
Champion Patrol
First Aid competitions
Rescue and Resuscitation (R&R)
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![A surf life saver with curly hair wearing a yellow uniform and a red cap, standing inside a garage, near a red rescue boat with yellow accents and the word 'RESCUE' on it.]()
Specialist Events
Pool Rescue competitions
IRB Racing
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![A swimmer wearing a yellow swim cap and goggles swimming in open water.]()
Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series
The Ocean Swim Series is a popular statewide event running annually across multiple locations.
Open to all ages and abilities
Distances for novice and open competitors
Participation does not require club membership
Insurance & special events
SLST requires all special events involving Surf Life Saving Clubs or Volunteer Marine Rescue Units to be formally endorsed before the event is held.
A special event is any activity involving Surf Life Saving support that sits outside standard patrols, training or education activities.
This may include:
Water safety services for events (e.g. triathlons, swims, community activities)
First aid services at public or school events
Activities requiring planning, or risk management advice.