2021 QLD Senior & Masters State Championships location announced

Thousands of competitors across Queensland from Under 17s to Masters will hit the sand at Tugun Beach for three action-packed days of elite surf sport events, including the most gruelling of all, the Open Ironman and Open Ironwoman.  

SLSQ Chief Executive Officer Dave Whimpey said the event will showcase the best and brightest surf sport athletes Queensland has to offer.  

“Our State Championships are the pinnacle event for surf sports in Queensland,” he said.  

“After the disappointment of having to cancel our 2020 State Championships, I know our athletes are busting to get out there and compete on the state stage.  

“We cannot wait to come together as a community next March.”  

The event for spectators and competitors will be bigger and better than ever before and hark back to the glory days of surf sports in Queensland.  

“Our campaign tagline for the State Championships is “the glory days are back,” Whimpey said.

“Surf sports is an integral part of Queensland culture and we want to get back to dominating summer sports where our top athletes were household names.  

“This year the event will be live streamed, we’ll bring super screens for people to watch, have market stalls, food vendors, live music and an after party.

“We want the community to come together for an unforgettable celebration.”  

Jan McCormick, CEO – Major Events Gold Coast echoed Whimpey’s sentiments.  

“The Gold Coast’s beaches are the ultimate stage for surf sporting event,” she said.  

“I look forward to welcoming the competitors, their families, clubs and spectators back to our city for another memorable State Championships.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is looking forward to welcoming thousands of competitors across the state.  

“Surf lifesaving is synonymous with the Gold Coast and I’m delighted that the 2021 State Championships will be decided at Tugun and North Kirra,” he said.

“Our southern beaches are ideal to host these highly-anticipated events.

“The carnivals bring in thousands of spectators who will take time to explore all our city has to offer. I can’t wait to see the ‘selfie’ photos shared across Australia.’’

For the first time in the event’s history the winners of the Open Ironwoman and Ironman will be presented a prestigious trophy.

Former Uncle Toby’s Ironman Champion Guy Andrews and Coolangatta Gold champion Hayley Bateup, presented the new trophy to media this morning. Andrews, the reigning Queensland and Australian Masters Ironman Champion is excited for next year’s carnival.  

“The reason I came to Queensland at the age of 20 was to join Tugun Surf Life Saving Club,” he said.  

“The Club embraced me and I have fond memories competing at Queensland State Championships for them.

“I’m nostalgic and thrilled that the glory days will return to Tugun. It set me up for my career and I’ll always be proud of my Queensland roots.”  

2021 competitors Matt Bevilacqua and Harriet Brown welcomed the addition of the silverware.  

“Seeing the trophy in person today, makes the event more real,” Brown said.

“I can’t wait to get out there and compete.  

“It’s also exciting to see Surf Life Saving Queensland boost this event for next year. I can’t wait to be part of the glory days!”  

Nominations to compete for the event are now open and interested applications should speak with their club.  

The Youth State Championships will be held at North Kirra from March 12-13, 2021.